Growing tomato seedlings in peat pots: how to plant, care and move to the ground? Peat pots for seedlings - how to apply and how to choose the right? How to plant seedlings in peat pots.

In circumstances when even those who have never taken a rake in their hands before gardening, and learned about the ripening of tomatoes only by their appearance on the shelves, for such novice gardeners, modern industry has created many auxiliary tools. All kinds of devices, tools and chemicals facilitate planting, growing, and caring for the crop so much that experienced plant growers have also appreciated their functionality. And their special attention was given to peat pots, without which at least one fan of the garden economy now rarely does. That simple, in fact, idea was so useful that now few people grow seedlings without them. Want to try it too? There is nothing easier: it’s easy to handle peat pots, they are not expensive and do not take up much space either in the house or on the site. And yet, for the best result, it is better to know in advance all the nuances of how to use peat pots.

Peat pots: properties and features
Peat pots are relatively small (the size may be different, depending on your tasks) cups or boxes designed for growing seedlings in them. The main feature of peat pots and their main difference from other containers of a similar purpose is the material from which the pots are made. It is not difficult to guess about it by the very name, but in fact it is not 100% pure peat, but a mixture of peat with wood pulp or humus, dried, densely packed and formed in the form of a round or square container. Such a composition of the material for manufacture was chosen because it is the lightest, strongest and most effective in terms of the functions that are assigned to it. Each gardener knows about them firsthand, and for all the rest, we recall once again that most fruit and ornamental crops begin their life cycle with seedlings. This is a kind of "childhood" of the plant, and it, just like in humans, has a decisive influence on the entire subsequent life of the plant: its development, growth, fruitful indicators, etc. Therefore, it is so important to properly grow seedlings and provide her with the necessary care. All this is provided by the composition and design of peat pots:

1. The root system is well supplied with oxygen and water thanks to the porous walls of the pot. Neither the nutrition nor respiration of the developing plant is disturbed.
2. After planting in the soil, the roots sprout freely through the supple and soft walls of the peat pot without encountering resistance.
3. The base of the pot is strong enough to withstand the load of land and seedlings as long as there is a need.
4. The peat pot, getting into the soil, gradually decomposes and becomes a natural fertilizer for the plant, which ensures its nutrition and improves growth rates.
5. The peat pot is made entirely of natural ingredients that do not harm seedlings or soil and do not poison the crop.

It follows that peat pots are really a useful invention and a necessary acquisition for growing seedlings. But did they do without them before? Of course, you can grow seedlings in other containers. Our mothers and grandmothers used for this purpose boxes, bags, jars and glasses of yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream ... Nobody bothers you to follow their example, but you need to take into account certain features and difficulties that those who used to continue to encounter who use to growing seedlings "improvised materials." Firstly, some cultures with a naturally weak root system (for example, cucumbers, pumpkin, peppers, eggplant, etc.) cannot be planted, and then dive in boxes: they simply do not withstand such tests. Secondly, containers made from fermented milk products often contain their residues, and lactic acid bacteria very aggressively affect the roots, cause damage and illnesses. And, finally, the roots of seedlings grown in solid containers are inevitably damaged, which subsequently cannot but affect the development of the plant. All these dangers can be avoided by using peat pots. And in order to choose them correctly at the first purchase, keep in mind that:

1. In shape, peat pots are round and square in diameter. This is not critical for the success of growing seedlings, but it can save space or otherwise affect usability.
2. Peat pots are different in size, too, so do not rush to buy the first ones you find if their volume does not seem quite convenient for you. Look for those that best suit your needs and provide seedlings with maximum comfort and growth.
3. Peat pots can be separate or bonded into horizontal blocks of several pieces. It is more convenient to store and use piece peat pots more conveniently. If you expect that you simply break the block into separate parts, then do it carefully so as not to violate the integrity of the walls of the adjacent pot, for all their strength they are quite susceptible to mechanical damage.
4. Walls of peat pots try to choose from one to one and a half millimeters thick - experience shows that it is optimal for most types of seedlings.
5. Do not confuse a peat pot with a cardboard one. They look very similar in appearance, especially if the cardboard is painted, and unscrupulous manufacturers use it. Cardboard pots, unlike peat pots, do not dissolve in the ground, do not nourish the plant and do not allow its roots to freely develop in the soil.

