Picking seedlings: why is it needed, what does it mean and how to do it correctly, pros and cons

Seedling picking is an important part of the plant growing process. It is of great importance for their further development and he alth. The procedure allows you to strengthen the roots and create favorable conditions for plant growth. However, in order to achieve maximum results when picking, many factors must be considered - from choosing the right soil to the optimal time for the procedure.

What is useful picking

Seedling picking is the process of transplanting plants from small containers or seeds into large pots or boxes.

When moving seedlings, the root of the plant is pinched 1/3 of its length in order to stimulate the growth of lateral roots and ensure better absorption of nutrients from the soil.

One of the main advantages of the procedure is the strengthening of plant roots. During the period of movement, the root system begins to actively develop, and the transferred shoots begin to quickly take root in the new environment. Thus, they get a strong root system, which allows them to better absorb nutrients and water, as well as withstand periods of drought.

In addition, picking contributes to the formation of a strong stem. Transferring seedlings to separate pots or containers allows them more room to grow, which encourages stem development. As a result, they become resistant to damage and deformation, which is especially important for those specimens that will be planted in open ground.

Another plus is the ability to control the growth and development of crops. Transferring them to individual containers allows you to get seedlings that are uniform in size, which simplifies further care for them. In addition, this approach makes it possible to obtain accurate data on the number of he althy plants, which is important for planning planting in a certain area, as well as to reject non-viable specimens.

Finally, picking will significantly accelerate the maturation of sprouts and reduce the risk of diseases. He althy and strong specimens obtained as a result of movement grow faster and endure periods of stress better. In addition, they are less susceptible to the occurrence of diseases.

Negative consequences

Picking is a necessary procedure for growing he althy and strong plants. However, like any other procedure, it also has negative consequences.

Firstly, the process itself is quite traumatic, especially if it is done incorrectly. Failure to follow the rules will damage the roots and stems, which will slow down growth and development.

Secondly, some plants are very sensitive to transplanting, which leads to severe stress and reduced viability.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionIt is also important to remember that picking seedlings leads to the spread of diseases if sanitary standards are not followed. If you work with infected seedlings, then there is a risk of infecting other specimens. Therefore, it is very important to use clean tools and work surfaces, as well as to observe the rules of hygiene.

What plant needs a pick

There are many crops that do not require picking seedlings, but are immediately planted in the soil. However, some plants are still recommended to be grown through seedling picking for best results and strong, he althy plants.

Among crops that dive frequently are:

Tomatoes - the procedure helps to form a strong root system and strengthen the stem, which leads to large and he althy fruits.
Zucchini - contributes to the formation of strong plant mass, and also strengthens the root system.
Melon, watermelon and pumpkin - helps to form large and strong fruits, and also strengthens the root system.
Cucumber - helps develop a large root system, as well as strengthens the stem and increases disease resistance.
Flowers - Some types of flowers, such as carnation, aster, petunia and lobelia, are also often moved to get he althy and strong plants with better decorative properties.

Some crops are not suitable for seedling picking because they are either very sensitive to transplanting or not transplanting at all. Below is a list of such crops:

carrot;
bow;
garlic;
peas;
beans;
corn;
potatoes.

If you plan to grow any of these crops, then seedlings should be sown directly into the ground instead of picking.

Time picking

About three weeks after the appearance of sprouts and the appearance of 3-4 full-fledged leaves, a transplant is carried out with pinching of the roots. It is recommended not to touch the plants before this period and not to delay picking.

In addition to improving the growth of crops, transplanting with root pinching is carried out in the following cases:

when the seedlings grow too thick, which interferes with their normal development;
when the sprouts began to get sick and die, and it is necessary to save he althy seedlings;
when seedlings grow too fast and they stretch prematurely.

When to carry out the process also depends on several factors. First, from a particular plant. Different cultures have their own timing. For example, for tomatoes and peppers, the transfer is carried out when the seedlings reach 7-10 cm in height and have 2-3 true leaves. For cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, do this when the sprouts are 3-4 cm tall and have 2 true leaves.

