prefer plants
Plant lovers have to take this into account when it comes to vegetables and the like
Herb fans can already prefer basil in their own four walls.
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Nothing should be planted before the ice saints. But even now, hobby gardeners can prefer vegetables, herbs and the like.
The sun is showing up more and more frequently in Germany, but it is still too cold outside for many plants. In particular, vegetables such as tomatoes do not tolerate cold particularly well and should only end up in the bed after the ice saints in this country. These end in 2022 on May 15 – traditionally with the “Cold Sophie”. But until then, garden lovers can roll up their sleeves and prefer plants in their own four walls.
These types of vegetables are suitable for preferring
The advantage: peppers and co. have a head start by pulling them forward, which means that harvesting is possible earlier. Important: do not start too early. Because the seedlings need enough light to grow. That’s why many gardening experts advise starting in March – that’s when the sun is strong enough.
The plants can be easily preferred on the windowsill. Zucchini, eggplant, chili, physalis and lettuce are all suitable for this. Wait until the end of March before growing tomatoes. But there are also varieties that should not be on the windowsill. These include tuber vegetables such as carrots, beetroot and radishes. These thrive better in beds.
What is necessary when moving forward
All you need for pre-growing are small pots and potting soil. However, do not use normal potting soil, as this usually contains too much fertilizer – this can damage the delicate roots. Small yoghurt pots are suitable as a pot, but you can also buy special seed trays. Important: The vessels should have holes at the bottom so that excess water can drain off.
Once the seeds are planted, they are then covered with a plastic film – this keeps the climate moist. Alternatively, simply place in a small greenhouse. It is essential to ensure a warm environment, the seeds need around 25 degrees. It is also important to protect them from drafts and not to place them directly above a heater. The dry air is not good for the sensitive plants. If the seedlings sprout, the plastic wrap can be removed.
Acclimate plants to the outside world
As soon as the small plants have a few leaves, pricking out is on the agenda. This means: If there are several plants in one bowl, they have to be separated. Using a pencil or wooden stick, carefully lift out each seedling and place in a new pot of growing soil. Dig deep enough that the soil reaches the cotyledons. The advantage of separating the plants is that the roots do not cross. In addition, the plants compete for light and nutrients – if they are alone in a pot, they thrive better.
To attract the plants to the open ground, always place them in the fresh air. This gives them exposure to wind and direct sun, which toughens them up. Do not expose to direct sunlight for too long, as the delicate plants can quickly get sunburned. When the ice saints are finally over, plant the plants on the balcony or in the garden.
Herbs and flowers are also suitable
But not only vegetables can be preferred – herbs such as basil, tarragon, marjoram or thyme are also suitable for this. The same principle applies to flowers, so dahlias, for example, are only allowed to wander into the garden in May. Other summer flowers, such as carnations, can also be grown in pots.