How to plant flowers with seeds for seedlings. Annuals: Growing couldn't be easier! Germination in a bag

Preface

Gardeners are interested in what flowers they grow as seedlings, but most plants are suitable for this, only a few do not tolerate it well. People often refuse to use seedlings for fear of labor intensity and complexity, but following the recommendations and secrets of growing seedlings can simplify this process.

The main disadvantage of planting flowers in seedlings is the lack of space. In urban environments, the place for such manipulations is a balcony or loggia. They are limited in the supply of light and air, and natural humidity not suitable for seedlings. Amateur gardeners make the mistake of using unprepared soil. In a confined space, microorganisms and bacteria that enrich the soil do not penetrate into it, so growth slows down. You can scratch the seeds to get nutrients inside, but this can be harmful.

Flower seedlings in containers before planting

The soil must be alive to promote moisture penetration.

In the right soil, the seeds swell and are saturated with air, which provokes cell growth. Flower seedlings at home are optimal for annual, biennial, perennial or bulbous plants. In order to see a blossoming garden already in the summer, you need to plant from the end of winter annual plants(marigolds, petunia, salvia, calendula and others). Most flowers are suitable for seedlings, but some species do not tolerate transplantation (lupine, nasturtium). Such flowers should be planted in peat pots or directly into the ground. Also, moving flowers into the ground can be very harmful for already ripe flowers.

It is important to determine the planting time, which is different for each plant. More often this period occurs at the end of winter or beginning of spring. You can find out more details on the seed packaging. Failure to follow the recommendation, as well as uncontrolled soil enrichment, can harm the plant, preventing it from developing normally. Also, do not plant the seeds right away. Individually grown seedlings must be prepared in advance. To prevent the development of pathogens, the seeds are soaked for 12 hours in potassium permanganate. They can also be laid out on a damp cloth for stratification (preliminary creation of growth conditions) or soaked in Zircon to speed up germination.

It is necessary to select a place that will provide the seedlings with optimal temperature conditions (preferably about +20°). It is better to give preference to elevated places where you will rise warm air(sometimes a dark room is required). You can also provide a heater, since seedlings need to be grown in appropriate climatic conditions. Best suited for planting:

• plastic cups for hot drinks;
• plastic containers (food or yogurt).

Plastic cups are one of the best options for planting flowers

Before use, these containers just need to be rinsed with water; they do not require additional processing or sterilization. It is only important to check the bottom for mold and mildew. After this, you need to make a hole to drain the water and line the bottom with a layer of expanded clay. When using large containers, moisture is retained longer and several seeds can be sown at once, but replanting them is almost impossible without damaging the roots. You can use special pots, but they require more care.

In modern flower shops offer special containers. It is better to fill the container with soil not to the very top, leaving a few centimeters free (needed for watering). If containers have a soft base, they should not be moved behind the base to prevent cracking of the soil and damage to the roots.

In order for flower seedlings to germinate quickly, high-quality soil must be used. You need to understand that the soil in which adult plants grow is not suitable for seedlings. It should contain a minimum of nutrients and minerals, and it is better to sift the soil. It is important that the earth has a porous and light structure, retains moisture and allows air to pass through. Additives of leaf and compost soil, shavings, as well as low-lying peat with increased toxicity can harm flowers. Top peat, dry pine needles, pumice and quartz sand are well suited.

The combination of peat, soil and sand is the best mixture for planting seedlings

The earth does not need to be steamed and sterilized, this will make it lifeless. You can prepare the soil for seedlings with your own hands. You will need to take several kilograms of soil, mix it with clean river sand and add a little humus. To prevent the development of root rot, you can soak the soil with potassium permanganate a few days before planting. The resulting mixture will have a light mineral composition and a loose structure. The soil needs to be compacted a little so that it holds the seeds.

The soil is pre-watered before planting. This is necessary for a supply of liquid, because frequent watering of the seeds can damage the seeds. Deep grooves can be made in damp soil for better air flow. In one container, it is optimal to plant several seeds to a depth of 0.5-1 cm, depending on the size of the future root and stem. After this, the seedlings are placed under plastic wrap or wrapped in a bag. Such measures make it possible to ensure optimal temperature regime with moisture retention.

