At what temperature should you grow tomato seedlings

Gardeners who decide to grow tomato seedlings on their own immediately have a number of questions. They are associated with the selection of seeds, their germination, sowing. Not everyone knows what the optimal temperature is for tomato seedlings. But the firmness of plants, acceleration or deceleration of their growth depends on the correct adjustment of this indicator. Let's take a closer look at these points.

Warm-up temperature or seed germination

Before starting sowing, seed preparation should be done. Their preliminary hardening has a positive effect on the yield. After warming up, rapid and uniform germination is observed, the emergence of strong, healthy shoots. Warming up protects against bacterial and fungal infections.

Quenching is carried out in several ways.bsi:

1. Preparation should be started 1.5-2 months before sowing. Place the seeds in a cotton bag and hang them near the heaters.
2. Use a regular desk lamp. Put the tomato seeds on a sheet of paper and put them on the lamp shade for a period of 3 hours. Cover from above.
3. Can be preheated in the oven for three hours at a set temperature of 60 ° C. Disadvantage of this method: regular stirring and constant temperature is required.
4. Place the tomato grains in a cotton bag, soak for 3 hours in hot water (60 ° C). Pour boiling water periodically so that the temperature does not drop.
5. A method of prolonged heating is used. The temperature is raised gradually: the first two days are kept at + 30 ° C, then three days - + 50 ° C and four days - + 70 ° C. After using this method, the plants develop drought tolerance.

Hardening is carried out in another way - by alternating temperature. It is convenient to use a plastic box or a regular saucer. The bottom is covered with a damp cloth or gauze in several layers, the grains are laid out, and covered with a damp cloth. Place the box in a warm place (20-25 ° C). After the seeds hatch, the box is transferred to the refrigerator overnight (+ 1 ° - 0 ° C), and for the day it is removed and heated again. Repeat 5-10 times.

The saucer is covered with a plastic bag. The main thing is that moisture does not evaporate.

It's important to know! If sprouts appear, then the time spent in a warm environment is reduced by 3-4 hours.

The effectiveness of such shock therapy:

• friendly shoots appear;
• helps to increase yields;
• plants are endowed with increased vitality;
• resistant to cold;
• in open ground, seedlings can be planted ahead of time.

The method is recommended when planting seedlings in unheated greenhouses.

Seedling growing temperature

Before sowing, the soil is neutralized. The method of freezing by changing temperatures is used. Containers with soil are kept for 12 hours outside, and then 12 hours at home. Repeat 2-3 times. Treatment contributes to the death of microorganisms and weed seeds.

For good growth of seedlings, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime during the periods of planting and growing.

After sowing, the boxes are covered with plastic wrap and placed in a warm place. The optimum temperature for seed germination is considered to be 22-26 ° C. After five days, the film is removed. The conditions of keeping in the first week affect the growth and development of the emerged seedlings.

At a temperature of 24-26 ° C, seedlings appear after 3-5 days. If there are fluctuations in the mode, the period increases to 7-10 days

Temperature after sowing

After the first shoots appear, within 4-5 days the temperature is reduced to 14-15 ° C in the daytime, and at night - 11-13 ° C. A week later, they adhere to the temperature regime:

• on sunny days - 22-25 ° C;
• in cloudy weather - 18-20 ° C;
• at night - at least 15 ° C.

Possible problems if this order is not followed:

1. Lowering the temperature to 10-12 ° C affects the growth of plants, they stop developing, the color falls off.
2. Hot conditions (38-40 ° C) lead to the death of pollen.
3. If the plant's leaves turn yellow and then fall off, the stems stretch upward, and the trunk weakens, then the reason is the high temperature in the room (25-30 ° C).
4. It is important to pay attention to the soil temperature, at 15 ° C or less, the roots do not assimilate nutrients, the result is a slowdown in growth, and sometimes the death of the roots.

The minimum temperature for the development of tomato seedlings and root system is 10 ° C. Plants die at 5 ° C.

Advice... If the seedlings stretch up strongly, the average daily temperature should be reduced.

Seedlings should be dived into the ground at least 15 ° C. Favorable temperature conditions: in sunny weather - 20-22 ° C, cloudy - 16-18 ° C. The night temperature (14-16 ° C) for tomato seedlings promotes the active development of the root system. Thanks to this alternation, the seedlings will grow healthy and strong.

Important! When airing the room, one should not forget that drafts cause great harm to seedlings. She could die completely.

At what temperature are seedlings planted?

Planting tomatoes in a greenhouse is carried out under the condition: the soil temperature should be 10-15 ° C, and the air temperature should be 20-25 ° C. During the day, you need to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 30 ° C.

If the seedlings are being prepared for planting in open ground, then they are pre-hardened.For two weeks, every day they take her out into the street, first for half an hour, and then gradually increase the residence time. Protect it from direct sunlight.

In late May and early June, seedlings can be planted in open ground. By this time, the weather is established without sharp temperature fluctuations. Even a slight frost can completely destroy the seedlings.

Tomatoes are an unpretentious crop. However, attention should be paid to the issue of optimal temperature conditions at different stages: seed preparation, sowing, growing seedlings. This will help grow sturdy tomato seedlings and achieve high yields.

Gardeners who decide to grow tomato seedlings on their own immediately have a number of questions. They are associated with the selection of seeds, their germination, sowing. Not everyone knows what the optimal temperature is for tomato seedlings. But the firmness of plants, acceleration or deceleration of their growth depends on the correct adjustment of this indicator. Let's take a closer look at these points.

Warm-up temperature or seed germination

Before starting sowing, seed preparation should be done. Their preliminary hardening has a positive effect on the yield. After warming up, rapid and uniform germination is observed, the emergence of strong, healthy shoots. Warming up protects against bacterial and fungal infections.

Quenching is carried out in several ways.bsi:

1. Preparation should be started 1.5-2 months before sowing. Place the seeds in a cotton bag and hang them near the heaters.
2. Use a regular desk lamp. Put the tomato seeds on a sheet of paper and put them on the lamp shade for a period of 3 hours. Cover from above.
3. Can be preheated in the oven for three hours at a set temperature of 60 ° C. Disadvantage of this method: regular stirring and constant temperature is required.
4. Place the tomato grains in a cotton bag, soak for 3 hours in hot water (60 ° C). Pour boiling water periodically so that the temperature does not drop.
5. A method of prolonged heating is used. The temperature is raised gradually: the first two days are kept at + 30 ° C, then three days - + 50 ° C and four days - + 70 ° C. After using this method, the plants develop drought tolerance.

Hardening is carried out in another way - by alternating temperature. It is convenient to use a plastic box or a regular saucer. The bottom is covered with a damp cloth or gauze in several layers, the grains are laid out, and covered with a damp cloth. Place the box in a warm place (20-25 ° C). After the seeds hatch, the box is transferred to the refrigerator overnight (+ 1 ° - 0 ° C), and for the day it is removed and heated again. Repeat 5-10 times.

The saucer is covered with a plastic bag. The main thing is that moisture does not evaporate.

It's important to know! If sprouts appear, then the time spent in a warm environment is reduced by 3-4 hours.

The effectiveness of such shock therapy:

• friendly shoots appear;
• helps to increase yields;
• plants are endowed with increased vitality;
• resistant to cold;
• in open ground, seedlings can be planted ahead of schedule.

The method is recommended when planting seedlings in unheated greenhouses.

Seedling growing temperature

Before sowing, the soil is neutralized. The method of freezing by changing temperatures is used. Containers with soil are kept for 12 hours outside, and then 12 hours at home. Repeat 2-3 times. Treatment contributes to the death of microorganisms and weed seeds.

