To get a good harvest eggplant, it will be necessary to work hard with the cultivation of seedlings.
Pulling is just one of those problems that awaits gardeners. More on this in our article.
The question we are going to answer today is: eggplant seedlings are drawn out, what to do in this situation and how to prevent stretching?
Why is eggplant seedlings drawn?
The main question for novice gardeners, with regards to pulling eggplant seedlings, is whether the situation can be corrected or everything is already gone.
First you need to find out the reason, and then calmly and confidently proceed to its elimination. This can be a difficult test, especially for those who do it for the first time, but do not despair. And remember: a good harvest begins with the proper care of seedlings.
The reasons for which eggplant seedlings are pulled out are not really as many as it might seem at first glance.
The fact is that they are not immediately able to be identified, especially to an inexperienced gardener. They belong to one large group: this influence of external environmental factors.
Malicious insects do not affect the extrusion, they cause other harm, but this is a topic for another article. Diseases, including fungal ones, also do not provoke stretching. But the conditions under which it occurs can cause a number of diseases, in particular root rot and twisting of the leaves.
High-quality and healthy eggplant seedlings, in appearance should be squat and strong. Since the plant is delicate, it instantly responds to external growing conditions. If they are good, then the seedlings will be healthy, if the wrong ones, then they start to feel bad.
Pulling is one of the many problems that novice gardeners face. Such a reaction of seedlings is not a disease, but it entails the most unpleasant consequences and you can lose a valuable harvest.
The first reason the seedlings stretch is lack of light and fever. This is a completely natural reaction of the plant to such environmental conditions.
Under the influence of heat, it grows and stretches to the source of heat. This is the most common reason, so if this happened, then it is necessary to regulate the light of the lamps and the heating temperature in the greenhouse.
The second reason is improper watering mode. Most likely, it is redundant. It is from the overflow that young eggplant seedlings are usually drawn out.
Another reason why seedlings can be pulled is cramped potsin which they grow. Since the root system grows in breadth, it becomes uncomfortable and this negatively affects the seedling itself.
To avoid such problems, you need to pre-select a more spacious container for growing eggplant seedlings, thus you will avoid many troubles, including this one.
Also among the reasons may be soil quality.. It may be overly acidic, neutral soils are best suited. This is the rarest reason for pulling seedlings.
Do not forget that the reason may be not one, but the whole complex and you will have to solve several problems at once.
What to do so that the seedlings do not stretch?
In order to young bushes are not stretched, need to provide them with comfortable conditions. Eggplant in general culture is capricious, especially its seedlings. The optimum temperature for it will be + 20-22 degrees, at night 18-20.
Eggplant seedlings stretched out, what to do? If this happens, the temperature can be lowered to 17-18 degrees and it should be kept around the clock. Also Be sure to comply with the lighting mode, it should be moderate, and even better reinforced.
It is possible to install a mirror so that sunlight will constantly fall throughout the daylight. Such activities will help to stop the excessive growth of shoots, and the problem of lack of light will be successfully solved.
If the seedlings are pulled out due to the fact that it is cramped, then it will have to be transplanted. Despite the fact that eggplants do not like when they are disturbed.
But this will save the young shoots, and in the future and the entire harvest. During the growth of seedlings, also it is necessary to feed the plant with complex fertilizers, it will serve to strengthen the roots and the correct formation of the future trunk.
If the seedlings still began to stretch, when landing in the ground it is necessary to fill the ground, preferably well warmed and dry. This will help not to linger too much moisture and will serve as an additional thermal insulator. Thus, the plant is better to take root and pull will be able to stop. Thus, you will save the harvest, and all your efforts and expectations will not be in vain.
Highly tweaking, that is, removal of a growth bud above the second true leaf. Such a simple procedure will allow you to stop the draw.
As for the quality of the soil, it is recommended to lower its acidity before planting seedlings. It will not be superfluous to clear it from all previous landings.
How to grow seedlings to prevent its stretching?
In order to prevent many problems in growing eggplant seedlings, including pulling, it is necessary to carefully observe the light, temperature regimes and mode of watering young shoots.
Do not forget about timely feeding and weeding.
When planting seedlings in the ground, whether unprotected or greenhouse shelter, should pay special attention to the density of landing. Too close position of young bushes can also cause stretching.
This happens due to the fact that the plants block access of light to each other. When plants become adults, it can provoke unnecessary problems, in particular diseases and speed up the spread of harmful insects.
As follows from the review, to enjoy the eggplant, first you need to grow seedlings. This is not an easy task, more suitable for experienced gardeners. But if you want, then any problems can be solved. Good luck and good harvests.
So, we described the causes of stretching and answered the question: what to do if the seedlings of eggplant are strongly stretched immediately after germination?
Useful materials
Read other articles about growing and caring for eggplant seedlings:
- Different methods of cultivation: in peat tablets, in a snail and even on toilet paper.
- All features of sowing according to the lunar calendar.
- Golden rules for growing from seed.
- Features of cultivation in different regions of Russia: in the Urals, in Siberia and the Moscow region.
- Read more about seed preparation before sowing.