Egg cells for sowing carrots
To simplify the growing process, carrots are sown in egg cells. This allows you not to thin out the seedlings several times, which is time-consuming. Also in this way they equip mulch, which delays the growth of weeds and moisture in the soil.
Egg cells for sowing carrots
Semen preparation
Grain must be properly processed before sowing. This will significantly increase their germination capacity.
Carrot seeds contain essential oils that are bad for germination. Get rid of them. Seed material lends itself to such manipulations:
- Warming up. The essence of the process is to soak the grains for 20 minutes. in water heated to 50 ° C.
- Disinfection. Seeds for 15-20 minutes. placed in a solution of potassium permanganate.
- Saturation with nutrients. Seed material is treated with growth stimulants (aloe juice, Epin preparation). They are kept in a solution of these substances for a day.
Soil preparation
Loose fertile soil with low acidity is excellent for growing crops (suitable indicators are 5.6-7).
Dense soils improve. In the fall, the soil is dug onto a shovel bayonet. Depending on its type, sawdust and ventilated peat are added for digging. Approximate consumption: 3 kg of mixture per 1 sq. m. The high pH level is neutralized by adding lime, dolomite flour (1 tbsp. per 1 sq. m.).
During the winter, all substances added to the soil will be absorbed. The effect of their action will be maximum. In the spring, organic means are introduced: humus, compost. The introduction of fresh manure is prohibited: carrots do not accept it. A few days before planting, the soil is loosened and leveled with a rake. This ensures that the soil is saturated with oxygen and warms up well. Then the ground is watered.
Disembarkation
In order for the seeds to sprout friendly shoots, an appropriate temperature regime is required. The soil should be warmed up to 5 ° C-8 ° C. Depending on the climatic conditions of the region, carrots are planted in April or May.
Planting in egg cells
To sow root vegetables in a tray, perform the following manipulations:
- a bottom is cut out in each recess;
- the container is placed on the garden bed and pressed;
- a pair of seeds are planted in the cells;
- covered with earth, watered by sprinkling so that the grains are not washed out.
A root crop planted in this way is usually formed. The cardboard base will inhibit the development of weeds and the evaporation of moisture. Planting carrots in egg cells is carried out without trimming the bottom. This is done if the container is thin and loose. In this case, it will not interfere with the growth of vegetables. You can plant carrots using a tray in another place, and then transfer it to the garden. All that remains is to bury the container in the ground and water it.
Sometimes the tray is moistened with water before use. This contributes to its rapid softening. Then the roots have the opportunity to grow through it. Also, a wet egg carton does not absorb moisture from the soil.
Other use of trays
The tray can be used as a stencil when planting
Often, to plant carrots, containers for transporting eggs are used as a stencil. With its help, holes are marked in the ground, which have the following advantages:
- the same size;
- equal distance from each other;
- optimum depth for planting seeds.
When preparing the holes, take 2 trays and stack them on top of each other. This design is sturdy and does not break when pressed.
Sow carrots in prepared holes. Then they should be sprinkled with earth and watered. Seedlings will appear in about 2 weeks, depending on weather conditions and the degree of seed preparation. The benefit of this planting method is that you do not need to thin out the seedlings, since the distance between the roots is optimal.
Care
To grow carrots with high yields, simple rules should be followed. Sowing root crops in egg cassettes does not change the principles of care. The crop requires a sufficient amount of water, so the soil must be well moistened. Excessive watering can harm vegetables. Mulch is no longer stacked: a tray acts as its capacity.
Top dressing is done following these recommendations:
- nitrogen-containing substances are introduced at the beginning of growth;
- phosphorus and potassium preparations are used when a root crop is formed.
Diseases and pests
When planting carrots using egg trays, various diseases also affect them. Among them are:
- anthracnose;
- gray rot;
- brown spot;
- phomosis;
- cercosporiasis.
In the fight against diseases, the drugs "Oxyhom", "Fundazol", "Falcon" or 1% Bordeaux liquid are used. Affected plants are removed from the garden. Processing is carried out in dry, calm weather.
Root crops are also harmed by insects. The carrot fly, scale insect and leaf flies are especially dangerous. To scare them off, garlic or onions are planted next to them. The drugs "Zemlin", "Pochin", "Bazudin" help in the fight against them. Carrots are treated with onion husk and tobacco infusion. Sprinkle the soil with black pepper.
Preventive measures should include the following actions:
- compliance with crop rotation;
- correct preparation of seed material;
- following the rules of care;
- processing of plants with 1% Bordeaux mixture.
Conclusion
Planting carrots using the egg tray is easy. Granular seeds show the best germination when using a tray.
The method is convenient, does not require financial costs. It will be a godsend for gardeners who love original ideas. The method is also often used for growing radishes.