Not all gardeners believe that fertilizing is important for tomato seedlings at all stages of bush development. But experts say that to get a good harvest, it is necessary to provide the plants with adequate nutrition and initial stage growth and development. This procedure will help the seedlings develop immunity and become stronger until transplanted into open ground.

Many gardeners are of the opinion that if weeds can grow well without fertilizing, then tomato seedlings also do not need fertilizers. But we should not forget that the crops grown in our garden are already the fruits of selection, which differ high quality fruits But in return, they need additional care and nutrition, since they are not adapted to be content with the little that is in the soil.

The use of fertilizers allows you to initially strengthen the biological forces of the plant itself, and subsequently help it fully develop, bloom and bear fruit. Nitrogen and potassium are the main nutrients, and phosphorus is responsible for metabolic processes, that is, it helps to deliver essential microelements to those parts where they are required. Therefore, these 3 main components are the most important, but you need to understand when and in what quantity they should be used.

How to determine when it is needed

There are a number of signs by which you can determine which microelement is lacking in tomato seedlings.

Important! It is worth understanding that lack of nutrition, as well as excessive application of fertilizers at the initial stage of development, can significantly weaken the immunity of plants, so everything should be in moderation.

Nitrogen. The deficiency of this element is expressed by yellowing of the lower leaves, since the plant takes the necessary microelements from them for the development of more promising upper ones. In addition, the lack of nitrogen is reflected in the slow growth of tomato seedlings. However, these signs should not be confused with overflow and cool conditions, since yellowing of the foliage in these cases is observed not only at the bottom, but in all parts.

Phosphorus. Phosphorus deficiency is expressed in a purple hue reverse side sheet plates. If this does not affect the full growth of tomato seedlings, then until planting permanent place There is no point in taking decisive steps in open ground.

Potassium. The lack of this microelement has a depressing effect on the development of the root system of tomato seedlings, so by the time they are transplanted to a permanent place, the seedlings do not have time to grow it in full. This negatively affects the further growth of tomatoes.

Iron. This element plays an important role at the initial stage of development, since its deficiency affects the formation of immunity of seedlings in the future. Iron deficiency manifests itself in light shade leaf blades on which dark green veins become clearly visible. This often happens with 24-hour lighting, since it is at night that the plant is able to fully absorb nutrition.

Note! Daylight hours when growing tomato seedlings should not exceed 10-12 hours; round-the-clock lighting is allowed only 3-4 days after emergence.

Calcium. This element contributes to the formation of a strong plant skeleton. Its deficiency leads to the fact that the stem becomes thin and gradually stretches upward.

When certain signs appear, you should not focus solely on the element that is missing. It is enough to carry out complex fertilizing of tomato seedlings, but ensure that this component is included in the fertilizer in sufficient volume.

Video: how to feed tomato seedlings

Timing of fertilizing

When applying fertilizers correctly, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the timing of their application. Initially, the main requirement is to plant the seeds in good and nutritious soil, which will give the young shoots the opportunity to develop fully.

• first- after the appearance of the first leaves;
• second— 14 days after picking seedlings;
• third- 10-14 weeks after the previous one;
• fourth- 3-4 days before transplanting into open ground.

Features of feeding before and after picking

Picking tomato seedlings is severe stress for plants, but at the same time it is very important for the full growth of seedlings. Therefore, fertilizing during this period should be carried out taking into account the characteristics of the crop and observing the timing of their application.

Applying fertilizers 10 days before picking will significantly enhance their development and help prepare for the upcoming stress. The higher the immunity of the seedlings, the less it will hurt after transplantation.

Feeding 2 weeks after picking will allow the seedlings to regain strength and begin to grow both the above-ground part and the root system.

Note! Ignoring the timing of fertilizing before and after picking leads to oppression of still immature seedlings.

Scheme for feeding seedlings

Feeding tomato seedlings should be done on a moist substrate, which will prevent the appearance of burns on the roots of the plants.

• At the first stage During growth, seedlings especially need nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is necessary to select fertilizer taking this into account. It is best to carry out root feeding during this period. mineral preparations, avoiding contact with the leaves.
• On second stage, if the seedlings develop normally, then use the same fertilizer as the first time. In the case of sprouts, nitrogen must be temporarily excluded and the length of daylight should be increased, as well as the temperature adjusted to about 18 degrees.
• At the third stage apply foliar feeding of seedlings with organic preparations. This will help the seedlings recover and get stronger after picking, as well as increase their green mass.
• Fourth stage fertilizing can be done using both root and foliar methods. In the case of the latter, the procedure should be applied in the morning or evening to prevent sunburn on the foliage. During this period, the use of mineral and organic preparations is allowed. But potassium plays an important role during this period, which contributes to the formation of flower ovaries.

Specifics of root and foliar feeding

There are two ways to feed tomato seedlings: root and foliar. In the first case, the fertilizer is dissolved in water and applied to the soil by watering the seedlings directly under the root. This is especially important to do on first two stages, since plants during this period are especially susceptible to fungal diseases, and moisture should not be allowed to get on the foliage, even with fertilizer. Fertilizing in this way should be applied to moist soil so as not to cause burns to the roots.

At the third and fourth stage better use foliar feeding by spraying the preparations on the foliage using a spray bottle. This will help you understand better nutrients, since the foliage during this period is already quite developed and is able to absorb all the necessary microelements. Carry out this procedure better in the morning, since exposure to sunlight may cause burns on the leaves.

