How to do it

The timing is obvious

Experienced hobby gardeners do not prick tomato plants on a firmly cemented schedule. Rather, pay attention to a visual identification symbol that signals the correct date for the separation. When the first 'real' pair of leaves thrives above the two cotyledons, the time is ripe. The visual difference between the two types of leaf is so clear that even a beginner can no doubt.

An exemplary soil for pricking tomato plants

The seeds of tomato plants sown must first show what they are made of in poor substrate. After pricking, a more nutritious soil is available for the ripening seedlings, because at least the tiny ones should be ready for Planting out reach a height of 30 to 40 centimeters in May. For the second phase of the Cultivation Therefore, these soil mixes are recommended:

• Vegetable soil from the garden center, additionally emaciated with the help of Quartz sand,(€ 15.15 at Amazon *) Peat, or perlite
• Commercial standard pricking soil based on green compost
• Own mixture of 1 part each of garden soil, bark humus and sand with 3 parts of compost and 4 parts Perlite,(€ 35.50 at Amazon *) Styrofoam balls or peat

In order to guarantee sterility, the soil mixture is sterilized. Just make sure that no pathogens are spreading from Diseases or eggs from Pests hide in it. Fill the earth into a fireproof bowl and place it in the oven at 150 degrees for 30 minutes or in the microwave for 10 minutes at 750-800 watts.

Uncomplicated pricking with the right accessories

The list of accessories for pricking tomato plants is short; nevertheless, every position contributes to the successful course of the somewhat delicate procedure. In any case, a special pricking stick made of wood, metal or plastic makes sense. The tool costs only a few euros, although its functionality surpasses any makeshift method. The following variants are shortlisted as suitable planters:

• Clay pots with a diameter of 10 centimeters
• 9-centimeter plastic pots
• Maxi spring peat pots from Jiffy

Clay pots are thoroughly watered before they are used so that they do not deprive the tomato plants of moisture. Plastic pots are only suitable with a bottom opening as a water drain to prevent waterlogging. If you prick out peat spring pots, you will later transplant them together with the tomato plants into the bed or into the pot.

Prick out stress-free - step-by-step instructions

Tomato plants are never more fragile than during pricking. It is therefore advisable to take each seedling individually to transplant. The plants are watered thoroughly two to three hours beforehand, which makes the entire work process easier. Fill the pots about 5 centimeters high with substrate. If you use clay or plastic vessels, a drainage made of pebbles or pebbles comes through the opening in the bottom Grit.(€ 49.99 at Amazon *) So it goes on:

• loosen the soil around the seedling with the prick stick
• lift the plant out and examine the roots
• roots that are too long with the Fingernails Shorten to a length of 2 centimeters
• Use the prick stick to make a recess in the substrate to insert the seedling
• Fill in the rest of the soil below the cotyledons and press down

The substrate ideally forms a small turtleneck around the stem below the cotyledons. Since tomato plants are able to form adventitious roots at this point, they promote stability for further growth. It is about refined Seedlings, the grafting point must not be covered with soil. Last but not least to water Treat the youngsters with water at room temperature.

Appropriate care after pricking

The first three to four days after pricking the tomato plants are allowed to relax in a warm place in the Penumbra. Only then do they switch to a bright one Location. So that the young plants do not horny, have to Temperatures and lighting conditions are kept in a suitable balance. The higher the mercury column rises, the more light must be available.

Tomato plants should not be exposed to direct sunlight at this stage of growth. They are only accustomed to direct sunlight for hours during the day in the week before they move outdoors. A constant irrigation is particularly important to compensate for the loss of moisture. fertilizer receive tomato plants in the second week after planting out at the earliest.

Tips & Tricks

Who gives his tomato seedlings the ultimate Substrate would like to offer, used as vermiculite pricking soil. The natural silicate made of aluminum, iron and magnesium is mineral, germ-free and tops any soil mix. Vermiculite promotes root growth, while at the same time it stores water and is well ventilated. However, it has its price of 39 euros for 100 liters.