Advantages and disadvantages of peat pots
Mentioning the fakes of peat pots, we came close to the urgent topic of their shortcomings. Indeed, it cannot be that any, even the most convenient and simplest device, has no minuses. Regarding the use of peat pots, there are also shortcomings, and they have long been noticed by gardeners. How to relate to them - everyone decides for himself, depending on his capabilities, character and preferences among garden crops. We suggest that you find out about the difficulties that other gardeners have encountered and decide for yourself how critical they are for you personally: are they worth it to abandon peat pots at all, or just take some measures to overcome these difficulties:

1. Peat pots due to the friability of their walls cannot be dry when filled with moist soil. And if so, then the moisture evaporates continuously, and the earth inside the peat pot dries up, causing the seedlings to suffer from “thirst”.
2. On the other hand, since it is very difficult to control the degree of moisture and evaporation, there is always a risk of watering the seedlings in a peat pot too much. As a result, the pot is covered with mold, which applies to both the substrate and the seedlings themselves.
3. The evaporation of moisture inevitably leads to cooling, that is, the fragile root system, which needs heat, begins to freeze in practice, grows slowly and does not develop well.
4. Some peat pots do not decompose in the soil as quickly as necessary, and remain lumps in it, littering the soil and interfering with other plants. Most often, this is a sign of poor-quality pots made not of peat, but of cardboard and other materials.
5. Sometimes the walls of the peat pot are too strong for weak roots that simply cannot break out. For example, pumpkin copes with this task, and pepper gets stuck and withers.

How to grow seedlings in a peat pot
If the side effects listed above did not push you away, and you did not abandon the idea of \u200b\u200bgrowing seedlings in a peat pot, then it is best to follow the standard instructions for using peat pots. And as complications arise, apply a few tricks, which we will discuss later. One way or another, peat pots are not satisfactory for all gardeners, so it is possible that in your case everything will turn out well. And the probability of a successful result of using peat pots will be the higher, the more accurately you will observe the following sequence of actions:

Make sure that you are going to use peat-humus pots - and do it better even during the purchase, carefully studying the composition of the product by packaging and asking the seller in detail.

1. Fill peat pots with soil suitable for each particular type of seedling, previously moistened and nutritious.
2. Lightly compact the soil, but not so much that the seedlings can break through the ground and receive enough oxygen.
3. Sow the seeds into the ground right in the pot, drown the bulbs in the ground “on the shoulders”, plant cuttings and seedlings, depending on their size.
4. Place the seedling pots in a wide tray. At first you can move them tightly, and as the root system grows, move away from each other to provide sufficient space, light and aeration.
5. Keep the soil in peat pots always moistened. Water it directly or through the pan.
6. Do not allow the earth to dry out in peat pots: this is fraught not only with the drying of plants, but also with the crystallization of salts, which further damage fragile seedlings.
7. Pour seedlings in peat pots abundantly about a day before planting it in open ground.
8. Do not remove seedlings ready for planting in the soil from peat pots, but bury them in the ground with them. The depth of immersion of the peat pot in the soil depends on its size.
9. Make sure that the top edge of the peat pot is flush with the ground or not much deeper (no more than 1-2 cm in depth).

As you can see, the technology for growing seedlings in peat pots is really simple and logical, both in theory and in practice. Its main advantage is that there is no need to remove seedlings from solid containers when planting in the beds and thereby injure thin roots. Flowers take root especially well in peat pots, even such capricious ones as miniature snapdragons. But it is also impossible to ignore the shortcomings of peat pots. Therefore, we suggest that you do not turn a blind eye to them, but rather, look around to find a way out of the situation and take advantage of some of the subtleties discovered by enterprising gardeners in the process of using peat pots.