What and how to feed tomato seedlings

To feed tomato seedlings, you can choose any fertilizer based on the gardener’s preferences. Some use mineral fertilizers, while others use organic or folk remedies.

Mineral fertilizers

This type of fertilizer contains required amount nutrients for the full growth and development of seedlings. The most common preparations for feeding tomato seedlings so that they grow better and faster are:

Important! To feed tomato seedlings, experts recommend complex feeding using several types of mineral fertilizers at the same time.

• dissolve urea (1 g), potassium sulfate (3 g) and superphosphate (8 g) in 2 liters of water, stir the resulting solution until completely dissolved and use for root feeding;
• dilute ammonium nitrate (0.6 g), superphosphate (4 g) and potassium sulfate (1.5 g) in 1 liter of water, use for root and foliar feeding after complete dissolution of the components.

Organic fertilizers

Many gardeners use organic fertilizers for feeding tomato seedlings. But it is worth understanding that organic matter contains mostly nitrogen, so this type of fertilizer should be used at an early stage of seedling development.

The most common of them are:

Folk remedies

In addition to the listed fertilizers, it is allowed to fertilize tomato seedlings using common folk remedies. This fertilizer option is especially suitable for gardeners who are not ready to use chemicals.

The most popular of them are:

Video: feeding tomato seedlings with iodine

Common problems

Often gardeners have the same problems, which are caused by incorrect conditions seedling maintenance or lack of certain microelements. To avoid them and know how to fix them, you should familiarize yourself with them in advance.

1. If tomato seedlings thin stems. This is a sign of overuse nitrogen fertilizers. In order for the seedlings to become plump, it is necessary to initially spray the plants with the Atlet preparation, and then fertilize them with superphosphate and potassium sulfide.
2. If the tomato seedlings have too much pale foliage and stems. This is a sign of nitrogen deficiency. It is necessary to fertilize with organic means or urea.
3. To tomato seedlings did not stretch out to feed Wood ash should be used, but not too zealously, as it can significantly slow down growth.

Video: what to do to prevent tomato seedlings from stretching

By feeding tomato seedlings according to all the rules and taking into account all recommendations, you can achieve the desired result. And strong and strong plants will be able to withstand negative conditions in the future. external environment and give a rich harvest of fruits.

In contact with

Tomatoes quite often lack nutrients, light and moisture. Under adverse conditions environment their growth slows down. Is it possible to stimulate the growth of tomatoes so that they continue to grow and bear fruit?

Growing tomatoes is always fraught with certain difficulties, since this crop is quite fastidious and requires constant attention. The first problems are usually associated with the fact that the tomatoes begin to lag in growth. If you notice signs of slowing growth, then it’s time to move on to measures that will help restore strength to weakened plants and give you the desired harvest.

Tomatoes need fertilizing that contains iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, molybdenum, iodine, selenium and cobalt

Why tomatoes don't grow well

Typically, slower growth of tomatoes is associated with nitrogen deficiency. If there is a shortage of this basic nutrient, the growth of apical and lateral shoots stops, and young leaves begin to turn yellow. If there are not enough sulfur compounds, the stem becomes thinner and hardens, remaining dwarf.

For tomatoes grown in a greenhouse, it is important to maintain the required temperature and humidity, as well as the feeding regime. The slowdown in the growth of tomatoes in a greenhouse occurs due to the following reasons:

• too high or, on the contrary, too low temperature air in the greenhouse;
• increased or insufficient air humidity;
• high or low soil moisture;
• unbalanced composition of fertilizers.

Eliminating the first three reasons is quite easy. In particular, during the pollination period, the air temperature in the greenhouse should be between 24-28°C. In cloudy weather it should not exceed 20-22°C. At night the air temperature should not fall below 18°C. Accordingly, at an air temperature of about 32°C, pollen loses its quality, and at an air temperature below 15°C, pollination stops altogether.

The plant needs to be provided with intensive nutrition in mid-summer, during the period of fruit formation.

The optimal level of air humidity that allows the formation of ovaries is 65%. However, the greenhouse should be ventilated regularly. Soil humidity should be in the range of 70-75%, so it is necessary to provide the plants with regular watering with settled water at a temperature of 24-26°C.

The situation is more complicated with fertilizing, although they are often the main reasons for the slowdown in the growth of tomatoes.

How to feed tomato seedlings for good growth

You should start fertilizing tomatoes at the earliest stages, even before sowing the seeds for seedlings. Among the "home" remedies you can use aloe juice. It is a natural growth stimulator that can be easily obtained at home. Cut off the large lower leaves of the aloe, put them in the refrigerator for 12 hours, and then squeeze out the juice. Place the seeds in aloe juice for a day and then leave them to germinate in a moist environment without washing off the juice.

First feeding of seedlings should be carried out after the appearance of the first true leaf. As the sprout develops, it switches to feeding using its own root system, since the supply of nutrients from the seed has already been exhausted. At this time, nitrogen and phosphorus are required for the successful growth of tomatoes. Therefore, the following drugs are used: Uniflor-rost, Sortvorin, Kemira-lux. These drugs are used in the form of solutions, adding 1 tsp to 5 liters of water. composition.

