A vital step in providing your plants with the best possible start is preparing the soil for seedlings. The success of your garden can be greatly impacted by knowing how to properly process soil, regardless of experience level. The foundation of a flourishing garden is laid by strong, healthy seedlings grown in the proper soil.
The fundamentals of soil preparation—from choosing the best kind of soil to incorporating necessary nutrients—will be covered in this tutorial. You’ll discover easy ways to improve the quality of the soil and provide your seedlings with the best possible environment. You’ll be well on your way to cultivating colorful and fruitful plants with these suggestions.
Adding a few amendments is not enough to prepare your soil. It involves being aware of the requirements of your soil and making deliberate modifications. Now let’s explore how to prepare soil that will help your garden succeed by providing support for your seedlings.
- Some rules for processing soil:
- Soil disinfection
- Disinfection of containers for planting
- Video on the topic
- 179. Here is what you need to TREAT the soil for seedlings!
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- HOW TO PREPARE SOIL FOR SOWING SEEDLINGS! BASIC RULES FOR SOIL TREATMENT!
- NATURAL DISINFECTION OF SOIL. The easiest way to destroy infection in the soil, available to everyone!
- HOW TO MAKE GOOD SOIL FOR SEEDLINGS?
- 4 ways to DISINFECT SOIL for seedlings 🔥🔥🔥
- Disinfection of soil for seedlings: nuances, mistakes and recommendations. How to keep the soil alive?
Some rules for processing soil:
1. It is highly advisable to aerate purchased soil from PE bags before use, because.. as a result of the soil being in a closed bag for a long time, excess nitrogen accumulates in it, which is detrimental to seedlings. Aerate – this means to open the package and leave it open for at least a day, during the day, turn over the soil inside several times. 2. Soils for seedlings vary in quality and composition, and the composition indicated on the package does not always correspond to reality. It often happens that the so-.n. "soil for seedlings" consists of 90% high-moor peat, with the addition of chalk, lime and soil of unknown origin. It is better not to use such soils at all, or to use them by mixing, for example, with garden soil from your own garden, and it is better for already grown plants, for picking them into large containers. Peat itself is a good thing, but, firstly, lowland peat is more valuable (not high-moor peat), and secondly, rare plants will feel good in pure peat, because.k. peat always has increased acidity, compared to ordinary soil, and not all plants like it. High acidity is generally contraindicated for small seedlings. In accordance with GOSTs, peat should be light brown, without the smell of mold, signs of coking and self-heating to a temperature above 40 ° C. The guaranteed shelf life is 12 months from the date of packaging. So, before buying peat soil, you need to look at the production date on the packaging and make sure that it is not expired. The fact is that the physical and chemical properties of peat, especially high-moor peat, change over time. After the expiration date, it can begin to spontaneously heat up. Such a substrate cannot be used for growing seedlings. It is better to pour it out on the garden bed. 3. It is highly undesirable to use last year"s soil for growing seedlings, which has already been used, for example, for growing plants in pots on the loggia. Old soil contains the remains of old plants, due to which mold can appear, and spores of pathogenic fungi that cause black leg, and even microscopic eggs of spider mites, if last year"s plant was affected by it. It is better to pour such soil into the far corner of the compost heap, and let it rot for about two years. 4. If the soil you have (purchased or your own) is too heavy and dense, you can dilute it, for example, with medium or fine vermiculite, or peat soil. Reference: VERMICULITE is a highly porous, environmentally friendly material, pH neutral, does not contain heavy metals. Vermiculite does not decompose, does not rot, has a high absorption capacity. It is used to increase the looseness and air permeability of the soil, prevent its compaction and crust formation on the surface. It maintains optimal soil moisture – absorbing moisture, gradually gives it to the plant, thereby preventing root rot. Contains potassium, calcium and magnesium in small quantities. 5.Soil treatment and preparation should be carried out in advance, about a couple of days before sowing.
