Seedlings management practices for better yields

Vegetables perform better if they are first sown in seedbed or nurseries and transplanted later. A farmer should be on the lookout to provide maximum care to ensure the seedlings survive once they start emerging from the soil.

Seedlings management is important as it helps you acquire healthy and strong plants.

Here are three seedling management practices that a farmer can follow to achieve a healthy plant.

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Watering

Watering should be done precisely since overwatering may encourage damping-off disease while dry soil can stop germination. The damping-off disease is a white mold that forms in the topsoil. It might cause wilting in plants.

Farmers are encouraged to water seedlings by immersion to avoid overwatering and destruction of the seedlings roots.

Germinating seeds require maximum protection from temperature variations. Ensure they get enough moisture and air circulation.

Pricking/thinning

This is the process of transplanting seedlings from one seedbed to another seedbed. It is done as soon as the seedlings develop two sets of leaves. It gives the seedlings a chance to start developing roots and leaf systems before the plants are transplanted.

Use a sharp tool to help remove the plants to avoid injuring the seedlings.  In case the seedlings come out with their roots entangled, soak the roots in water for easier separation.

Thinning helps to reduce overcrowding as the seedlings require enough nutrients and plenty of light.

Transplanting

Dig holes in the seedbed with a dibble at two inches apart. Plant the roots of individual seedlings and cover it with thin soil using your forefinger. Cut lengthy roots with shears or a sharp knife.

Water the seedlings with a fine spray from a hand syringe to settle the soil around the roots. This will freshens wilted stems and leaves. Cover the seedbed with a sheet of newspaper to avoid wilting.

The young plants will be ready to go out into the open ground in four to five weeks. Hardening-off should be done one week before transplanting as it enables plants to withstand environmental conditions.

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