Perm experts shared which seedlings to plant now and which ones to hold off until spring.

When to Start the Sowing Season?

The cultivation of seedlings depends on the climatic characteristics of the region; the further south you are, the earlier you need to begin. To plan the sowing correctly, you can use the forecasted last night frosts as a reference point. From this date, count backward the time necessary for growing seedlings (from one to 2.5 months), then add two weeks for seed germination. Depending on the type of crop, the growth period can vary from 30 to 70 days.

Incorrect timing for sowing can lead to seedlings becoming overgrown, too old, and struggling to take root in a new place, or conversely, not having enough strength to thrive.

– It is important to note that in the Northern Hemisphere, starting from the second half of February, the length of daylight approaches ten hours – this is a critically important factor for many plant species. Adequate light levels stimulate intense photosynthesis, which helps accumulate carbohydrates necessary for forming a strong root system and a thick, resilient stem. This, in turn, enhances the plants' resistance to diseases and pests, promoting their active growth and development. In regions with few sunny days, young seedlings will need additional lighting with fluorescent lamps, – explains Nikita Kifel, assistant at the Department of Chemical Technology at Perm Polytechnic.

Which Crops to Choose for Planting in February?

If you want to plant in a greenhouse or open ground with the arrival of spring, then in February, you should start sowing crops with a long growing season, which require a lot of time to develop from seed to maturity. The choice depends on your region (southern regions can afford earlier plantings) and the availability of conditions for supplementary lighting of seedlings.

– For greenhouse planting, you can start growing seedlings of peppers (both sweet and hot), eggplants, early dwarf tomato varieties, and root celery. For open ground, suitable options include leeks, onions (black seeds), early varieties of cauliflower and broccoli, as well as some types of peppers (considering the climate). Among the flowers suitable for sowing in February are petunia, viola, alyssum, portulaca, bellflower, snapdragon, amaranth, cornflower, daisy, and mirabilis. Typically, these vegetables and flowers are sown after February 25, – clarifies the expert from PNIPU.

Until stable spring arrives – a period without night frosts, it is not advisable to plant sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, zucchini, and pattypans in open ground or even in a greenhouse. Some plants cannot tolerate temperatures dropping below -4 degrees Celsius and may perish.

Failure to adhere to the seedling growing parameters leads to elongated young plants, weak and pale leaves, long stems, and rotting roots.

How to Avoid Planting Empty or Spoiled Seeds?

Pay attention to the presence of a stamp with information about the quantity, expiration dates, and batch number on seed packets. Avoid seeds with an expiring shelf life; the packaging should be intact, without damage. A rattling sound inside the packet indicates quality seeds; poor ones may be deformed, broken, shriveled, or have an unusual color or musty smell.

— To select good seeds and prevent the planting of empty ones, two methods can be used: the water method and the dry method. The first involves soaking the seeds in liquid, stirring, and letting them sit for 10-15 minutes, after which the floating seeds are removed, and those that sink to the bottom are rinsed and dried on paper. The dry method involves spreading the seeds on paper and using an electrified stick held 1-2 centimeters above, which attracts empty and weak seeds that react to static electricity faster than healthy ones, – recommends Nikita Kifel, assistant at the Department of Chemical Technology at Perm Polytechnic.

Two days before sowing, quality seeds can be soaked for 30 minutes in a pink potassium permanganate solution, rinsed with clean water, and placed on a damp cloth at room temperature. This procedure is used for disinfection and softening the seed coat, as well as speeding up germination.

Good Soil – The Key to Success

For successful seedling cultivation, the correct choice and preparation of the soil are crucial. Unsuitable soil, being too dense, heavy, acidic, or alkaline, as well as lacking nutrients, will not provide the necessary conditions for seedling development. Conversely, optimal soil should be loose, nutritious, breathable with neutral acidity. You can use special ready-made seedling soils or prepare a mixture yourself. It is important to note that cheap soil is often contaminated with diseases, so before sowing, it is recommended to heat it at 50-60 degrees in the oven for disinfection.

— Soil acidity is one of the most important factors affecting plant growth and development. For healthy seedlings, the optimal pH is close to neutral, around 6.5-7.0. Deviating from this range means that sprouts will not be able to fully absorb nutrients and will lag in growth. An acidic soil environment negatively impacts crops, especially at a young age, hampering root system growth, interfering with nutrient absorption, and affecting internal biochemical processes. As a result, there is a deficiency of elements, protein synthesis declines, and the quality of future fruits deteriorates. Furthermore, in acidic soils, many elements become toxic, microorganisms do not thrive, and the soil structure worsens, negatively affecting its moisture retention and fertility, – reports Nikita Kifel.

According to the expert, there are several ways to reduce soil acidity. The use of lime, which contains alkaline elements, helps to neutralize the acid. It can be added in powder or suspension form. Organic fertilizers, such as humus or compost, also help normalize acidity, improve soil structure, and enrich it with nutrients. An excellent free fertilizer found by every bath owner is ash, which effectively balances the soil's pH, decomposes organic matter, making it more accessible to plants.

Temperature and Humidity

To successfully grow seedlings, it is extremely important to maintain an optimal temperature regime and humidity level. Too low temperatures slow down seed germination, can cause root rot, and cold weakens seedlings, making them more susceptible to diseases. Conversely, excessively high temperatures, especially combined with insufficient light, lead to excessive stretching and may also cause soil drying and plant dehydration.

— Optimal parameters for most vegetable crops are +20…+25°C during the day and +16…+20°C at night (after germination). It is important to consider that specific values may vary depending on the type of plant. Additionally, it is necessary to closely monitor soil moisture. Excess moisture leads to root rot and the development of fungal diseases, such as "damping off," – notes Nikita Kifel.

A lack of water causes wilting, soil drying, and slows growth. Optimal humidity means that the soil should be moderately moist but not overly saturated. Good drainage must be ensured to prevent water stagnation.

Fertilization

A deficiency of nutrients manifests as slow growth, underdeveloped plants, leaf spotting, or yellowing, indicating a lack of essential nutrients. Too much fertilizer is also dangerous for young seedlings as it can cause root burns and salt accumulation in the soil.

— The first fertilization of seedlings should be done after the formation of 1-2 true leaves, using balanced complex fertilizers strictly according to the manufacturer's recommendations, – says Nikita Kifel.

Thinning or Transplanting

Growing all plants in one container without further thinning is a common mistake made by novice gardeners. This does not provide enough space and resources for each plant, leading to their weakening.

— Transplanting too early can stress young shoots, while transplanting too late can injure their root system. The appearance of 2-3 true leaves on the stem is considered the optimal time for transplanting the plant into a separate container, – noted the expert from Perm Polytechnic.

What Container to Choose for Thinning?

The choice of container for seedlings depends on the individual conditions and goals of each gardener. There are several popular options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Plastic cups and containers are an economical and practical choice; they can be reused, have drainage holes, and are convenient for transportation.

Peeat and paper pots are often positioned as an eco-friendly and convenient alternative to plastic containers for seedlings. The main advantage is that they can be planted together with the plant, reducing transplant stress. Additionally, the porous structure of the walls ensures good air permeability.

– However, the material of such containers actively absorbs water, leading to rapid soil drying. This requires frequent and abundant watering. Constantly moist walls create a favorable environment for mold development, which can harm seedlings. These pots often do not fully decompose in the soil. By autumn, their remnants must be removed when preparing the beds, which negates the intended convenience. Furthermore, it creates a mechanical barrier to root system development, limiting access to nutrients and moisture. As a result, plants may slow their growth, fail to develop properly, and not flower or bear fruit, – notes Nikita Kifel