How to use peat pills for seedlings

Peat tablets are no longer a novelty among gardeners and gardeners. Many have this device by ear, some summer residents even managed to repeatedly test it. And yet, even with a lot of detailed information, few people still know how to use peat tablets for seedlings correctly. We’ll talk about this today.

What peat tablets to choose

The first thing a gardener has to face is buying 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 diameter of the tablet. They come in 2 to 7 cm in size. And here the main thing is not to make a mistake. It all depends on what is supposed to be grown. For example, the seven for the petunia is too big, and the two will be cramped for the tomato.

Some summer residents, looking at the pills, think: "Bah, they are moldy!" This is mistake. A whitish plaque on the outside, similar to a mycelium or cobweb, is nothing but a forming network. 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 necessary at all if you have a vessel exactly the size of an individual tablet. Peat is not going anywhere. But then when transplanting, in any case, you will have to disturb the seedlings of the root system. It is logical to assume that why then spend money on the purchase of pills, if you can just pour peat in a container and plant the 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 earth. But at the same time, it does not harm or hinder the roots. Therefore, before transplanting, the mesh can not be removed from the tablet, but only incised on one side. In autumn, when harvesting plant debris, pull the stem out of the soil and throw it away with the net. Everything is simple.

What else do you need to buy

Therefore, you will have to buy seeds and a spray. It is the most convenient for watering. The fact is that one of the disadvantages of peat tablets is that the top part dries 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 sprayer will allow you to moisten the peat tablets exactly from above, and without fear of knocking out young seedlings with a strong stream of water.

Perhaps that’s all you need to get. 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 excessive luxury not of prime necessity. The propagator is perfectly replaced by a foam backing 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 of free time
• enthusiasm

Place the peat tablets in a container so that they do not touch the walls very tightly. Do not squeeze them. Let them be inserted 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 pill! The recess under the seeds is on top, and is always clearly visible. After watering, wait 15 minutes. Do not be afraid that the "test subjects" will begin to grow sharply in height, almost not increasing in diameter. It should be so.

Then add another 1 tbsp. l and wait another 12-15 minutes. Now drain the excess fluid that protrudes at the bottom of the container. All the pills are ready for planting.

How to plant seeds correctly

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

Now for the seeds. Sowing in tablets is not much different from sowing in the soil:

1. Large - hands. Deepen by 1-1.2 cm.
2. Small ones - with a match or a toothpick. We pick it up with a wet tip and lay it on the surface.

After planting manipulations, we 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, exactly the same as for the usual one. We saw that the sprouts begin to peck, so immediately transfer the container to a bright place. Otherwise, they will begin to stretch. Ventilate the container periodically to prevent condensation from creating excessive moisture. As soon as the plant grows stronger, it will be possible to remove the shelter completely.

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

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

• foam plate
• thin board
• piece of cork sheet
• laminate flooring
• thick woolen fabric
• several layers of newspaper

Why do we need such tricks? The fact is that the root system of the sprouts is still too weak. It is very quickly cooled, and then the black legs can not be avoided. And additional insulation from below will forget about a similar problem.

How to plant seedlings with tablets

Well, the long days of waiting are over. Sprouts rose, got stronger. It's time to plant them in a greenhouse or open ground. How to determine this moment? Very easy. Lift one of the peat tablets. Roots make their way through the net, and the sprout itself has 3-4 real leaves? So the next stage has come.

You will need:

• seedlings
• shoulder blade
• stationery knife (optional)
• 2 hands
• water

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

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

Advantages and disadvantages of peat tablets

Pros:

• less dirt
• more convenient to transport
• no need to fertilize
• take up little space
• treated for disease
• easy to transplant seedlings
• can be used to root leaves and cuttings
• the root system is not injured
• take up little space during storage

Minuses:

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

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

Now you know how to use peat pills for seedlings. It remains only to buy the right amount and follow our recommendations. We assure you that a rich harvest is provided to you!

Video: growing seedlings in peat tablets