Is it possible to grow tomato seedlings without picking them? How to plant them?

Pricking out refers to transplanting tomato seedlings into individual containers. This process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially since the procedure must be repeated up to three times before the gardening season begins. For this reason, gardeners have recently begun to resort to growing tomato seedlings without pricking out. This approach, when followed correctly, shortens the ripening period.

Peculiarities of growing tomato seedlings without picking

Tomatoes of any variety can be planted without pre-pricking. However, early-ripening tomatoes are considered best for this growing method. These varieties ripen 10-14 days earlier.

Preparing plants for transplanting without pricking out is done according to the standard procedure. The seeds are first disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and then placed in a moistened cloth or directly sown in prepared soil.

The main difference between the methods under consideration is that when planting without picking, tomatoes are immediately sown into separate containers of a fairly large size (0.5-1 liter).

An important feature of this method is that the crop can be grown throughout the spring. This means that seeds can be sown until mid-May.

The use of picking ensures better germination of the root system, thanks to which the plant receives more nutrients.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Growing tomato seedlings without picking has the following advantages over traditional methods:

• time costs are reduced;
• the main stem is well developed;
• increases the survival rate of plants in unfavorable conditions.

According to gardeners, if tomatoes are sown without transplanting, the main stem reaches 1.5 meters in length. This makes the plant less demanding in terms of watering frequency. Furthermore, when transplanting, up to 50% of the roots are torn off. This reduces the number of sprouts that will establish themselves in a new location.

Growing tomatoes by picking helps weed out weak plants before planting them outdoors or in a greenhouse. This increases the overall tomato yield in the garden.

How to plant tomato seedlings without picking?

There are several ways to plant seedlings without pre-pricking. The choice of method depends on the gardener's personal preference. However, each of the options requires preliminary soil preparation for the seedlings.

The optimal soil mixture for growing tomatoes is one made by mixing equal parts humus (lowland peat) and sand. The latter can be replaced with ash or lime. Phosphate fertilizers are used as fertilizer. It is recommended to sift the soil mixture before planting.

To increase the germination rate of tomatoes, it is necessary to keep the soil in the cold for a day and then treat it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

It's recommended to sow the seeds after they've sprouted. To do this, soak the seedlings in a moistened cloth for 2-3 days. When sprouts appear, place them in prepared containers with soil. Before planting, treat the plants with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

In separate glasses

This method is considered the best for planting tomatoes without transplanting. The only drawback is that the seeds require a fairly large area to grow the cups.

To plant tomatoes in small containers, you need to do the following:

1. Take a glass or other suitable container with a capacity of 0.5 liters and make a hole in the bottom to drain excess liquid.
2. Fill a third of the glass with moistened soil mixture.
3. Plant three seeds into the soil at a depth of 10 millimeters.

Once the shoots appear, you need to leave the strongest ones and trim the plant with manicure scissors.

In the boxes

Planting in boxes follows a similar procedure. The containers are first filled one-third full with moistened soil mixture. Then, the sprouted seeds are planted in the soil at 50-millimeter intervals. It is recommended to space the seedlings evenly.

Once the first sprouts appear, each plant should be separated from its neighbors with cardboard. This will prevent root curling and improve the tomato's survival rate outdoors. As the seedlings grow, add more soil to the box.

In the film

Sowing in plastic film is less popular than other methods of growing tomatoes. This method requires cutting the plastic into several 15x25 cm sections. Place 3 tablespoons of moistened soil mixture on top of the plastic. Then, roll the plastic into an envelope and place it on a tray. Plant 3 tomato seeds in each of these improvised "containers." As the tomatoes grow, remove weak seedlings promptly.

Caring for seedlings

To grow tomatoes without picking that will produce a good and abundant harvest, you will need to do the following before planting the plants in the ground:

1. After the first sprouts appear, place the containers with tomatoes in a cool room and discard the weak seedlings.
2. Once a week (or more often), hill up the soil in the containers with seedlings, remembering to add soil as the tomatoes grow.
3. Avoid overwatering the soil. Seedlings should be watered infrequently but thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry completely each time.
4. Before planting in the ground, apply fertilizer at least twice.

For 5-7 days before planting, it's recommended to take the containers with the seedlings outside for a day. This will help the plants harden off and establish better in their new location. The ambient temperature should be above 8°C (46°F).

Common mistakes and practical tips

Inexperienced gardeners often make the following mistakes when growing tomato seedlings without picking:

1. They use low-quality seeds. To avoid such mistakes, it is recommended to purchase planting material from reputable brands.
2. Do not prepare the soil. Before planting seeds, it is recommended to disinfect the soil against pests with a solution of potassium permanganate.
3. Using inappropriate containers. Seedling containers should have holes in the bottom to allow excess moisture to drain. Creating a drainage layer is equally important.
4. Failure to adhere to planting deadlines. The seed package indicates the recommended time for sowing. Failure to adhere to these deadlines results in weak and stunted tomatoes.
5. The seeds are planted too deep.
6. Don't thin the seedlings. It's recommended to prune seedlings periodically. This will ensure the plant has enough space to grow.
7. Water immediately after sowing. Seeds are placed in moist soil. Watering immediately after sowing promotes plant rot.

If you discover rotted shoots or leaves with abnormal spots, such plants should be removed immediately. Gardeners do not recommend neglecting the hardening-off procedure. This can lead to the death of tomatoes with even a slight drop in temperature.