Sowing seeds for seedlings is a fascinating, creative and labor-intensive process that captivates most gardeners. Mistakes in planting seedlings can be costly and result in crop loss. To avoid this, sowing should be done at the appropriate time and in compliance with all preparation rules.
Why can't you plant early?
Early planting of some crops can lead to the following consequences:
- The need for additional lighting. With a lack of light, seedlings acquire long and thin stems.
- Additional heating. At the beginning of spring, in some regions there are unstable temperatures and frosts, which means that seedlings need additional heating.
- Often, early seedlings gain excess abundant green mass instead of forming ovaries.
- The root system is poorly formed in plants planted ahead of schedule.
- Flower crops lack buds and inflorescences.
- Seedlings planted in the winter months have reduced immunity and are more susceptible to infectious diseases.
- Early seedlings have low yields.
- Ripe fruits have poor taste.
- The shelf life of vegetables is reduced.
- Death of plants.
Such consequences entail physical and material costs, which can be avoided by sowing seeds in the warmer months.
What not to sow in January and February
Heat-loving crops and plants that germinate in a short time are not suitable for sowing in the winter months.
It is recommended to plant the seeds of these plants in the spring months.
Vegetables | ||
Name | Planting dates | Emergence of first shoots in days |
Tomato for open ground | March 1–15 | 2 |
Mid-season white cabbage | March 15–25 | 3 |
Broccoli | April 1–20 | 3 |
Cauliflower | April 1–15 | 3 |
Greenhouse cucumbers | March 15–25 | 2–4 |
Open ground cucumbers | April 1–15 | Up to 4 |
Zucchini | April 1–10 | Up to 4 |
Peppers | from March 20 | 2–4 |
Watermelons | from March 25 | up to 7 |
Flowers | ||
Petunia | March 20 | 2–4 |
Aster | March 15 | 2–4 |
Marigolds | April 5–10 | 3 |
Ageratum | April 5 | 3 |
Purslane | 10 March | 3 |
Dahlia | March 30 | Up to 7 |
Zinnia | April | Up to 5 |
Lobelia | March — April | Up to 5 |
Begonia | April | 2–6 |
The growing region plays an important role when planting seeds. For Siberia and the Urals, the terms can increase, while for the south — on the contrary, they can decrease.