At what soil temperature should you plant tomatoes? Temperature conditions for growing tomatoes

Usually in the central zone of our country, tomato seedlings are first grown and only then planted in open ground.

The fact is that the number of warm days in these regions is not enough for complete ripening of the fruits of this vegetable crop.

Therefore, vegetable growers first sow seeds at home in special containers and grow full-fledged strong seedlings. AND only when the seedlings grow several permanent leaves, they can be planted in prepared beds on the site.

Read also:

How to prepare seedlings for planting in open ground

But you need to know when to plant tomatoes in the ground, at what temperature. The fact is that Tomato seedlings are sensitive to night frosts on the soil, so you should not rush to plant this vegetable crop. But you need to harden off the seedlings while they are growing at home. Hardened seedlings can withstand lower temperatures after planting in open ground, but weak seedlings will freeze and die.

The procedure for hardening seedlings should be carried out gradually. First, you should open the window above the containers with planted tomatoes. Then take the tomato seedlings out onto the balcony or loggia during the daytime. And after a few days provided the night temperature is above +8°C You can leave seedlings on the balcony permanently. Typically, such hardening is carried out at least a week before planting the seedlings in a permanent place.

At what temperature are tomatoes planted in beds?

What temperature can tomato seedlings withstand? You need to know this so as not to expose the seedlings to unwanted exposure to cold. Typically, hardened tomato seedlings can withstand night temperatures of at least +8°C.

For preventive purposes, tomato seedlings are usually sprayed with Bordeaux mixture before planting in the ground - this procedure will help the tomatoes resist blossom end rot and other diseases.

Experienced vegetable growers also advise cutting off their lower two leaves a few days before planting seedlings. This procedure allows the seedlings to take root in the garden bed faster, and the first clusters of flowers will form earlier.

You should also wait until the soil warmed up to +11 - 12°C. To make sure the ground is warm enough to plant seedlings, gardeners use an outdoor thermometer. It needs to be placed 4–5 cm deep into the ground and held for 10 minutes. And only if the thermometer shows the required temperature, you can start planting tomatoes. Moreover, it is better to plant this vegetable crop in cloudy times, or in the evening so that the seedlings take root better.

Hardening off tomato seedlings allows them to quickly take root in the beds, where it is colder than at home, the wind blows, and is warmed by the bright sun. Tomato seedlings are planted in different regions at different times. In this case, they are guided by the nighttime ambient temperature.

At what temperature do tomato seedlings die? Typically, strong tomato seedlings that have already taken root in open ground can withstand temperatures down to -1°C. But at lower temperatures, even hardened seedlings freeze.

How to plant tomato seedlings in a greenhouse?

What temperature should it be for tomato seedlings in a greenhouse? Usually they wait until the soil is in the greenhouse warms up to 14°C to a depth of at least 13 cm. Soil temperature is also measured with a conventional thermometer.

If the lower foliage of tomatoes touches the ground, it should be removed. Remove leaves in the morning so that the wound on the plant has time to heal before evening.

Tomatoes are one of the most common vegetables in gardens and summer cottages. This is due to the fact that many people love tomatoes and are happy to include them in their diet. The plant is a heat-loving crop and in most regions the seedling method is used to obtain an early harvest.

Every gardener has his own secrets for growing tomato seedlings. But not everyone knows how the temperature regime when growing tomato seedlings affects their yield. Our article is devoted to this issue.

We hurry slowly

Novice gardeners, trying to get an early harvest of tomatoes, strive to sow seeds as soon as possible. They believe that the sooner they receive seedlings and plant them in the garden, the sooner the first fruits will appear. But in most cases, when sowing too early, they get weak plants and elongated seedlings, which subsequently will not produce a large harvest.

Too elongated shoots weaken the plant

This result is due to the fact that in February or early March it is very difficult to ensure optimal light and temperature conditions when growing tomato seedlings. Daylight hours are still very short, and the air temperature, during “late spring,” drops quite low.

Frosts, often prolonged in the first or second decade of March, are especially dangerous for heat-loving crops. Even if you cover the plants with lutrasil during this time, it is unlikely that you will be able to save the roots.

Therefore, experts advise not to rush to sow tomato seeds. They believe that it is better to be a little late than to be ahead of the ideal sowing time. Residents of the central part of the country are advised to start sowing tomatoes no earlier than mid-March, and super-early hybrids even later - in early April.

VIDEO: How temperature affects seedlings

Preparatory work

It is important to prepare the soil for sowing seeds. It should be warm. Experienced gardeners advise that regardless of the origin of the soil (purchased in a specialized store or prepared the soil mixture yourself), be sure to disinfect it. There are many methods, but the most proven and easiest to implement is treatment with potassium permanganate or calcination in the oven:

A hot pink solution of pharmaceutical potassium permanganate is prepared and the soil is watered generously.
The soil is laid out in a layer of 8-10 cm on a baking sheet and placed in the oven for an hour at a temperature of 180-200°C.

After disinfection has been carried out, the soil in the box is moistened and left for at least 2 weeks before sowing, so that during this time the microflora beneficial to plants has time to develop.

Tomato grains are sown in moist, warm soil. Therefore, if necessary, the soil is moistened with a spray bottle before sowing.

Disinfection of seed material

It is recommended to disinfect grains if they are collected independently or you are not sure that this step was carried out by the manufacturer. When using planting material from well-known brands, all necessary actions have already been carried out. For disinfection, you can use the same potassium permanganate.

Potassium permanganate works best for disinfection

Prepare a weak solution: dilute 1 g of manganese in 1 glass of water. We place the grains in a fabric bag or just a rag that we tie. In this form, the seeds are soaked for 15-20 minutes in the prepared solution, and then washed thoroughly.

Aloe juice diluted with water 1:1 will help strengthen the immunity of the seed fund and stimulate growth. To do this, aloe leaves are cut off and placed in the refrigerator for a week. Next, grind and squeeze through a colander or sieve.

Vernalization

After the seeds have been washed and slightly dried, they can be hardened. This procedure is called vernalization and is used to produce seeds on an industrial scale.

To do this, they are placed in a damp cloth in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours at a temperature of +1°C. It is necessary to ensure that the fabric is always damp. Therefore, if necessary, it is moistened with a spray bottle. After slaughtering, the seeds are placed on a plate, covered with a cotton cloth and moistened. After 1-3 days they will hatch, after which they can be immediately sown in previously prepared nutrient soil.

Secrets of sowing tomato seeds

For sowing, a variety of containers with side heights of 10 cm and higher are used. You can sow tomato seeds in special cassettes or on peat tablets. When growing tomato seedlings, the seeds are deepened by 1 cm. You can use one of the sowing methods of your choice.

Standard formula for sowing seeds for seedlings

The first option involves leveling the soil in a container and laying grains on it, and sprinkling a centimeter layer of earth on top. The second method is more traditional:

make grooves centimeter deep;
Seeds are placed in each path at a distance of 2-4 cm from each other;
The top is covered with soil.

In both cases, the grains will be under a centimeter layer of soil.

