Growing home seedlings is an interesting, but not easy task; young seedlings are quite capricious and require careful and careful care. The roots of young plants are tender and react very sensitively to transplantation. Experienced gardeners recommend picking in the early stages of cultivation, then in the future the seedlings will be more hardy and strong. It is especially recommended to use the lunar calendar in March, when active work on a summer cottage begins, because the success of the selection of seeds, their planting, picking, care and planting in open soil determines the receipt of a large harvest. In our article we will tell you about favorable days for picking seedlings in March 2018.

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Favorable days for picking seedlings in March 2018

After planting the seeds, the first seedlings appear after 10-14 days. And you can pick the plants when they have two true leaves, and this is at least 2-2.5 weeks. Therefore, picking tomatoes this year should be done no earlier than a month after sowing the seeds in containers.

Moon phases in March 2018

  • March 1 – waxing Moon;
  • March 2 – full moon;
  • from March 3 to March 16 – waning moon;
  • March 17 – new moon;
  • from March 18 to March 30 – waxing Moon;
  • March 31st – full moon.

Is it possible to plant seedlings on the waning moon?

Our ancestors were guided not only by the change of seasons when planting seedlings, but also by the phases of the moon. The influence of the moon on nature as a whole was proven back in the 19th century by German philosophers. They found that high tides occur when the moon is far away - it is waning, that is, the Earth moves away from it with its hemisphere at a given period, but low tides occur when the Moon is full - as if attracting liquids and malleable materials. The most noticeable influences of our planet’s satellite are on plants and water, while solid materials remain relatively stable. Gardeners advise planting and replanting plants on a waxing or full moon - the seedlings tend to rise upward with renewed vigor.

What happens on the waning moon:

  • Plant juices move downward;
  • Roots and root crops are saturated and developed.

Advantages of picking seedlings and preparing for it

The main advantage of replanting tomatoes is that it allows you to choose healthier and stronger plants, group them, and change the soil in a new container. All this affects the efficiency of the future harvest.

After selecting the variety, manufacturer and number of seeds, the container for sowing is determined. These could be: cardboard glasses; plastic boxes; peat tablets; dense polyethylene products.

The choice of location for installing containers with future seedlings at home is also individual. From February to mid-March, seedlings can be placed where there is sufficient penetration of sunlight: on a window; on a glazed loggia; in the greenhouse. You should first check the seeds for germination by dipping them in a solution of 3–5% table salt and water.

Seeds that settle to the bottom will have excellent germination rates. Sowing according to the lunar phases produces dense vegetation. Small seedlings do not interfere with each other as long as there is enough space, light, and life-giving elements. With growth, natural selection turns on, and the strong shoot begins to suppress the weak one. The survivors will reach for the light and stop growing. If you don’t pick up the seedlings, you can’t expect a big harvest. After all, weakened seedlings in the struggle “for a place in the sun” will turn out to be unproductive.

In what cases is it necessary to pick seedlings?

If you want to get seedlings with a strong root system: picking promotes the development of lateral roots.

If you sowed the seeds not in personal pots, but in a common box: picking into separate containers will prevent the roots from becoming entangled and will facilitate the subsequent planting of seedlings in a permanent place.

If there are more seedlings than planned: let you select the best and healthiest seedlings and get rid of the extra ones.

If sick plants appear: planting them in new soil can save seedlings that have not yet been infected from fungal infections, the causative agents of which may be in the soil.

If it is necessary to stop the growth of seedlings: sometimes adult seedlings are also plucked when there is a danger of overgrowth. Repotting will help delay plant development.

Which crops do not tolerate picking?

  • plants with a taproot system (poppies, aquilegias, mallows). It is better to grow them immediately in separate pots, and if picking is done, then at an early stage of development and only by the “transshipment” method.
  • pumpkin (pumpkin, zucchini, melon). They are grown in individual containers and at the stage of three to four true leaves they are immediately planted in open ground.