When large drops accumulate, seedlings are ventilated in two ways:

• Turn the bag inside out and wrap the back side of the planting;
• open the film for half an hour to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

When replanting the soil, it must be moistened with a sprayer ( soft water at 21°). You cannot use direct watering, as this will lead to the death of the flowers. It is important to choose the right location for containers with seedlings. They should not be in close proximity to batteries, and it is also necessary to ensure unobstructed light flow. If the windows don't face sunny side, you can turn on a lamp with a red spectrum above the seeds. Of course, if you have a vegetable garden, you can install a small greenhouse where the flowers grow, so as not to replant them, but this is not always possible.

After the seeds have sprouted, when the stems can already be grasped with your fingers, it is carried out. To do this, you need separate containers for sprouts, settled water room temperature and a set of tools (can be replaced with a manicure set). Transplanting seedlings is a delicate matter; the plant with a small amount of soil needs to be pulled out and transplanted into a new container in which it will ripen. Next, the stem is sprinkled with earth and watered with water.

Correct picking is a guarantee of plant survival

The practice of planting in dry soil and then moistening with water is common. This method is not suitable for weak roots, but it is faster. If the stems have grown together during the climbing process, there is no need to separate them, this will harm the roots. It is better to plant them in this state - the plants will be able to strengthen each other. When the seedlings have adapted to the new conditions, they are provided with fertilizing (after a few weeks). Mineral sets Agricola, Uniflor and others are suitable for this.

They need to be monitored throughout the entire period of flower growth so that the plant is not exposed to diseases. The most dangerous is the “black leg”, which appears when wrong conditions growth. The main signs of a diseased stem:

• brown color of leaves and sprouts;
• fading of color;
• severe depletion of the stem;
• growth distortion;
• falling leaves;
• formation of white plaque.

These symptoms require a quick solution to prevent the development of pathologies on other plants. Damaged stems and leaves need to be cut off to prevent spread to healthy flowers. After this, the ground is treated with a foundation mixture and sprinkled with a layer of lime mixed with sand. A soda solution with added calcium or a weak mixture of potassium permanganate is also used.

- This a lot of work, requiring compliance with recommendations. It is important to monitor each stage of growth, recording all changes in a diary. You need to understand that each flower has its own growth criteria, so it is better to label the varieties. Having provided optimal conditions and safety from diseases, you can grow flower garden at home.

There is still snow on the street, but the flower growers' work is already in full swing- it's time to sow seeds bought in stores or collected in your garden. And here a lot of questions arise for flower growers.

When to sow? Where and how? How to pick plants? How to feed them?

When to sow seeds for flower seedlings

First of all, divide the seeds according to sowing dates.

In late January - early February you need to sow the earliest crops: Shabot cloves and tuberous begonia.

At the end of February cineraria, statice and viola are sown, which will bloom in mid-May.

Last ten days of March- the next and most widespread sowing period for obtaining seedlings. At this time, you can sow ageratum, alyssum, arctotis, aster, verbena, gatsania, Chinese carnation, coleus, helichrysum, sweet peas, kochia, leftwort, lobelia, snapdragon, perilla, petunia, salvia, sweet tobacco, Drummond's phlox and some others annuals, as well as most perennials.

In the second half of April sow heat-loving and fast-growing crops: marigolds, zinnia, amaranths, balsam, acroclinum, annual dahlia, ornamental cabbage, celosia, annual chrysanthemum.

At the same time, into the pots for more early flowering you can sow nasturtium, nemesia, lavatera, brachycoma, godetia, schizanthus (schizanthus), fire beans, decorative pumpkin, echium.

From seeds collected on their plots Before sowing, it is advisable to check the germination rate so as not to waste precious space and time on non-germinating seeds. To check germination at home, use an ordinary saucer or plate, on which they place a piece of light-colored (to make the seeds better visible) cloth moistened with boiled water, sprinkle some seeds, cover with another piece of cloth and place in a warm place.

