Sowing seedlings in peat tablets. Planting seeds in peat pellets

For those millennia during which mankind has been engaged in agriculture, this type of activity has changed almost beyond recognition. From a dependent, timid consumer who enjoys the fickle favor of nature, a person has turned, if not into a commander, then at least a confident user natural resources who knows how to direct them and keep many of them under his control. And yet, much has remained unchanged, and even the most experienced gardener have to reckon with the laws of nature. And this is not only climatic conditions and weather, time of year and quantity sunlight. This is also the level of humidity and that nutrition, without which plants cannot grow, develop and produce a full-fledged crop. Therefore, enterprising humanity does not stop there and continues to invent new ways to conquer and at the same time satisfy its needs. One of the latest such tools is peat tablets intended for growing seedlings from seeds.

Peat tablets quickly won the favor of gardeners, florists and gardeners, and this is not surprising. The method of planting seeds in peat tablets really justifies itself with its availability, ease of use and excellent sowing results. Even expensive and demanding seeds can be safely planted in peat tablets and safely count on success. But the survival of seedlings, its rapid growth and good nutrition - this is the main goal of any zealous owner. So, if you have never used peat tablets before, you have every chance with their help not only to improve the harvest, but also to facilitate your work and save nerve cells.

Good luck and good seedlings!

In the last article, I tried to briefly talk about peat tablets, why they are needed, how to choose them and what are their advantages. And in this article I want to talk about how to grow seedlings in peat tablets.

Which plant seeds can be grown in peat pellets?

There is an opinion that seeds of certain crops can be grown in peat tablets, for example, with a long germination period or only heat-loving ones. Actually it is not. In peat tablets, you can grow any seedlings. It is especially convenient to grow seedlings vegetable crops for cottages, gardens or personal plot. This is due to the fact that later, during transplantation, the plants will not need to be pulled out of the soil, which means that there is no chance of damaging the root system. In addition, plants from peat tablets do not get sick during transplantation and they do not need time to “take root” in a new place.

Preparation of peat tablets for planting seeds

Preparing the tablets for planting is easy. First of all, we need water, but simple tap water is undesirable. It is believed that it is better to take filtered, thawed or rain water. But also plain water from the tap is also suitable, the only thing is that before pouring the tablets with it, this water must be allowed to stand for a day. While our water is settling, we prepare a deep tray or cups for peat tablets. If the tablets are without a special mesh shell, then the pallet cannot be used, cups will be needed, since the peat will not keep its shape on its own, and we put the cups (with holes for watering on the bottom) in a deep pan.

We put the tablets on a pallet or in cups. Attention! Always place the tablets upside down! Now we are completing the preparation of water: add a few crystals of potassium permanganate to it for disinfection, until a light pink solution is obtained (manganese is still quietly sold in some pharmacies!), Pour warm (about 28-30 degrees) water. Now we wait until the tablets are saturated with water and take a normal cylindrical shape. This may take several hours. Periodically check the tablets and add water to the pan if necessary. For tablets in cups, watering is also done through the tray! After the tablets are saturated with moisture, you can start planting seeds.

Planting in peat tablets

We take the seeds and carefully place them in a special recess. Can be 1 piece, can be 2 pieces. Small seeds do not need to be sprinkled with anything, just put them in the recess and that's it. But the large ones are lightly sprinkled with peat. After planting the seeds, it is not necessary to water the tablet, as it is already saturated with moisture and this moisture will last for a long time. Important! Do not over-irrigate peat tablets, use drip irrigation only! Firstly, peat is well saturated with moisture, and secondly, peat will not take excess moisture, and this is very good for our seeds-plants.

If there is a need (coolness, dry air), then cover the tray with tablets with a film until germination occurs. It will not be necessary to water at this time, since moisture is well preserved under the film. If we do not cover with a film, we pour it (add water to the pan) as needed, that is, when the peat dries.

seedling care

In principle, caring for seedlings grown in peat tablets is very simple: watering, airing, hardening. last operation We do as it gets warmer outside.

