Why is it not advisable to prick out tomato seedlings multiple times? An explanation of the reasons
Tomatoes are fairly commonly grown; in rural areas, basically every household grows some, and when planting them, pricking out is necessary. However, tomatoes are not suitable for pricking out multiple times. What is the reason for this? Below, let's take a look with the editor at the four reasons why tomatoes are not suitable for pricking out multiple times. Growers had best understand them clearly first.
I. Reasons tomatoes are not suitable for pricking out multiple times
1. Easy to form aged seedlings
If tomatoes are pricked out too many times, the root system never gets to expand, and its absorptive capacity is relatively weak, which will inhibit seedling growth due to insufficient nutrient supply. Once seedling growth is inhibited for too long, aged seedlings will form.
2. Easy to damage roots
The more times seedlings are pricked out, the more serious the damage to the seedling root system, and it is very easy to cause premature aging of the seedling root system. In severe cases, normal seedlings die, so pricking out multiple times is not suitable.
3. Extends the seedling-raising period
According to practical production evidence, each time tomato seedlings are pricked out, because of hardening off before pricking out and recovery after planting, to grow tomato seedlings of the same size, the seedling-raising time must be correspondingly extended by 5-8 days. When environmental conditions are unsuitable, the extension is even longer. Therefore, in order to keep the seedling-raising time normal, it is not advisable to prick out multiple times.
4. Other damage
During the pricking-out process, seedlings are prone to starvation damage; pricking out during the flower bud differentiation stage will have adverse effects on flower bud differentiation and directly affect yield and quality.
II. Precautions for pricking out tomato seedlings
1. Pay attention to grading the seedlings
Because pre-sowing sprouting is uneven, plus sowing depth varies, and after sowing the seeds are at different distances from the heat source, the seedlings that grow are also inconsistent in size. Therefore, when pricking out, the large seedlings should be pricked out to the south side of the greenhouse, and the small seedlings to the north side of the greenhouse; seedling holes should be in places relatively close to the heat source, and medium seedlings should be pricked out in the middle of the greenhouse.
2. Adjust planting depth
To ensure uniform recovery after pricking out, the planting depth of the seedlings should be adjusted during pricking out. In places close to the heat source, plant deeper, slightly past the cotyledon node; in places far from the heat source, plant shallower, exposing the cotyledons; in places at a moderate distance from the heat source, after transplanting, the cotyledon node of the seedling should remain level with the ground.
3. Do not pinch the seedling stem
The seedling stem is relatively tender and easily damaged. The correct transplanting method is: gently pinch the seedling cotyledons with your hand and place it into the seedling hole.
The above is an introduction to why tomatoes are not suitable for pricking out multiple times. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.