At home, you can prepare a light pink solution of potassium permanganate and pour it onto the soil for seedlings. This procedure will disinfect the soil and protect plants from many diseases.

By the time of picking, the tomato sprouts are already quite tall, they root system It is actively developing, and second, “real” leaves appear on the sprouts. After the pick plants should be fed with Uniflor-bud solution. To do this, dilute 1 tsp in 2 liters of water. drug.

Among vegetable growers, one of the most popular remedies is Zircon. Thanks to its action, seed germination increases and the flowering of future bushes accelerates. On average, the growth and development of tomatoes accelerates by 5-10 days. 1 ml of Zircon contains 40 drops, 0.1 ml, respectively, 4 drops. Spraying of plants during the growing season is carried out using a working solution - 1 ml of the drug per 10 liters of water or 0.1 ml of the drug per 1 liter of water. The prepared solution should be stored in a dark place for no more than a day.

The main thing to remember when preparing nutrient solutions− tomatoes should not be overfed and fertilizers should not be applied thoughtlessly

How to feed tomato seedlings to make them plump

Two weeks after a successful picking, you should take care of the future abundant harvest. To do this, at home you should organize no more than three feedings with an interval of 14 days according to one of the following recipes:

• dissolve 20 g of superphosphate, 10 g of urea and 15 g of potassium chloride in 10 liters of water;
• add 1 tbsp to 2 liters of warm water. ash without a slide and let it brew for 24 hours. Strain the solution before use so that pieces of ash do not fall on the plants;
• Fill a 3-liter container 2/3 full with eggshells and fill with water. Let the mixture brew for 3 days, and then dilute the infusion with water in a ratio of 1:3.

How to feed tomato seedlings in the ground

Recipes for further fertilizing will depend on where you are planting the seedlings - in open ground or in a greenhouse. Let's look at the most effective fertilizers for tomatoes planted in the ground:

• when planting seedlings, place a handful of compost or humus, a little wood ash and 1 tsp in the hole. superphosphate;
• do not throw away the bread crumbs throughout the year and dry them in the oven. Soak the dried remains in warm water and leave overnight. While loosening the soil, add the resulting pulp under the roots. This enhances root formation, increases the endurance and productivity of tomatoes;
• to quickly ripen fruits, use a tincture of the following ingredients: dilute 1 tbsp. superphosphate in a glass of water and let it brew for 48 hours. After this, dilute the infusion with 10 liters of water and stir. After spraying, the tomato leaves will darken slightly, photosynthesis processes will become more active, and the fruits will ripen earlier than usual;
• dissolve 10 drops of iodine in 1 liter of milk or whey, dilute the composition in 9 liters of water and mix. Water the tomatoes at the rate of 2 liters of mixture per bush;
• take 1 tsp. boric acid, copper sulfate, potassium magnesia and add a little potassium permanganate to them (on the tip of a knife). Then grate the piece laundry soap and dissolve everything in 10 liters of water. Spray the bushes evenly 1-2 times per season;
• prepare 0.5 liters of chicken manure infusion, 1 tbsp. potassium sulfate and 2 tbsp. superphosphate. Then dilute the contents in 10 liters of water. First, it is better to dissolve the superphosphate and let it sit for 24 hours, and then add the rest of the ingredients. Apply at least 1 liter of this solution under each bush;
• Every two weeks, feed the tomatoes with ash infusion. Pour 1 cup of ash into 10 liters of water and let it brew for 2-3 hours. Apply 1.5-2 liters of product under each bush.

If flowers begin to fall off in hot weather, it is recommended to spray with a solution of boric acid at the rate of 5 g per 10 liters of water.

How to feed tomato seedlings in a greenhouse

Fertilizing tomatoes in a greenhouse is somewhat different from applying fertilizers in open ground. Usually 2-3 feedings per season are enough, but if you notice that the tomatoes are not growing well, you can carry out additional stimulation every 10-12 days.

For example, one of the following compositions:

• Apply the first fertilizing 2 weeks after transplanting the plant. 1 tbsp. dilute urea in 10 liters of water. Apply 1-2 liters of the composition under each young bush - it will help them grow green mass. Also place a few peas under each bush. In this case, during each watering, nitrogen will gradually be absorbed by the soil and supplied to the roots;
• Slurry or dry manure diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 is best suited as organic products. You can also use chicken manure at the rate of 200-250 g per 10 liters of water. The resulting solution is infused for 24 hours, and then watered at the roots of the tomatoes at the rate of 2-3 liters per plant;
• The growth and development of plants in a greenhouse is beneficially affected by foliar feeding with microelements. You can prepare them yourself. You will need 4 g of manganese sulfate, 2 g of copper sulfate, the same amount of boric acid and zinc sulfate. All substances are diluted in 10 liters of water and sprayed on plants in the evening or in cloudy weather to avoid burning the leaves. It is necessary to fertilize no more than once a month;
• take 1 tbsp. mineral fertilizer Humat and mix with 10 liters of water. Add 1 tbsp. complex fertilizer containing nitrogen, potassium, copper, manganese and molybdenum. Apply about 0.5 liters of solution under each bush;
• During the period of blooming of the third and fourth flower clusters, feed the tomatoes with potassium humate (1 tbsp per 10 liters of water). For 1 sq.m. in greenhouses, up to 5 liters of the composition should be added;

• The last fertilizing can be done when green tomatoes have already appeared on the bushes. It allows you to speed up the process of fruit ripening. To prepare it, dilute 1 tbsp. superphosphate in 1 liter of water. Infuse the resulting mixture for 24 hours, then mix with 9 liters of water.