By the way, a little more about watering. If the sprouts are quite large, strong and well rooted, then, in addition to watering through the pan, they can be watered by spraying water from a spray bottle. But this must be done carefully.
And the last - about top dressing.

I want to draw your special attention to the fact that peat tablets initially contain all the necessary supply nutrients for proper growth our seedlings. In no case, do not carry out additional feeding, this can lead not only to stunting, yellowing of the leaves, but also to the complete death of our seedlings.
I wish you all good seedlings and a great harvest!

Planting tomatoes in peat tablets is a great way to grow seedlings without further picking. Sprouts transplanted without damaging the root system begin to bear fruit 1-2 weeks earlier than usual.

Peat pucks are a ready-made soil substrate with a balanced content of nutrients. They appeared in our country relatively recently, but have already gained considerable popularity among gardeners and summer residents due to their convenience and ease of use. In addition, with this method of cultivation, the survival rate of plants is high.

The benefits of peat tablets

The peat tablet is a grey-black disk of pressed peat different sizes: 2 to 7 cm in diameter and 1-1.5 cm in height.

In addition to peat, it can contain additional nutrients necessary for seed germination and active shoot growth in the first weeks of cultivation, as well as fungicides and antibacterial drugs. For planting tomatoes, peppers or eggplant in tablets, you can choose suitable size and filling.

Peat is used either riding or composite. Peat discs are packed in a protective mesh or film that can decompose in the soil. Protection is necessary in order to keep their shape when wet. Therefore, after contact with water, pelletized peat increases in height, but remains unchanged in width.

Growing tomato seedlings in peat tablets saves gardeners and gardeners from extra hassle. The method allows you to save space in a greenhouse, greenhouse or on the windowsill. In addition, this method of germinating seedlings has other advantages:

Due to the friability of peat, it is gentle on delicate roots.
A high percentage of germination and survival of plants allows you to get seedlings from expensive or rare seed material without loss.
Tableted soil absorbs a limited amount of moisture, so you just need to maintain optimal humidity in such a substrate.
Peat itself is organic fertilizer, so on initial stage germination no need for additional dressings.
The porosity of the substrate provides good aeration of the root system of plants and protects it from decay.
The sprouts are transplanted into open ground together with a tablet, which facilitates the process and allows you to save the roots of the shoots.
The use of a peat substrate protects the plant from diseases such as blackleg.
The use of a tablet form allows seedlings to be grouped depending on the stage of development.
A large selection of sizes allows you to choose the best for each crop. So, for growing tomatoes, peppers and eggplant in tablets, products 3.5-5 cm in diameter are suitable.
The tableted substrate in dry form is stored without loss of quality for many years.

There are no restrictions on the use of this substrate. In particular, this method is good for heat-loving and poorly emerging varieties.

At the same time, the cultivation technology differs little from traditional methods. It is important not to allow the peat to dry out. The main disadvantage of tablets is their cost. Growing a large number of seedlings in this way can be unprofitable.

How to choose?

Since tomatoes are large plants and with a fairly long growing season, they need enough tablets large diameter(at least 3.5 cm). Can be combined peat pots and tablets. In this case, you can use only half of the disk or, if the plant has grown quite large, place the tablet in a large diameter pot.

When choosing pots and tablets from peat, it is important to pay attention to the structure of the peat mixture. It should be quite loose, small and soft. This contributes to better aeration of the root system and the water absorption of the tablet itself.

An important factor is the acidity of the substrate. This indicator is often indicated on the packaging, because for different cultures need a different reaction environment. Since tomatoes prefer neutral soils, and grow poorly on acidic soils, the soil for them should have a pH of 6-6.5.

The optimal size of tablets for tomatoes is 3.6-4 cm. After swelling, their height will increase from 1.5 to 36 and 38 cm, respectively. The tableted substrate should be sufficient big size so that its volume is enough until the end of growing seedlings.

It is important that the discs have a protective shell. It can be a mesh, film or paper impregnated with fungicides or other substances. Although uncoated tablets are cheaper, they are unable to retain their shape and require placement in a pot. Together pots and pills are even more expensive.