The secrets of using peat pots
Each gardener himself chooses what devices to use in his activity - it’s good, literally any tools can be found, chosen, and bought today. Listening to the opinions of others, it’s worth at least once to try growing seedlings in a peat pot yourself to form your own opinion. But if you didn’t like using peat pots, but you bought them beforehand and with a margin, don’t be in a hurry to get upset and count the “thrown out” money. There are no superfluous things on the farm, and now we will prove it to you again using peat pots as an example:

1. Make a few holes in the bottom and walls of the peat pot immediately with a puncher, awl, or other sharp object. Subsequently, this will facilitate the roots of the plant out.
2. So that moisture does not evaporate through the walls of the peat pot and does not cool the seedlings, wrap each pot with a plastic wrap or bag. Before planting in open ground, do not forget to remove this polyethylene.
3. Before putting soil for seedlings in peat pots, soak them with a solution of mineral fertilizers. This will help the walls of the pots dissolve faster in the ground and provide the plants with additional nutrition.
4. So that the peat pot is not covered with mold, spray it with a special preparation, for example, foundationazole. This will not have a detrimental effect on seedlings.
5. And finally, you can use peat pots not for the whole seedlings, but only for the strongest and strongest - for example, the same pumpkin, whose roots easily penetrate the walls of peat molds.

The hype around peat pots, as often happens, is greatly exaggerated. For all the benefits, they also have disadvantages, which, however, are not at all difficult to cope with with a small proportion of rational attitude. But they are lightweight, safe for the environment and look unmatched better than a variety of plastic packaging from cottage cheese desserts. You can start and continue to grow seedlings in peat pots for any agricultural, ornamental, horticultural crops, or forever abandon them, finding a more suitable way. In other words, both the garden season and the good harvest do not depend on peat pots, but on your skill and attitude. It's no secret that plants as living organisms and part of nature are sensitive to the psychological atmosphere around.

Therefore, use peat pots and other garden tools easily, with a smile and in a good mood, then the shoots will be a joy!

Peat pots for seedlings appeared on sale about two decades ago, however, most gardeners began to use them relatively recently. Not all farmers have yet been able to appreciate this product. Moreover, the first negative experience of using glasses of their peat for growing seedlings made some experimenters abandon their use in the future. Moreover, the disappointment was so strong that the unsuccessful farmers and others began to dissuade from the venture to use these unusual molds for seedlings. Others, on the contrary, cannot get enough of peat cups and do not agree to exchange them for plastic ones. Which of them is right? Let's try to figure it out.

What is a peat pot?

On the shelves of flower and garden shops you can find brown pots of cubic, trapezoidal shape or in the form of cups, porous or more dense. Square more often connected several in a row, cylindrical nested one in the other. Inquiring from the seller what kind of containers are and what they are for, a curious buyer will most likely hear in response that these are peat pots for growing and picking seedlings.

In fact, peat pots made of peat are only partially composed, at best 70 percent, at worst half. The rest are impurities: humus, cellulose. This mixture is dried and pressed.

In high-quality cups there is a lot of peat and a little paper or wood pulp, they are more loose, they pass air better, it is easier to break through the roots through them, they dissolve faster in the ground (on average in 32 days). It would be more correct to call poor-quality cardboard: they are half composed of highly compressed paper. Their density is quite high, there is little oxygen to the roots through them, and even the roots themselves cannot break through their wall. They decompose in the ground slowly. Gardeners who used such cheap glasses often notice that a plant planted in open ground suddenly stops growing and dies, and then they find undecomposed pieces of cardboard in the soil.

The size of the containers is different: from 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter or along any face. The difference between the closest dimensions is 1 centimeter. The height of the pots depends on the width. The size of the cup is important, as it depends on the type of future seedlings. The thickness of the walls also matters.

What seedlings are suitable for?

The main value of a peat cup is that it decomposes in the soil while serving as fertilizer. This product is indispensable for seedlings that have fragile roots: cucumbers, eggplants. Removing seedlings from plastic containers can damage the roots. It is not necessary to remove it from peat pots: such glasses are planted in the ground with seedlings, because they do not interfere with the root system to develop, and later completely dissolve. The conclusion suggests itself: for seedlings of eggplant, cucumber, peat cups are better than plastic ones.