From mid-July, all fertilizing, as well as abundant watering of tomatoes, must be stopped.

"Miracle" fertilizer for tomatoes made from yeast

The leader among fertilizers and various fertilizers applied to tomato beds is yeast fertilizer. The basis of the biomaterial is fungi, rich in proteins, organic iron, amino acids and microelements. Yeast actively promotes:

• plant growth and green mass growth;
• increasing plant immunity, since they contain a small number of their own bacteria, against which tomatoes develop immunity;
• increasing the endurance of seedlings, especially in shaded areas;
• formation of the root system.

Yeast rebuilds the structure of the soil and activates the activity of microorganisms living in it. Which, in turn, release nitrogen and potassium into the soil.

Yeast fertilizing should be used no earlier than a week after planting tomato seedlings in the ground. Repeat feeding before flowering begins.

How to prepare yeast fertilizer for tomatoes? Very simple. Buy baker's yeast (100 g) at the store and fill it with 10 liters of water. To speed up the fermentation process, you can add 2 tbsp. Sahara. Leave the composition to ferment for a day. Then mix it with 50 liters of water. After this, you can water the tomatoes.

There is a more “advanced” version of this recipe:

• water – 10 l;
• chicken manure extract – 0.5 l;
• wood ash – 0.5 l;
• sugar – 5 tbsp;
• dry yeast – 10 g.

Mix all ingredients. Let the mixture sit for a day and dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10.

For watering, use a watering can with a strainer and apply about 0.5 liters of fertilizer under the young plants. Closer to the beginning of flowering, you can add 1.5-2 liters of liquid. In this case, the soil should be slightly moist.

To prepare sourdough, choose baker's yeast, not brewer's yeast.

Tomatoes that are not growing well need more help from you. Give them a little more attention and care, and bountiful harvest will not keep you waiting.

Seedling picking is the transplantation of young plants from total capacity in pots bigger size . This is done at an early stage, when 2–3 true leaves are fully formed.

Experts believe that picking promotes root development and makes the plant stronger and stronger.

Since during the period of active growth the seedling begins to require sufficient quantity soil volume, useful substances and oxygen. The root system is actively developing, requiring more and more space in the container.

What happens if you don't dive:

Therefore, the feeding area for young shoots is increased by replanting larger pots (approximately 500 ml in volume). This gives the seedlings an incentive to develop the root system and is the key to health. Picking also promotes the development of lateral roots, facilitates subsequent planting in the ground, helps select strong plants and get rid of weak ones. If necessary, picking will help slow down the growth of seedlings.
Next, we’ll look at what you can feed tomatoes with before, during, or after picking so that the plant’s stems are plump and strong.

We invite you to watch a video about what picking tomatoes is and how to properly fertilize the plant before replanting:

How to feed a young plant before transplanting

Do tomatoes need this in the early stages for seedling growth?

Young seedlings require quite a lot of nutrients. Since all forces at this time are aimed at growth, development of the root system and expansion of green mass. A healthy plant can only grow on fertile, fertilized soil. Typically, experts recommend carrying out the first fertilizing after the first true leaf has fully formed, sometimes a little later.

The amount of fertilizing depends on the quality of the soil in which the seeds are sown, and the soil into which the shoots will be transplanted after picking.

If plants are deficient in nutrients, it is very easy to notice by appearance escape.

Signs of nutritional deficiency:

1. A lack of nitrogen is manifested by yellowing of the lower tier of leaves, after which they fall off. In this case, excess nitrogen is manifested by the yellowness of the entire green mass. A solution of urea or ammonium nitrate will help here.
2. If the plant does not have enough phosphorus, the lower part of the leaf turns purple with veins. To eliminate this problem, superphosphate is used (read about what types of phosphate fertilizers there are for tomatoes and how to use them).
3. If there is a lack of potassium in the soil, young shoots shrink and if this is not dealt with, the fruits will ripen unevenly.
4. With a lack of iron, plants suffer from chlorosis, yellowing and curling of the leaves is observed. Iron chelate works great here.

Homemade Fertilizer Recipes

If you decide to feed the seedlings before picking, then the best option for the first feeding - a copper solution. It will reliably protect young shoots from late blight.

To do this, 1 teaspoon of concentrate (microfertilizer with a high copper concentrate) is dissolved in 10 liters of water. Then the shoots are watered abundantly. The remaining solution can be stored for as long as needed.

For subsequent fertilizing they are well suited as chemical compositions, and organic fertilizers prepared at home.

Recipe number 1:

• 2 liters of water.
• 1 g urea.
• 8 g superphosphate.
• 3 g of potassium sulfate.

Recipe number 2:

1. Dilute 5 g of bread yeast in 5 liters of water.
2. Stir thoroughly.
3. Leave for 24 hours.

Yeast infusion cannot be stored. It is used immediately after preparation.

You can find out how to prepare yeast-based fertilizer for tomatoes, as well as the pros and cons of such fertilizer.

Recipe number 3:

• 2 liters of water.
• 1 tbsp. spoon of wood ash.