There are different ways to grow seedlings. Based on this, you can choose tablets placed in miniature greenhouses with a different number of washers or without them, in packages.

You can buy peat washers in special stores, hypermarkets or on the Internet.

How to use?

Tomatoes in peat tablets are grown different ways- in mini-greenhouses, pallets, cassettes.

Before sowing seeds, washers must be prepared. First of all, they are fed with water. To do this, the tablets are soaked in a container with warm water for 15-20 minutes. During this time, they will increase in height by 5-8 times, and the diameter will remain the same.

Several crystals of potassium permanganate can be added to the water for additional disinfection and enrichment with a potassium substrate. After that, the substrate is placed on a flat surface with the hole up.

To place the tablets in advance, you must prepare a mini-greenhouse or a container with or without a transparent lid. The cover contributes to the preservation of moisture and the required temperature in the peat until germination.

The tablets are stacked in such a way that there is no free space between them. This will ensure the stability of both themselves and future seedlings. You can put each washer in a separate container. In a separate cup, seedlings are more mobile - they are easier to transport and move if necessary.

In addition, tall cups are used for growing seedlings of tall varieties of tomatoes. In this case, uncoated tablets can be used. Sponge-like material can be placed on the bottom of the tray to help control substrate moisture.

The container should be high enough (about 10 cm high) so that the swollen washers and sprout are securely held. You can place the tablets in special cassettes with individual cups with a volume of at least 0.5 ml. In such a container, seedlings will be securely fixed.

Planting seeds in a tablet

There are several simple rules how to use using and how to use peat seedling tablets.

Seeds must first be prepared. This can be done in different ways:

The seed is soaked for 1-2 days in a mixture of agave juice and water in a ratio of 1:1. This will increase the resistance of seedlings to adverse environmental conditions and many diseases, and increase productivity.
The seed is soaked for 24 hours in a 0.5% solution baking soda. This promotes early fruiting.
Seeds are soaked for 2 hours in water with the addition of stimulants to accelerate germination.
Seed material can be placed for 20 minutes in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate. Pre-seeds are wrapped in gauze or bandage.

1-2 seeds are placed in each tablet and deepened with a toothpick by 1.5 cm. Dried seeds, after being placed in the substrate, are additionally moistened with a pipette, and the shell is smeared with a toothpick to facilitate germination.

Top with a lid or foil. Tomatoes sown in this way quickly develop a strong and well-branched root system.

Optimal conditions for growing seedlings

Seeds germinate 5-10 days after they are sown, tomatoes should be sown 55-65 days before planting in open ground. Depending on the region, this may be the end of February or the beginning of March. The container with the tablets is placed in the light, warm place. An east and west window will work well. Optimum temperature for seedlings + 25 ... + 30 ºС.

Care of seedlings consists in regular watering, feeding, airing and lighting. It is necessary to regularly open the container for ventilation - at least 1 time per day for 60 minutes.

A sign that the plants need airing is the appearance of condensation on the lid. After spitting seedlings, the coating is removed altogether. If the window sill is cold, the greenhouse is installed on thick layer foam and closed from drafts.

Seedling care includes providing good lighting. If there is not enough natural light, phytolamps can be installed. The first 2-3 days after the appearance of the loops, the seedlings are illuminated around the clock, and then they switch to a 16-hour daylight hours.

Top dressing is applied 2-3 weeks after the appearance of sprouts, dissolving fertilizer in water for irrigation. Until this time, the tablet contains enough of its own nutrients. And from now on, fertilizers are applied every 10-14 days.

To do this, you can use nitrophoska (1 tablespoon per 10 liters of water), pouring 0.5 cups of solution under each plant. Mineral fertilizers alternate with organic ones. 10 days before planting in the ground, seedlings are watered with superphosphate.

With this method of growing, seedlings do not need picking, but if necessary, each tablet can be placed in a separate larger container. In the case of germination of both seeds, one of the sprouts, the weaker one, is removed.

Rules for watering peat tablets

When growing tomatoes in peat tablets, constantly monitor the humidity. Before germination, this is easier to do thanks to the lid. Features of growing seedlings in the future are constant moisture. Even short-term drying of the substrate leads to the death of crops.