Peat increases the acidity of the soil, so peat pots are suitable for plants that grow well in slightly acidic soil, it is permissible to use them for plants that prefer an acid-neutral environment. These categories include tomatoes, peppers, white cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, the same cucumbers and eggplant. Can be grown in peat pots and strawberry seedlings.

Peat pots are categorically not suitable for plants that love slightly alkaline, calcareous soils. These include cauliflower, Beijing cabbage, lettuce, onions and garlic. Growing seedlings of these crops, it is better to opt for familiar plastic containers filled with suitable soil for them.

How to choose?

As already mentioned, peat cups differ in shape and size, as well as wall thickness. Form plays no role other than aesthetic. Pay attention only to the first two parameters.

For plants with a strong root system, you can take thick-walled pots: a pumpkin easily breaks a peat layer up to 2.5 millimeters thick. But for seedlings of cucumbers, eggplants, only thin-walled ones are suitable. These include products in which the wall thickness does not exceed 1.5 millimeters.

The size of the pot should depend on the type of seedlings.

• For dill, parsley, cilantro and other herbs, 50 ml pots are suitable, their diameter is only 5 cm.
• Some flowers, such as asters, dahlias, need pots with a capacity of 100 ml, 6 cm in diameter.
• For strawberries, 200 ml pots are required, their diameter is 7 cm, they are also suitable for seedlings of cabbage, melon, watermelon.
• For zucchini, cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes, you can take cups with a capacity of 250 to 400 milliliters, the size of which in diameter is 8 or 9 cm.
• The largest pots (10 cm in diameter, 500 ml in volume) are needed for seedlings of eggplant and some types of flower crops (fuchsias, cyclamens, gerberas, begonias, primroses).

When buying, you should carefully study the composition of products and refuse to purchase those in which peat is less than 70 percent.

Benefits

Compared to plastic counterparts, peat cups have several advantages.

1. The main advantage of peat cups is their biodegradability and environmental friendliness. They dissolve in the soil, fertilizing it, without exerting a toxic effect on it and plants. So, seedlings with a fragile root system in open ground are planted conveniently and safely.
2. The second advantage is their safety for future seedlings. They are processed, they do not contain spores of bacteria, pest larvae, and they can not infect seedlings. Plastic cups made from fermented milk products are unsafe for her, since lactic acid bacteria can remain on their walls, because of which the plant can “get sick”.
3. Through the peat walls, the roots of the seedlings can "breathe", because of which the plant becomes stronger, grows faster.
4. When decomposed, pots of peat fertilize the soil, nourishing the roots of the plant. From this, its growth is accelerated, productivity increases.

With a reasonable approach, all these advantages can be used.

disadvantages

During the use of peat pots, gardeners noted a number of significant drawbacks.

1. The loose layer absorbs water from the soil during irrigation, it evaporates quickly, so the soil dries up, and the roots suffer from hypothermia. As a result, seedlings not only grow poorly, but sometimes die.
2. Trying to prevent drying out of the soil, the gardener begins to intensively water the seedlings. The result is an excess of moisture, moldiness of the pot and the seedlings themselves.
3. The roots do not manage to break through the walls of the pot after it has been planted in the soil; it does not dissolve in the soil, "captivating" the roots. As a result, the plant dies, sometimes without even bearing fruit.
4. Pots are disposable. On the other hand, they replace fertilizers, so it’s difficult to call their acquisition a waste of money.

Most of these problems can be solved if peat containers are used correctly and taking into account the positive experience of gardeners who have found an “approach” to them.

How to use?

Having acquired peat pots, it is worthwhile to carefully study the tips for their proper use. Only then, growing seedlings in them will not turn into flour.

