Finally, the first green “loops” of carrots and beets appeared. The very first feeding at this moment is a guarantee that the root vegetables will grow large, sweet and will be well stored.
Why is the first feeding so important?
The first feeding solves two problems: strengthens the immune system and gives a starting impulse for growth. Without healthy, powerful tops there will be no large root crop, so nitrogen is needed at first.
But do not overfeed – excess will lead to huge tops and small, loose root vegetables.
What to feed after germination
Mineral fertilizers:
- ammonium nitrate – 1 tbsp. spoon for 10 liters of water;
- urea – 1 tbsp. spoon for 10 liters of water;
- complex fertilizers for root crops – strictly according to the instructions.
Traditional recipes:
- wood ash – scatter between rows (matchbox per 1 sq. m) or infusion: a glass of ash in 10 liters of water, leave for 24 hours;
- infusion of bird droppings – 1 part droppings to 15 parts water, leave for 3 days, dilute 1 liter of concentrate in 10 liters of water;
- iodine – 20 drops per 10 liters of water (watering at the root);
- green fertilizer (nettle infusion) – leave for 10-14 days, dilute 0.5 liters of infusion per 10 liters of water.
What to do if carrots do not sprout well
If less than 25–30 days have passed, do not rush to replant. Water the bed generously with warm water and cover with spunbond. If there are no shoots at all, soak seeds of a different variety for a day in water with a stimulant and sow again. After sowing, lightly compact the bed with a board – carrots like the soil above the seeds to be dense.
General rules for first feeding: Feed when 2-3 true leaves appear, only on moist soil. Do not use fresh manure. The second feeding (after 2–3 weeks) focuses on potassium and phosphorus (ash, potassium sulfate). Third (mid-summer) – again potassium and phosphorus, excluding nitrogen.
Personal experience
Last year the spring was cold, the carrot shoots were frail and hardly grew. I read about this fertilizer and watered it. A week later, the carrots came to life, the tops began to grow, and in the fall the root crops grew one to one. I recommend it.