If the seeds are not sown in a separate container, then adhere to the following scheme: the width between rows is 3-5 cm, and between plants 2-4 cm. The soil on top is carefully moistened with a spray bottle. The container is covered with glass or plastic film and placed in a well-lit, warm place.

The optimal temperature for growing seedlings before emergence is 24-26°C. If you place a container with seedlings on the windowsills, then place foam under it and do not open the windows.

By providing the proposed temperature regime for growing tomato seedlings, you will be able to observe the first shoots already on the 3-5th day. As soon as the seeds germinate, the glass (film) should be removed and the foam should be left. Choose a well-lit place on the windowsill for the container with seedlings.

VIDEO: Secrets of growing seedlings on a windowsill - lighting, watering, supplementary lighting

What temperature is needed to grow strong seedlings?

Immediately after germination, to grow healthy seedlings, it is necessary to lower the temperature. During the first week, the optimal air temperature during the day is 13-16°C, and at night – 11-13°C. This temperature regime prevents plants from stretching.

Sometimes you can observe a delay in the growth of seedlings due to the hard cotyledon shell, which does not allow the leaves to open. This is a signal that the air humidity in the room is very low. In this case, it is necessary to spray the seedlings several times throughout the day from a spray bottle on which a fine fraction of drops is installed. This way you will soften the shell and help the cotyledon leaves to free themselves from it.

A week after emergence, the temperature when growing seedlings should increase. It is necessary to provide the plants with the following regime during the day:

in sunny weather 20-22°C;
when it’s cloudy – 18-19°C.
night temperature should be 17-18°C.

Just keep in mind that if the optimal temperature regime for growing tomato seedlings is violated, the plants develop much worse. Thus, there are studies that a decrease in night temperature even by 2°C leads to a weakening of the development of the root system of seedlings.

Healthy shoots that will produce a good harvest

At the same time, overheating the container with seedlings helps to stretch the plants. These tomatoes will have thin and weakened stems. The described care for seedlings must be provided until the second true leaf appears. As a rule, this occurs within 30-35 days after emergence.

Water tomatoes very carefully. Overmoistening of the soil can cause the roots to die off, as well as seedlings to become infected with blackleg. Experts believe that for growing tomato seedlings, the optimal daylight hours should be 12-14 hours. Therefore, if possible, you should organize additional illumination of the container with crops with lamps.

What you need to know about picking tomatoes?

Tomato seedlings must be planted in separate containers. This is especially necessary to do when the seeds were sown too thickly. It is advisable to choose peat or plastic cups with a volume of 0.5 liters. Most experts recommend pruning plants after a couple of true leaves appear.

How to pick seedlings correctly

Some vegetable growers believe that it is better to wait until the second true leaf develops. Plants should be replanted with a clod of earth, trying not to disturb the roots. Often, gardeners practice a landless method of growing seedlings in order to minimize stress on the plant during picking.

Reading with this article: A convenient and simple landless way to grow seedlings on toilet paper

After diving, tomatoes should be provided with the following temperature regime:

on a sunny day 20-22°C,
in cloudy weather 16-18°C,
at night – 12-14°C.

To grow tomato seedlings at home, vegetable growers need to take care of many factors, and temperature conditions occupy an important place among them. I wish you success!

VIDEO: Optimal temperature for seedlings

At what temperature to grow tomato seedlings

Temperature conditions for growing tomatoes

Special temperature regime of air and soil

So, when planting seedlings in a greenhouse, you must follow a number of simple rules:

- dilute complete mineral fertilizer at the rate of 1 teaspoon per 5 liters of water;
Before planting the seeds, the soil must be spilled with a hot pink solution of potassium permanganate, holes must be made to a depth of one and a half centimeters at a distance of 3-4 centimeters from each other.
Following these rules, you can easily get a decent harvest from your beds.
The maturity of tomato fruits is usually divided into 2 categories: biological and technological.
After each watering, be sure to loosen the soil and destroy weeds. The first loosening is 8-13 cm, the next ones are 5-6 cm. The first loosening helps to warm up the top layer of soil in order to normalize the temperature regime for tomatoes. Subsequent loosening is necessary to ventilate the root system.
Preference should be given to loamy and sandy loam soils, because they have high moisture capacity and breathability.
Tomatoes are relatively moisture-resistant, but they still need quite a lot of water. The frequency of watering and the volume of water depend on the specific characteristics of the soil, the level of solar radiation and the condition of the plant as a whole.

Temperatures below - 0.5°C cause the death of the entire plant instantly.

In order to grow a good harvest of tomatoes on your plot, you need to choose the right plant variety, know and observe the most important conditions for growing them.

At temperatures below 5 ºС, plants are damaged and die. Too overheated soil is no less dangerous for tomatoes. Thus, when the temperature rises above 38 ºС, the vegetable crop withers and dries out;

before planting seedlings in the soil, take an interest in the weather forecast, at least for the near future. If cold weather or even frost is expected, leave the seedlings to stand on the windowsill for some more time;

- dilute and infuse bird droppings (ratio 1:20);

Proper watering and lighting

With this method of growing tomato seedlings, the seeds should be sown dry without prior preparation.

Each summer resident has his own way of growing tomato seedlings: some use picking, others refuse it; Some people rely on the correct air temperature and daylight hours, while others rely on the help of fertilizing and fertilizers.

Biological maturity is the process of seed formation and their covering with a hard shell. At this stage, fetal growth stops and the green color becomes lighter. The harvested fruits at this time will be able to easily endure long-term transportation. In 5-6 days, the fruits acquire their characteristic color, accumulate vitamins, sugars, and acids.

The lower leaves that age and darken should be removed in a timely manner (once a week is enough).
Ammonia is also important for normal plant growth. But it is worth remembering that when fertilizing the soil in a greenhouse with fresh manure, you should wait at least a week before starting to grow tomatoes. Otherwise, ammonia poisoning of plants is possible; it manifests itself in the form of burns on the lower leaves.
It is recommended to water tomatoes indoors in the morning, once or twice a week, mainly in warm weather. In open ground, plants can be watered in the evening until 19-20 hours. The water temperature should reach +20°C.

When planting seedlings lying down, not only the root, but 2/3 of the stem is placed in a previously prepared furrow, having previously removed the leaves from this part.

The optimal temperature regime for the soil in which tomatoes grow is +20-22°C.
Temperatures below 0.5 ºС lead to immediate death of tomatoes.
You should not plant tomatoes in unheated soil: seedlings grown with such difficulty may die;

We improve photosynthesis and monitor soil acidity

- dilute 1.5 tablespoons of mullein and half a teaspoon of urea in 5 liters of water and strain.
Two seeds are placed in each hole, sprinkled with soil and sprinkled with water on top. At this stage, it is important to ensure the temperature in the boxes is 24-26 °C. To do this, they are covered with plastic wrap and placed in a warm place until shoots appear. Tomato shoots appear in 3-5 days.

You have to choose the optimal method for growing seedlings experimentally.

If at this stage you have not yet reaped the fruits, then now is the time to do so, because technological maturity has arrived. The fruit, although not yet red, is completely suitable for consumption.