For good growth of seedlings, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime during the periods of planting and growing.

After sowing, the boxes are covered with plastic wrap and placed in a warm place. The optimum temperature for seed germination is considered to be 22-26 ° C. After five days, the film is removed. The conditions of keeping in the first week affect the growth and development of the emerged seedlings.

At a temperature of 24-26 ° C, seedlings appear after 3-5 days. If there are fluctuations in the mode, the period increases to 7-10 days

Temperature after sowing

After the first shoots appear, within 4-5 days, the temperature is reduced to 14-15 ° C in the daytime, and at night - 11-13 ° C. A week later, they adhere to the temperature regime:

• on sunny days - 22-25 ° C;
• in cloudy weather - 18-20 ° C;
• at night - at least 15 ° C.

Possible problems if this order is not followed:

1. Lowering the temperature to 10-12 ° C affects the growth of plants, they stop developing, the color falls off.
2. Hot conditions (38-40 ° C) lead to the death of pollen.
3. If the plant's leaves turn yellow and then fall off, the stems stretch upward, and the trunk weakens, then the reason is the high temperature in the room (25-30 ° C).
4. It is important to pay attention to the soil temperature, at 15 ° C or less, the roots do not assimilate nutrients, the result is a slowdown in growth, and sometimes the death of the roots.

The minimum temperature for the development of tomato seedlings and root system is 10 ° C. Plants die at 5 ° C.

Advice... If the seedlings stretch up strongly, the average daily temperature should be reduced.

Seedlings should be dived into the ground at least 15 ° C. Favorable temperature conditions: in sunny weather - 20-22 ° C, cloudy - 16-18 ° C. The night temperature (14-16 ° C) for tomato seedlings promotes the active development of the root system. Thanks to this alternation, the seedlings will grow healthy and strong.

Important! When airing the room, one should not forget that drafts cause great harm to seedlings. She could die completely.

At what temperature are seedlings planted?

Planting tomatoes in a greenhouse is carried out under the condition: the soil temperature should be 10-15 ° C, and the air temperature should be 20-25 ° C. During the day, you need to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 30 ° C.

If the seedlings are being prepared for planting in open ground, then they are pre-hardened. For two weeks, every day they take her out into the street, first for half an hour, and then gradually increase the residence time. Protect it from direct sunlight.

In late May and early June, seedlings can be planted in open ground. By this time, the weather is set without sharp temperature fluctuations. Even a slight frost can completely destroy the seedlings.

Tomatoes are an unpretentious crop. However, attention should be paid to the issue of optimal temperature conditions at different stages: seed preparation, sowing, growing seedlings. This will help grow sturdy tomato seedlings and achieve high yields.

Tomatoes are one of the most common vegetables in vegetable gardens and summer cottages. This is due to the fact that many people love tomatoes and are happy to include them in their diet. The plant belongs to heat-loving crops and in most regions, the seedling method is used to obtain an early harvest.

Each gardener has his own secrets of growing tomato seedlings. But not everyone knows how the temperature regime when growing tomato seedlings affects their yield. Our article is devoted to this issue.

We hurry slowly

Novice gardeners, trying to get an early harvest of tomatoes, strive to sow seeds as soon as possible. They believe that the sooner they receive seedlings and plant them in the garden, the earlier the first fruits will appear. But in most cases, when sowing too early, they get weak plants and elongated seedlings, which subsequently will not give a large yield.

Too elongated shoots weaken the plant

This result is obtained due to the fact that in February or early March it is very difficult to ensure optimal light and temperature conditions when growing tomato seedlings. Daylight hours are still very short, and the air temperature, during the "late spring", drops quite low.

Frosts are especially dangerous for a thermophilic culture, often prolonged in the first or second decade of March.Even if at this time the plants are covered with lutrasil, it is unlikely that it will be possible to save the roots.

Therefore, experts advise not to rush to sow tomato seeds. They find it better to be a little late than to be ahead of the ideal planting dates. Residents of the middle zone of the country are recommended to start sowing tomatoes no earlier than half of March, and super-early hybrids even later - in early April.

VIDEO: How temperature affects seedlings

Preparatory work

It is important to prepare the soil for sowing seeds. It should be warm. Experienced gardeners advise no matter what the origin of the soil (bought in a specialized store or prepared an earthen mixture on your own), it is imperative to disinfect it. There are many ways, but the most proven and simplest to perform is processing with potassium permanganate or roasting in the oven:

1. A hot pink solution of pharmacy potassium permanganate is being prepared and the soil is abundantly watered.
2. The soil with a layer of 8-10 cm is spread on a baking sheet and sent to the oven for an hour at a temperature of 180-200 ° C.

After disinfection has been carried out, the soil in the box is moistened and left for at least 2 weeks before sowing, so that during this time the microflora useful for plants can develop.

Tomato seeds are sown in moist, warm soil. Therefore, if necessary, the soil is moistened with a spray bottle before sowing.

Seed disinfection

Grains are recommended to be disinfected if they are collected on their own or you are not sure that such a step was carried out by the manufacturer. When using planting material of well-known brands, all the necessary actions have already been taken. For disinfection, you can use all the same potassium permanganate.

Potassium permanganate copes best with disinfection

We prepare a weak solution: dilute 1 g of manganese in 1 glass of water. We place the grains in a cloth bag or just a rag that we tie. In this form, the seeds are soaked for 15-20 minutes in the prepared solution, and then washed thoroughly.

Aloe juice diluted with water 1: 1 will help to strengthen the immunity of the seed fund and stimulate growth. To do this, the aloe leaves are cut off, sent to the refrigerator for a week. Then it is crushed and squeezed through a colander or sieve.

Vernalization

After the seeds have been washed and slightly dried, the seeds can be hardened. This procedure is called vernalization and is used for the production of seeds on an industrial scale.

To do this, they are placed in a damp cloth in a refrigerator for 24-48 hours at a temperature of + 1 ° C. Make sure the fabric is always damp. Therefore, if necessary, it is moistened with a spray bottle. After stabbing, the seeds are spread on a plate, covered with a cotton cloth and moistened. After 1-3 days, they hatch, after which they can immediately be sown in a previously prepared nutrient soil.

Secrets of sowing tomato seeds

For sowing, use a variety of containers with a side height of 10 cm and above. You can sow tomato grains in special cassettes or on peat tablets. When growing tomato seedlings, the seeds are deepened by 1 cm.One of the sowing methods can be used at your choice.

Standard formula for sowing seeds for seedlings

The first option provides that we level the soil in a container and spread grains on it, and sprinkle it on top with a centimeter layer of earth. The second way is more traditional:

• make centimeter-deep grooves;
• seeds are laid out in each track at a distance of 2-4 cm from each other;
• cover with soil from above.

In both cases, the grains will be under a centimeter layer of soil.

If the seeds are not sown in a separate container, then they adhere to the following scheme: the width between the rows is 3-5 cm, and between the plants is 2-4 cm. The soil is carefully moistened from above with a spray bottle. The container is covered with glass or plastic wrap and placed in a well-lit, warm place.

The optimum temperature for growing seedlings before sprouting is 24-26 ° C. If you place a container with seedlings on the windowsills, then put polystyrene under it, and do not open the vents.

Having provided the proposed temperature regime for growing tomato seedlings, you will be able to observe the first shoots as early as 3-5 days. As soon as the seeds germinate, the glass (film) should be taken away, and the foam should be left. Choose a well-lightened place on the windowsill for the container with seedlings.