Mix and leave for 24 hours, then strain.

Recipe number 4:

• 2-3 parts of dry banana peels (read about how to use banana peels and other organic matter for feeding and proper growth of tomatoes).
• 1 part water.

Pour banana skins with water and leave for 3 days. Before feeding, dilute with water in a ratio of 1:3. All described recipes are used for root feeding.

How to fertilize:

1. Before applying fertilizer, the soil should be well moistened.
2. The most convenient way to feed is with a syringe, since the plants are still very young and tender.
3. It is advisable to add approximately 3-5 g of solution from a syringe to each bush.
4. The second feeding is allowed to be carried out no earlier than two weeks after the first.

At this stage (before picking), the plants are still too young and tender. The main thing here is not to overdo it!

What fertilizers and when to feed tomatoes after transplanting?

In order for the seedlings to be plump and the fruits to be large, it is necessary correct selection composition for feeding. Also, regularity and correct scheme procedures. It is advisable to alternate root feeding with foliar fertilizer. In addition, procedures must be followed.

Root preparations

The first fertilizing should be applied no earlier than 10–14 days after picking. The second feeding is applied after two weeks. The third - as needed. The last feeding of seedlings is carried out 10 days before planting the plants in the ground.

After picking, the plant actively increases its green mass, and the following compositions will help with this.

Recipe No. 1:

• 1 tbsp. spoon of urea.
• 1 liter of water.

Mix the ingredients until completely dissolved and water the plants generously. This fertilizing promotes the growth of green mass.

Recipe No. 2:

• 1 liter of water.
• 1 tbsp. spoon of fertilizer "Nitrophoska".

Mix the ingredients until completely dissolved and water the seedlings generously.

"Nitrophoska" is mineral fertilizer. The main components are phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen in equal proportions. Available in granule form.

You can learn more about the benefits of mineral fertilizers for seedlings and adult tomatoes, as well as the types of fertilizers and their use.

Recipe No. 3:

• 1 teaspoon of potassium sulfate.
• 1 tbsp. spoon of superphosphate.
• 0.5 liters of chicken manure.
• Water -10 l.

Recipe No. 4:

• 0.5 liters of liquid mullein.
• 1 tbsp. spoon "Nitrophoska".
• 10 liters of water.

Liquid mullein can be purchased at any gardening store. As a rule, it is sold in 5 liter containers. According to the manufacturer, 1 liter of such liquid replaces 100 kg fresh manure. You can also buy dry mullein in various packaging at the garden store.

Fertilizers according to recipes 3 and 4 should be added to each bush in the amount of 200–300 g (about half a 0.5-liter jar).

Foliar spray compositions

Foliar feeding is spraying plants with special compounds from a spray bottle.. This is a great way to fertilize plants during active growth stages and when there are soil problems.

The main advantage is the rapid absorption of nutrients. The second advantage is efficiency in adverse weather conditions.

There is also a minus - difficulty in selecting the concentration of the drug. If you exceed it, you can get burns on the leaves. In this case, the concentration of fertilizer should be 3 times less than with root feeding.

When is foliar feeding indicated?:

1. The soil is too acidic. Root fertilizers are poorly absorbed in such soil.
2. Plants have a weak appearance with pronounced signs of a lack of microelements.
3. Before flowering.
4. For problems with roots, when the absorption of nutrients through the root is difficult. The reasons may be different: heat soil, waterlogging of the soil, lack of oxygen in the soil, damaged roots (during transplantation or due to pests).

You should not carry out foliar feeding during the day, as the liquid from the leaves quickly evaporates and the effectiveness of the procedure is lost.

Let's look at the most effective recipes.

Recipe No. 1:

• Water – 9 l.
• 10 drops of iodine.
• 1 liter of whey.

Recipe No. 2:

• ½ small bottle of green stuff (diamond green).
• 10 pieces. Trichopolum tablets.
• 10 liters of water.

Recipe No. 3:

• ½ cup sugar.
• Iodine 15 drops.
• 2 liters of whey.
• 10 liters of water.

Read more about the benefits of iodine for feeding tomatoes and how to use it correctly.

Rules for foliar feeding:

1. It is best to carry out foliar feeding once every 10–14 days.
2. Under no circumstances exceed the recommended concentration of substances in the drug.
3. Monitor the condition of the plants daily; if it worsens, the feeding should either be canceled or replaced with another drug.
4. If the seedlings are in a greenhouse after spraying, be sure to ventilate the room (read about the main intricacies of fertilizing tomatoes in a greenhouse, and from there you will learn how to choose the best fertilizer for greenhouse seedlings).
5. Spraying agents must not contain chlorine.

Read more about at what time foliar feeding should be done and with what preparations.

Experts warn:

1. It is very undesirable to fertilize plants with mullein more than three times a season.
2. The soil should not be overly fertilized, as the plants will actively grow greenery and there will be few fruits.
3. There is no need to put manure or bird droppings in the holes, this can lead to a lack of harvest and a large amount of green mass.
4. You can fertilize seedlings only in the morning or evening.
5. After applying the fertilizer, the plant should be watered generously with settled water at room temperature.
6. Purchase soil in advance that contains all the necessary nutrients. It will serve as the main feeding until the tomatoes are planted in the ground.