Tomatoes love fertilizers.
In open ground, tomatoes can be grown in almost any soil, but preference should be given to loamy and sandy soil, because they have high moisture capacity and breathability. You can also use this soil in greenhouses by pre-mixing it with mineral and organic fertilizers.

Too frequent watering can lead to a deterioration in the air conditions of the soil and negatively affect the overall activity of the root system.

How to properly care for tomatoes

Thus, the optimal temperature regime for growing tomatoes is + 20-22°C during the day, and +16-18°C at night.

Tomatoes (tomatoes) are considered one of the most heat-loving crops.
So, daytime temperature fluctuations of 21…23 ºС can be considered optimal for growing tomatoes in a greenhouse, and 17…18 ºС at night. This creates an optimal climatic environment for tomatoes, promotes better absorption of moisture and minerals from the soil and directly affects the quantity and quality of ripened fruits.

There is no need to plant tomatoes deep into the soil if the climatic conditions in your region are not conducive to this.

Two or three days before planting seedlings in the ground, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment of plants against late blight.
After the shoots emerge, the film should be immediately removed from the boxes and the plants should be placed in a bright window. At first, the seedlings are not watered, but only sprinkled on the dried soil. Watering is done once every 5-7 days with settled water. The temperature of irrigation water should be within 20-25 °C. In this way, plants are protected from the appearance of “black leg”. In the first week after emergence, in order to prevent the seedlings from stretching, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 13-16 °C during the day and 11-13 °C at night. After a week, the temperature is increased: during the day to 20-22 °C (in sunny weather) or to 18-19 °C (in cloudy weather). The optimal night temperature should be maintained at 17-18 °C.

How to properly feed with fertilizers

We invite you to familiarize yourself with one of the methods of growing tomato seedlings, based on maintaining optimal temperature conditions.

Overripe fruits lose most of their vitamins and nutrients, the taste of such tomatoes deteriorates sharply, and the fruit tissues completely soften. As a result, you will be disappointed in the long-awaited harvest.

The plant needs potassium most of all, especially during the fruiting period. Potassium has a positive effect on growth at the first stage of development, on the formation of stems, ovaries, fruits, and helps the plant survive a lack of light.

Tomatoes are most often planted in the garden where cucumbers or cabbage grew last year.

Air humidity, like temperature, has a direct effect on the fertilization of tomato flowers.

The optimal temperature regime for the soil in which tomatoes grow is +20-22°C. Soil temperatures below +16°C lead to worse absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen, adventitious roots do not develop, access to water is limited, and this impairs the survival rate of seedlings.

Germination begins at a temperature of +14-16°C, but then the temperature should be gradually increased.

How to collect and preserve the harvest

In addition to temperature fluctuations, the air humidity in the greenhouse is also important, since at the same temperature and different humidity the condition of the plant may be different. If you have planted seedlings and the weather gets colder, you need to start additional heating of the greenhouse artificially.
Tomatoes love warmth very much and cannot tolerate even slight cold. Therefore, plants are very demanding in maintaining optimal temperature conditions in the greenhouse at each stage of their development. The recommended temperature conditions for growing tomatoes are as follows:

For these purposes, dilute copper sulfate on the tip of a knife and the same amount of boric acid in 3 liters of hot water. Cool the solution and spray the plants in the morning or evening before planting.

About 3 weeks later, when the tomatoes have a second true leaf, the plants are planted, that is, planted in separate containers with a diameter of 7-10 cm and a height of 10-12 cm. Cut plastic bottles or milk bags can be used as such containers. the bottom of which must have holes for water drainage.

So, the rules for caring for tomatoes that you should remember

It is clear that the sowing time depends on the climatic zone of cultivation: the further north you go, the earlier you need to plant tomatoes for seedlings.
Maintain the recommended air and soil temperatures for tomatoes.
It is necessary to remove the lowest leaves that touch the ground and all unnecessary stepsons as they appear.
The best acidity is considered to be pH 6.0-6.5. If the acidity is high, it is recommended to lime the soil, otherwise most of the nutrients will be unavailable to the plant.
The optimal humidity for growing this crop is 60-70%.

Temperature +10-12°C causes the roots to completely stop absorbing nutrients.

ParnikiTeplicy.ru

If you increase the air temperature to +25-30°C, you will immediately see that the seedlings are rushing upward.

The minimum temperature that tomatoes can withstand in greenhouse conditions depends on the plant variety. The average value fluctuates between 5...7 ºС. Undoubtedly, there are special frost-resistant varieties, mainly hybrids, that can withstand lower temperatures, but for a very short time. The negative impact of low temperatures has a detrimental effect on the growth and fruiting of tomatoes, so the constant temperature in the greenhouse should be higher. Before planting tomatoes in greenhouse soil, seedlings must be briefly exposed outside in the sun to harden the tender indoor tomatoes. This procedure will increase the resistance of plants.

after planting in a greenhouse, tomatoes begin to grow at a temperature of about 15 ºС, but over time it must be increased;

Timing for sowing tomato seeds for seedlings

As an option, they also use spraying of seedlings with a solution of trichopolum (1 tablet diluted in 1 liter of water).

Before planting plants, you need to put a few granules of superphosphate in each container with soil and sprinkle them with soil. The recommended soil temperature when picking is not lower than 15 °C. The most favorable air temperature after picking: 20-22 °C in sunny weather, 16-18 °C in cloudy weather, 12-14 °C at night.

And yet, many gardeners in central Russia try to plant tomato seedlings already in February, they say, the seedlings will grow larger, you see, and the first fruits will appear faster.

Provide good lighting.

Preparing the soil and planting tomato seeds

Nitrogen is used by the plant for the formation of vegetative organs from the moment of germination until the beginning of flowering. You should not “feed” the plant with nitrogen, because such generosity will lead to the formation of very lush greenery, and the flowers from the lower inflorescences may even fall off. If you still decide to increase nitrogen fertilizing, then do it after setting fruit on the first inflorescences.

Unusual way of watering tomatoes.

At higher humidity levels (80-90%), the pollen on the flowers sticks together and stops falling out. Also, with high air humidity, there is a high probability of fungal and bacterial diseases.

Overheated soil is no less dangerous for plants.

Optimal temperature conditions for the growth and picking of tomato seedlings

Then reduce the temperature to the original + 14-16°C in order to prevent the seedlings from stretching. This technique promotes the rapid formation of the root system even in poor lighting conditions.

Some vegetable crops freeze or stop growing when exposed to sudden cold weather. This significantly affects plant productivity. The first to feel the cold are heat-loving crops growing close to the soil, including tomatoes.

as the temperature increases to 25...30 ºС, the seedlings will grow noticeably;

Feeding tomato seedlings

We wish you success and great harvests!

Whether the seedlings need feeding or not is noticeable by its appearance: if the plants are strong with a thick stem and dark green leaves, then they don’t need to be fed; they have enough nutrients in the soil.

However, most often, when sowing is early, the seedlings, on the contrary, become weak and elongated, which ultimately leads to the loss of part of the harvest. And all because in February and early March it is difficult to provide normal conditions for plant development, first of all this concerns temperature and day length.

Monitor the humidity, do not allow sudden changes.