VIDEO: Secrets of growing seedlings on the windowsill - lighting, watering, supplementary lighting

What temperature is needed to grow strong seedlings

Immediately after sprouting, the temperature must be lowered to grow healthy seedlings. The first week the optimum air temperature during the day is 13-16 ° С, and at night - 11-13 ° С. This temperature regime prevents the stretching of the plants.

Sometimes it is possible to observe the retardation of the growth of seedlings due to the hard cotyledonous membrane, which does not allow the leaves to open. This is a signal that the humidity in the room is very low. In this case, it is necessary to spray the seedlings from a spray bottle several times throughout the day, on which a fine fraction of drops is installed. Thus, you will soften the shell and help free the cotyledon leaves from it.

A week after the emergence of seedlings, the temperature when growing seedlings should rise. It is necessary to provide plants with the following regime during the day:

• in sunny weather 20-22 ° С;
• at cloudy - 18-19 ° С.
• the night temperature should be 17-18 ° C.

Some experts recommend lower temperatures: 16-18 ° C during the day in cloudy weather, and 10-12 ° C at night.

It should only be borne in mind that if the optimal temperature regime for growing tomato seedlings is violated, the plants develop much worse. Thus, there are studies that lowering the night temperature even by 2 ° C leads to a weakening of the development of the root system of seedlings.

Healthy growth that will yield a good harvest

At the same time, overheating of the container with seedlings helps to stretch the plants. Such tomatoes will have thin and weakened stems. The stated care of the seedlings must be provided before the appearance of the second true leaf. As a rule, this occurs within 30-35 days after germination.

Tomatoes should be watered very carefully. Waterlogging of the soil can provoke the death of roots, as well as the disease of seedlings "black leg". Experts believe that for growing tomato seedlings, the optimal daylight hours should have 12-14 hours. Therefore, if possible, additional illumination of the container with cultures with lamps should be organized.

What you need to know about diving tomatoes?

Tomato seedlings must be dived into separate containers. This is especially necessary when the seeds have been sown too thickly. It is advisable to choose peat or plastic cups with a volume of 0.5 liters. Most experts recommend diving the plants after a couple of real leaves appear.

How to dive seedlings correctly

Some growers believe it is better to wait until the second true leaf develops. Plants should be transplanted with a clod of earth, trying not to touch the roots. Often, gardeners practice the landless method of growing seedlings to relieve the stress of the plant as much as possible when picking.

Read with this article: Convenient and simple landless way to grow seedlings on toilet paper

After diving, tomatoes should be provided with the following temperature regime:

• on a sunny day 20-22 ° С,
• in cloudy weather 16-18 ° С,
• at night - 12-14 ° С.

To grow tomato seedlings at home, vegetable growers need to take care of many factors, and the temperature regime takes an important place among them. I wish you success!

VIDEO: Optimum temperature for seedlings

Among the existing varieties and hybrids of tomatoes, it is difficult to give preference to one option. Each is distinguished by certain taste and commercial qualities. But agricultural technology as a whole consists of general rules that should be followed in a timely manner. How to grow tomato seedlings, what is the optimal temperature it can withstand and what to do if it is frozen further in the article.

Timing for planting tomato seeds for seedlings

There is no need to rush to sowing seeds. It is important to adhere to the timing recommended by the selected variety. Some gardeners are fond of planting seeds in January. In principle, seedlings can spend about 60 days on the windowsill, but by the time of transplantation, its stems and foliage will be stunted due to lack of light and violation of the conditions for keeping containers with seedlings.

February, starting in the second half, can be the starting period for sowing tomatoes. However, there is a prerequisite - the whole process must take place in a heated greenhouse with good lighting. The windowsills of city apartments are not suitable for this. If fluorescent lamps help with additional light, then the temperature regime and space can hardly be adjusted.

Tomato seeds are recommended to be planted in the second half of February.

Experienced gardeners have identified the optimal seeding time for themselves - mid-March. The seedlings will receive a sufficient amount of light, which is important for the normal vegetation of the plant. Early maturing varieties can be planted in early April. In cloudy weather, it is necessary to light up containers with seedlings, this creates a high yield.

You can calculate the sowing time, focusing on the timing of seed germination and seedling ripening. From planting to transferring seedlings to the garden, it takes an average of 50-60 days.

How to properly plant seeds in a box

Seedlings are grown at home in separate pots or cups, but most often a wooden box is chosen as a container. It is disinfected before use. This can be done with a solution of copper sulfate (for a bucket of water 100 g.). The parameters of the container must correspond to: a height of at least 8-10 cm, a length and width of 30x50 cm.

Initially, seeds can be planted in one box

A soil mixture is prepared about a week before sowing:

• sod land (1 part);
• humus (part 1);
• sawdust (part 1);
• wood ash (2 tbsp. l.);
• superphosphate (1.5 tbsp. l.);
• slaked lime (10 gr.);
• peat (1 part).

The treated box is filled to the brim with the substrate. For moistening, it is preferable to use snow, laying out a layer of it for gradual melting. If this is not possible, then repeated spraying can be dispensed with. Do not pour a large amount of water into prepared containers.

Before sowing, the seeds must undergo training, which includes soaking for the purpose of disinfection, treatment with growth stimulants, and germination in a damp cloth.

On the day of sowing, the box is watered with a solution of water (8.5 liters), mullein (3 tbsp. L.) And copper sulfate (half tsp.).

The seeding depth is 0.5 cm, the interval between the grains is 2x5 cm. You can lightly sprinkle the top with the same soil mixture that the box is filled with, but you do not need to overdo it. The upper part of the container is covered with glass or foil. Until the emergence of seedlings above the ground, the temperature regime must be observed within + 22 ° C. It is also important to provide the seed with good lighting.

If desired, seeds can be sown in a separator container

Growing tomato seedlings at home

For seedlings to grow healthy and strong, it is necessary to create the proper conditions.

Lighting

Seedlings appear about a week after sowing. The box must be installed in a well-lit place. If this is a windowsill, then the lightest. With a lack of sunlight, fluorescent lamps are installed. The best development of seedlings can be achieved with round-the-clock illumination of the emerging shoots in the first 2-3 days, after which you can switch to the usual daylight hours - 16 hours.

At first, it is advisable to supplement the seedlings

Watering

Young shoots should receive a sufficient amount of moisture; overdrying of the soil is unacceptable. At the germination stage, the moisture regime is maintained thanks to a glass or plastic wrap cover. It is not necessary to remove it immediately after the emergence of seedlings, you can periodically open the container, allowing the seedlings to adapt to the new environment. After 1-2 weeks of this regime, the covering material is completely removed.

With the growth of shoots and an increase in the temperature regime of irrigation, more is required, the soil begins to more intensively absorb water during irrigation. It is better to moisten the seedlings under the root, without touching the green part. The water should be warm (+ 22 ° C), settled.

The first 27-30 days after germination of shoots above the soil surface, watering is carried out three times. The first irrigation is done after the emergence of shoots (the rate of water consumption is 1 glass per box). The second procedure is performed after 3 weeks, and the third - on the day of picking the seedlings.

Watering tomatoes is desirable according to a pre-selected scheme

Top dressing

If the soil mixture is prepared correctly, then it is not necessary to introduce a subcortex at the first stage of sprout development. It is appropriate to enrich the soil with nutrients after a leaf has formed on the seedling. Usually nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used to stimulate the growth of greenery. It is important not to overdo it in this matter, so as not to burn out the crops. It is enough to dissolve a tablespoon of urea in a bucket of water.

The second feeding is introduced a week later. Nitrophoska is best suited at this stage (for 1 liter of water, a tablespoon of the product). This procedure is performed every 10 days.

With proper soil preparation, seedlings are not needed for feeding.