1. First of all, it makes sense to soak the pot with fertilizers suitable specifically for the type of plants whose seedlings will be grown in them. To do this, you need to make a solution, immerse a pot in it, remove and dry. This will make it a more useful fertilizer when it dissolves in the soil after planting in open ground.
2. Then you should treat the pot with an antifungal drug. Seedlings will not cause harm, but protect it from mold.
3. With the help of an awl, experienced gardeners recommend making small holes in the bottom and walls. In the future, this will help the roots make their way out.
4. Now it's time to fill the pot with soil. The soil must be clean, neutralized, suitable in composition. It is impossible to fill it tightly in a pot, otherwise it will be difficult for the roots to germinate. There should be some free space to the edge of the container, about a centimeter. Humidify the earth.
5. Having made a small depression in the soil, you need to plant one seed or one sprout in it when picking seedlings.
6. Further, gardening experts advise each pot to wrap in cellophane, leaving the bottom free. This will help the pot keep its shape and not dry out, do not dry out the soil.
7. The pots wrapped in polyethylene are installed in a plastic container with sufficiently high edges (almost flush with cups). Watering is carried out through a pan: water is absorbed from it through the walls and bottom of the pots and moistens the earth.

Otherwise, seedlings are grown in the same way as in plastic containers.

If it is not known why there is a slow growth of seedlings, then you should carefully look to see if the instruction is broken. In most cases, the problem lies in the improper use of the peat pot or in improper care of seedlings.

In open ground, seedlings are planted directly in peat cups, dipping them in the ground so that the edges of the cups are deepened by one and a half to two centimeters. Care for sprouts is also carried out in exactly the same way as when planting a plant in the ground without a pot.

Peat pots have several advantages over plastic cups. However, if they are used incorrectly, they can turn from assistant gardeners into seedling spoilers. If you violate the rules for the use of peat containers, the plant suffers either due to excessive moisture, or due to dry land.

Of great importance is the correct choice of peat pots, which vary in size, wall thickness and, most importantly, composition. Quality pots are 70% peat. Cheap cardboard analogues are densely compressed and do not dissolve in the ground, which is why a plant planted in them in open ground can die.

Russia is the only country in the world that has eight climatic zones (the United States has five zones). These temperature features have to be taken into account when growing agricultural crops. So in order to get a good harvest, many crops need to be planted only in seedlings.

In addition to climate and weather conditions, even for the southern territories of Russia, it is necessary to take into account the biological characteristics of many annuals and plant them with seedlings:

• Plants (cultures) with a long (juvenile period);
• Vegetables, the growing season of which requires planting seedlings;
• Ripe crops, but they are planted with seedlings for early harvest.

Growing seedlings requires special attention and strict adherence to the norms necessary for fast and high-quality seed germination. It is equally important to properly plant the seedlings in a greenhouse or open ground. To avoid possible problems when transporting seedlings, use separate forms for each plant. This also avoids the procedure for diving seedlings.

It is important to remember a simple formula. What seedlings you have - such a poor crop will be.

The main external signs of quality seedlings:

• Developed and healthy root system;
• Strong and powerful stalk;
• Leaves bright vibrant coloring.

Modern gardeners and farmers have a great opportunity to grow seedlings in peat pots. This technology combines two necessary elements - a pot as a container and peat, as an environmentally friendly fertilizer.

The advantage of using peat pots for growing seedlings.

This container represents molds (cups) of various kinds, but the most popular ones are peat pots, pressed in a dry way from peat raw materials. They are durable and lightweight, which makes them versatile in agricultural technology.

The main advantages of peat containers:

• They do not have toxic elements, unlike plastic containers;
• Environmental cleanliness and lack of heavy metals;
• Lack of pathogenic flora and weeds.

When choosing peat containers, you should pay attention to the walls of the pot (thickness not less than 1.2-1.6 mm), they should provide the necessary strength and decay time in the soil 30-35 days. For each type of plant there your necessary pot volume. This must be taken into account. The market is represented by a wide variety of peat containers (pots).

The structure of the peat material has a tendency to dry out, you need to control this when using pots. Try to avoid water overflows when watering seedlings, thereby you will not allow the appearance of mold. There should be enough water to prevent the extinction of the root system.

Consider processes of water evaporation from peat containerssince this entails a drop in temperature in the pot.