In addition, tomatoes require fertilizing in the form of fertilizers containing calcium, magnesium and iron.

Prevention of late blight in tomatoes

Low humidity means that the pollen that falls on the pistil does not germinate at all, and therefore the fruits are not set.

Most varieties of cultivated tomato bear fruit both in long and short daylight conditions. To get a good harvest, it is worth increasing the light intensity for plants.

Temperature +10°C stops tomato growth.

Tomato seedlings can be significantly damaged when frozen to -1 ºС. It will stop growing and begin to bear fruit much later. If tomato seedlings are not hardened and not sufficiently rooted, the plants may die from such stress. The most frost-resistant varieties of tomatoes will withstand about 3 ºС below zero, but only if the frost lasted for a short time.

dachnye-sovety.ru

after this, in order to avoid excessive stretching of the plants, the temperature must be reduced again to 15 ºС. This change in climatic conditions contributes to the development and strengthening of the root system, even despite insufficient lighting;

Permissible temperature for planting

Tomatoes are a heat-loving crop, so their cultivation requires special conditions. A greenhouse will help you create a Mediterranean climate beneficial for tomatoes in your summer cottage. To make growing vegetables as efficient as possible, it is recommended to maintain certain climatic conditions in a greenhouse, observing humidity levels and optimal temperature conditions. This will reduce the risk of tomatoes dying and help you get a good harvest of quality fruits.

If the leaves on the inside and then on the outside acquire a purple tint, this means the plant lacks phosphorus and heat. You should increase the temperature by a few degrees and feed the tomatoes with superphosphate. To prepare the fertilizer, pour one tablespoon of superphosphate with hot water, crush it and let it brew for 24 hours.

Therefore, for the middle zone, the Urals and Siberia, it is recommended to sow tomato seeds for seedlings no earlier than March 15-20, and seeds of super-early hybrids even later - April 1-5.

Fertilize the soil.
Mineral fertilizers are often given in liquid form, immediately after watering. The first feeding is carried out 2 weeks after planting tomatoes in the soil, this is the approximate time when ovaries begin to form on the plant (on the first inflorescence). At this time, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are recommended (15-20 g of potassium sulfate and 20-25 g of superphosphate per 1 m2). Nitrogen fertilizers should be added when the soil is poor and this significantly affects plant growth (we add up to 10 g per 1 m2 of ammonium nitrate).
Water the plants later, but don’t overdo it. It is recommended to water the tomatoes at the root using settled water at room temperature. When watering from a watering can (sprinkling), the plants suffer because the temperature of both the soil and the air drops sharply. This has a bad effect on flowering, the ovary occurs much later, most of the flowers fall off, and the fruits ripen late.

Optimal growing temperature

When growing with buried stepsons, the first side shoots - the stepsons - are not removed, but are allowed to grow longer. Next, the leaves are torn off from them, bent to the ground and covered with a 10-12 cm layer of soil.
Temperatures above +30°C and below +12°C contribute to the cessation of flowering and the fall of the ovary, because high temperatures make pollen sterile, and at low temperatures it does not ripen at all.
The correct temperature in a greenhouse is the key to a stable and high-quality harvest. Therefore, if the climate of your region is not suitable for growing tomatoes, the air temperature of the greenhouse must be adjusted. If automated heating of a greenhouse is too expensive, you can use simpler heating options, such as mulching the soil, additional covering with film, and the like. Having stabilized the temperature to normal, you need to maintain the set mode, either turning on the heating or ventilating the greenhouse space.
at temperatures below 15 ºС, the efficiency of mineral absorption decreases, roots do not develop at a sufficient speed, access to water is difficult and seedlings take root much worse;
When planting tomato seedlings in a greenhouse, the most important factor is not even how hot the air is in the greenhouse, but what the soil temperature is at a small depth from the surface. Therefore, before planting tomatoes in the ground, you need to make sure that the temperature reaches at least 15ºC. Under such conditions, seedlings can be planted in a greenhouse, as they will quickly take root and put down new roots. If the temperature of the surface layer of soil is below 10 ºС, then the roots will not develop and there is a risk that the root system may rot.
If the leaves of the tomatoes are light green, the plants are frail and very elongated, then it is recommended, on the contrary, to reduce the temperature and reduce watering. You can take the box with seedlings to a cold place for half an hour. It is also necessary to feed the plants by choosing one of the following feeding options:
For tomatoes, the soil is prepared by mixing soil and humus in equal proportions. You can add wood ash to this soil mixture (at the rate of 1 cup per bucket) or complete mineral fertilizer (2 cups per 3 buckets).
Remove spoiled leaves and fruits in a timely manner.

We carry out other feedings during the growth and ripening of fruits.

High air humidity causes the growth of green tomatoes to stop, the already red fruits to crack, and blossom end rot to spread.

Minimum temperature threshold that tomatoes can withstand

Temperature at which tomatoes in a greenhouse will freeze

Light intensity directly affects the yield and fruiting of tomatoes. With a lack of light, plant growth is very quickly disrupted. Thus, cloudy weather can increase the period from the beginning of flowering to the ripening of tomatoes by as much as 10-17 days. The taste and quality of fruits noticeably deteriorate in bad weather.

At temperatures up to +5°C and above +43°C, rapid damage to plants is observed, and then their rapid death.

At what temperature is it best to grow seedlings? The optimal temperature for most green vegetables is 14-18°C on a sunny day, 12-16°C on a cloudy day, and 10-14°C at night. The temperature is reduced to 6-10°C only twice: in the first 4-7 days after the seedlings appear (to prevent them from stretching out too much, heat contributes to this), and 10-15 days before planting the seedlings in the ground - to harden the plants , prepare for possible adverse conditions that await them in the open ground. And in the last days before planting, the temperature is generally brought to the level of outside temperature. At sub-zero temperatures, seedlings die...

TeplizaNaDache.ru

At what temperature do tomatoes die?

Maria Lutsenko

when the temperature drops to 10 ºС, the roots of tomatoes stop absorbing nutrients from the soil and stop growing;

For maximum soil warming, it is recommended to cover the film greenhouse in advance; a black film covering is very suitable for this purpose. If the soil has not had time to warm up to the required condition, and the seedlings already need to be planted, before planting the tomatoes, pour a little hot water into each hole. Another rule: do not plant seedlings deeply if the soil is not completely warmed up. Planting seedlings in unheated soil means exposing tomatoes to various diseases. Tomatoes will get sick until the soil temperature reaches the optimal value. In this case, it is better to wait: the soil under the film warms up quite quickly - literally in a couple of days.

Gardeners who decide to grow tomato seedlings on their own immediately have a number of questions. They are associated with the choice of seeds, their germination, and sowing. Not everyone knows what the optimal temperature is for tomato seedlings. But the stability of plants and the acceleration or retardation of their growth depend on the correct adjustment of this indicator. Let's take a closer look at these points.

Warming temperature or seed germination

Before starting sowing work, you should prepare the seeds. Their preliminary hardening has a positive effect on productivity. After warming them up, rapid and uniform germination and the appearance of strong, healthy shoots are observed. Warming up protects against bacterial and fungal infections.

