A picking of seedlings is a transplant of a plant after two leaves have appeared from one container to another of a larger size. The opinions of experts were divided about its necessity. Some believe that this is a necessary measure for its further growth. Others are of the opinion that picking is a kind of stress for the plant and therefore initially sowing seeds in large containers.
The picking process consists of replanting small seedlings into a larger pot, which is filled with new soil substrate. In order to minimize the possibility of traumatizing the plant, it must be transplanted provided there are 2-3 leaves. Such manipulations contribute to the rapid growth and development of the root system of seedlings, as well as strengthening and resistance to subsequent planting in the soil.
From the moment of sowing the seeds to the appearance of the first leaves, the seedlings do not need a large area. During this period, it is necessary to provide favorable climatic conditions for their growth: temperature, illumination, watering. For sowing seedling seeds, it is recommended to use small cups or pots with a hole in the bottom. This technique prevents stagnation of water in the vessel and thus creates the necessary conditions for oxygenation of the soil.
What is a pick and why to do it
When the seedlings begin to grow, their root system also develops, therefore, in the future, caring for the seedlings involves moving them into a large pot. There the plant will be able to develop normally and receive all the necessary substances and trace elements.
If the seedlings are left in small cups during the development of roots, the area is not lost. The roots begin to lick out of the existing holes, intertwine, the plant does not receive the required amount of trace elements. As a result, it begins to turn yellow, wither, and stunted. Therefore, the only solution to this problem is considered to increase the area for each sprout, that is, they are transplanted into a larger vessel.
In what cases it is imperative to carry out a pick
The pick provides the necessary nutritional area for the young plant. In addition, favorable conditions are created for the development of a strong root system, and, accordingly, healthy, strong seedlings.
In the case of initial sowing of seeds in large containers, the situation with drainage becomes more difficult. In such pots, excess moisture remains in the soil, and does not go outside. This reduces the amount of oxygen required to feed the plant, as well as the possibility of its supply. Under these growing conditions, the seeds will sprout, but the plants will develop more slowly.
In some cases, picking is recommended to be carried out without fail. The transplanting process stimulates the growth and development of lateral roots and thus the plant takes root better after planting in openings.
After sowing seeds in a common pot, and not separately, at a certain stage of development, the roots of neighboring seedlings begin to intertwine with each other. Separation and transplantation of seedlings helps to prevent such a development of events, in addition, it makes it easier to plant plants in the garden.
With a high similarity, such a manipulation helps to select better quality sprouts and get rid of sick, thin and underdeveloped ones.
Seedlings can be attacked by various bacteria and fungal infections. Transplanting into a new soil substrate helps to protect seedlings from diseases and their consequences.
In some cases, it is necessary to suspend the growth of the plant, which is carried out using a pick. When transplanting an adult seedling, its growth slows down and thus the threat of overgrowth disappears.
How to dive seedlings correctly
To correctly carry out a pick, you must follow a certain sequence of actions. There are two methods of picking: transfer and transfer.
Transfer. To carry out a transplant, it is necessary to pre-fill the seedlings with warm water, this will help reduce its damage when removed from the ground. Prepared boxes, pots or flowerpots must be filled by a third with soil mixture and tamped a little. With a stick or finger, you need to make a hole to the very bottom, where the seedling root will subsequently fit.
With the help of auxiliary equipment, you need to get the seedling boring along with a lump of earth from a common vessel. It is advisable to hold the plants by the earth ball or by the leaves. It is not recommended to hold by the stem. At the next stage, excess soil is removed from the roots of the seedlings. Sometimes plucking of the main root layer is carried out to improve further development of its lateral roots.
The prepared seedling is placed in the formed hole and covered with soil, compacting it with your hands, and watered. If the seedlings are small, they can be placed in a tray filled with water. Transplanted plants for several days in a dimly lit place.
Transfer. The transshipment method is distinguished by the fact that damage to the root system is minimized and thus, plants need much less time to adapt to new conditions.
A few days before its implementation, it is necessary to stop watering so that the plants, along with the soil, can easily leave the original container. A third of the previously prepared vessels are filled with earth.
Turn the vessel with a sprout, press a little on the bottom and get the plant along with a lump of earth. At the next stage, the plant, together with the soil, is placed in a prepared vessel and covered with the required amount of soil substrate. Then you should spend abundant watering and put the sprouts in a dimly lit room for a couple of days.
What crops do not tolerate picking
With proper handling, the root system of the seedlings remains practically intact. It can be used for fragile and demanding plants, as well as those that painfully tolerate transplantation: pepper, eggplant, poppy, mallow.
But plants such as cucumber, pumpkin, zucchini, melon, it is advisable to sow in separate pots and plant in open ground at the stage of development of four leaves.
