Rules for planting pepper for seedlings in the Moscow region
Planting peppers for seedlings in the Moscow region should be carried out in accordance with the conditions of this region. Consider in the article how to properly plant pepper in the Moscow region.
Rules for planting pepper for seedlings in the Moscow region
Landing dates in the Moscow region
Pepper is a crop that has a long growing season. In some species, it can last up to 5 months. Therefore, given the climatic conditions of this region, plants can only be grown in seedlings.
It is worth planting seed 65 days before the desired date for planting seedlings in a permanent place. It matters a lot whether the sites are protected or open.
How to choose a drop-off time
To calculate exactly when to plant seeds, you must also consider which varieties the selected type of crop belongs to. These can be early ripening varieties (100-120 days), medium ripening (more than 4 months) and late ripening (more than 5 months). Moreover, the former are divided into super-early and mid-early.
Frosts in the Moscow region also occur in May, and the age of seedlings for planting in a permanent place should be about 2.5 months.
Where to plant
It also matters where it will be transplanted. There are several options, namely:
- a greenhouse that is not heated;
- greenhouses covered with plastic wrap;
- open ground.
From all the facts, we can conclude that for central Russia, it is better to sow seeds in the 2nd decade of February, in early March. This is provided that the pepper will be grown in greenhouses. Then the seedlings can be planted in the greenhouse at the end of April - at the beginning of May. For cultivating plants outdoors, preparation begins at the end of March.
In February, you can sow mid-season and late varieties. But more often seedlings begin to grow in March. Then she does not have time to outgrow, respectively, the gardener does not cause many problems. If the seedlings are too elongated, you can place them in a cooler place. They will slow down their growth. At temperatures below 14 ° C, the pepper stops developing altogether. There are drugs on sale called retardants. They can also be used to stop the growth of seedlings.
Before planting, the seedlings may already bloom or even have ovaries. The main thing is not to damage the roots. Otherwise, the plants will start to hurt and shed the ovaries. Transfer is the best way in this case.
Some gardeners determine the planting of seed according to the lunar calendar. Peppers are planted when the moon is rising. On the new and full moon, it is worth refraining from work.
Seed preparation
Sprouted seeds
In addition to the timing of planting seedlings, you also need to know how to grow it correctly. The first step is the selection of seeds. This process is worth paying attention to. After all, the seed must be of high quality.
Varieties
The best varieties of pepper for growing in the Moscow region are early and mid-season varieties, namely:
- Winnie the Pooh;
- Swallow;
- Tenderness;
- Gift from Moldova;
- Belozerka;
- Red;
- Yellow Miracle;
- Orange Miracle.
Choosing a company
When buying seed in a store, you need to study the manufacturer. It must be known and proven. It is worth paying attention to the expiration date. Pepper seeds germinate up to 3-4 years. But it must be borne in mind that fresh ones will germinate most well.
Seed quality check
The quality of the seeds is checked by placing them in water. The unprofitable will float away, and the rest will fall to the bottom.
Decontamination
Disinfection is the next step in seed preparation. To do this, it is placed in a solution of potassium permanganate for 15 minutes. Then washed.
Germination
It is best to germinate the seeds before planting. For this purpose, they are laid on a cloth (gauze, bandage) folded in 3 layers. Cover the top the same way. Moistened and placed in a warm place (26-28 ° C). Care should be taken to keep the fabric moist at all times. The grains will sprout in a few days. Some gardeners do not germinate seeds, but they moisten the soil before sowing.
Soil preparation and planting
Pepper is very finicky
Pepper seedlings are demanding on soils. She loves light and loose earth, which should absorb air and water well. You can buy special mixes or make them yourself. To do this, take in equal parts humus, sand, peat and sod land. Wood ash can be used instead of sand. Also, 45 g of superphosphate, 45 g of potassium salt are added to 1 bucket of the mixture.
The ingredients are mixed and poured into boxes. Leave 3 cm to the edge so that it does not wash out when watering. The thickness of the earth layer must be at least 15 cm.
It is necessary to sow seeds in this way:
- make grooves - the distance between them should be 3-4 cm;
- deepen by 1 cm;
- the distance between the seeds is 3 cm;
- slightly compacted.
Seedling care
In order for the seedlings to develop correctly, it is necessary to provide them with optimal conditions.
Temperature regime
For the emergence of friendly shoots, the temperature in the room where the plants are grown should be 26˚С. The sprouts will appear around 6-7 days. Can be covered with plastic wrap on top.
After germination, the temperature should be at a lower level (18-22˚С) so that the seedlings do not stretch out, but a strong root system forms. The temperature is lowered gradually, because the plants are very moody and cannot stand its sudden jumps. About two weeks before transplanting to a permanent place, the seedlings are taken out into the street every day for 1-2 hours. This is done for the purpose of hardening.
Light mode
Good light needed for peppers. But they should not be exposed to direct sunlight. In the cold season, seedlings need additional lighting. For this, lamps are used, which are desirable to be installed above the vessels. Daylight hours should be provided from 8 am to 8 pm.
Airing greenhouses
To prevent mold from starting up, it is necessary to carry out frequent ventilation of the room. But plants should not be in a draft.
Watering
Peppers are watered more often than tomatoes. In the first days after the emergence of sprouts, it is not necessary to water. Then the soil is moderately moistened every 3-4 days. They take warm, settled water. You can apply rain.
Loosening
When the shoots reach 1-2 cm, it is worth loosening the soil. This is done very carefully so as not to snag the roots that are under the top.
Picking
Plants are very sensitive to picking. You can skip this procedure if, after sowing, the seedlings have a lot of land and space to form a strong root system.
Fertilizers
Chicken droppings or mullein are used as fertilizers. They are bred, respectively, in proportions of 1:10 and 1: 4. Use every 10 days after 1-2 true leaves appear on the shoots.
Conclusion
Given the climatic conditions in the Moscow region, it is necessary to correctly determine the timing of sowing seedlings.To keep her healthy and strong, it is still worth taking care of her properly.
Good seedlings are the key to a high yield in the future. And this is the goal of every gardener.