Additional care

Growing tomato seedlings in boxes needs picking. Its essence is to plant the shoots in separate pots (you can use plastic cups). The transplantation time usually occurs one month after the sprouts appear above the soil surface. Prepared small containers should have a hole in the bottom to allow excess moisture to escape. The lower part of the pot is filled with drainage (fine expanded clay or coarse river sand). Next, light fertile soil or a universal substrate is poured.

Before the dive, the box with seedlings is watered abundantly so as not to harm the shoots when removed. When transferring a seedling to a separate container, it is worth pinching the root. For 2-3 days after the pick, you need to raise the temperature by several degrees so that the plants take root faster in the new conditions.

When the seedlings grow up, they must be planted in separate cups.

What is the optimal temperature for tomato seedlings

One of the main rules of tomato cultivation after sowing is the observance of the temperature regime. To prevent seedlings from stretching, in the first week after their emergence, the temperature is maintained in the range of 13-16 ° C. Further, the daytime indicator increases to + 20-22 °, and the nighttime - up to + 17-18 ° С. If the temperature drops to + 10 ° and below, the development of the shoot is suspended, and with a minus indicator, there is a danger of freezing of the plant.

The seedlings can survive after freezing, provided that the temperature drop was short. If assistance to the culture is not provided in a timely manner, then the tomatoes will not be able to survive.

Tomatoes grow well at an air temperature of 20-22 degrees

Is it possible to grow tomato seedlings in a polyarbonate greenhouse

Tomatoes are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, but it is worth noting that not all designs are suitable for this. For example, creating proper conditions in a greenhouse made of plastic wrap is unlikely to work if there are no vents and windows.The first rays of the sun will raise the temperature indicator to a critical level.

The temperature is considered optimal:

• in the afternoon 20-22 ° in sunny weather, 19-20 ° in cloudy;
• at night 16-17 °.

At the initial stage of fruiting, the maximum indicator reaches 26-32 ° C. During the flowering period, the degrees should not fall below 14 ° C.

If the temperature conditions allow, then you can plant seedlings in the greenhouse.

To stabilize the growth of tomatoes and their ripening, after the first fruits are removed, the temperature regime is reduced to 16-17 ° C.

Avoid large temperature differences between night and day values.

What to do if the seedlings are frozen: is it possible to save

Do not despair if young shoots are frozen, tomatoes belong to the reviving plant species that can be reanimated. With proper care, young shoots can be saved, the culture will even bear fruit, but the yield, of course, will decrease.

Usually, seedlings freeze when the temperature drops to -3 ° C. In this case, the tops of the tomatoes not only wither, but also darken.

For the resuscitation of tomatoes, the following measures are used:

• trimming the damaged part of the stem;
• top dressing of the soil with a urea solution;
• introduction of humates into the soil, diluted with chicken droppings or manure;
• construction of a shelter made of film or agrofibre.

When freezing, seedlings can be saved, but it is advisable to act immediately

The restoration of culture takes place in a short period of time, you should not despair and give up. Moreover, the percentage of crop losses will be insignificant.

If, after planting seedlings on the beds, there is a danger of night frosts, the planting is covered with plastic wrap or agrotextile.

You can grow seedlings from seeds on your own, if you create favorable conditions for germination of seedlings and their further development. Fortified and healthy seedlings will go through the adaptation period faster, which will speed up the harvest.

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At what temperature to grow tomato seedlings

Temperature range for growing tomatoes

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A decrease in the air temperature in the greenhouse below 12 ºС and an overestimate to 30 ºС during the flowering period of tomatoes leads to the loss of the ovary and the cessation of flowering. This is due to the fact that at low temperatures, pollen does not ripen, and high temperatures make it sterile;

Special temperature regime of air and soil

So, when planting seedlings in a greenhouse, you must follow a number of simple rules:

1. - dilute a complete mineral fertilizer at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 5 liters of water;
2. Before planting the seeds, the ground must be shed with a hot pink solution of potassium permanganate, holes must be made to a depth of one and a half centimeters at a distance of 3-4 centimeters from each other.
3. By following these rules, you can easily get a decent harvest in your beds.
4. The ripeness of tomato fruits is usually divided into 2 categories: biological and technological.
5. After each watering, be sure to loosen the soil and destroy weeds. The first loosening is 8-13 cm, the next 5-6 cm. The first loosening helps to warm the top layer of the soil in order to bring the temperature regime for tomatoes back to normal. Subsequent loosening is needed to ventilate the root system.
6. Preference should be given to loamy and sandy loam soils, because they have high moisture capacity and air permeability.
7. Tomatoes are relatively moisture resistant, but they still have a fairly large water requirement. The frequency of watering and the volume of water depend on the specific characteristics of the soil, the level of solar radiation and the condition of the plant as a whole.

Temperatures below -0.5 ° C cause the death of the entire plant instantly.

In order to grow a good harvest of tomatoes on your site, you need to choose the right plant variety, know and observe the most important conditions for growing them.

At temperatures below 5 ° C, plants are damaged and die.Too overheated soil is no less dangerous for tomatoes. So, when the temperature rises above 38 ºС, the vegetable crop withers and dries up;

Before planting seedlings in the soil, take an interest in the weather forecast at least for the near future. If a cold snap or even frost is expected, leave the seedlings to stand on the windowsill for some more time;

- dilute and insist bird droppings (ratio 1:20);

Proper watering and lighting

With this method of growing tomato seedlings, seeds should be sown dry without prior preparation.

Each summer resident has his own way of growing tomato seedlings: some use a pick, others refuse it; someone is guided by the correct air temperature and daylight hours, while someone is counting on the help of dressings and fertilizers.

Biological maturity is the process of seed formation and their covering with a hard shell. At this stage, the growth of the fetus stops, the green color brightens. The harvested fruits at this particular time will be able to easily endure long transportation. For 5-6 days, the fruits acquire their characteristic color, accumulate vitamins, sugars, acids.

Lower leaves that age and darken should be removed promptly (once a week is sufficient).
Ammonia is also essential for normal plant growth. But it is worth remembering that when fertilizing the soil in a greenhouse with fresh manure, you should wait at least a week before growing tomatoes. Otherwise, ammonia poisoning of plants is possible, it manifests itself in the form of burns on the lower leaves.
Watering tomatoes indoors is recommended in the morning, once or twice a week, mainly in warm weather. In the open field, plants can be watered in the evening until 19-20 hours. The water temperature must reach + 20 ° С.

When planting seedlings lying down, not only the root, but 2/3 of the stem is placed in a prepared furrow, after removing the leaves from this part

The optimum temperature regime for the soil in which tomatoes grow is + 20-22 ° С.
Temperatures below 0.5 ºС lead to instant death of tomatoes.
You should not plant tomatoes in unheated soil: seedlings grown with such difficulty may die;

Improving photosynthesis and monitoring soil acidity

- dilute 1.5 tablespoons of mullein and half a teaspoon of urea in 5 liters of water and strain.
Put two seeds in each hole, sprinkle with earth and sprinkle water on top. At this stage, it is important to ensure the temperature in the boxes is 24-26 ° C. To do this, they are covered with plastic wrap and placed in a warm place until shoots appear. Tomato seedlings appear in 3-5 days.

The best way to grow seedlings has to be chosen empirically.

If at this stage you have not yet reaped the fruits, then now is the time to do it, because technological maturity has come. The fruit, although not yet red, is completely edible.

Tomatoes are very fond of fertilizers.
Tomatoes can be grown outdoors in almost any soil, but loamy and sandy loamy ones should be preferred, because they have high moisture capacity and air permeability. In greenhouses, you can also use this soil, after mixing it with mineral and organic fertilizers.