Check periodically to see if they have pooped, and moisten them with water. Depending on the crop, seeds can germinate from 3 days to 2 weeks, and some perennials can take much longer.

Where is it better to sow flower seeds, soil for sowing

Soil for sowing can be purchased in stores and garden centers, but experienced flower growers in the fall they prepare the soil mixture themselves - it is much cheaper and more reliable. Most often, such a mixture is prepared from 2 parts humus, 2 parts turf soil, 2 parts peat and 1 part sand.

Boxes You can use any: those purchased in the store specifically for seedlings, or from fruits or vegetables. The main thing is that they are durable and have holes to drain excess water. If there are no such holes, then a layer of drainage (expanded clay, crushed stone) at least 3-5 cm thick should be poured onto the bottom of the box.

One to two days before sowing The boxes need to be prepared: lay a layer of paper on the bottom, fill it with soil (a layer of at least 6 cm), compact it and spill it with a fungicide solution, a pink solution of potassium permanganate or boiling water. At the time of sowing, the soil should be moist, but not wet.

How to sow seeds correctly

Before sowing It is advisable to dust the seeds with a fungicide by pouring a little of the preparation (at the tip of a knife or label) into a bag of seeds and gently shaking it (you must use rubber gloves and a gauze bandage and keep the bag away from your face).

Treated seeds sown in boxes - in grooves made with a special marker or ruler, or scattered on the soil surface. For more friendly germination, seeds can be sprinkled with a solution of growth substances (for example, epin). Sprinkle large seeds with a layer of soil equal to approximately 3-5 times the height of the seed.

Boxes are covered with paper and water the soil as it dries, usually once every 1-2 days. Small seeds are not sprinkled, but the box must be covered with glass or film and often (at least 1-2 times a day) sprayed with water from a spray bottle, preventing them from drying out.

Don't forget to put labels in the box indicating the sown crop, variety and sowing date.

Germination temperature seeds in most crops is 18-22°C, for viola, kochia and carnation it is slightly lower - 15-18°C, for salvia, begonia -22-25°C. But light is not needed for seed germination of most crops.

The exception here is purslane and kochia, which require lighting at this stage.

Annual garden flowers, as well as some perennials, are grown through seedlings. This technique improves seed germination and speeds up flowering. There are many ways to grow flower seedlings and for each flower it is better to choose the most suitable one.

List garden plants, grown through seedlings, is quite large - it contains heat-loving crops, as well as flowers that do not have enough short summer for a full cycle of growth and flowering.

The timing of planting flowers for seedlings varies greatly. Plants with a long germination and growing season should be sown as early as February. For other crops, two to three weeks are enough before planting in the ground. Tables 1-3 provide descriptions of the most common flowering plants and preferred conditions for their sowing.

In February, beautifully flowering annuals and some perennials are sown as seedlings - in this case they will bloom in the year of planting. When sowing flowers in February, it is important to ensure a stable temperature and good lighting, otherwise the seedlings will stretch out and be weak.

Table 1. Flowers that are sown for seedlings in February.

March is the time to sow most garden flowers for seedlings. In addition to the crops described in Table 2, you can also plant lobelia and salvia at the beginning of March if you did not have time to do this in February. At the end of March, if there is sufficient light, you can sow marigolds, dahlias, sweet peas and zinnias, and they will bloom in June.

Table 2. Flowers that are sown for seedlings in March.

Phlox Drummond seeds "Pretty in crimson"

In April, seeds of fast-growing flowers are sown, which need no more than 4-6 weeks to set buds. The seeds of these flowers are quite large, the plants sprout well, so there is no need to rush into planting - overgrown seedlings take root worse.

Table 3. Flowers that are sown for seedlings in April.

Growing roses for sale in a greenhouse is a profitable business, because the demand for the queen of flowers does not decrease even in the winter months. Depending on the region, profitability can be 200% or more, and the payback period does not exceed two years. Read how to organize a flower business so that it brings stable profits.

Prices for Drummond phlox seeds

Phlox Drummond seeds

General techniques for growing seedlings

Despite the fact that different flower crops require various conditions For successful growth and flowering, methods of planting seeds and caring for plants are the same for many crops. Below we will describe the basic techniques for growing flower seedlings.