Thus, the first and all subsequent feedings of tomatoes, both before and after diving, can be carried out folk remedies, prepared at home. Do not neglect the advice of specialists, but at the same time, you shouldn’t mindlessly carry out everything you hear and read about. Important here golden mean. The best teacher is practice. Only after gaining practical skills in working with plants will you understand which tips to take into account and which not.

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Do you want to get the perfect tomato seedlings at home and have the right feeding? Then this article is just for you. Follow these recommendations and soon you will be able to enjoy delicious tomatoes from your garden.

It doesn’t matter where you will study, in the country, in country house, the main thing is to be patient and pay enough attention to this matter.

Home grown tomatoes

It is worth noting that tomatoes are one of the most popular crops in our country. And no wonder. The fruits have a lot of vitamins, a pleasant taste and saturate well. But isn't it easier to buy seedlings on the market? Of course it's easier. But by doing it yourself, you are guaranteed to get a good harvest, which will not only be large, but environmentally friendly.

How to choose the right substrate and seeds for planting

Growing any crop begins with preparation. First you need to select planting material, To obtain the best fruits. There is an opinion that seeds of foreign brands are many times better and of higher quality than their domestic counterparts. If we talk about the seed, then this rule does not apply here. The fact is that each manufacturer creates products for certain regions. In this case, adjustments are made to the climate, soil typology, rainfall and other factors.

So it is better to use seeds from the domestic market. This is how you will achieve best performance when growing. Varieties such as “Russian Ogorod”, “SeDeka”, “Ilyinichny” and others are very popular for growing at home. The main thing is to choose zoned varieties of crops.

Also, don’t stop at just one variety. Buy four or five types at once, so that later you can select those that have proven themselves best. No purchased seeds required additional processing before boarding. They've already been poisoned special means. But if you use planting material that you collected yourself, then you need to prepare it correctly. To do this, take potassium permanganate and make a dark pink solution. Then soak the seeds for 30 minutes. To make it more convenient, you can wrap it in cotton pads. After soaking, you need to thoroughly rinse the seeds in several waters.

Tomato seeds

Soak.

Gardeners still have a dilemma: to soak the seed before planting or not. There are two opinions.

• Dry, unprepared seeds can sprout much less than prepared and sprouted seeds (by 70%).
• If a dry seed does not sprout on its own, then its vital activity and productivity in the future will be low.

If we talk about soil, then there are no special requirements here. Tomatoes tolerate dry soil and dry air well. The presence of special fertilizers is not necessary. Interestingly, tomatoes can grow calmly even in highly acidic soil. Moderate dry air has a beneficial effect on the crop. So growing tomatoes on a windowsill is not at all difficult.

Before planting, prepare the substrate in a suitable container. To do this you need to mix the following ingredients:

• Earth;
• humus;
• loam;
• compost.

If there is no opportunity or time, then you can buy ordinary peat soil, which is sold on the market and in specialized departments of stores. No matter what kind of soil you have, it needs to be steamed well. Tomato seedlings, like any other, are beautiful field for the development of various fungi, which in open ground will not bother anyone. Do not take soil from the garden or flower bed. You won't get good seedlings.

Soddy soil should be taken from places where nothing has grown (forbs) for at least five years. Humus should not be used when it is young, but rather when it is over three years old.

Peat soil

You need to plant the crop to obtain seedlings in advance. Exact dates directly depend on several factors:

1. what variety will be sown;
2. Will it be a heated or open greenhouse?

In any case, you can start planting at the end of March in protected ground.

In order to get healthy seedlings, you need to grow seedlings correctly. Experts highlight the following recommendations for getting tomatoes in an apartment on the windowsill.

Turn the box or box of seedlings daily towards the light. This way you will protect the seedlings from unnecessary stretching. And the growth will be uniform, and the stem will not bend in one direction.

Do not place containers of tomatoes on the windowsill itself. The ventilation of the root part of the crop will be impaired. First place some kind of stand to provide air access to the roots, as shown in the photo.

Proper processing and germination of seed at home

To obtain strong seedlings, before planting, you need to soak the seeds. This is quite easy to do and is not required. special effort. You need to take 1 liter of water and add your choice of one of the ingredients below:

1. 1 teaspoon “Effekton”;
2. 1 ml of Epin fertilizer;
3. 1 teaspoon wood ash;
4. 1 teaspoon of the drug "Agricola";
5. 2 g "Bud";
6. 1 teaspoon “Nitrophoska”;
7. 1 teaspoon "Drops".

Soaking is best done in bags made of natural fabrics. The period is about a day. But make sure that the temperature of this mixture does not fall below 20⁰ C. As soon as the soaking is finished, the wet bags of seeds should be placed in a bag and placed in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours. This is necessary for seed hardening.

You need to sow the seeds while still cold, directly into the ground. This scheme will help to achieve friendly shoots that will germinate very quickly.

Seed treatment before planting

Rules for picking seedlings at home

While the seeds have just sprouted and are growing at the first stage, feeding tomato seedlings is not needed at all. Your task is only to water the tomatoes so that the soil does not dry out. As soon as two leaves appear on the sprouts, it’s time to dive. In this case, you need to immediately transplant them into separate containers. At this stage, you need to deepen the sprouts to the cotyledon leaves themselves.