The tablet container must have holes for drainage. It is placed in a special tray. Planted tomatoes can be watered in 2 ways: through a pallet or by spraying. Before germination, it is better to moisten the substrate with an aerosol. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the small sprouts.

After germination, it is more convenient to water the seedlings through the pan, where water is poured. Loose peat, thanks to its capillary structure and high water permeability, absorbs as much moisture as needed. Excess water must be drained. Adult seedlings can be sprayed 1-2 times a day.

It has its own characteristics of growing seedlings in large quantities. In this case, drip irrigation is practiced.

First achievements

After the emergence of seedlings, you need to monitor the roots. After the appearance of the root from the bottom of the tablet, it is cut. The puck itself is cut in 2-4 places and placed in a larger container or seedlings are planted in open ground.

If the plants develop unevenly, the pelletized substrate is swapped or transferred to a more suitable location. For example, ready-made plants are taken out to open air for hardening.

1.5 months after germination, flower brushes appear on the sprouts. 10 days later, they are planted in open ground. The first flower brush can be removed by postponing the transplant for a week.

Quality seedlings should have thick stems, large leaves and a well-developed root system.

Secrets of experienced gardeners

A common mistake gardeners make is growing seedlings on the wrong substrate. The use of pelletized peat eliminates this problem. Washers are convenient to use when growing seedlings both for open ground and for greenhouses.

So that the seedlings have time to develop before planting, they must be sown no later than March 25. Seeds are kept on wet gauze for 5 days before immersion in the substrate to accelerate germination. Another secret - after the emergence of seedlings, you need to lower the temperature to +16 ºС for hardening.

Some gardeners remove the protective shell from the tablets. This is not necessary, as the planted tomatoes are able to break through the roots through the shell.

Video: how to use peat tablets

On the Internet, you can find videos of master classes on growing seedlings of tomatoes and other vegetable crops using peat washers with all the secrets and features.

Let's look at growing seedlings in peat tablets. First of all, let's get acquainted with the features of the use of peat tablets.

Features of growing seedlings in peat tablets

These tablets are based on peat, which is pressed into a shell, all the components necessary for the germination of seeds of flowers and vegetables are added to it. In them, seedlings are obtained with a powerful root system, which provides the plant with excellent nutrition and survival, as well as minimal stress during transplantation, which is very important for high yield in future.

An interesting way to grow seedlings in peat tablets

Peat tablets can be placed in several ways:

next to each other;
on the pallet closely;
in a few centimeter layer of sand;
in seed trays.

Preparing a peat tablet for sowing seeds

How to soak a peat tablet

When you fill the tablets with water, make sure that the recess for the seed is at the top of the tablet. When swelled, a peat tablet can increase 6-7 times in height, it will take only 10-20 minutes to do this. The transformation of the tablet into a cylinder is faster if warm water is used.

And yet, if the tablet is fed gradually, adding water in a small amount over several hours, this will contribute to an even distribution of nutrients. After the tablet swells, the rest of the liquid must be drained and the sowing of the seeds started.

Sowing seeds in peat tablets

How to plant seeds in peat tablets

Expensive seeds can be sown in each container one at a time, the rest - from two to three. After germination, seedlings are thinned out, leaving the strongest plant.

Video about peat tablets

Seeds of small sizes need to be embedded in a tablet smaller, and large seeds deeper. When planting a seed, you can use the following schematic rule: the seed is planted to a depth equal to twice the length of the seed. When rooting cuttings, you need to immerse them in a cylinder tablet to a depth of 1-3 centimeters.

Crop care in peat tablets

In order to maintain the humidity of the tablet with the cuttings and seeds planted in it, it is necessary to cover it with a film or glass and leave it in a warm place until shoots appear.

Greenhouse for crops in peat tablets

You can build a kind of greenhouse by placing a tablet with seeds in a transparent plastic cup and covering it with polyethylene. Rooting cuttings and seed germination in such conditions is excellent, even if they are capricious plants. You can root and sow houseplants in this way.

You can buy peat tablets in garden stores.

