Preparing soil for seedlings
Unscrupulous producers under the guise of soil mix can sell pure peat. Such soil does not allow air to pass through and gives off moisture poorly, therefore, in peat soil, the plant's immunity decreases, and its roots rot.
To grow strong seedlings, make your own potting mix. The neutral acid-base balance of the soil and its loose structure will allow the sprouts to form a powerful root system.
Seedling soil can be mixed from various components. As the basis for the soil mixture, for example, leaf or peat soil... The soil mixture should be light and fertile, therefore, loosening components are added to the base, such as:
- garden perlite;
- vermiculite;
- river sand.
The proportions of the components differ depending on which plant will be planted in the ground. Consider the composition of the soil for flowers and cultivated plants.
Ground mix for flowers
The soil for flowers consists of leafy soil, washed river sand and vermiculite, mixed in equal proportions. Leafy soil is decayed foliage. For flowers, soil made from any leaves, except oak, walnut and willow, is suitable. There are too many tannins in the leaves of these trees, and the soil will turn out to be heavy.
Such soil is not suitable for growing seedlings, because it will be difficult for plant roots to develop. For the same reason, clay should not be added to the potting mix.
Soil mix for cultivated plants
For cultivated plants, the basis of the soil mixture should be peat soil - the remains of marsh plants, rich in nitrogen.
It is not recommended to add nitrogen-containing fertilizers, especially fresh manure, to the soil mixture. When decomposed, the manure will generate heat. If the soil temperature rises to +28ABOUTFrom or higher, the plant roots will burn. Chicken droppings generate the most heat.
Dolomite flour is also added to the soil mixture to normalize the acid-base balance of the soil. The role of a baking powder is played by river sand or garden perlite.
Perlite has good absorbency. It can take up to 450% of its volume of water, which makes it an excellent remedy for protecting against decay of the root system. Perlite gradually releases moisture to plants, so watering can be reduced.
By making a quality potting mix, you will grow seedlings with a strong root system that is guaranteed to take root in the open field.