Mistakes in growing pepper seedlings that all novice gardeners make

Peppers are one of my favorite vegetables. I can eat them raw, grilled or stewed. Therefore, I always plant the peppers myself on seedlings and grow them in my greenhouse.

Many gardeners complain that these vegetable seeds sit in the ground for a long time, it does not germinate well, and the seedlings are capricious in care. I also made many mistakes at the beginning of my "career" as a gardener. And I worked out for myself several rules, which I have been following for more than one year. Now I don’t complain about peppers, but grow and rejoice!

# 1 Checking the seeds

Before sowing, the seeds must be sorted out immediately. Open the package and dip all the seeds in salt water. Throw out those that remain to float on the surface - they are empty and will definitely not rise. Then, they can be soaked in hydrogen peroxide or phytosporin for several hours. This prepares the seeds for sowing.

You also need to pay attention to seed producers. I take it in proven garden centers or retail outlets. Sometimes the seeds themselves are harvested from the sludge of their grown peppers. I put 50 to 50 - half of the purchased, half of my own.

No. 2 Preparing the soil

In equal proportions, we take special soil and sand, mix with vermiculite. I also add wood ash and eggshells to the soil. I mix everything well, slightly spill it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. That's it, the soil is ready to receive seeds.

No. 3 Landing

We make trenches and lay the seeds at a distance of 5-7 cm from each other. Sprinkle with earth. Cover the top with polyethylene or put glass on the box. This creates a greenhouse effect and helps the seeds to hatch faster. After about 10-14 days, the first shoots appear. I sow pepper on seedlings in late February and early March. I try to do this on a "growing moon" or a full moon.

No. 4 Seedling care

Until the shoots have reached a sufficient height (about 5 cm), I try not to water the seedlings, but spray well. The roots during this period are thin and prone to rot. I try to closely monitor the seedlings during this period.

When it gets stronger, I start pouring a thin stream from the watering can. The water should be warm, settled. I take plain tap water and let it stand for 3-4 days. Then I water it.

No. 5 Nutrient dressing

Seedlings at all stages of development require regular feeding. You can use combined liquid fertilizers, or use granular mineral fertilizers. It is important for the plant to get potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

I always have wood ash on hand. Sometimes I make infusions, but most often sprinkle dry on the soil, then water. Everything that the soil needs, it will take.

No. 6 Pick

As the seedlings grow, you can dive it. In the phase of formation of 5-6 leaves, I remove the lower leaves, if there are internodes, then I cut them off - but this is very rare.

I don't touch the plant anymore, it grows the way it wants. I transplant seedlings into greenhouses as soon as stable warm weather is established.