1. If you make several punctures in the walls before planting seeds in a pot (peat container), then greatly facilitate the development of the root system of the plant.
2. To obtain high-quality seedlings for a shorter ripening period, it is enough to impregnate each container (glass, pot) with fertilizers containing the necessary trace elements. In addition to accelerating the growth of seedlings, you thereby accelerate the decay of the pot in the ground.

What do you get as a result of using peat containers (pots) when growing seedlings:

1. Maximum seedlings - average germination of 95-100%.
2. The optimal balance of nutrients (organic matter and mineral components).
3. The rapid growth of healthy plants.
4. Ideal air humidity and its optimal entry into the plant.
5. Your plants will be protected in the most reliable way from the penetration of pests and pathogenic bacteria.
6. Maximum survival of plants after planting in the ground without damage and stress.
7. Transportation of plants over a long distance without loss of moisture and mechanical damage to the root system.

Peat containers users are sometimes offended by producers, not achieving the desired results.

In most cases, this may be due to several reasons. You didn’t purchase peat containers (pots) but a fake (pressed cardboard cups). Unfortunately this is happening. Secondly, you did not comply with the technological process of growing seedlings.

To summarize briefly.

If you follow the entire procedure for growing seedlings in peat pots, the results will only pleasantly surprise you. You will get strong very “live” seedlings with a developed root system.

You can easily do it transport and drop off in timeas you wish. She will not dry out, will quickly take root and will give a wonderful harvest. And peat containers will serve as an excellent eco-friendly fertilizer.

In order to enjoy vegetables in the summer, in the winter you need to start preparing for the summer season and, first of all, you need to grow good seedlings. Inveterate summer residents think about the future harvest all year round and acquire peat pots for seedlings much earlier and do this even in the fall.

What are the convenience of store pots of peat that even the most ardent conservative gardeners switch to? How much work needs to be put into the garden on the windowsill to get a decent seedling of vegetables and flowers, so I don’t want to buy an unnecessary or poor-quality thing. Today on the agenda is how to choose the right pots for seedlings from peat and how to use this new product.

  What is peat packaging?

Peat pots for seedlings of different sizes are suitable not only for sowing seeds for future seedlings, but also relieve the experienced gardener of the need to transplant seedlings, make its transportation to the summer cottage more convenient and practically safe.

  Manufacturers supply the consumer market with many interesting devices and equipment for gardeners and gardeners. Not so long ago there were peat pots for growing seedlings and immediately many people liked it, let's get acquainted with them.

  They are very successful due to many indicators. One of them is the small weight of each container, the ability to grow one sprout in a separate container. Also, the summer residents give comfort to the diverse size of such products.

Attention! In the ground, the peat pot decomposes almost completely in 25-35 days, and at the same time it additionally fertilizes the soil. First of all, it is worthwhile to fork out for such peat pots when growing eggplants, cucumbers, pumpkins or zucchini, since the seedlings of these vegetable crops do not tolerate the transplant very well.

  How to use peat pots for growing seedlings?

Peat pots for seedlings are considered environmentally friendly containers - 70% consist of peat and 30% of wood. They cost more than plastic ones, and you can use them only once.

How to sow seeds in peat containers

• Before laying the soil in containers, they must be soaked in a solution with mineral and organic fertilizers. Then they must dry. It is also recommended that you make several small holes in them, especially at the bottom of the container or at the bottom.
• Putting the soil in the cups is not very tight: the soil must remain airy for the normal development of the root system.
• After filling the tank with soil, seeds are planted in it. Each seed is placed in a separate glass. Planting is carried out in accordance with the timing of sowing a particular crop. Seed immersion depth is also taken into account.
• After planting seeds for seedlings in peat pots, it is advisable to cover them with a film.
• In the process of growing seedlings, containers must be moved apart from each other. Such measures are taken to prevent the interweaving of the root systems of plants that are in close proximity.

Attention! Peat seedling pots are available in various sizes and shapes. Thanks to this, you can pick up a glass of the required size, taking into account the individual characteristics of each vegetable or flower culture.

How transplanted seedlings from a peat pot into the soil:

• Since seedlings are planted in open ground with a pot, it is necessary to accelerate the process of container breakdown. To do this, 1-2 days before planting, seedlings in peat pots must be abundantly watered.
• When planting, peat cups are lowered into the prepared soil 2-3 cm lower than the soil level.

