In order to grow good seedlings in the spring, you need to prepare for this process in the fall. At this time, you need to purchase all the materials, stock up on suitable containers, seeds and chemicals that strengthen the seedlings and protect them from blackleg and pests.
Preparation for the next season of growing seedlings should include the following procedures.
Harvesting garden soil
The volume of soil must be calculated in advance. If you grow vegetable crops for seedlings, you will need to take 1 liter of soil per plant. For seedlings of flower crops, 0.5 liters per plant is enough.
When preparing the soil, it is important to remove all weeds, remove the larvae, and calcine the mixture itself in the oven. After disinfection, you will need to pour the soil into bags and store it in a cool room.
On a note! It is not recommended to heat the soil immediately before sowing seeds, since in addition to pathogenic organisms, beneficial organisms are also killed in the soil. And it will take several days to restore the beneficial microflora. That is why sowing seeds directly into disinfected soil is not recommended.
Organic fertilizer
The benefits of compost and rotted manure are enormous. She shouldn't be underestimated. Therefore, it is advisable to add organic matter to the soil in advance.
Some gardeners store the collected humus in separate containers, and when spring comes, mix it with the soil.It is better to store it in the cellar, since storing it in the house can spoil the air.
Attention! The use of chicken manure is allowed, but proportions must be observed.
Material for loosening soil and improving aeration
It is recommended to prepare clean river sand or buy perlite or vermiculite at the store. They will promote better air permeability; the roots of the seedlings will not “suffocate” in the soil, even if it is waterlogged.
River sand is harvested at the rate of 10% of the total volume.
Many gardeners practice using perlite and vermiculite as a raising agent. The agricultural material is not cheap, but the result will please you. Approximately 30-40% of the baking powder by volume is added to the soil.
Weathered sawdust
You will have to harvest not fresh, but slightly aged sawdust at the rate of 10% of the total volume. It is not recommended to prepare fresh sawdust, as they contain a lot of resins.
Lowland peat
An ideal component for good seedling growth. Its volume should be about 60%. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get it yourself, but anyone can buy it ready-made. But when purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the expiration date. The older the peat, the less nutrients it contains.
Wood ash
Pure ash is necessary for plants. It contains a lot of minerals. Thanks to beneficial substances, plants become more resistant to diseases. For 1 liter you will need 30 g.
Dry bags are used to store ash.
Attention! Under no circumstances should you use ash from a fire in which the remains of plants, dry leaves and dried weeds were burned.
Fertilizers
Procurement of organic and mineral fertilizers is possible in the fall, since in the spring you won’t have to run around the shops looking for them. And this is a big plus. This way you can save time.
Containers for seedlings
Don’t think that seedlings need little space. It is growing by leaps and bounds and will take up all the glasses and pots that are in the house.
As you can see, autumn is a busy time. If you do all the preparatory work in advance, you can save a lot of time in the spring, which can be used for caring for seedlings.