Too frequent watering can lead to a deterioration in the air regime of the soil and adversely affect the overall activity of the root system.

How to properly care for tomatoes

Thus, the optimal temperature regime for growing tomatoes is + 20-22 ° С during the day, and + 16-18 ° С at night.

Tomatoes (tomatoes) are among the most heat-loving crops.
So, daytime temperature fluctuations of 21… 23 ºС, and at night - 17… 18 ºС can be considered optimal for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse.This creates an optimal climatic environment for tomatoes, promotes better absorption of moisture and minerals from the soil and directly affects the quantity and quality of ripe fruits.

You do not need to plant tomatoes deep in the soil if the climatic conditions in your area are not conducive to this.

Two to three days before planting seedlings in the ground, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of plants from late blight.
After the emergence of seedlings, the film must be removed from the boxes immediately and the plants must be placed on a light window. At first, the seedlings are not watered, but only sprayed on the dried soil. Watering is done once every 5-7 days with settled water. The irrigation water temperature should be within 20-25 ° С. Thus, the plants are protected from the appearance of the "black leg". In the first week after the emergence of seedlings, in order to prevent stretching of the seedlings, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 13-16 ° C during the day and 11-13 ° C at night. After a week, the temperature is increased: in the daytime up to 20-22 ° С (in sunny weather) or up to 18-19 ° С (in cloudy weather). The optimum night temperature should be maintained at 17-18 ° C.

How to properly fertilize

We invite you to familiarize yourself with one of the ways to grow tomato seedlings, based on maintaining an optimal temperature regime.

Overripe fruits lose most of the vitamins and nutrients, the taste of such tomatoes deteriorates sharply, and the tissues of the fruit are completely softened. As a result, you will be disappointed in the long-awaited harvest.

Most of all, the plant needs potassium, especially when it comes to fruiting. Potassium has a positive effect on growth at the first stage of development, on the formation of stems, ovaries, fruits, helps the plant to survive the lack of light.

Tomatoes are most often planted in the garden where cucumbers or cabbage grew last year.

Air humidity, like temperature, has a direct effect on the fertilization of tomato flowers.

The optimum temperature regime for the soil in which tomatoes grow is + 20-22 ° С. Soil temperature below + 16 ° С leads to the fact that the absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen worsens, adventitious roots do not develop, access to water is limited, and this worsens the survival rate of seedlings.

Germination begins even at a temperature of + 14-16 ° C, but then the temperature should be gradually increased.

How to harvest and preserve crops

In addition to temperature fluctuations, the humidity of the air in the greenhouse is also important, since at the same temperature and different humidity, the state of the plant can be different. If you have planted seedlings and a cold snap has come, you need to artificially start additional heating of the greenhouse.
Tomatoes are very fond of heat and do not tolerate even slight cold. Therefore, plants are very demanding to maintain an optimal temperature regime in the greenhouse at every stage of their development. Recommended temperature conditions for growing tomatoes are as follows:

For these purposes, dilute copper sulfate at the tip of a knife and the same amount of boric acid in 3 liters of hot water. Cool the solution and spray the plants in the morning or evening before planting.

After about 3 weeks, when the tomatoes have a second true leaf, the plants dive, that is, they are seated in separate containers with a diameter of 7-10 cm and a height of 10-12 cm. As such containers, you can use cut plastic bottles or milk bags, in the bottom of which holes are necessarily made for water drainage.

So, the rules for caring for tomatoes, which should be remembered

1. It is clear that the sowing time depends on the climatic zone of cultivation: the farther north, the earlier you need to plant tomatoes for seedlings.
2. Maintain the recommended air and soil temperature for tomatoes.
3. It is necessary to remove the lowest leaves that touch the ground and any unnecessary stepchildren as they appear.
4. The best acidity is considered to be pH 6.0-6.5.If the acidity is increased, then it is recommended to lime the soil, otherwise most of the nutrients will be inaccessible to the plant.
5. The optimum humidity for growing this crop is 60-70%.

Temperature + 10-12 ° С contributes to the fact that the roots completely cease to absorb nutrients.

If you increase the air temperature to + 25-30 ° С, you will immediately see that the seedlings rushed upwards together.

The minimum temperature that tomatoes can withstand in greenhouse conditions depends on the plant variety. The average indicator ranges from 5 to 7 ºС. Undoubtedly, there are special frost-resistant varieties, mainly hybrids, which are able to withstand lower temperatures, but for a very short time. The negative effects of low temperatures have a detrimental effect on the growth and fruiting of tomatoes, so the constant temperature in the greenhouse should be higher. Before planting tomatoes in the greenhouse soil, the seedlings must be briefly exposed outside in the sun to harden the tender indoor tomatoes. This procedure will increase the resistance of plants.

After planting in a greenhouse, tomatoes begin to grow at a temperature of about 15 ºС, but over time it needs to be increased;

Timing of sowing tomato seeds for seedlings

Alternatively, spraying of seedlings with a solution of Trichopolum is also used (1 tablet is diluted in 1 liter of water).

Before planting the plants, it is necessary to put several superphosphate granules in each container with soil and sprinkle them with earth. The recommended temperature of the soil during the pick is not lower than 15 ° С. The most favorable air temperature after a dive: 20-22 ° С in sunny weather, 16-18 ° С - in cloudy weather, 12-14 ° С - at night.

And nevertheless, many gardeners in central Russia are trying to plant tomato seedlings in February, they say, the seedlings will grow more, you look, and the first fruits will appear faster.

Provide good lighting.

Soil preparation and planting tomato seeds

Nitrogen is used by the plant to form vegetative organs from the moment of germination to the beginning of flowering. You should not "feed" the plant with nitrogen, because such generosity will lead to the formation of very lush greenery, and flowers from the lower inflorescences may even fall off. If you nevertheless decide to increase the nitrogen fertilization, then do it after setting the fruits on the first inflorescences.

Unusual way of watering tomatoes.

At higher humidity levels (80-90%), pollen on the flowers sticks together and stops spilling out. Also, with high air humidity, there is a high likelihood of fungal and bacterial diseases.

Overheated soil is no less dangerous for plants.

Optimal temperature conditions for growing and picking tomato seedlings

Then lower the temperature to the initial + 14-16 ° C in order to prevent the seedlings from pulling out. This technique contributes to the rapid formation of the root system, even in poor lighting conditions.

Some vegetable crops freeze or stop growing under the influence of a sharp cold snap. This significantly affects the productivity of plants. Heat-loving crops growing close to the soil, including tomatoes, are the first to feel the cooling.

When the temperature rises to 25 ... 30 ºС, the seedlings will noticeably grow;

Top dressing of tomato seedlings

We wish you success and big harvests!

Whether seedlings need feeding or not, it is noticeable in its appearance: if the plants are strong with a thick stem and dark green leaves, then they can not be fed, they have enough nutrients in the soil.

However, most often, with an early sowing period, the seedlings, on the contrary, become weak and elongated, which ultimately leads to the loss of part of the crop.And all because in February and early March it is difficult to provide normal conditions for the development of plants, first of all, this concerns the temperature and length of daylight hours.

Watch out for humidity, do not allow sudden changes.

In addition, tomatoes require feeding in the form of fertilizers containing calcium, magnesium and iron.

After planting tomatoes, it is not recommended to water them for 2-3 weeks. For rooting and growth, the water that you poured into the holes just before planting is quite enough.

Prevention of late blight in tomatoes

Low humidity leads to the fact that the pollen caught on the pistil does not germinate at all, therefore, the fruits are not set.

Most varieties of cultivated tomato bear fruit both with long daylight hours and with a short one. To get a good harvest, it is worth increasing the light intensity for the plants.