  Pros and cons of peat cups

The advantages of their use are obvious:

• The material from which these products are made is environmentally friendly, which has a beneficial effect on the young root system.
• Planting seedlings in open ground is made directly in this container. This avoids trauma to the roots.
• After decay, peat pots turn into fertilizers.
• In the composition of such containers there are no seeds of weeds and microorganisms.
• Due to its ability to accumulate moisture, during transportation the soil in which the seedlings grow, it does not dry out.

Important! When purchasing this new product for you, you should pay attention to the packaging and the manufacturer. This will allow you to buy quality goods from peat, rather than a cardboard cup. The cardboard is denser and pressed, and the original peat pot is quite fragile and has pores.

In addition to positive reviews and characteristics, peat pots for seedlings have some disadvantages:

• As mentioned earlier, many unscrupulous manufacturers use pressed cardboard instead of peat. Since the density of such cardboard is much higher than the density of peat, the young root system cannot sprout through the pot. That is why it is recommended to make tears in the lower part of the pot.
• Peat pots dry out quickly, and the process of controlling soil moisture with seedlings becomes problematic. In this case, the root system may die due to drought. At the same time, excess moisture will cause mold. It can develop both on the walls of peat containers and on the soil. The quality of seedlings will decrease.
• The young root system does not tolerate cold. The temperature decreases as a result of the evaporation of a large volume of liquid emerging from such a container.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that peat pots for growing seedlings have both advantages and disadvantages. Yes, it’s more convenient with them, but it’s expensive for the family budget, so everyone decides for himself what is better and more comfortable for him.

6 minutes to read

You can provide yourself with healthy, strong and hardy seedlings by buying it on the natural market or in a store, but it’s better to grow it yourself. Moreover, the market offers a lot of special tools for growing seedlings.

This is soil with a special composition that takes into account the needs of a particular plant, and cassettes, tablets, pots or glasses for sowing or planting it. The indisputable advantage of growing vegetables through seedlings is low cost.

After all, to buy already matured plants is much more expensive than to acquire seeds and sow them. In addition, it is not always possible to find exactly the kind of culture that you want to grow, the seeds give an unlimited choice.

Peat pots are very convenient for sowing seeds.

Peat cups are an excellent option for utensils for sowing seeds or diving them. They are a natural material that promotes proper air exchange of the root system of the plant, as well as a kind of additional fertilizer.

What is the idea of \u200b\u200busing such pots?

To understand in more detail the advantages of using this particular type of dish for sowing seeds, it’s worthwhile to draw a little information about them. They are made from peat, cellulose and water, sometimes from peat, sawdust, wood, cardboard and chalk.

On the market you can find peat products in the form of cups, pots or whole cassettes, with a certain number of cells. They are a great alternative to wooden crates, paper cups and especially plastic, which were favorite several years ago.

Using peat cups for sowing or diving, there is no need to additionally fertilize plants with fertilizers, because they themselves are an excellent organic fertilizer. In addition, there is no need for transplantation or removal of plants before planting in open ground.

They are endowed with a wonderful property - decompose in the soil under the influence of heat and moisture, turning at the same time into fertilizer of the soil and nourishing the root system. Thus, the roots of the plants become strong, hardy, and the plants are strong and healthy.

Pros and cons of peat cups

Dealing with all the possible consequences of using peat dishes for growing seedlings, the following advantages can be distinguished:

• low cost or availability;
• wide range of options (type, size);
• ease of use;
• the possibility of planting plants in the ground directly in the dishes;
• excellent ability to fertilize plants;
• plants root in the open field much faster, as they do not get sick, as is usually the case with a standard transplant;
• good air exchange of the root system.

Burnt young seedlings.

Speaking about the negative aspects of the use of peat products, only such can be distinguished:

• rapid evaporation of moisture and, accordingly, drying out of the topsoil;
• the possibility of deformation of the walls of the vessel due to waterlogging or improper handling;
• inability to apply on certain types of plants.

