Many people already transport seedlings to the dacha, but moving tomatoes is always stressful. To help them adapt quickly and not get sick, it is important to do three things right on the spot. Experienced agronomist Ksenia Davydova spoke about this.
Immediately after planting, tomatoes need support. The roots are disturbed, the plant loses moisture faster than it can replenish it – hence the limp leaves and “ears”. Zircon stimulates the growth of small suction roots and helps restore moisture movement. Dilute it strictly according to the instructions, add succinic acid (1 tablet per 1 liter of water) and water the seedlings. This will strengthen the immune system and speed up adaptation.
Mulching with grass clippings
Immediately after watering, mulch the plantings with mowed grass. This solves several problems at once:
- the soil stays moist longer;
- a dense crust does not form;
- the earth does not overheat;
- Phytophthora spores do not splash onto the leaves.
In stable conditions, tomatoes adapt much faster.
Shading from the sun
In clear weather, young plants must be shaded. The goal is to reduce the evaporation of moisture from the leaves until the roots can supply it. The less stress in the first days in the garden, the faster the tomatoes will grow.
The easiest way is to fasten agrofibre to the wall of the greenhouse, arcs, or simply on sticks stuck into the ground.
Supportive watering, mulch and shading are three simple steps that will help seedlings quickly settle in and not lose their vigor.
Personal experience
Previously, tomatoes were sick for a long time after transplantation, some never recovered. That year I did everything according to the rules: watering with zircon, mulching with grass, shading. The seedlings didn’t even blink – after a week they were already growing. The harvest was earlier than usual and larger.