Temperature + 10 ° С stops tomato growth.

Tomato seedlings can be significantly affected when frozen at -1 ºС. It will stop growing and start bearing fruit much later. If tomato seedlings are unhardened and insufficiently rooted, the plants may die from such stress. The most frost-resistant varieties of tomatoes will withstand about 3 ° C below zero, but only if the frost has been for a short time.

Thereafter, in order to avoid excessive stretching of the plants, the temperature must be lowered again to 15 ° C. Such a change in climatic conditions contributes to the development and strengthening of the root system, even despite insufficient illumination;

Permissible temperature for planting

Tomatoes are a thermophilic crop, therefore special conditions are required for their cultivation. A greenhouse will help create a beneficial Mediterranean climate for tomatoes in your summer cottage. To grow vegetables as efficiently as possible, it is recommended to withstand certain climatic conditions in a greenhouse, observing humidity indicators and optimal temperature conditions. This will reduce the risk of tomato death and help you get a good harvest of quality fruits.

If the leaves on the inside, and then on the outside, acquire a purple hue, this means the plant does not have enough phosphorus and heat. The temperature should be increased by a few degrees and the tomatoes should be fed with superphosphate. To prepare the fertilizer, pour one tablespoon of superphosphate with hot water, crush and let it brew for 24 hours.

Therefore, for the middle lane, the Urals and Siberia, it is recommended to sow tomato seeds for seedlings not earlier than March 15-20, and the seeds of ultra-ripening hybrids even later - April 1-5.

• Fertilize the soil.
• Mineral fertilizers are often given in liquid form, immediately after watering. The first feeding is carried out 2 weeks after the tomatoes are planted in the soil, this is the approximate time when ovaries begin to form on the plant (on the first inflorescence). At this time, phosphate-potassium fertilizers are recommended (15-20 g of potassium sulfate and 20-25 g of superphosphate per 1 m2). Nitrogen fertilizers should be added when the soil is poor and this noticeably affects the growth of the plant (we add up to 10 g per 1 m2 of ammonium nitrate).
• Water the plants later, but don't overdo it. It is recommended to water the tomatoes at the root using settled water at room temperature. When watering from a watering can (sprinkling), plants suffer, because the temperature of both soil and air drops sharply. This has a bad effect on flowering, the ovary occurs much later, most flowers fall off, the fruits ripen late.

Optimal temperature conditions for growing

Carbon dioxide plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis. The natural gas content in the air is 0.03%, this amount is not enough for tomatoes to give a high yield. For this culture, the optimal proportion of gas is 0.1-0.2%. Naturally, this amount cannot be achieved. But various carbonic fertilizers can help you.With their help, you can achieve fast growing and early ripening of fruits.

• When grown by dug-in stepchildren, the first side shoots are not removed by the stepchildren, but they are allowed to grow longer. Then the leaves are ripped off them, bent to the ground and covered with a layer of soil 10-12 cm.
• Temperatures above + 30 ° С and below + 12 ° С contribute to the cessation of flowering, the shedding of the ovary, because the high temperature makes the pollen sterile, and at low temperatures it does not ripen at all.
• The correct temperature regime in the greenhouse is the key to a stable and high-quality harvest. Therefore, if the climate in your region is not suitable for growing tomatoes, the air temperature of the greenhouse must be regulated. If automated heating of a greenhouse hits the pocket, you can use simpler heating options, such as mulching the soil, additional covering with film, and the like. Having stabilized the temperature to normal, you need to maintain a given mode, then turning on heating, then ventilating the greenhouse space.
• At temperatures below 15 ºС, the efficiency of absorption of minerals decreases, roots do not develop at a sufficient rate, access to water is difficult and seedlings take root much worse;
• When planting tomato seedlings in a greenhouse, the most important factor is not even how hot the air in the greenhouse is, but what is the temperature of the soil at a shallow depth from the surface. Therefore, before planting tomatoes in the ground, you must make sure that the temperature reaches at least 15 ° C. Under such conditions, seedlings can be planted in a greenhouse, as it will rapidly take root and put down new roots. If the temperature of the surface layer of the soil is below 10 ° C, then the roots will not develop and there is a risk that the root system may rot.
• If the tomato leaf is light green, the plants are frail and stretch out strongly, then it is recommended, on the contrary, to reduce the temperature and reduce watering. You can take out the box with seedlings in a cold place for half an hour. It is also necessary to feed the plants by choosing one of the following feeding options:
• For tomatoes, the soil is prepared by mixing earth and humus in equal proportions. You can add wood ash to this soil mixture (at the rate of 1 cup per bucket) or complete mineral fertilizer (2 cups to 3 buckets).
• Remove spoiled leaves and fruits in a timely manner.

We carry out other dressings during the growth and ripening of fruits.

High air humidity provokes a stop in the growth of green tomatoes, cracking of already red fruits, and apical rot spreads.

The minimum temperature threshold that tomatoes can withstand

You can increase the carbon dioxide content when growing tomatoes by applying manure to the site. In greenhouses, you can use dry ice or regularly burn kerosene or gas, which contains practically no sulfur. Such feeding of tomatoes is recommended to be carried out during the day, from 14 to 16 hours. It is especially important to feed in greenhouses in winter and spring.

Temperature at which tomatoes in the greenhouse will freeze

The intensity of illumination directly proportionally affects the yield and fruiting of tomatoes. With a lack of light, plant growth is very quickly disrupted. So, cloudy weather can increase the period from the beginning of flowering to the ripening of tomatoes by as much as 10-17 days. The taste and quality of the fruit is noticeably deteriorated in bad weather.

At temperatures up to + 5 ° C and above + 43 ° C, rapid damage to plants is observed, and then their rapid death.

What is the best temperature for growing seedlings? The optimal mode for most green vegetables on a sunny day is 14-18 ° С, on a cloudy day - 12-16 ° С, at night - 10-14 ° С. Only twice the temperature is reduced to 6-10 ° C: in the first 4-7 days after the seedlings appear (so that they do not stretch too much, heat contributes to this), and 10-15 days before planting the seedlings in the ground - in order to harden the plants , prepare for possible adverse conditions that await them in the open field. And in the last days before disembarking, the temperature is generally brought to the level of the outside temperature. At sub-zero temperatures, seedlings die ...

At what temperature do tomatoes die?

Maria Lutsenko

When the temperature drops to 10 ° C, the roots of tomatoes cease to absorb nutrients from the soil and stop growing;

For maximum heating of the soil, it is recommended to cover the film greenhouse in advance; for this purpose, a black film coating is very well suited. If the soil did not have time to warm up to the desired condition, and the seedlings already need to be planted, pour some hot water into each hole before planting the tomatoes. Another rule: do not plant seedlings deeply if the soil is not fully warmed up. Planting seedlings in unheated soil means exposing tomatoes to various diseases. The tomatoes will sore until the soil temperature reaches the optimum value. In this case, it is better to wait: the soil under the film warms up rather quickly - in just a couple of days.

Tomatoes are one of the most common vegetables in vegetable gardens and summer cottages. This is due to the fact that many people love tomatoes and are happy to include them in their diet. The plant belongs to heat-loving crops and in most regions, the seedling method is used to obtain an early harvest.

Each gardener has his own secrets of growing tomato seedlings. But not everyone knows how the temperature regime when growing tomato seedlings affects their yield. Our article is devoted to this issue.

We hurry slowly

Novice gardeners, trying to get an early harvest of tomatoes, strive to sow seeds as soon as possible. They believe that the sooner they receive seedlings and plant them in the garden, the earlier the first fruits will appear. But in most cases, when sowing too early, they get weak plants and elongated seedlings, which subsequently will not give a large yield.