Watering seedlings in peat tablets

Until sprouts appear, wetting the peat tablets is done by spraying with water, but the pressure and flow should not be strong so as not to erode upper layer peat. When seedlings appear, water should be supplied to the containers from the bottom so that moisture does not get on the sprouts. Peat tablets, drawing in water capillary, are perfectly moistened from below from a plastic pallet, sand or a watering mat.

Growing seedlings in peat tablets is accompanied by careful control of the moisture content of the tablets themselves: strong waterlogging should not be allowed, but also drying out. Between waterings, it is necessary to let the peat dry a little, to saturate it with air, due to which the development of the root system is activated.

Feeding seedlings in peat tablets

Supporters mineral fertilizers can add them to the water for irrigation two weeks after the formation of the first true leaves. Previously, this was not required, since high-quality peat tablets initially contain all the nutrients.

Planting seedlings with peat tablets:

Keep an eye on the distance between the tablets during the development of seedlings to prevent the roots from growing into the tablet next door. When to plant peat tablets in open ground? Seedlings are ready for planting in the ground when the roots of the seedlings begin to break through the shell of the tablet.

Rate the article

Peat tablets are no longer a novelty among gardeners and gardeners. Many have heard of this device, some summer residents even managed to repeatedly try it out. And yet, even with a large number detailed information, few people still know how to use peat tablets for seedlings correctly. That's what we'll talk about today.

Which peat tablets to choose

The first thing a gardener has to face is the purchase of the tablets themselves. You can not read the composition, because for all manufacturers it is almost the same and rarely differs. These are peat, fungicides and fertilizers.

It is important for you to choose the right tablet diameter. They are from 2 to 7 cm in size. And here the main thing is not to make a mistake. It all depends on what exactly is supposed to be grown. For example, a seven is too big for a petunia, and a deuce will be tight for a tomato.

Some summer residents, looking at the pills, think: “Bah, yes, they are moldy!”. This is mistake. A whitish coating on the outside, similar to a mycelium or cobweb, is nothing more than a forming mesh. Without it, the tablet will simply fall apart when wet. By the way, some manufacturers sin by the absence of such a grid. In principle, its presence is not at all necessary if you have a vessel exactly the size of a single tablet. Peat isn't going anywhere. But then, when transplanting, in any case, the seedlings will have to be disturbed by the root system. It is logical to assume that why then spend money on buying a pill, if you can just pour peat into a container and plant seeds.

Therefore, in the store, be sure to choose those manufacturers who do not skimp on the forming grid. By the way, it does not decompose in the ground. But at the same time, the roots do not harm and do not interfere. Therefore, before transplanting, the mesh can not be removed from the tablet, but only cut on one side. In the fall, when harvesting plant debris, pull the stem out of the soil and throw it away with the net. Everything is simple.

What else to buy

Manufacturers offer special cassettes for peat tablets. No doubt, they are very comfortable, perfect in diameter and height. But there is plenty of space. By the way, placed in a cake lid, tablets take up much less area than they would be in cassettes. But, here the main role is played by the thickness of your wallet. It is she who decides whether you need such an additional device, or whether you have other containers in stock.

Therefore, you will have to buy seeds and a spray bottle. It is the most convenient for watering. The fact is that one of the drawbacks of peat tablets is that the upper part dries out too quickly. At the same time, the lower part is still wet. Therefore, watering in the pan will only exacerbate the problem, but will not solve it. The spray gun will allow you to moisten the peat tablets from above, and without fear of knocking down young seedlings with a strong stream of water.

Perhaps that's all you need to buy. Some sources also recommend buying a propagator. This is such an abstruse container with a lid and heating to create a certain microclimate. We consider this acquisition an unnecessary luxury and not a first necessity. The propagator is perfectly replaced with a foam pad under the container and cling film or glass on top of the container.

How to prepare tablets for planting

You will need:

clean warm water
tablespoon
container
peat tablets
30 minutes free time
enthusiasm

Arrange the peat tablets in the container so that they do not touch the walls very tightly. You don't have to squeeze them. Let them insert freely. Now we take clean warm water and pour 2 tbsp into each tablet. l.