Seed preparation

Purchased seeds, as a rule, have already been calibrated, disinfected and stratified. Information about this can be found on the seed package. When independently collecting and preparing flower seeds, all these operations must be performed with your own hands. Before preparation, the seeds are sorted and debris is removed.

Seed sorting and waste removal

Step 1. Some flower crops require stratification - imitations winter conditions. To do this, the seeds are sprinkled with soil in small containers or wrapped in a damp cloth and placed in Plastic container. Place the seeds in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Inspect from time to time and, if necessary, moisturize. Stratification is necessary for asters, lavender, primroses, and coniferous seeds.

Note! Sowing seeds in the snow is also a method of stratification. It is suitable for small seeds lobelia, petunias, carnations.

Step 2. Disinfection is necessary to destroy pathogens of fungal and bacterial infections. To do this, the seeds are first soaked in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate, then washed and soaked in a solution of Fitosporin-M or another fungicide. After treatment, the seeds are sown within 2-3 days; they cannot be stored longer.

Step 3. Soaking is used for seeds with a hard, dense shell - morning glory, sweet peas, decorative beans, castor beans. Soaking is carried out in warm water (+35-40°C) for 6-24 hours. It is convenient to do this in a thermos - it maintains a constant temperature. When soaking in a glass, the water must be regularly changed to hot water.

Step 4. Scarification is another way to speed up the germination of hard seeds. Upper layer the shells are damaged mechanically - using sandpaper, a file or scratching with a needle. After this, the seeds are soaked.

Step 5. Stimulation is carried out in a solution of "Agate", "Epin" or "Zircon", in aloe juice, as well as in solutions of amber or boric acid. After stimulation, the seeds produce more vigorous shoots.

Note! It is more convenient to process small seeds by first placing them in fabric bags.

Preparing soil and containers for seedlings

To successfully grow flower seedlings, two types of soil are required. At the stage of seed germination and the appearance of the first true leaves, the sprout takes nutrients from seed. At the same time, during this period, seedlings are very sensitive to fungal and bacterial infections. The main requirement for soil for seed germination is its sterility, moisture and breathability. Peat-based mixtures have these qualities.

In the second phase of seedling growth, after picking, root system begins to actively consume nutrients from the soil. For planting seedlings in separate cups, soil rich in humus or vermicompost is more suitable. If the seeds are planted directly into seedling cups, then it is enough to sprinkle the planting holes and the surface of the soil with peat or calcined sand.

Boxes can be used as containers for seedlings, disposable cups and any other container of suitable size. For the germination of heat-loving seeds that require a greenhouse effect, you can use containers with a transparent lid or special ones. Before planting, containers must be washed and disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate.

Sowing seeds in boxes

Flower seeds are sown different ways along the soil surface or in deep furrows. Small seeds that require light to germinate (petunia, lobelia, ageratum, fragrant tobacco) are sown superficially.

The seeds are first mixed with sand so that they are distributed more evenly. The smaller the seeds, the smaller the sand particles should be. Seeds are sown over the entire surface, watered with a spray bottle and covered with a stack. They grow in the light.

Seeds embedded in the soil are sown in this way.

Step 1. Fill the boxes with soil, level it, and use a ruler or other object to press the grooves to the required depth.

Step 2. Sow the seeds in the furrows at the required intervals.

Step 3. A layer of soil 1-1.5 cm thick is poured on top.

Step 4. Water carefully from a watering can until the top layer of soil is moistened.

Step 5. Cover the box with a lid or film and put it in a warm place until shoots appear.

Step 6. Once or twice a day, before emergence, the film is lifted to ventilate and remove condensation - the latter can be used to moisten the soil, allowing it to flow down the walls of the box.

Step 7 When the top layer of soil dries out, water the seedlings from a small watering can with settled warm water.

Note! Planting seeds in seedling cassettes or cups is done in the same way; it is allowed to plant 2-3 seeds. The excess sprout can then be removed.

