Optimum temperature for tomato seedlings
In order to harvest a good harvest of tomatoes, it is worth taking care not only of the plant variety, but also finding out what temperature is most suitable for tomato seedlings. This factor is considered one of the most significant, because if the recommendations for the temperature regime are not followed, there is a possibility that the seedlings will not take root and there will simply be no harvest. What temperature the tomato seedlings can withstand, what temperature is considered optimal for tomato seedlings - today we will answer these and other questions.
Optimum temperature for tomato seedlings
Temperature indicators
It should be said right away that tomatoes are classified as thermophilic vegetables that grow only under certain conditions and cannot withstand the cold. It is recommended to plant tomatoes when it is at least 20 ° warm outside. In addition, there are several other equally important recommendations that any summer resident is obliged to know about:
- The process of germinating seeds starts at a minimum optimum temperature of about 15 °, but after germination it must be raised;
- The maximum temperature for germinating tomato seeds is 30 °;
- To prevent the seedlings from stretching, it is then worth gradually lowering the temperature, it is recommended to adhere to a range of about 15-16 °;
- At temperatures below ten degrees, the growth of the tomato ends, while the flowering stops, the ovaries fall;
- If the temperature rises above 42, then the plants may die, as they quickly wither
- If the temperature indicators fall below zero, then the bush dies almost immediately.
Features of hardening
Speaking of tomato sprouts, one cannot but mention the need to harden the seedlings. The fact is that before facing temperature changes, it is worth preparing the plant, that is, hardening it so that it can withstand low temperatures and get used to the new regime.
The first hardening is best done 2-3 weeks before the seeds get to the permanent growing place. Usually, a balcony is chosen for this procedure, this place allows the plant to adapt most gently to the effects of sunlight, as well as to accustom it to cold air.
Duration of hardening
If it is warm outside, that is, more than 12 ° on the thermometer, then at first the seedlings are taken outside for a period of about 2-3 hours, repeating the procedure for several days. After 3-4 days, you can proceed to round-the-clock hardening, that is, leave the seedlings for the whole day.
However, if you leave the plant outdoors overnight, it is recommended that you cover the containers, especially if it is not too warm at night. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to take seeds outside, if the temperature outside the window is below 10 °, they will not tolerate this.
How to understand that the hardening was successful? If you notice a purple tint on the leaves of a tomato bush, we can say that the bush is ready for transplantation to a permanent place of germination and cultivation, that is, to a greenhouse or open ground.
In no case do not allow direct sunlight to hit the tomato bush, otherwise it can lead to burns on the foliage. It is better to put containers with sprouts on the shady side, this is the only way to grow a strong plant.
Landing in open ground
It is better to plant seedlings in open ground on a cloudy day.
After the first seedlings of tomatoes have appeared, they can be sent to a permanent place of growth. If you plan to plant a bush in open ground, you should definitely wait for a cloudy day, this is extremely important. At the same time, it is not bad if the night temperature indicators of the soil are about 12 °, it can be slightly higher.
Greenhouse landing
Even if you are planting tomato sprouts in a greenhouse, you should pay sufficient attention to the temperature regime. It is worth saying that, being under the film, the soil warms up quickly enough, this requires no more than 2-3 days. Here the minimum threshold is somewhat lowered and is counted already from the 10 ° mark.
If the indicators are lower, there is a risk that the roots of the future tomato bush will rot and stop developing. If you answer the question of what temperature is ideal for planting tomatoes in a greenhouse, then it will be 15-16 °, it is these conditions that can be called the most adaptive.
When planting seedlings is prohibited
It is worth talking about the conditions when it is strictly forbidden to transplant seedlings. This is especially true when the seedlings were purchased on the market, that is, you do not know in what conditions they were grown.
If, according to the weather forecast, you see that frosts are expected at night in the near future, it is better not to plant tomato sprouts. The point is that you cannot be 100% sure that the sprouts were hardened properly. Such a plant will not survive even one such sharp drop, which will lead to the inevitable death of the bush. To increase the chances of survival, it is recommended to treat the root system of the bush with a solution of potassium permanganate immediately before planting.
It is also worth saying that when planting in open ground, you need to make sure that the garden bed is reliably protected, that is, it is not in direct sunlight.
Protecting seedlings from heat
If, according to the weather forecast, hot weather is expected, this factor should also be taken into account in your plans and work in the garden. The fact is that high temperatures for growing tomato seedlings negatively affect the plant's vitality, and in some cases kill the plant altogether. In order to save the bush, you need to take several measures:
- It is important to create a shelter from the sun's rays, for this you can use a spandond. This material is able to pass moisture and air, but at the same time it remarkably retains the sun's rays, which are often destructive for the vegetable;
- Make sure that the soil does not dry out. For this, experienced gardeners use a technique such as mulching. You need to lay the cut grass and sawdust on the ground (at least 4 cm layer), while the material should be laid near the trunk of the plant. In addition to the fact that after this the soil will remain moistened longer, you will be able to protect the soil from overheating and allow morning dew to penetrate into the ground;
- You can also create a screen from tall plants such as grapes and corn. This is necessary so that the culture is not exposed to drafts, and is also reliably protected from the sun.
In conclusion, let us say that in Russia, when planting seedlings, it is important to carefully monitor the weather forecast, because the weather can be quite unpredictable, although, of course, the probability of a sharp drop in temperature and night frosts on the soil in June is small.If you see that the temperature does not reach the minimum permissible values, you should not rush, it is better to postpone the disembarkation and wait for more favorable temperature conditions.