Considering the above, there are much more positive aspects in the application of this type of cookware, therefore it is definitely possible and even necessary to use them.

How to use for growing seedlings?

If you decide to grow vegetable or flower crops from seeds, peat cartridges, peat tablets or pots are best for this process. Any of them must be placed on a plastic tray or put in another container to prevent water from leaking onto the windowsill.

Torfortablets are an excellent option for the initial stage of growing seedlings. They are placed in any container in which seeds will subsequently grow and fill with warm water. After a couple of seconds, they increase in size and become suitable for sowing. Seeds are placed in special holes and covered with peat mix for 1-2 centimeters.

Due to the fact that this type of mixture practically does not retain excess moisture, fungal damage to crops is not terrible. They can safely plant peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cabbage and other vegetable crops.  Peat tablets will also appeal to flowers such as petunia and other crops that are not very loving.

Photo seedlings in peat cups.

Pots are more universal, since there are an incredible number of their varieties. You can choose exactly the size that will fully satisfy the needs of a particular plant and withstand the growth of its root system.

How to choose the right tare size?

If you plan to grow cucumbers or watermelons, it is preferable to choose small pots, as the seedling will grow in it in splendid isolation. In addition, their root system is poorly developed, almost any container of minimum volume (0.05 liters or 0.07 liters) can satisfy the demands of these cultures.

Reference!  A few years ago, some gardeners grew seedlings of cucumbers in a whole egg shell. To do this, a hole was made in the raw egg, the contents were used as food, and the shell was allowed to dry. Then it was filled with soil and sown seeds. It was believed that it was able to saturate plants with calcium.

For plants to be picked, for example, tomatoes or peppers, it is better to purchase a larger pot (from 0.25 to 0.5 liters). Peppers and tomatoes, under favorable conditions for their cultivation, grow very fast and their root system is quite developed. Therefore, the pot must withstand the plants themselves and give free rein to the development of the root system.

How to plant: seed planting technique

Naturally, in order to grow high-quality seedlings, you must carefully select seeds. They must be of high quality, tested, have friendly germination. The choice of soil should be meticulous, now in stores you can find ready-made soil mix designed to meet the needs of each individual plant. For unpretentious crops, you can do with universal soil.

Highlighting seedlings on the balcony.

The container is filled with soil, without adding 1.5-2 centimeters to the top, tamping slightly, this can be done by lightly tapping the table. Then put 2-3 seeds and sprinkle another 1 centimeter of soil. All filled or sown pots are sent to a plastic container, or tray, set them in even rows. Then it is necessary to thoroughly spray the ground from the spray gun and cover with a film or container lid until emergence.

Advice!  Sown containers can be placed in a warm and dark place and left there for about a week. This is the minimum period during which the first sprouts are able to grow.

Having found the first shoots (even if it will be the only one), it is worth immediately moving the pallet to the windowsill. Lack of light can very harmful to plants, they will stretch out and will be weak.

Seedling care involves regular watering and preventing hardening of the topsoil. Due to the fact that the peat is porous, it is well ventilated, so you can only moisten the soil from the spray gun.

Planting seedlings in the ground

After waiting for the warm nights in the region, you can safely begin the process of hardening plants. To do this, they are taken out into the air first for 30 minutes, then for 1-1.5 hours, gradually increasing the intervals of their stay on the street. The final stage of hardening can be considered the opportunity to leave the seedlings to "spend the night" in the open. If the plants survived the overnight stay, you can safely send them to grow in the open ground.

Before landing in open ground.

Before planting a strong, qualitatively formed, and most importantly hardened seedlings, the glass must be lowered into warm water. When air bubbles cease to appear in the water, you can safely lower the pot into the prepared hole.

Peat with regular moisture decomposes quite quickly, usually in 20-25 days there will be no trace.

Is it worth buying peat products?

Given the many advantages in using this type of product, its beneficial effect on plants and the soil as a whole, the answer is unequivocal: “Of course, yes!” It does not matter what kind of container from peat you choose for your seedlings, the main thing is that it really helps you to grow a beautiful, strong and healthy culture without any special effort.

Useful video