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Well-seeded management, cultivation of age-appropriate seedlings
Editor's note: Solanaceous vegetables are typically planted after sowing, and the main goal of seedling cultivation is to produce seedlings of the right age at the appropriate time. This ensures that once transplanted, they grow well, leading to high yields and efficiency. Experience has shown that age-appropriate seedlings outperform leggy or over-aged ones in terms of early maturity and productivity. As temperatures drop, vegetable seedlings struggle to thrive without proper environmental conditions such as temperature and light—especially for eggplants, which undergo flower bud differentiation during the seedling stage. For example, tomatoes begin flower bud formation at the 3-leaf stage, and if environmental conditions aren't suitable, poor flower development can directly affect fruit quantity and quality. Therefore, careful management and attention to cultivating the right age seedlings are essential. In this issue, Zhang Haiying from the Agricultural Technology Station of Lizhuang Township, Fengqiu County, provides detailed guidance on cultivating tomato and eggplant seedlings.
Tomato
Tomato seedlings grow quickly, so it’s crucial to create the right environmental conditions during the seedling stage to ensure balanced root, stem, leaf, and flower bud development. The ideal tomato seedlings should have thick stems, short internodes, large and thick leaves, dark green color, well-developed roots, and early bud formation. To achieve this, the following steps must be followed:
First, choosing the right seedbed. Tomato seedlings should be grown in well-drained, deep, fertile soil with high organic matter content, preferably from fields not used for eggplants in the past two years. The seedbed should be prepared as soon as possible and limed to adjust the pH. The standard size is usually 10 meters long by 1.5 meters wide.
Second, preparing the growing medium. A mix of garden soil, compost, carbonized husk, and ash is commonly used. Garden soil should make up 30% to 50%, and it should be baked, broken, and sieved. Organic manure (20%-30%) must be fully fermented. Carbonized husk or ash helps increase potassium levels and improve aeration. Soil disinfection using 40% formalin is also recommended before planting. After preparation, the soil should be laid 7 days before sowing, with a thickness of 6–8 cm.
Third, seed treatment and sowing. The sowing date should be chosen based on environmental needs and variety characteristics, typically between September and November. Seeds are soaked in warm water and treated with pesticides to prevent diseases. Germination occurs best at 22°C–25°C, and seeds should be turned every 6 hours. Sowing is done in wet soil, with 50–75 grams of dry seeds per 10 square meters.
Fourth, seedling management. From emergence to the first true leaf, maintain high humidity and temperatures around 25°C–26°C. During the "breaking heart" stage, reduce temperature to 16°C–18°C during the day and 12°C–14°C at night. Watering should be controlled, and thinning may be needed. During the vigorous growth phase, maintain optimal temperatures and apply nutrient solutions when necessary.
Eggplant
For eggplant seedlings, select a sunny, elevated site with good drainage, preferably from fields not used for eggplants in the last two years. Seedbeds are generally 10 meters long and 1.2 meters wide. Soil preparation involves a mix of garden soil, compost, and carbonized husk, with added chemical fertilizers for nutrients. Disinfection methods include formalin, daisen ammonium, or pentachloronitrobenzene to prevent diseases.
Seed treatment includes breaking dormancy with gibberellin, high-temperature drying, soaking in warm water, and pesticide treatments. Germination should occur in a warm environment, with 25°C–35°C being ideal. Sowing is done in moist soil, with a seeding rate of about 50 grams per 10 square meters. After sowing, cover the bed with plastic or shade net to protect young plants.
Seedling management involves temperature control, moisture regulation, and hardening off before transplanting. Proper care ensures strong, healthy seedlings ready for field planting.