Hardening is carried out in several ways b ami:

Preparation should begin 1.5-2 months before sowing. Place the seeds in a cotton bag and hang them near heating appliances.
Use a regular table lamp. Place the tomato seeds on a sheet of paper and place them on the lampshade for 3 hours. Cover the top.
Can be heated in the oven for three hours at a set temperature of 60°C. Disadvantage of this method: regular stirring and constant temperature are required.
Place tomato grains in a cotton bag and soak for 3 hours in hot water (60°C). Periodically add boiling water so that the temperature does not drop.
A long-term heating method is used. The temperature is increased gradually: the first two days are kept at +30°C, then three days - +50°C and four days - +70°C. After using this method, plants become resistant to drought.

Hardening is also carried out in another way - by alternating temperatures. It is convenient to use a plastic box or an ordinary saucer. The bottom is covered with a damp cloth or gauze in several layers, grains are laid out, and covered with a damp cloth. Place the box in a warm place (20-25°C). After the seeds hatch, the box is transferred to the refrigerator overnight (+1°-0°C), and taken out for the day and warmed up again. Repeat 5-10 times.

The saucer is covered with a plastic bag. The main thing is that moisture does not evaporate.

It is important to know! If sprouts appear, reduce the time spent in a warm environment by 3-4 hours.

The effectiveness of such shock therapy:

friendly shoots appear;
helps increase productivity;
plants are endowed with increased vitality;
resistant to cold;
Seedlings can be planted in open ground ahead of schedule.

Temperature for growing seedlings

Before sowing, the soil is neutralized. The freezing method is used by changing temperatures. Containers with soil are kept outdoors for 12 hours, and then indoors for 12 hours. Repeat 2-3 times. Treatment promotes the death of microorganisms and weed seeds.

For good seedling growth, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime during planting and growing periods.

After sowing, the boxes are covered with plastic wrap and placed in a warm place. The optimal temperature for seed germination is considered to be 22-26°C. After five days, the film is removed. Conditions during the first week affect the growth and development of emerging seedlings.

At a temperature of 24-26°C, seedlings appear after 3-5 days. If fluctuations in the regime are observed, the period increases to 7-10 days

Temperature after sowing

After the first shoots appear, within 4-5 days the temperature is reduced to 14-15°C during the daytime, and at night - 11-13°C. After a week, they adhere to the temperature regime:

on sunny days - 22-25°C;
in cloudy weather - 18-20°C;
at night - at least 15°C.

Possible problems if this order is not followed:

A decrease in temperature to 10-12°C affects the growth of plants, they stop developing, and their color fades.
Hot conditions (38-40°C) lead to the death of pollen.
If the plant's leaves turn yellow and then fall off, the stems stretch upward, and the trunk weakens, then the reason is the high temperature in the room (25-30°C).
It is important to pay attention to the soil temperature; at 15°C or less, the roots do not absorb nutrients, the result is slower growth, and sometimes the death of the roots.

The minimum temperature for the development of tomato seedlings and root systems is 10°C. At 5°C plants die.

Advice. If the seedlings stretch strongly upward, the average daily temperature should be reduced.

Seedlings should be planted in soil at a temperature not lower than 15°C. Favorable temperature conditions: in sunny weather - 20-22°C, cloudy - 16-18°C. Night temperature (14-16°C) for tomato seedlings promotes active development of the root system. Thanks to this alternation, the seedlings will grow healthy and strong.

Important! When ventilating the room, one should not forget that drafts cause great harm to seedlings. She may completely die.

At what temperature are seedlings planted?

Tomatoes are planted in a greenhouse under the following conditions: the soil temperature should be 10-15°C, and the air temperature should be 20-25°C. During the day you need to ensure that the temperature does not exceed 30°C.

If seedlings are being prepared for planting in open ground, they are first hardened off. For two weeks, they take her outside every day, first for half an hour, and then gradually increase the stay time. It is necessary to protect it from direct sunlight.

At the end of May and beginning of June, seedlings can be planted in open ground. By this time, the weather has established itself without sharp temperature fluctuations. Even minor frosts can completely destroy seedlings.

Tomatoes are an unpretentious crop. However, attention should be paid to the issue of optimal temperature conditions at different stages: preparing seeds, sowing them, growing seedlings. This will help grow strong tomato seedlings and achieve high yields.

Among the existing varieties and hybrids of tomatoes, it is difficult to give preference to one option. Each one has certain taste and commercial qualities. But agricultural technology as a whole consists of general rules that should be followed in a timely manner. How to grow tomato seedlings, what optimal temperature they can withstand and what to do if they are frozen further in the article.

Timing for planting tomato seeds for seedlings

There is no need to rush into sowing seeds. It is important to adhere to the terms recommended by the selected variety. Some gardeners try to plant seeds in January. In principle, seedlings can spend about 60 days on the windowsill. but by the time of transplantation, its stems and foliage will be stunted due to lack of light and violation of the conditions of keeping containers with seedlings.

February, starting from the second half, can be the starting period for sowing tomatoes. However, there is a prerequisite - the whole process must take place in a heated greenhouse with good lighting. The window sills of city apartments are not suitable for this. If fluorescent lamps help with additional light, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to regulate the temperature and space.

Tomato seeds are recommended to be planted in the second half of February

Experienced gardeners have identified the optimal time for sowing - mid-March. The seedlings will receive a sufficient amount of light, which is important for the normal growing season of the plant. Early ripening varieties can be planted in early April. In cloudy weather, it is necessary to add additional lighting to the containers with seedlings, this ensures high yields.

How to plant seeds in a box correctly

Seedlings are grown at home in separate pots or cups, but most often a wooden box is chosen as a container. It is disinfected before use. This can be done with a solution of copper sulfate (100 g per bucket of water). The container parameters must correspond to: height of at least 8-10 cm, length and width of 30x50 cm.

Initially, the seeds can be planted in one box.

About a week before sowing, prepare the soil mixture:

turf land (1 part);
humus (1 part);
sawdust (1 part);
wood ash (2 tbsp.);
superphosphate (1.5 tbsp.);
slaked lime (10 g);
peat (1 part).

The treated box is filled to the brim with substrate. For moisture, it is preferable to use snow, laying out a layer of it for gradual melting. If this is not possible, then you can get by with repeated spraying. You should not fill prepared containers with large amounts of water.

Before sowing, seeds must undergo preparation, which includes soaking for disinfection, treatment with growth stimulants, and germination in a damp cloth.

On the day of sowing, the box is watered with a solution of water (8.5 l), mullein (3 tbsp) and copper sulfate (half a tsp).

The seeding depth is 0.5 cm, the interval between grains is 2x5 cm. You can lightly sprinkle the top with the same soil mixture that filled the box, but there is no need to overdo it. The upper part of the container is covered with glass or film. Until the emergence of seedlings above the ground, the temperature regime must be maintained within +22°C. It is also important to provide good lighting for sowing.

If desired, seeds can be sown in a separator container

Growing tomato seedlings at home

In order for the seedlings to grow healthy and strong, it is necessary to create the proper conditions.