Soil disinfection
There are different ways to disinfect the soil. A common method is "pouring potassium permanganate" It has its drawbacks. Of course, the manganese will save from some pathogenic organisms in the soil, but along with this, the soil will significantly acidify. We have already talked about the harm of acidic soil for seedlings. Cooking the soil in the oven also has its drawbacks – laboriousness, an unpleasant odor, in addition, all microorganisms die – both bad and good. And we still need good. There is a way deprived of these shortcomings (or we don’t know anything about them :)) – processing soil with a solution of ordinary pharmacy 3% hydrogen peroxide. For 1 liter of standing water at room temperature, add 3-4 t.tablespoons peroxide. If there are doubts as soil, then you can increase the dosage to 4-5 t.l. With this solution, moisturize the soil before sowing: either spray several times, or spill a little, depending on the soil. If you are not sure about the quality of the soil, then it is better to add a little Grom or Grom-2 to it before sowing (literally a little, it is in small granules, and quite toxic), and mix thoroughly. This is a universal remedy for various soil inhabitants: midges, larvae and other pests. Approximate step-by-step recipe for preparing the soil * Pour purchased soil into a large 10-liter bucket. * Add medium-fraction vermiculite to it (for better air permeability). * If the soil contains peat, then slightly lime it with dolomite flour or crushed chalk to reduce acidity (about 1 tbsp.spoon of dolomite flour per bucket of soil). As we have already said, peat is a soil acidifier. Mix well. * Then gradually begin to moisten this soil – it is better not to spill, but to spray from a spray bottle. Mix, spray again, let stand, spray again, and so on until the soil acquires the desired moisture content. * For moisturizing, use settled tap water (at least 1 day in an open bottle), with the addition of pharmacy hydrogen peroxide, 3-4 tbsp.spoons per 1 liter of water. The dose can be increased. Photo: soil preparation, aeration
Preparing the soil for seedlings is an essential step in guaranteeing the growth of healthy plants. It entails preparing the soil to give seedlings the ideal ratio of moisture, nutrients, and texture for growth. For seeds to germinate and grow strongly, you create the ideal environment by loosening the soil, adding organic matter, and monitoring pH levels. This preparation raises the likelihood of a successful and colorful garden while also improving the health of the seedlings.
Disinfection of containers for planting
If you use last year"s containers for sowing and transplanting, which you have already used for the same purposes, then it is highly recommended to disinfect them. This can be done, for example, using a solution of the same pharmacy hydrogen peroxide! Dilute 2-3 bottles (standard volume 100 ml) of pharmacy hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio with warm tap water. We thoroughly wash the containers with this solution, then rinse them with clean water. Treatment should be carried out only with protective gloves! Reference: Hydrogen peroxide has a universal antimicrobial effect. Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, viruses, many types of pathogenic fungi are sensitive to it. Causes the death of spores of most sporogenous bacteria.
Picture: sanitizing planting containers
| Step | Description |
| 1. Choose Soil | Select high-quality soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. |
| 2. Sterilize Soil | Heat the soil in an oven or microwave to kill pathogens and pests. |
| 3. Mix Soil | Combine soil with compost or peat moss to improve texture and fertility. |
| 4. Moisten Soil | Water the soil lightly to make it damp but not soggy. |
| 5. Test pH | Check soil pH with a meter or kit to ensure it’s suitable for your seedlings. |
A critical first step in guaranteeing strong and healthy plant growth is preparing the soil for seedlings. You’re laying the groundwork for a successful garden by taking the time to properly process your soil. The proper preparation will give your seedlings the best chance of growing strongly, regardless of whether you’re starting with new soil or reconditioning old soil.
A few essential procedures are needed for good soil preparation. Make sure your soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained before you start. Compost and other organic matter can be added to improve the fertility and structure of the soil. Additionally, you can help create the ideal growing environment for your seedlings by testing the pH levels of your soil and making necessary adjustments.
Recall that plants grow best in healthy soil. You’ll be rewarded with colorful seedlings and an abundant garden by making the slight extra effort to process the soil. Happy gardening!
