What to do if the seedlings of peppers, tomatoes are stretched out. We talk about effective methods

Often, the seedlings of peppers and tomatoes that grow on windowsills become strongly stretched, become thin and long. This is one of the main problems of gardeners in March due to lack of light, waterlogging, excessive fertilization (and other reasons).

What measures should be taken, what means can be used to avoid pulling out the seedlings, or to correct what has already happened. At the same time, you do not need to use expensive drugs for this.

Using urea as a top dressing

If the seedlings of peppers, tomatoes are stretched, they can be fed with urea. You will need a half teaspoon of the substance for 5 liters of water. With this solution, you need to water the seedlings and put the plants in a cool room (no higher than + 15- + 16 degrees, for example, on a loggia). You can open the vents if it is not possible to place the plants in a room with a low temperature.

The seedlings will stop growing and take on a dark green color. In this case, watering must be reduced for a while, but the soil should not dry out. This method is considered to be budgetary and effective.

Stroking the seedlings on the tops

This method was also used by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. They gently stroked the tomato seedlings on the tops, first in one direction, then in the other. Such actions make it possible for plants to fully develop and not stretch.

The fact is that when you stroke tomatoes, a special substance (ethylene) is released, which prevents stretching, it gives a signal to strengthen the root system and thicken the stem. It is enough to carry out these manipulations once every 7 days.

Picking

With thickened plantings, the plants begin to compete with each other. Thickened crops should be opened. From small containers, plants need to be transplanted into larger cups. All free space in containers must be filled with earth in cotyledon leaves.

Drugs

You can use penny preparations that prevent the seedlings from pulling out. For example, this is the drug "Krepen", "Athlete", "Tour". Dilute the solution according to the instructions.

Using backlight or foil as reflective material

If there is not enough lighting in the room, the seedlings can be pulled out. Therefore, it is better to use backlight or foil as a reflective material. It is hung on the sides of the window, placed on the windowsill, placed on top of the seedlings.

Observe your "plants", provide them with favorable growing conditions to get strong and healthy seedlings before planting in a greenhouse or open ground.

Read also:

What to do with pepper seedlings after germination, how to feed weak sprouts

Good advice to the gardener: how to grow powerful and healthy seedlings of peppers (from sowing to planting in the ground)

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