When transplanting, you need to feed the seedlings a little. For these purposes, add 1 tablespoon of mineral fertilizer (for example, “Signor Tomato”) to each container. After two weeks, it is worth repeating the feeding. Now you can use regular complex fertilizer.

Disposable plastic cups with a capacity of 0.5 liters are perfect for replanting. If you take smaller volumes of containers, you will be picked twice. Transplantation can be done in two ways.

• Planting one piece at a time in a separate container. This way you will ensure the healthy development of the entire plant, and as a result the root system will be strong and powerful, which is excellent for establishing itself in open ground.

Transplanting one tomato at a time

• Planting two pieces in one container. The result will be the formation of two powerful root systems. Once the seedlings are about 10-15 cm tall, you need to tie both stems tightly. To do this, use nylon thread. After fusion (this will definitely happen), you need to very carefully pinch the top from the weaker stem. The result is that one bush grows, which has a powerful root system, a strong stem and rich fruits. Perfect option for varieties with tall growing characteristics.

Transplanting two tomatoes

Before planting in open ground, it is necessary to harden the plants. This process must begin no less than 10 days before planting. The most in a simple way is a gradual decrease in temperature from 18-20 degrees to 14-16 degrees.

The next stage begins approximately five days before disembarkation. It is necessary to place the seedlings outside for two to three hours. Fresh air. And immediately before transplanting, you need to take it outside for the whole day.

Lowering the temperature changes the physiological parameters of the plant. And the tomatoes become absolutely ready for changed environmental conditions.

Planted tomatoes in open ground

Proper feeding is the key to a large harvest

It's no secret that all plants grown by people need to be fed. Thus, it is possible to achieve good performance and greater productivity. In addition, it helps to make the plants strong and develop fully. For such purposes, you can use specialized products and solutions. You can also use folk remedies. Let's take a closer look at the options for fertilizing tomato seedlings at home.

The main nutrition for the plant will be the soil, which should be nutritious and suitable. Fertilizer application should only occur in the morning or evening. And after feeding, you should water it well. This measure is necessary to completely wash off the substance from the leaves. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the plants getting burned.

The first feeding should occur no earlier than the sprouts have true leaves. And the last one - ten days before planting in open ground. It is also worth performing such actions if you notice such features.

• The leaves are pale in color, with bright green veins appearing on them. This is an indicator of iron deficiency. This is what needs to be added to the soil.

Iron deficiency

• Acquisition violet shade. Says there is a phosphorus deficiency;

Phosphorus deficiency

• Withering of leaves, their yellowing and falling, slow growth seedlings. This is a signal of nitrogen deficiency. But as an option, you need to check the following factors: the amount of sunlight, compliance with the temperature regime.

Nitrogen deficiency

Such knowledge will help you properly care for plants to achieve maximum effect.

Options and features of feeding tomatoes

To know what to feed your seedlings, you need to follow further recommendations. Everything will depend on what kind of feeding there will be. The fact is that at each stage of growth different substances will be needed.

І fertilizing

For the first feeding, you can take formulations that are sold ready-made in the store. These include “Nitrophoska”, “Agricola No. 3”, “Agricola-Forward” and others. In the instructions you will find detailed description for use.

If you don’t want to buy the substances, you can make the mixture yourself. For example, fertilizing with urea. To do this you will need:

• 2 liters of water;
• 1 g urea;
• 8 g superphosphate;
• 3 g of potassium sulfate.

You just need to combine all the ingredients and mix well. Then simply water the seedlings with this mixture. But not everyone wants to use chemistry. In this case, it will be relevant to feed tomato seedlings at home with ash, or rather with its extract. To prepare this fertilizer you will need the following.

• Dissolve a tablespoon of wood ash in 2 liters hot water.
• Leave the mixture for at least a day so that it infuses well.
• Strain the resulting fertilizer and water the seedlings with it.

An alternative to fertilizing with wood ash is to use yeast. Feeding tomato seedlings at home with yeast has one feature. The prepared mixture should not be stored, so it is made in the quantity required for one-time use.

It’s very easy to make your own yeast infusion.

• You need to take five grams of bread yeast.
• Dissolve the yeast in five liters of water.
• Mix the mixture well and let it brew for 24 hours.
• The infusion is ready for use.

Video: feeding tomatoes

II fertilizing

The second time it is worth feeding the seedlings two weeks after the first time. For healthy and strong plants, complex fertilizers like Effecton are suitable. Superphosphate should be used for seedlings with overly elongated stems. It must be dissolved in water (hot only) in the proportion of 1 tablespoon per 3 liters of water.

You can use fertilizers based on nitrate. And for gardeners who do not want to use it, there is an alternative - iodine. It is useful for both people and plants. Feeding tomato seedlings at home with iodine is used to improve nitrogen metabolism. It also increases the yield of tomatoes. In addition to being nutritious for plants, iodine protects tomatoes well from a huge number of fungi and other unnecessary microorganisms. If seedlings have a lack of iodine, then the speed of plant development decreases significantly and various diseases appear.

Probably, many have already grown seedlings of various vegetable crops, if you are used to growing seedlings yourself. Today we will talk about tomato seedlings, or more precisely, about what you can feed it with after it has risen and become a little stronger. How should it be done and when? Is it possible to fertilize at home?