Lighting

Shoots appear approximately a week after sowing. The box must be installed in a well-lit place. If this is a windowsill, then the lightest one. If there is a lack of sunlight, fluorescent lamps are installed. Better development of seedlings can be achieved by round-the-clock illumination of emerging shoots in the first 2-3 days, after which you can switch to the usual daylight hours - 16 hours.

At first, it is advisable to light the seedlings

Watering

Young shoots must receive a sufficient amount of moisture; drying out the soil is unacceptable. During the germination stage, the moisture regime is maintained thanks to a shelter made of glass or plastic film. There is no need to remove it immediately after emergence; you can periodically open the container, allowing the seedlings to adapt to the new environment. After 1-2 weeks of this regime, the covering material is completely removed.

As the shoots grow and the temperature increases, more watering is required; the soil begins to more intensively absorb water during irrigation. It is better to moisten the seedlings at the root, without touching the green part. The water should be warm (+22°C), settled.

The first 27-30 days after germination of sprouts above the soil surface, watering is carried out three times. The first irrigation is done after the emergence of seedlings (water consumption rate is 1 glass per box). The second procedure is performed after 3 weeks, and the third - on the day of picking the seedlings.

It is advisable to water the tomatoes according to a pre-selected pattern.

Feeding

If the soil mixture is prepared correctly, then it is not necessary to introduce subcortex at the first stage of sprout development. It is appropriate to enrich the soil with nutrients after the seedling has formed a leaf. Typically, nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used to stimulate green growth. It is important not to overdo it in this matter, so as not to burn the crops. It is enough to dissolve a tablespoon of urea in a bucket of water.

The second feeding is introduced a week later. Nitrophoska is best suited at this stage (a tablespoon of the product per 1 liter of water). This procedure is carried out every 10 days.

With proper soil preparation, seedlings do not need fertilizing

Additional care

Tomato seedlings grown in boxes need picking. Its essence is to plant the shoots in separate pots (plastic cups can be used). The timing of transplantation usually occurs a month after the sprouts appear above the soil surface. Prepared small containers should have a hole in the bottom to allow excess moisture to escape. The lower part of the pot is filled with drainage (fine expanded clay or coarse river sand). Next, add light fertile soil or a universal substrate.

Before picking, the box with seedlings is watered abundantly so as not to harm the shoots when removed. When transferring the seedling to a separate container, it is worth pinching the root. For 2-3 days after picking, you need to raise the temperature by several degrees so that the plants quickly take root in the new conditions.

When the seedlings grow, they need to be planted in separate cups

What temperature is considered optimal for tomato seedlings?

One of the main rules of tomato agricultural technology after sowing is compliance with the temperature regime. To prevent the seedlings from stretching, in the first week after their appearance the temperature is maintained within 13-16°C. Further, the daytime indicator increases to +20-22°, and the nighttime indicator – to +17-18°C. If the temperature drops to +10° and below, the development of the shoot is suspended, and if the temperature is below zero, there is a danger of the plant freezing.

Seedlings can survive after freezing provided that the temperature drop was short-lived. If assistance to the crop is not provided in a timely manner, then the tomatoes will not be able to survive.

Tomatoes grow well at an air temperature of 20-22 degrees

Is it possible to grow tomato seedlings in a polycarbonate greenhouse?

Tomatoes are suitable for growing in a greenhouse, but it is worth noting that not all structures are suitable for this. For example, it is unlikely that it will be possible to create the proper conditions in a greenhouse made of plastic film if there are no vents and windows. The first rays of sunlight will raise the temperature to a critical level.

The optimal temperature is:

during the day 20-22° in sunny weather, 19-20° in cloudy weather;
at night 16-17°.

At the initial stage of fruiting, the maximum value reaches 26-32°C. During the flowering period, temperatures should not fall below 14°C.

If temperature conditions allow, you can plant seedlings in a greenhouse.

To stabilize the growth of tomatoes and their ripening, after picking the first fruits, the temperature regime is reduced to 16-17°C.

Avoid large temperature differences between night and day.

What to do if the seedlings are frozen: is it possible to save them?

Don’t despair if the young shoots are frozen; tomatoes are one of the resurgent plant species that can be revived. With proper care, the young shoots can be saved, the crop will even bear fruit, but the yield, of course, will decrease.

Typically, seedlings freeze slightly when the temperature drops to -3°C. At the same time, the tops of the tomatoes not only wither, but also darken.

The following measures are used to resuscitate tomatoes:

trimming the damaged part of the stem;
fertilizing the soil with urea solution;
introducing humates diluted with chicken droppings or manure into the soil;
construction of a shelter made of film or agrofibre.

If the seedlings freeze, you can save them, but it is advisable to act immediately

The restoration of culture occurs in a short period of time; there is no need to despair and give up. Moreover, the percentage of crop losses will be insignificant.

If after planting seedlings in the beds there is a danger of night frosts, the planting is covered with plastic film or agrotextiles.

You can grow seedlings from seeds on your own if you create favorable conditions for germination of seedlings and their further development. Stronger and healthier seedlings will go through the adaptation period faster, which will speed up the harvest.

Tomato soil temperature is very important for plant growth. This parameter should be observed when planting seedlings. Optimal temperature conditions are the key to successful plant formation, which results in a bountiful harvest.

Since this vegetable crop is a very heat-loving plant, you need to plant tomatoes taking into account certain factors. Among them, soil temperature is of no small importance.

What temperature can the seedlings withstand? For night and day time periods these values may be different. However, when determining them, it is necessary to focus on the stage of cultivation: seed, seedlings, formation of color or fruit of the crop.

It is necessary to start germinating tomatoes from the moment the temperature reaches 15 ºС. In order for the germination process to be carried out intensively, it is necessary to ensure that the parameter is increased to 27 ºС. After the event, you can immediately notice that the tomato seedlings begin to grow rapidly.

After this stage has been completed and the planned result has been achieved, it is necessary to resort to hardening the plant. Typically, seedlings are returned to a temperature of 15 ºС. This event is aimed at favorable cultivation, after which the seedlings will not stretch upward. This technique at the temperature in question allows the root system of tomato seedlings to form properly, even if the tomatoes are in conditions of insufficient light levels.

The temperature regime, which corresponds to 10 ºС, ensures the cessation of plant growth. If this parameter exceeds 30 ºС, then the flowering process slows down or stops altogether. This leads to drying of the formed ovary. An incorrectly selected temperature parameter does not allow pollen to ripen properly.

If seedlings are kept at temperatures above 43 ºС and below 5 ºС, the plant may die even with normal values of other parameters (lighting, soil moisture level, etc.). Temperatures below 1 ºС lead to instant death.

Favorable indicators

The optimal temperature, which allows tomato seedlings to be grown correctly and with good results, is 21 ºС, which is typical for daytime. And at night it is allowed to reduce the specified value to 16 ºС.

For high-quality growth of tomatoes in open ground, you need to take into account that the ground temperature should be about + 20 ... + 22 ºС. If the soil temperature is less than 16 ºС, then the following negative processes occur:

There is no development of adventitious roots, because of this the root system weakens and grows poorly.
Lack of optimal access to moisture sources.
The degree of absorption of mineral fertilizers (phosphorus, nitrogen) decreases.