Too elongated shoots weaken the plant

This result is obtained due to the fact that in February or early March it is very difficult to ensure optimal light and temperature conditions when growing tomato seedlings. Daylight hours are still very short, and the air temperature, during the "late spring", drops quite low.

Frosts are especially dangerous for a thermophilic culture, often prolonged in the first or second decade of March. Even if at this time the plants are covered with lutrasil, it is unlikely that it will be possible to save the roots.

Therefore, experts advise not to rush to sow tomato seeds. They find it better to be a little late than to be ahead of the ideal planting dates. Residents of the middle zone of the country are recommended to start sowing tomatoes no earlier than half of March, and super-early hybrids even later - in early April.

VIDEO: How temperature affects seedlings

Preparatory work

It is important to prepare the soil for sowing seeds. It should be warm. Experienced gardeners advise no matter what the origin of the soil (bought in a specialized store or prepared an earthen mixture yourself), it is imperative to disinfect it. There are many ways, but the most proven and simplest to perform is processing with potassium permanganate or roasting in the oven:

1. A hot pink solution of pharmacy potassium permanganate is being prepared and the soil is watered abundantly.
2. The soil with a layer of 8-10 cm is spread on a baking sheet and sent to the oven for an hour at a temperature of 180-200 ° C.

After disinfection has been carried out, the soil in the box is moistened and left for at least 2 weeks before sowing, so that during this time the microflora useful for plants can develop.

Tomato seeds are sown in moist, warm soil. Therefore, if necessary, the soil is moistened with a spray bottle before sowing.

Seed disinfection

Grains are recommended to be disinfected if they are collected on their own or you are not sure that such a step was carried out by the manufacturer. When using planting material of well-known brands, all the necessary actions have already been taken. For disinfection, you can use all the same potassium permanganate.

Potassium permanganate copes best with disinfection

We prepare a weak solution: dilute 1 g of manganese in 1 glass of water.We place the grains in a cloth bag or just a rag that we tie. In this form, the seeds are soaked for 15-20 minutes in the prepared solution, and then washed thoroughly.

Aloe juice diluted with water 1: 1 will help to strengthen the immunity of the seed fund and stimulate growth. To do this, cut off the aloe leaves, send them to the refrigerator for a week. Then it is crushed and squeezed through a colander or sieve.

Vernalization

After the seeds have been washed and slightly dried, the seeds can be hardened. This procedure is called vernalization and is used for the production of seeds on an industrial scale.

To do this, they are placed in a damp cloth in a refrigerator for 24-48 hours at a temperature of + 1 ° C. Make sure the fabric is always damp. Therefore, if necessary, it is moistened with a spray bottle. After stabbing, the seeds are laid out on a plate, covered with a cotton cloth and moistened. After 1-3 days, they hatch, after which they can immediately be sown in a previously prepared nutrient soil.

Secrets of sowing tomato seeds

For sowing, use a variety of containers with a side height of 10 cm and above. You can sow tomato grains in special cassettes or on peat tablets. When growing tomato seedlings, the seeds are deepened by 1 cm.One of the sowing methods can be used at your choice.

Standard formula for sowing seeds for seedlings

The first option provides that we level the soil in a container and spread grains on it, and sprinkle it on top with a centimeter layer of earth. The second way is more traditional:

• make centimeter-deep grooves;
• seeds are laid out in each track at a distance of 2-4 cm from each other;
• top covered with soil.

In both cases, the grains will be under a centimeter layer of soil.

If the seeds are not sown in a separate container, then they adhere to the following scheme: the width between the rows is 3-5 cm, and between the plants is 2-4 cm. The soil is carefully moistened from above with a spray bottle. The container is covered with glass or plastic wrap and placed in a well-lit, warm place.

The optimum temperature for growing seedlings before sprouting is 24-26 ° C. If you place a container with seedlings on the windowsills, then put polystyrene under it, and do not open the vents.

Having provided the proposed temperature regime for growing tomato seedlings, you will be able to observe the first shoots as early as 3-5 days. As soon as the seeds germinate, the glass (film) should be taken away, and the foam should be left. Choose a well-lightened place on the windowsill for the container with seedlings.

VIDEO: Secrets of growing seedlings on the windowsill - lighting, watering, supplementary lighting

What temperature is needed to grow strong seedlings

Immediately after sprouting, the temperature must be lowered to grow healthy seedlings. The first week the optimum air temperature is 13-16 ° C during the day, and 11-13 ° C at night. This temperature regime prevents the stretching of the plants.

Sometimes it is possible to observe the retardation of the growth of seedlings due to the hard cotyledonous membrane, which does not allow the leaves to open. This is a signal that the humidity in the room is very low. In this case, it is necessary to spray the seedlings from a spray bottle several times throughout the day, on which a fine fraction of drops is installed. Thus, you will soften the shell and help free the cotyledon leaves from it.

A week after the emergence of seedlings, the temperature when growing seedlings should rise. It is necessary to provide plants with the following regime during the day:

• in sunny weather 20-22 ° С;
• at cloudy - 18-19 ° С.
• the night temperature should be 17-18 ° C.

Some experts recommend lower temperatures: 16-18 ° C during the day in cloudy weather, and 10-12 ° C at night.

It should only be borne in mind that if the optimal temperature regime for growing tomato seedlings is violated, the plants develop much worse.Thus, there are studies that lowering the night temperature even by 2 ° C leads to a weakening of the development of the root system of seedlings.

Healthy growth that will yield a good harvest

At the same time, overheating of the container with seedlings helps to stretch the plants. Such tomatoes will have thin and weakened stems. The stated care of the seedlings must be provided before the appearance of the second true leaf. As a rule, this occurs within 30-35 days after germination.

Tomatoes should be watered very carefully. Waterlogging of the soil can provoke the death of roots, as well as disease of seedlings "black leg". Experts believe that for growing tomato seedlings, the optimal daylight hours should have 12-14 hours. Therefore, if possible, additional illumination of the container with cultures with lamps should be organized.

What you need to know about diving tomatoes?

Tomato seedlings must be dived into separate containers. This is especially necessary when the seeds have been sown too thickly. It is advisable to choose peat or plastic cups with a volume of 0.5 liters. Most experts recommend diving the plants after a couple of real leaves appear.

How to dive seedlings correctly

Some growers believe it is better to wait until the second true leaf develops. Plants should be transplanted with a lump of earth, trying not to touch the roots. Often, gardeners practice the landless method of growing seedlings to relieve the stress of the plant as much as possible when picking.

Read with this article: Convenient and simple landless way to grow seedlings on toilet paper

After diving, tomatoes should be provided with the following temperature regime:

• on a sunny day 20-22 ° С,
• in cloudy weather 16-18 ° С,
• at night - 12-14 ° С.

To grow tomato seedlings at home, vegetable growers need to take care of many factors, and the temperature regime takes an important place among them. I wish you success!

VIDEO: Optimum temperature for seedlings

Among the existing varieties and hybrids of tomatoes, it is difficult to give preference to one option. Each is distinguished by certain taste and commercial qualities. But agricultural technology as a whole consists of general rules that should be followed in a timely manner. How to grow tomato seedlings, what is the optimal temperature it can withstand and what to do if it is frozen further in the article.

Timing for planting tomato seeds for seedlings

There is no need to rush to sowing seeds. It is important to adhere to the timing recommended by the selected variety. Some gardeners are fond of planting seeds in January. In principle, seedlings can spend about 60 days on the windowsill, but by the time of transplantation, its stems and foliage will be stunted due to lack of light and violation of the conditions for keeping containers with seedlings.