The soil and sand should be sieved before mixing to remove debris, worms and large insect larvae. Experts strongly recommend disinfecting the soil from pathogens, small larvae and pests. The most common methods are:

• Steaming. A month before use, steam the soil in a water bath for 2-3 hours. The container lid must be closed.
• Calcination. 30 minutes in the oven, preheated to + 40 ºC.
• Freezing. In the fall, leave the prepared soil outside, covering it from precipitation. About a month before use, the soil is brought indoors, heated, mixed with the rest of the ingredients and taken out into the cold again.

Each of these methods has supporters and opponents, regardless of which one you (or not) use depends only on your choice.

When to feed

Three weeks after the seedlings appear, the seedlings grow rather slowly, but as a result, growth is activated. In order for the sprouts to develop correctly, without stretching excessively in length, it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature regime and fertilize tomato seedlings in a timely manner.

Amateur gardeners who do not yet have experience in growing seedlings need to know when it is best to feed tomato seedlings.

First feeding

The first application of fertilizer for tomato seedlings is carried out when the first real leaf appears on the seedlings. The fertilizer is prepared as follows:

• Agricola-Forward fertilizer is diluted in water at room temperature in a ratio of 1 teaspoon per liter of water.
• Agricola No. 3 or Nitrofoska preparations, a tablespoon of which dissolves in a liter of water, are perfect for them.
• On average, this amount of fertilizer is enough for 40 bushes. This remedy best strengthens the roots of young plants.

Which would you prefer?

Buy fertilizer in the storeFertilize yourself

Second feeding

To carry out the second feeding, dilute a tablespoon of Effeton in a liter of water. If the plants are too stretched, experienced farmers recommend preparing fertilizer for tomato seedlings from superphosphate, diluting a tablespoon in 3 liters of water. If the bush is overly stretched, “Athlete” is also suitable, which slows down the growth of the top of the plant and enhances the growth of the roots.

When preparing the composition, it is important to follow the proportions specified in the instructions, otherwise the seedlings may stop developing altogether.

Third feeding

Feeding after picking. It is carried out approximately one and a half weeks after picking the seedlings. A tablespoon of nitroammophoska (nitrophoska) is diluted in 10 liters of water. Usually a glass ready solution is consumed directly for 2 glasses with plants.

Fourth feeding

The next feeding is carried out after 2 weeks. To feed, it is advisable to dilute a tablespoon of potassium sulfate or superphosphate in 10 liters of water. At the same time, consumption is one glass per bush.

Fifth feeding

The very last feeding is carried out after another couple of weeks. How to feed tomato seedlings now? A tablespoon of nitrofossi is diluted in a 10-liter bucket of water. A glass of product is spent on a bush.

In addition to root application of fertilizers, foliar feeding of tomato seedlings is carried out. The same means are used for spraying. After spraying with fertilizer is completed, the plants are sprayed with clean water after a few hours.

How to feed seedlings

If you decide to start fertilizing after the first leaf appears, then at this moment you need to:

• Prepare a copper solution and pour it generously over the seedlings. This substance can be purchased in a specialized store. Preparation is made from 1 teaspoon of copper and 10 liters clean water. It is allowed to store such a product for an unlimited time.
• If there is a lot of fertilizer left after watering, you can pour it into plastic bottle and leave it even until next year. Thanks to this procedure, young shoots will be reliably protected from late blight.

Late blight

• For the second feeding after diving, you can use urea. In the end, for good growth The green mass of seedlings requires a large amount of nitrogen. 10 liters of clean water will require 1 tablespoon of urea. The resulting solution is watered abundantly on the seedlings.
• For the third feeding of tomatoes, nitrophosphate mineral fertilizer is ideal. Prepare a solution of 1 liter of clean water and 1 tablespoon of this substance. The resulting fertilizer is sufficient for large quantity seedlings.
• The next feeding is repeated as needed. You can prepare the solution in accordance with the second recipe or use organic fertilizers for this. Compost poured into boxes with seedlings is excellent. And it is possible to continue to feed tomatoes foliarly, spraying the leaves from a spray bottle. The solution for this feeding method is prepared:

1. From 1 tablespoon of superphosphate and 1 liter of hot water.
2. The liquid should be heated to approximately 80 degrees.
3. After pouring the solution for 24 hours, its light part is poured into a separate container and diluted with water to 10 liters.
4. The fertilizer for spraying is ready.

Feeding recipes

Feeding options for tomato seedlings:

• 0.5 g of urea, 4 g of superphosphate and 1.5 g of potassium salt per liter of water.
• 0.5-0.7 g ammonium nitrate, 3-4 g superphosphate, 1.5-2 g potassium sulfate per liter of water.
• 1 tablespoon of ash per 2 liters of hot water. This fertilizer is introduced within 24 hours, then filtered.
• Infusion eggshells. A three-liter jar is 2/3 filled with shells and filled with water. Infuse this fertilizer in a warm place for 3-4 days. The same shell can be used three times. To feed seedlings, the infusion of eggshells is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.

• Infusion banana peel. It is prepared using the principle of an eggshell infusion made from dried banana skins. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3.
• Humate-based fertilizers (according to the instructions on the package).

You can also watch this video where experienced gardener will tell you what fertilizers should be used during the flowering of tomatoes.

Feeding tomato seedlings is very important for proper and harmonious growth. Strong and durable tomato seedlings that have received the entire set of essential microelements will provide you with an abundant and high-quality harvest.