How to prick out vegetables? These practical tips you need to master

Pricking out is also called transplanting or moving seedlings. When the spacing kept between vegetable seedlings can no longer meet the needs of the seedlings' continued growth, they should be pricked out in time. The following points need attention during pricking out:

1. The timing of pricking out must be appropriate. Generally, the time for pricking out is controlled from 2 true leaves to 3-4 true leaves. If the seedlings are too old, it will affect flower bud differentiation, and each pricking out delays growth by 5-6 days. 3-5 days before pricking out, the seedbed should be cooled, water controlled, and the seedlings hardened. When pricking out, dig up the seedlings while building a small arch tunnel to arrange the seedlings and cover with film, to prevent the high midday temperature from causing the seedlings to wilt. When pricking out, concentrate labor and time as much as possible to arrange the seedlings, so as to favor healthy seedling growth and management. Pricking out should be done in a single operation.

2. The pricking-out density must be suitable. Within a certain density range, as the seedling spacing increases, the early yield will relatively increase. Generally, when pricking out peppers, the seedling spacing is 7-8 cm, and when pricking out eggplants, the seedling spacing is 8-9 cm. For seedling cultivation in nutrient pots, the diameter is mostly 10 cm, and the spaces between pots are filled with soil to improve moisture retention and heat preservation, which helps cultivate strong seedlings.

3. The pricking-out method must be scientific. Water the seedbed half a day before pricking out, to facilitate digging up the seedlings and keeping soil around the roots. When digging up seedlings, use a small iron shovel, and keep it 1-2 cm away from the seedling roots. After digging up the seedlings, gently pick off part of the soil around the roots with your hands, then place the seedlings in a basin or basket. When taking seedlings, do not damage the tender stems, and carefully protect the cotyledons.

4. The planting method must be appropriate. After the seedlings are dug up, arrange them immediately, especially to prevent the roots from being exposed to the sun or dried by the wind. When pricking out, it is best to separate large and small seedlings, and remove diseased seedlings, insect-damaged seedlings, and headless seedlings. After pricking out, plant shallowly, generally with the standard that the cotyledons emerge 1-2 cm above the soil, press the soil around the roots firmly, and promptly water thoroughly to settle the roots. Seedlings dug up on the same day should be planted the same day. If they cannot all be planted in the morning, the seedlings can be gathered together, surrounded with soil, and covered with a cover to prevent the seedlings from losing water and wilting, and they should be planted promptly in the afternoon. Zhao Yun