Picking plants

Plants usually dive in the phase of 2 true leaves - by this time the sprouts switch to root nutrition, but the root system itself has not yet grown, so it is almost not damaged during transplantation. Exceptions include plants with very delicate stems, such as lobelia. It is better to replant it after 4-5 true leaves appear.

Step 1. Prepare seedling cups and fill them with a nutritious soil mixture, water them and allow the water to evenly saturate the soil. Make a 2-3 cm indentation in the center with a pencil or other object.

Step 2. Pry up the sprout in the seedling box with a small spatula or the handle of a teaspoon. Carefully take it out along with the earthen lump.

Step 3. Place the roots with a ball of earth in a hole and press the soil from one or more sides, trying not to damage the root. If necessary, add soil.

Planting a sprout in a separate cup

Cups with transplanted seedlings are placed in a warm place with diffused light for several days. Water only when the top layer of soil dries out and be very careful not to overwater. After the seedlings have taken root, you can water them as usual, feed them and pinch them.

Growing in peat tablets

Peat tablets are convenient for planting flower crops that do not tolerate picking and handling. They are pressed peat soil, which, when wet, swells and increases in height by about 5-7 times, its diameter remains the same.

Step 1. The tablets are placed in a container and filled with warm water. It is better to pour a little water, 1-2 cm, and add more as the tablets swell. As soon as they stop absorbing water, the excess is drained.

From the very beginning of the calendar year, the long-awaited time of activity begins in the lives of gardeners. Despite the fact that the dacha season is still far away, preparations for it must begin now, and specifically, the period of growing seedlings has begun, which will last the second half of winter and spring. This is a responsible, pleasant and incredibly interesting time. After all, from tiny seeds, with careful care and minimum costs, you can grow healthy, strong seedlings both garden and ornamental plants, which in the future will become decoration personal plot. During the seedling season, the main thing is not to forget about anything, since many important little things affect the development of plants that are completely dependent on their owners.

Flowers are a real decoration of the garden, which is why flower beds of various colors and shapes can be seen on almost any summer cottage. Growing these crops is no more difficult, and sometimes even easier, than cultivating fruit-bearing plants. But flowers provide an opportunity to get aesthetic pleasure from being in a summer cottage. How to grow flowers from seeds? When to plant flowers as seedlings and replant them in open ground? How to make seedlings grow healthy and strong? We will try to answer these questions in our article.

The first month of the calendar year, despite the short daylight hours, is considered the start of the seedling growing season. Ornamental plants with the longest growing season must be sown as early as possible so that they bloom at the usual time.

What flowers are planted for seedlings in January:

Carnation Shabo

Begonia

Perennials whose seeds are sown in January
for preliminary stratification:

• Clematis
• Gentian
• Aquilegia
• Perennial violas
• Bells
• Irises
• Spring bulbous
• Lavender
• Delphinium
• Primrose
• Swimsuit
• Rutovnik
• Jeffersonia
• Breaker

This month it is also worth sowing perennials, which prefer later sowing, but still need scarification. It is better to have time to sow coleus in January if you want to decorate your flower beds and ridges with its bright leaves.

It is advisable to provide additional lighting in January for any seedlings. It is necessary to closely monitor the seedlings and take immediate action at the slightest sign of lack of light.

Caring for seedlings in January:

1. Daily ventilation of crops - temporary removal of film or glass.
2. Very careful moistening: spray young seedlings carefully, only when the soil dries out, make sure that the soil moisture is light but constant.
3. Do not fertilize this month.
4. Don’t rush into diving: stick to the deadlines, but watch the plants themselves, let them get stronger and adapt.

What is important not to forget in January:

1. Continue preparing the substrate for sowing seeds and planting seedlings.
2. Disinfect the soil - calcine it, pour boiling water on it - in advance.
3. Take time to prepare containers for seedlings.
4. Keep the areas where you place containers with seedlings clean.
5. Organize your sowing tools and equipment to make it easier to work.

Active planting of seedlings begins in February. And although most summer students are still expecting an increase daylight hours, this month you need to remember to sow some of the main favorites among beautiful flowering crops. High-quality preparation in February will guarantee a reduction in your workload in March.