Practical ways

There are three most convenient and practical ways to carry out the procedure:

Seedling picking with a pike method is a transplanting process that requires a pike or other sharp tool. You need to make a small hole in the new soil. Then, using a pike or other sharp tool, make a small hole in the center of the hole to place the root.
The finger method is one of the easiest and most effective ways. You will need your own fingers to perform the pick.
To perform the bar procedure, you need to take a bar, which should be about the same length as the old container and about the same width as the new container. The bar should be placed on the old container, after which you need to turn it over with the plant so that the roots are on top. Then you should carefully pull the seedlings out of the old container, holding them by the roots, and place them on the bar.

Preparing the container

Special containers are needed for picking seedlings, such as plastic or clay pots, containers, boxes or special peat tablets. Containers must be kept clean and disinfected to prevent the growth of pathogens and infections.

Before using the containers, they must be washed with hot water and soap or use special disinfectants. After washing, the containers must be thoroughly dried.

In addition, a good drainage system should be provided to avoid water retention, which leads to root rot. Coarse sand or gravel is used as drainage.

Preparing the soil

Before picking, the soil must be ready for use. Prepare fresh nutrient soil that contains all the necessary minerals for plant growth. Some plant seedlings in ready-made purchased soil, while others prepare it themselves using a mixture of peat, humus and sand.

The soil should be damp, but not too wet, as excess moisture will cause the roots to rot. To soften the earth, it is placed against the window and left in the sun for several hours, periodically mowed and turned. They also add organic fertilizers to the soil, such as humus or compost.

Step by step instructions

Moving plants to a new location is a multi-step process that requires certain skills. To perform this procedure, follow these steps in sequence:

Water. This is a mandatory step, which does not depend on which picking method will be used.
Determine the planting depth so that the plant is not cramped and the root system can develop freely in the new environment.
Carefully remove the specimen from the old pot.
Pinch the root by a third. This will allow the sprout to get more nutrients and strengthen the root system.
Transplant into a new larger pot, carefully spreading the roots and filling the hole with soil.

Depending on the type of crop and growing conditions, the picking process is slightly different. For example, sometimes it is required to pour water into the hole before transplanting or water the seedlings after the procedure. However, it must be remembered that the main stages remain unchanged and the correct implementation of each of them guarantees a successful transplant and further plant he alth.

Care after a pick

Seedling care after the procedure is essential to ensure plant he alth and productivity. Here are a few steps that will allow you to properly care for seedlings after picking:

Water your seedlings regularly. However, avoid overwatering, as this leads to root rot.
Feed your seedlings regularly. Use special fertilizer for seedlings and follow the instructions on the package.
Maintain optimal temperature and lighting. Make sure the seedling is in a warm, bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight.
Ventilate seedlings. Seedlings need constant access to fresh air for he althy growth.
Remove weak instances. After picking, some plants will not survive the procedure, and will begin to wither. Remove weak shoots so that they do not inhibit the growth of the rest of the seedlings.
The final transplant. After the seedlings grow and become stronger, they need to be transplanted to a permanent place in the open field. When doing this, make sure that the ground is well warmed up and the danger of frost has passed.

Common beginner mistakes

Despite the fact that this procedure seems simple, it has its own subtleties:

Pick too soon or too late. If the process is carried out too early, then the plants will not yet be ready for transplantation and will die. On the other hand, if they are too late, they will outgrow and not survive the transplant.
Using the wrong soil. Using unsuitable soil will cause plant disease and poor growth.
Wrong pot size. If the pot is too small, the roots will not develop properly, resulting in poor growth. On the other hand, if the pot is too big, the plant will grow too fast and not get enough nutrients.
Wrong way to pull out of the ground. If the roots are damaged, then the plants will not survive the transplant.
Wrong position in the new pot. Planted too deep or too shallow will cause growth problems.
Insufficient soil moisture after transplanting.
Fertilization immediately after the procedure. Plants that receive excess fertilizer will become overly vulnerable to diseases and pests and begin to overgrow.