All of the above factors increase the risk of seedling death.

If you plant tomatoes at too low a temperature, this will cause the root system to completely stop absorbing all incoming nutrients. However, gardeners and gardeners should take into account that overheated soil also has a negative effect on the plant. Namely, on the rate of its growth and the abundance of fruiting.

When planning to transplant tomatoes, you need to determine the time of sowing the seeds, taking into account their permanent place of growth. The decision should be based on climatic conditions and characteristics of the selected variety. Low-growing varieties are grown in at least 50 days. The process may take up to 70 days to complete. If the gardener chooses one of the giant varieties, the period can be extended to 90 days.

You can plant tomatoes in open ground, if the location of the site coincides with moderate climatic conditions, already in the very first days of June. In closed ground conditions, the period shifts if the gardener takes into account the temperature regime of the greenhouse, its type and the characteristics of the coating (polycarbonate version or film).

If you grow seedlings on a balcony, it is important to pay attention to the conditions: type of balcony (glazed or open), location of windows, quality of insulation material used.

The soil temperature will not be low if the balcony is insulated, faces the south-east sunny side, and the windows in the room are plastic. The soil is brought into the apartment 7 days before use. During this time, it will have time to warm up to a suitable level.

It is optimal to plant seedlings in polycarbonate greenhouses. They are intended for year-round cultivation of vegetable crops, since they can create the most suitable temperature at which tomatoes will feel great.

Planting tomato seedlings (video)

Care technology

What temperature can the seedlings withstand? Lighting and soil moisture levels play an important role. The indicated values are interconnected with the condition of the soil, evaporation and other processes affecting the favorable development of the crop. To get good tomato seedlings, it is not enough to provide them with an air temperature of 18 ºС. It is necessary to take care of the correct lighting, which should be more intense, although this parameter does not apply to all varieties.

Tomatoes can withstand low temperatures better with rooted shoots. But to plant a tomato, you need to use heated soil so as not to harm the plant. In this case, the layer of prepared soil should be 12 cm.

The temperature of irrigation water, soil, and lighting level are parameters that directly affect the level of yield. If the correct parameters are not met, the plant cannot grow and develop well. Low temperature and poor lighting slow down the development of the crop, so fruit ripening is delayed for a fairly long period of time, which is 14 days. These negative factors for growing tomatoes manifest themselves in damage to the taste characteristics of the fruit.

It is necessary to plant seedlings in moist, heated soil; evaporation processes should not be allowed, which negatively affects the seedlings. Not every soil requires abundant and frequent watering. Certain varieties of tomatoes require low soil humidity with properly selected temperature conditions. But at the same time, attention is paid to additional criteria:

the specifics of the soil, its composition and structure;
the level of radiation that is formed under the influence of direct sunlight (when growing tomatoes in open ground);
the specifics of growing tomatoes, which determines the final state of the plant when transplanted.

For growing tomatoes indoors, there are certain features of the watering process. They are suitable for almost all crop varieties. You need to water several times a week, and this activity is carried out only in the morning. At what temperature are the tomatoes kept in this case? On average, this value is 20 ºС.

At what air temperature at night can you plant seedlings in open ground (video)

Growing in open areas

If tomatoes grow in open ground, then you must adhere to the rules regarding proper watering. For these conditions, it is most acceptable to water in the evening. Typically, experienced summer residents resort to this process in the summer around 8 pm.

At this time, the temperature is quite low, which has a beneficial effect on the process of nutrition of the root system. At the same time, tomatoes can withstand temperatures around 15 ºС. If the tomatoes have not previously been hardened, it is recommended to monitor the temperature parameters of the water. The indicator should reach 20 ºС.

There is no need to water the plant often if the air temperature is within normal limits. Low humidity, as well as excessively high humidity, leads to the fact that the air regime of the soil becomes incorrect. And for open ground this means that the root system will develop poorly.

When planting a crop in open ground, you need to monitor not only the air temperature, but also its humidity level, since these parameters have a direct impact on the ability of tomato seedlings to form flowers. There is also a direct effect on the process of fertilization of the resulting inflorescences.

You can plant the crop in question when the humidity level in open ground reaches 60%. Tomatoes will withstand a higher value (about 90%), but this factor leads to a negative effect on pollen. The danger is also manifested in the fact that various diseases of a fungal and bacterial nature can affect the crop, which is not suitable for favorable cultivation.

Low humidity levels at normal temperatures also lead to negative phenomena. They manifest themselves in the inability of pollen to germinate when it hits the pistil. This is the reason for the lack of fruit ovaries on the bushes, or this process slows down significantly if growth takes place in open ground.

To get a good harvest, you need to harden off tomato seedlings. However, this is not enough. The correct temperature parameters must be supported by good photosynthesis and the level of soil acidity if the crop is growing in open ground, a greenhouse or a greenhouse.
The process of photosynthesis is directly related to the level of carbon dioxide. Under normal conditions, the value of this indicator is 0.03%. This parameter is quite low; tomato bushes will not produce a good harvest, even if the temperature is at the proper level.
Tomato seedlings should be planted at 0.2%. At the natural level, it will not be possible to obtain such a figure, so you need to resort to various options for feeding the plant with carbon dioxide. Their use makes it possible, at the right temperature, to obtain seedlings in a relatively short time, which can be planted in the ground at an earlier date.
To effectively plant tomato seedlings, you can increase the level of carbon dioxide in the soil. To do this, experienced gardeners use manure, which is applied to the soil. It is optimal to carry out this activity at low air temperatures, so it is better to do this process in the fall.
If you grow tomatoes in a greenhouse, it is better to use dry ice. An alternative method is the use of kerosene or gas. They do not contain sulfur. Feeding is usually carried out during the day (at 3 pm). When using greenhouses, the described fertilizing must be used both in the spring and winter seasons.
It is most successful in maintaining the correct temperature regime in loamy and sandy loam soils. This is necessary to ensure that the soil maintains an acceptable level of moisture and the ability of air to penetrate into the soil structure.

All vegetable growers, before starting to grow tomatoes, must find out what temperature the tomatoes can withstand. If climatic and other conditions do not allow the proper level of the parameter in question to be ensured, it is necessary to resort to additional measures that allow the plant to develop favorably.

No similar entries found.

Planting tomato seedlings in the ground depends primarily on air temperature and soil temperature. Tomatoes can die even with slight drops in temperature. These plants grow very poorly in temperatures below 14 degrees Celsius. That's why Tomatoes are planted only after there is confidence that there will be no more spring frosts. In each climate zone, the warm period of spring comes at different times. In some regions, seedlings can be planted as early as early May, while in others they begin to be planted in the first half of June. Therefore, it is very important to be able to determine when to plant tomato seedlings in the ground.