What flowers are planted for seedlings in February:

Lobelia

Petunia

Fuchsia

Pelargoniums

Balsam

Heliotrope

Salvia splendor (Salvia)

In February, you can sow lavender and other perennials for seedlings, the seeds of which have completed stratification or do not need it.

Throughout the month, you can continue sowing “January” plants - Shabot carnations, coleus and flowering begonias.

Additional lighting in February is desirable for any seedlings. It is still advisable to compensate for the still insufficient amount of natural light by additionally installing lamps, extending daylight hours or increasing the lighting intensity. You need to continue to monitor the seedlings and adjust the lighting if there are signs of stretching.

Caring for seedlings in February:

1. Daily ventilation of containers with sown seeds.
2. Careful adaptation of seedlings to non-greenhouse conditions or temperature changes (it is better to extend the process of removing glass or film over several days).
3. Adding substrate to the elongated seedlings (along with additional lighting will help to avoid many problems).
4. Gentle moistening by spraying for seedlings. For strong January seedlings that have undergone a dive, you can switch to gentle drip or classic watering.
5. Apply the first fertilizing for seedlings that have undergone diving no earlier than a week after the diving procedure.
6. Pinch the shoots to thicken the shoots after producing 5-6 leaves.

What is important not to forget in February:

1. Take care of timely replenishment of the substrate and its pre-treatment.
2. Continue to prepare containers and equipment for diving in advance.
3. Prepare a place for planting seedlings after diving, consider their placement and methods for rational use of the window sill area.
4. Take time to keep a sowing diary; don’t be lazy to write down information, because in the rush of spring you can easily forget about something important.
5. Prepare tags, tags or other means of identifying the variety and type of plants in advance so that you don’t lose sight of anything in the coming months and don’t waste precious time later.

The first calendar month of spring is, of course, the main month for sowing almost all ornamental plants. There is so much to do in March that it is easy to forget about the little things. Active sowing should not distract from caring for seedlings and constantly monitoring their condition.

Flowers sown for seedlings in March

Castor bean

Dahlia

Flowers that are sown in March without seed treatment:

Violets (Viola, Pansy)

Phlox Drummond

Decorative cabbage

Asters

Verbena

Ageratum

Lobularia

Celosia

Fragrant tobacco

Also in March, snapdragons, levkoy, coleus, kobeya, carnation grass, venidium, alyssum, azarina, brachycoma, cleome, and penstemon are sown for seedlings.

Flowers that can continue to be sown in March:

• Lobelia (first decade)
• Petunia (first and second decade)
• Pelargonium
• Summer plants of February sowing, the flowering of which they want to postpone to a later date.

Perennials that prefer March sowing: Iberis, cornflower, echinacea and all plants for which the stratification period ends in March.

IN southern regions in April you can begin to plant seedlings of annuals and perennials in the soil, with the exception of the most heat-loving species.

Additional lighting in March is desirable, but not required. If the weather does not indulge in sunny days, and the seedlings show signs of insufficient lighting, then it is better to start lighting the plants in a timely manner. It is advisable to pay special attention to this issue at the beginning of the month.

Caring for seedlings in March:

1. Daily ventilation of seedlings under glass or film.
2. Accurate watering with soil moisture control. If you accidentally overflow, do not hesitate and immediately take measures to sand the substrate and reduce soil moisture.
3. Fertilizing to strengthen seedlings and stimulate growth (carried out only after complete adaptation of the picked plants).
4. Pinching and other shaping methods for bushy plants.
5. Adding soil when the seedlings are stretched out or there are signs of compaction.
6. Carefully inspecting plants and responding to the slightest signs of detected problems.

What is important not to forget in March:

1. Continue preparing the substrate and containers in your free time.
2. Do not forget to systematize the information and carefully note the procedures performed.
3. Prepare a place on the balcony or where you plan to take the seedlings on warm days for pinning.
4. Start preparing containers and means of transporting seedlings to the site, think about what and how you will transport them.

April is considered the month of active care for ornamental plants and the start of hardening, but you should not forget about sowing. It is in April that seeds of plants with a short growing season and crops intended for the second half of the season are sown.