February, starting in the second half, can be the starting period for sowing tomatoes. However, there is a prerequisite - the whole process must take place in a heated greenhouse with good lighting. The windowsills of city apartments are not suitable for this. If fluorescent lamps help with additional light, then the temperature regime and space can hardly be adjusted.

Tomato seeds are recommended to be planted in the second half of February.

Experienced gardeners have identified the optimal seeding time for themselves - mid-March. The seedlings will receive a sufficient amount of light, which is important for the normal vegetation of the plant. Early maturing varieties can be planted in early April. In cloudy weather, it is necessary to light up containers with seedlings, this creates a high yield.

You can calculate the sowing time, focusing on the timing of seed germination and seedling ripening. From planting to transferring seedlings to the garden, it takes an average of 50-60 days.

How to properly plant seeds in a box

Seedlings are grown at home in separate pots or cups, but most often a wooden box is chosen as a container. It is disinfected before use. This can be done with a solution of copper sulfate (for a bucket of water 100 g.). The parameters of the container must correspond to: a height of at least 8-10 cm, a length and width of 30x50 cm.

Initially, seeds can be planted in one box

A soil mixture is prepared about a week before sowing:

• sod land (1 part);
• humus (part 1);
• sawdust (part 1);
• wood ash (2 tbsp. l.);
• superphosphate (1.5 tbsp. l.);
• slaked lime (10 gr.);
• peat (part 1).

The treated box is filled to the brim with the substrate. For moistening, it is preferable to use snow, laying out a layer of it for gradual melting. If this is not possible, then repeated spraying can be dispensed with. Do not pour a large amount of water into prepared containers.

Before sowing, the seeds must undergo training, which includes soaking for the purpose of disinfection, treatment with growth stimulants, and germination in a damp cloth.

On the day of sowing, the box is watered with a solution of water (8.5 liters), mullein (3 tbsp. L.) And copper sulfate (half tsp.).

The seeding depth is 0.5 cm, the interval between the grains is 2x5 cm. You can lightly sprinkle the top with the same soil mixture that the box is filled with, but you do not need to overdo it. The upper part of the container is covered with glass or foil. Until the emergence of seedlings above the ground, the temperature regime must be observed within + 22 ° C. It is also important to provide the seed with good lighting.

If desired, seeds can be sown in a separator container

Growing tomato seedlings at home

In order for the seedlings to grow healthy and strong, it is necessary to create the proper conditions.

Lighting

Seedlings appear about a week after sowing. The box must be installed in a well-lit place. If this is a windowsill, then the lightest. With a lack of sunlight, fluorescent lamps are installed. The best development of seedlings can be achieved with round-the-clock illumination of the emerging shoots in the first 2-3 days, after which you can switch to the usual daylight hours - 16 hours.

At first, it is advisable to supplement the seedlings

Watering

Young shoots should receive a sufficient amount of moisture; overdrying of the soil is unacceptable. During the germination stage, the moisture regime is maintained thanks to a glass or plastic wrap cover. It is not necessary to remove it immediately after the emergence of seedlings, you can periodically open the container, allowing the seedlings to adapt to the new environment. After 1-2 weeks of this regime, the covering material is completely removed.

With the growth of shoots and an increase in the temperature regime of irrigation, more is required, the soil begins to more intensively absorb water during irrigation. It is better to moisten the seedlings under the root, without touching the green part. The water should be warm (+ 22 ° C), settled.

The first 27-30 days after germination of shoots above the soil surface, watering is carried out three times. The first irrigation is done after the emergence of shoots (the rate of water consumption is 1 glass per box). The second procedure is performed after 3 weeks, and the third - on the day of picking the seedlings.

Watering tomatoes is desirable according to a pre-selected scheme

Top dressing

If the soil mixture is prepared correctly, then it is not necessary to introduce the subcortex at the first stage of sprout development. It is appropriate to enrich the soil with nutrients after a leaf has formed on the seedling. Usually, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used to stimulate the growth of greenery. It is important not to overdo it in this matter, so as not to burn out the crops. It is enough to dissolve a tablespoon of urea in a bucket of water.

The second feeding is introduced a week later. Nitrophoska is best suited at this stage (for 1 liter of water, a tablespoon of the product). This procedure is performed every 10 days.

With proper soil preparation, seedlings are not needed

Additional care

Growing tomato seedlings in boxes needs picking. Its essence is to plant the shoots in separate pots (you can use plastic cups). The transplantation time usually occurs one month after the sprouts appear above the soil surface. Prepared small containers should have a hole in the bottom to allow excess moisture to escape. The lower part of the pot is filled with drainage (fine expanded clay or coarse river sand). Next, light fertile soil or a universal substrate is poured.

Before diving, the box with seedlings is watered abundantly so as not to harm the shoots when removed. When transferring a seedling to a separate container, it is worth pinching the root. For 2-3 days after the pick, you need to raise the temperature by a few degrees, so that the plants take root faster in the new conditions.

When the seedlings grow up, they must be planted in separate cups.

What is the optimal temperature for tomato seedlings

One of the main rules of tomato cultivation after sowing is the observance of the temperature regime. To prevent seedlings from stretching, in the first week after their emergence, the temperature is maintained in the range of 13-16 ° C. Further, the daytime indicator increases to + 20-22 °, and the nighttime - up to + 17-18 ° С. If the temperature drops to + 10 ° and below, the development of the shoot is suspended, and with a minus indicator, there is a danger of freezing of the plant.

The seedlings can survive after freezing, provided that the temperature drop was short. If assistance to the culture is not provided in a timely manner, then the tomatoes will not be able to survive.

Tomatoes grow well at an air temperature of 20-22 degrees

Is it possible to grow tomato seedlings in a polyarbonate greenhouse

Tomatoes are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, but it is worth noting that not all designs are suitable for this. For example, creating proper conditions in a greenhouse made of plastic wrap is unlikely to work if there are no vents and windows. The first rays of the sun will raise the temperature indicator to a critical level.

The temperature is considered optimal:

• in the afternoon 20-22 ° in sunny weather, 19-20 ° in cloudy;
• at night 16-17 °.

At the initial stage of fruiting, the maximum indicator reaches 26-32 ° C. During the flowering period, the degrees should not fall below 14 ° C.

If the temperature conditions allow, then you can plant seedlings in the greenhouse.

To stabilize the growth of tomatoes and their ripening, after the first fruits are removed, the temperature regime is reduced to 16-17 ° C.

Avoid large temperature differences between night and day values.

What to do if the seedlings are frozen: is it possible to save

Do not despair if young shoots are frozen, tomatoes belong to the reviving plant species that can be reanimated. With proper care, young shoots can be saved, the culture will even bear fruit, but the yield, of course, will decrease.

Usually, seedlings freeze when the temperature drops to -3 ° C. In this case, the tops of the tomatoes not only wither, but also darken.

For the resuscitation of tomatoes, the following measures are used:

• trimming the damaged part of the stem;
• top dressing of the soil with a urea solution;
• introduction of humates into the soil, diluted with chicken droppings or manure;
• construction of a shelter made of film or agrofibre.

When freezing, seedlings can be saved, but it is advisable to act immediately

The restoration of culture takes place in a short period of time, you should not despair and give up. Moreover, the percentage of crop losses will be insignificant.

If, after planting seedlings on the beds, there is a danger of night frosts, the planting is covered with plastic wrap or agrotextile.

You can grow seedlings from seeds on your own, if you create favorable conditions for germination of seedlings and their further development. Fortified and healthy seedlings will go through the adaptation period faster, which will speed up the harvest.