Determining the timing of planting tomato seedlings

Planting tomato seedlings begins with hardening off the plants. The timing of planting tomatoes in the ground is determined by the average daily temperature:

The first group of seedlings can begin to be planted when the air temperature, even at night, does not fall below 11 degrees Celsius. In this case, the average daily temperature should be above 15 degrees. At this time, there is still enough moisture in the soil stored from winter, which allows the plant root system to develop well.
The second group of seedlings begin to be planted when the average daily temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees. At the same time, the temperature at night should not be lower than 14-15 degrees Celsius. This period is considered the most favorable for planting seedlings in open ground. Usually in the temperate zone, this is the second half of May.
The third group of seedlings begins to be planted when the average daily temperature is more than 20 degrees. During this period, there is no longer any threat of a significant drop in temperature. With this planting, the plants take root well, but the root system develops poorly. At such high temperatures without shading, plants can become “sunburned.” Also, plants that take root slowly may be affected by diseases, which will negatively affect the future harvest. For the temperate zone, this temperature regime is typical for the first half of June.

Protection of planted seedlings from spring frosts

Many experienced gardeners know that in order to get a good tomato harvest, you need to monitor the air temperature during the most likely period of planting seedlings. The main thing is not to miss possible spring frosts, so as not to lose part of the planted seedlings. Even if the seedlings were planted early and night frosts are expected, the tomatoes can be saved by covering them with film (at night) and covering them on all sides with straw or corn. You can also effectively combat frost by lighting fires (on the windward side) near the planted seedlings. This method has proven itself in practice more than once. We need to make sure there is less fire and more smoke. During the frost period, smoke spreads along the ground and covers the plants that need to be protected.

Why do you need to determine the timing of planting tomato seedlings?

Determining the timing of planting tomato seedlings in the ground is an important task, on which the quality and quantity of the future harvest to a certain extent depends. There is no need to plant all the seedlings at once. It is better to plant a certain number of tomato seedlings at different periods with an interval of 1-2 weeks. The best period for planting tomatoes in the temperate zone is mid-May. During this period, there is usually still enough moisture in the soil and there are no longer night frosts.

In order to grow a good harvest of tomatoes on your plot, you need to choose the right plant variety, know and observe the most important conditions for growing them.

The optimal temperature regime for the soil in which tomatoes grow is +20-22°C.

Special temperature regime of air and soil

Tomatoes (tomatoes) are one of the most heat-loving crops.

Germination begins at a temperature of +14-16°C, but then the temperature should be gradually increased.
If you increase the air temperature to +25-30°C, you will immediately see that the seedlings rush upward together.
Then reduce the temperature to the original + 14-16 ° C in order to prevent the seedlings from stretching. This technique promotes the rapid formation of the root system even in poor lighting conditions.
Temperature +10°C stops tomato growth.
Temperatures above +30°C and below +12°C contribute to the cessation of flowering and the fall of the ovary, because high temperatures make pollen sterile, and at low temperatures it does not ripen at all.
At temperatures up to +5°C and above +43°C, rapid damage to plants is observed, and then their rapid death.
Temperatures below - 0.5°C cause the death of the entire plant instantly.

When planting seedlings lying down, not only the root, but 2/3 of the stem is placed in a previously prepared furrow, having previously removed the leaves from this part

Thus, the optimal temperature regime for growing tomatoes is + 20-22°C during the day, and + 16-18°C at night.

The optimal temperature regime for the soil in which tomatoes grow is +20-22°C. Soil temperatures below +16°C lead to deterioration in the absorption of phosphorus and nitrogen, adventitious roots do not develop, access to water is limited, and this impairs the survival rate of seedlings.

A temperature of +10-12°C causes the roots to completely stop absorbing nutrients.

Overheated soil is no less dangerous for plants.

Return to contents

Proper watering and lighting

Most varieties of cultivated tomato bear fruit both in long and short daylight conditions. To get a good harvest, it is worth increasing the light intensity for plants.

When growing with buried stepsons, the first side shoots - the stepsons - are not removed, but are allowed to grow longer. Next, I tear off the leaves from them, bend them to the ground and cover them with a 10-12 cm layer of soil.

Tomatoes are relatively moisture-resistant, but they still need quite a lot of water. The frequency of watering and the volume of water depend on the specific characteristics of the soil, the level of solar radiation and the condition of the plant as a whole.
It is recommended to water tomatoes indoors in the morning, once or twice a week, mainly in warm weather. In open ground, plants can be watered in the evening until 19-20 hours. The water temperature should reach +20°C.
Watering too frequently can lead to a deterioration in the air condition of the soil and negatively affect the overall activity of the root system.

Air humidity, like temperature, has a direct effect on the fertilization of tomato flowers.

The optimal humidity for growing this crop is 60-70%.
At higher humidity levels (80-90%), the pollen on the flowers sticks together and stops falling out. Also, with high air humidity, there is a high probability of fungal and bacterial diseases.
Low humidity leads to the fact that the pollen that falls on the pistil does not germinate at all, and therefore the fruits are not set.

Return to contents

We improve photosynthesis and monitor soil acidity

Carbon dioxide plays an important role in the process of photosynthesis. The natural gas content in the air is 0.03%, this amount is not enough for tomatoes to produce a high yield. For this crop, the optimal gas share is 0.1-0.2%. This amount cannot be achieved naturally. But various carbon dioxide fertilizers can help you. With their help, you can achieve rapid growth and early ripening of fruits.
You can increase the carbon dioxide content when growing tomatoes by adding manure to the plot. In greenhouses, you can use dry ice or regularly burn kerosene or gas, which contains virtually no sulfur. It is recommended to fertilize tomatoes in the afternoon, from 2 to 4 p.m. It is especially important to fertilize in greenhouses in winter and spring.

Preference should be given to loamy and sandy loam soils, because they have high moisture capacity and breathability.

Ammonia is also important for normal plant growth. But it is worth remembering that when fertilizing the soil in a greenhouse with fresh manure, you should wait at least a week before starting to grow tomatoes. Otherwise, ammonia poisoning of plants is possible; it manifests itself in the form of burns on the lower leaves.

In open ground, tomatoes can be grown in almost any soil, but preference should be given to loamy and sandy soil, because they have high moisture capacity and breathability. You can also use this soil in greenhouses by pre-mixing it with mineral and organic fertilizers.
Tomatoes are most often planted in the bed where cucumbers or cabbage grew last year.

Return to contents

How to properly care for tomatoes

An unusual way to water tomatoes.

After planting tomatoes, it is not recommended to water them for 2-3 weeks. For rooting and growth, the water that you poured into the holes before planting is quite enough.
Water the plants later, but don't overdo it. It is recommended to water the tomatoes at the root using settled water at room temperature. When watering from a watering can (sprinkling), the plants suffer because the temperature of both the soil and the air drops sharply. This has a bad effect on flowering, the ovary occurs much later, most of the flowers fall off, and the fruits ripen late.

High air humidity causes the growth of green tomatoes to stop, the already red fruits to crack, and blossom end rot to spread.

After each watering, be sure to loosen the soil and destroy weeds. The first loosening is 8-13 cm, the next ones are 5-6 cm. The first loosening helps to warm up the top layer of soil in order to normalize the temperature regime for tomatoes. Subsequent loosening is necessary to ventilate the root system.
Lower leaves that age and darken should be removed in a timely manner (once a week is enough).