Flowers that are sown for seedlings in April
with pre-treatment of seeds:

Zinnia

Marigold

Basilisk

morning glory

Flowers sown for seedlings in April
without pre-treatment of seeds:

Kohia

Helichrysum

Scabious

Xeranthemum

Vatochnik

Amaranth

Helipterum

Godetia

Flowers that can continue to be sown in April:

• Asters (first decade)
• Dahlias (beginning of the month)
• Summer plants whose flowering is to be delayed until the second half of the season

As a rule, seedlings of ornamental plants do not need additional lighting in April. The exception is extremely unfavorable cloudy weather, which can damage young seedlings. For them, when pulling, it is better to organize additional lighting.

Caring for seedlings in April:

1. Daily removal of film or glass from crops.
2. Start of active watering for growing seedlings (but you still need to control the soil moisture and focus on the rate of its drying). Gentle moistening of young shoots continues this month.
3. Feeding for dead plants and weakened seedlings.
4. Carefully ventilate rooms and increase seedlings’ access to fresh air.
5. The first hardening procedures, placing the seedlings of the first sown plants on Fresh air on warm days (start with a few hours and then leave the plants for increasingly longer periods until nighttime temperatures allow the plants to remain outdoors permanently).
6. Continuation of formation for plants with a bushy growth form and a large number of shoots.

What is important not to forget in April:

1. Keep the areas where the seedlings are located clean.
2. Make sure there is enough soil and containers to support all plants.
3. Organize convenient ways to transport seedlings to fresh air, think about their movement and placement.
4. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and temperature indicators so you don't miss the opportunity to start hardening early.

May is the month when most plants undergo the hardening procedure and finally get the opportunity to take their place in the garden. True, active planting for most plants is possible only in the second half of May. In many ways, work this month depends on the weather and its vagaries. An individual approach is the best guarantee that you will not lose seedlings as a result of negligence.

Flowers that are planted in open ground in May in the middle zone:

• Chabot cloves, gillyflower, cineraria, sweet peas, all types of violets, as well as other annuals that are cold-resistant crops.
• Seedlings of herbaceous perennials, cereals and other perennial plants.
• Seedling herbs and ground covers.
• Plants for potted gardens, containers, ampels.

Flowers that are planted in open ground in May in the southern regions:

• All ornamental annuals
• All ornamental perennials

Caring for seedlings in May:

1. Reduce watering, do not apply fertilizers to prepare plants for planting (but do not deviate from individual recommendations for plants).
2. Start or continue hardening the seedlings by taking them out into the open air, and when warm weather- leaving it there even overnight, approximately 10-12 days before planting in the soil. In the third ten days of the month, begin hardening off the seedlings of heat-loving ornamental plants that you plan to plant in June. By this time they should be outdoors. Follow recurrent frosts and on cold nights, bring the plants indoors.
3. Provide shade and stable soil moisture for ornamental plants planted in the ground.

Since seedlings of most plants must be transported to the site this month, do not ignore organizational hassles and think about transportation and handling in advance. Make sure you have enough pallets and shipping boxes, research how many plants you can transport at one time, and create a work schedule. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be to deal with any problems.

Do not forget that the places for planting seedlings need to be prepared in advance. Improve the soil in a timely manner, add organic and mineral fertilizers, take care of preparation drainage materials. Store tools and utensils so that at a convenient moment you do not waste extra effort and time searching.

Biennials begin to be sown for seedlings in June (on seedling beds and in greenhouses). But the main area of ​​work in the first month of summer is related to the transfer of the most heat-loving plants into the garden.

Flowers that are planted in open ground in June:

• The most heat-loving summer fliers.
• Plants with lush flowering for quick decoration of the area.

The care that seedlings and planted plants will need in June should be enhanced. After transferring to permanent place To adapt the plant, it is necessary to provide additional watering and monitor soil moisture. The most sensitive and capricious crops may need short-term shading. Do not start fertilizing right away, even for lush flowers: let the plants adapt and use soil resources. Do not forget to promptly install supports and tie up plants that need it.