After planting, the seedlings can stand for a whole week – without turning yellow or falling off, but also without increasing in growth. The author of the Zen channel “Garden Cribs” realized from his own experience what mistakes he made at this stage. It turns out that it’s all about overgrowth, cold soil, improper watering and early nitrogen fertilizing.
Mistake #1: Seedlings have outgrown the “window” for planting
Seedlings need to be planted 20-25 days after germination. The ideal seedling is not young, but not overripe, with two true leaves and a compact root.
If the seedling is 35-40 days old, then its root will twist, the stem will stretch, the tendrils will stretch towards the support, and replanting will become a powerful stress for it. After transplantation, it will begin to spend all its energy on restoring the damaged root system, and there will be no resources left for growth.
Mistake #2: Planting seedlings in cold soil
If the soil temperature is below +15 °C, the roots will fail and stop absorbing moisture and nutrients. The seedlings will literally be “frozen” from the inside, even when the air temperature in the shade is +22 °C.
It is not necessary to use a thermometer to check the soil temperature. You can lower your hand to a depth of 10 cm for 10 seconds. Is your hand frozen? Disembarkation will have to wait.
And if you need to plant seedlings in the next 5-6 days, warm up the beds. Cover their surface with dark film, and add a little humus to each hole.
Mistake #3: Detrimental watering
Watering seedlings from under a hose is a grave mistake: the water in it is cold, and the cucumbers are in shock and stress for a long time after such watering. The minimum water temperature is + 20 °C.
Mistake #4: Early nitrogen fertilization
Feeding seedlings immediately after planting with nitrogen fertilizer is a gross mistake. The root system is not yet able to absorb nutrients. The root hairs will be severely burned due to the concentrated solution.
As soon as adaptation is complete, and after a week you see that the top of the bush has stretched upward and a new leaf has appeared, you can carry out the first feeding.
