Zucchini and eggplant are heat -like vegetables, so their sowing time and way have their own nuances. In this article, we will take a look at how to sow these popular vegetables correctly to get a rich and high quality harvest.
Zucchini and eggplant and their sowing
Both zucchini and eggplants are sensitive to frost, so they are not worth rushing directly into the soil.
In Lithuania, the optimal time to sow eggplants for sprouts is the end of February – the beginning of March, and the zucchini is the end of April – the beginning of May, directly into the soil – in the second half of May, after the danger of frost.
It is recommended that the seeds of both vegetables be germinated indoors if you want the previous harvest.
Sowing for sprouts: step by step
Sowing for sprouts is a great way to advance harvest and ensure stronger plants. Here’s how to do this:
- Seed preparation (not necessary but recommended):
- Soak: Before sowing, you can soak the seeds for 12-24 hours in warm water or in special seed germination solutions. This will help them germinate faster.
- Stratifikacija (Bakzanams): Stratification is sometimes recommended for eggplant seeds – support at cool temperatures for several days. You can put soaked seeds in a wet fabric or cotton wool and keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Sowing vessels and substrate:
- Use small individual jars (eg peat pots, plastic jars with drainage holes) or cartridges. Separate jars will later prevent sprouts of sprouts and reduce the risk of root damage by transplanting.
- For the substrate, use a light, fluffy and fertile soil mixture for sprouts. You can buy a prepared mixture or make it from peat, compost and sand.
- Sowing:
- Fill the jars with a substrate, leaving some space to the top.
- Slightly moisten the substrate.
- Eggplant seeds Sow 1-1.5 cm deep, one seed in a jar.
- Zucchini seeds Sow 2-3 cm deep, one seed in a jar.
- Apply the seeds to a thin layer of substrate and gently press.
- Conditions for germination:
- Place the sown containers in a warm (about 22-25 ° C) and in a bright place. You can cover them with a translucent film or cover to create a greenhouse effect and speed up germination.
- Ventilate regularly and hold a damp substrate, but do not overdo it.
- Care after germination:
- When the first sprouts appear, remove the film or cover.
- Ensure enough light to prevent the seedlings from swallowing. If natural light is not enough, use additional lighting (fluorescent lamps).
- Water regularly when the top layer of the substrate is dry out.
- When eggplants have 2-3 real leaves and zucchini-1-2, you can start fertilizing with a weak solution of complex fertilizer.
Zucchini and eggplants: sowing directly to the soil
If you decide to sow zucchini and directly into the soil, it is important to choose the right time and place:
- Time: Sow only after all spring frost and when the soil temperature reaches at least 12-15 ° C. This is usually found in Lithuania in the second half of May.
- Place: Choose a sunny, warm and wind protected area with fertile, well -drained soil.
- Soil preparation: Before sowing, you buy the soil, spray and fertilize with compost or complex fertilizer.
- Sowing:
- Make shallow (2-3 cm deep zucchini and 1-1.5 cm deep eggplant) grooves or holes.
- Sees the seeds every 60-80 cm (zucchini) and 50-60 cm (eggplants).
- Sprinkle the seeds with soil and gently press.
- Wake up abundantly.
- Care:
- Until the sprouts appear, keep the moist soil.
- When the seedlings become stronger, lose them, leaving the strongest plants at the required distances.
- Regularly weed and roll the soil around the plants.
- Water regularly, especially in dry air.
- Start fertilizing when the plants reach 15-20 cm in height.
Important tips:
- Seed quality: Always choose quality and fresh seeds from trusted sellers.
- Watering: Water regularly, but avoid replacing, which can cause root rot.
- Light: Zucchini and eggplant need a lot of sunlight (at least 6-8 hours a day).
- Temperature: The optimum growth temperature is 20-25 ° C.
- Care: Examine plants regularly, pests or diseases and take the necessary measures.
By properly sown and overseeing zucchini and eggplants, you will be able to enjoy the abundant and delicious harvest of your grown. Good luck in your gardening work!
Photos associative © canva
Source: https://www.bc.ua/
Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.