By the way, do not confuse the top and bottom of the tablet! The recess for the seeds is on top, and is always clearly visible. Wait 15 minutes after watering. Do not be afraid that the “test subjects” will begin to grow sharply in height, almost without increasing in diameter. That's the way it should be.

Then add another 1 tbsp. l. and wait another 12-15 minutes. Now drain the excess liquid that has come out at the bottom of the container. That's it, the pills are ready for planting.

How to plant seeds

Remember: 1 peat tablet - 1 seed. Do not try to cram 2, 3 or more in order to save expensive material. Yes, peat tablets are not cheap. The sprouts simply do not have enough space and nutrition for normal development. And then you come across reviews of a similar plan: “I tried these pills of yours, complete nonsense. And just planted 3 peppers in each. The plants were weak, ill and did not take root well. We do not need such savings.

Now, as for the seeds. Sowing in tablets is not much different from sowing in the ground:

Large - by hand. We deepen by 1-1.2 cm.
Small ones - with a match or a toothpick. We hook it with a wet tip and lay it on the surface.

After landing manipulations, cover the container with tablets with glass or cling film. Then we clean in a warm dark place until the first shoots appear.

How to care for seedlings in peat tablets

Yes, just like the regular one. We saw that the sprouts begin to hatch, so immediately transfer the container to a bright place. Otherwise, they will start to stretch. Ventilate the container periodically to prevent condensation from creating excessive moisture. As soon as the plant gets stronger, it will be possible to remove the shelter completely.

It is most convenient to water peat tablets from a spray bottle. This will allow you to dose water without fear of flooding the sprouts.

And further. Do not forget to put insulation under the container. For this you can use:

foam plate
thin plank
piece of cork
underlay for laminate
thick woolen fabric
multiple layers of newspaper

Why are such perks necessary? The fact is that root system sprouts are still too weak. It supercools very quickly, and then the black leg cannot be avoided. And additional insulation from below will allow you to forget about such a problem.

How to plant seedlings with pills

Well, the long days of waiting are over. The sprouts have risen and strengthened. It's time to plant them in a greenhouse or open ground. How to define this moment? Very easy. Pick up one of the peat tablets. Roots break through the mesh, and does the sprout itself have 3-4 true leaves? So the next stage has arrived.

You will need:

seedling
scapula
utility knife (optional)
2 hands

Procedure. With a spatula, dig a hole of such a size that you can freely install a peat tablet. Pour in some water. Then take the seedlings in one hand, carefully cut the net with the other clerical knife. Be careful not to spill the tablet. Next, put all this stuff in the hole, sprinkle with earth. Try not to bury the plant, except for tomatoes. They can be planted under the very cotyledon leaves.

Now you need to slightly press the soil around. It remains only to lightly water the newcomer and mulch the earth with humus or what you are used to. As you can see, everything is doable even for a beginner in agriculture.

By the way, about the notch of the grid. It is not necessary to do this at all, because it does not interfere with the growth of the root system at all. Moisture and fertilizers also flow to the plant completely unhindered. But some summer residents strongly recommend tearing the mesh. What they are guided by is not clear. Therefore, the choice is yours.

Pros:

less dirt
more convenient to transport
no need to fertilize
take up little space
treated for diseases
easy to transplant seedlings
can be used to root leaves and cuttings
the root system is not damaged
take up little space when stored

Minuses:

are expensive
dry quickly
in cassettes occupy a large area
not sold everywhere
may be covered with moss
unjustified spending for a large number seedlings

Here is the main thing you need to know when buying peat tablets for seedlings, and not ready soil. Which must also be further processed from the larvae harmful insects and pathogenic bacteria. And so you need to pour ordinary water, spread the seeds and wait. A little care, and you have healthy, strong seedlings. Use and enjoy the ease of care.

Now you know how to use peat tablets for seedlings. All that's left is to buy them. right amount and follow our recommendations. We assure you, a rich harvest is guaranteed!

Sowing seedlings in peat tablets. Planting seeds in peat pellets

Which plant seeds can be grown in peat pellets?