Detailed Guide to the Latest Method for Raising Zucchini Seedlings in Winter
Zucchini is a very common vegetable on our daily dining tables. Zucchini tastes delicious and has high nutritional value, so it is also very popular with many people. Therefore, there are now a great many people growing zucchini, and as technology has become more and more mature, it is now possible to grow zucchini in winter as well. So how should zucchini seedlings be raised in winter? Below, the editor brings you the techniques for raising zucchini seedlings in winter. Let's take a look!
1. Land preparation and fertilization
Zucchini likes to grow in slightly acidic soil, and the suitable soil pH for growth is generally around 6. Zucchini has a relatively strong ability to absorb nutrients, so attention should be paid to the application rate of nitrogen fertilizer, which must not be excessive, otherwise zucchini tends to grow leggy. This can then cause flower and fruit drop, and even lead to disease. When fertilizing, pay attention to rationally blending nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Then land preparation must also be done well, maintaining soft soil and improving soil permeability. This promotes the growth of the zucchini root system and increases the success rate of raising seedlings in winter.
2. Seed soaking and sprouting
The temperature in winter is very low, so we must also do a good job of soaking and sprouting zucchini seeds. First put the seeds in clean water and remove the shriveled and immature seeds. Then wash them once, and soak the seeds in warm water at about 60 degrees for about 10 minutes. This eliminates pathogenic substances on the dead seed coats. Then soak the seeds in water at about 25 degrees for about 4 hours, take them out and dry off the moisture. Then wrap them in moist gauze and place them in a 30-degree environment to sprout. When most of the seeds have sprouted white, they can be sown.
3. Sowing and raising seedlings
When raising zucchini seedlings, whether using a seedling bed or nutrient pots, we should preferably prepare the nutrient soil first, which is also a key measure to ensure strong seedlings are cultivated. Use garden soil that has not grown cucurbits within three years as the main component, combine it with decomposed barnyard manure, then add an appropriate amount of plant ash. Mix it evenly and sieve it, then either build beds or put it into nutrient pots. Once prepared, sowing can begin. After sowing, cover with about two centimeters of fine soil. Then scatter an appropriate amount of methamidophos wheat bran on the bed surface to control pests, then use a small arched shed with film sealed over it to preserve heat and moisture until the seedlings emerge.
4. Temperature management for seedlings
The temperature in winter is very low, so temperature management during the seedling stage is very important. After the seedlings emerge, the daytime temperature should be maintained at about 22 degrees and must not exceed 25 degrees; if it exceeds this, cool it down in time. The nighttime temperature should be controlled at about 12 degrees, and the humidity must not be too high, to avoid disease. At the same time, pest and disease control must also be done well; agents such as thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil can be used for control. This ensures the seedlings grow vigorously and avoids some unnecessary losses.
The above is a brief introduction to the techniques for raising zucchini seedlings in winter. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!