Lunar calendar for planting seedlings in March 2018

Of course, there are gardeners who only sow seedlings in March, so the Lunar calendar for planting seedlings in March 2018 is very important for them. Many gardeners in one way or another focus on favorable days to start work. Therefore, the days below, which indicate when and what can be planted, will help you navigate.

Favorable landing days in March 2018

  • Cucumbers - 5, 20, 21, 24, 25;
  • Tomatoes - 5, 6, 7, 15, 20, 21, 24, 25;
  • Eggplants - 5, 6, 15, 20, 21, 24, 25;
  • Radish, radish - 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15;
  • Sweet pepper - 5, 6, 10, 11, 20, 21, 24, 25;
  • Various greens - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 20, 21;
  • Cabbage - 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 24, 25.

The Moon significantly influences the life of our planet, this fact has been confirmed by thousands of years of observations. But the most interesting thing for us is that gardeners and gardeners can use this influence to their advantage

People have long noticed that there is a connection between the dates of sowing seeds and the subsequent development of plants. This connection has long been identified and actively used.
To make it easier for summer residents to determine “good” and “bad” planting days, the “Lunar Sowing Calendar of Gardeners and Gardeners for April 2017” was compiled. Look into it more often, put it into practice and get an additional harvest.

Moon phase in April 2017

  • The moon is waxing - from April 1 to April 10
  • The full moon will be on April 11th
  • The moon is waning - from April 12 to April 25
  • New Moon - April 26
  • The moon is waxing again - from April 27 to April 30

Favorable landing days in April 2017

The table shows the most favorable days for sowing seeds for seedlings.

culture culture favorable days for sowing seeds
cucumbers 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 30 tomatoes 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 29, 30
eggplant 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22 radish, radish 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Sweet pepper 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22 hot pepper 3, 4, 14, 15, 29, 30
onion 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, potato 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24
garlic 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 carrot 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24
White cabbage 13, 14, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24 annual flowers 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 21, 22, 23, 24
cauliflower 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 28, 29 flowers bulbous, tuberous 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 19, 20
different greens 2, 3, 4, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 climbing flowers 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22

Unfavorable days for sowing seeds.

Favorable days in April 2017 for planting seedlings, cuttings and grafting

culture Favorable days for planting seedlings rooting cuttings, digging in shoots graft
fruit trees 8, 9, 12, 13, 17, 18 8, 9, 12, 13, 17, 18
grape 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 22, 23, 28, 30 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25
gooseberries, currants 3, 4, 7, 8, 9,12, 22, 23, 29, 30
raspberries, blackberries 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9,12, 21, 22, 23, 29, 30
Strawberry wild-strawberry 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 13, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30

Attention! The table shows the most favorable There are days for planting and sowing seeds, but this does not mean at all that you cannot plant on other days. You should not plant anything just in prohibited days.

The calendar was compiled taking into account the fact that during the passage of the Moon through different signs of the Zodiac, it does not have the same effect on plants.

On certain days it is better to plant and replant, while on others it is preferable to water, weed or treat the garden for pests.

The table shows the phases of the Moon, its position in the signs of the Zodiac and recommended work for gardeners - gardeners - flower growers for each day of the month.

date Moon in Zodiac signs Recommended works.
April 1, 2017 Sat. Waxing Moon in Gemini
  • Twins According to the Lunar calendar of gardeners, this is an unfavorable time for sowing seeds and planting plants.
  • In the garden- only pest control, loosening the soil, weeding, and shallow digging are recommended. It is allowed to sow green manure, dill, cumin, fennel, and mineral fertilizing (nitrogen-phosphorus).
  • In the garden- spraying against pests and diseases (wintering stage). Removing covers from trees and shrubs, replanting shrubs, planting strawberries.
April 2, 2017 Sun. Waxing Moon in Cancer
  • Cancer and the Lunar sowing calendar recommends:
  • In the greenhouse- favorable days for sowing seeds and planting seedlings of cucumbers, tomatoes, cauliflower. Sowing seedlings of zucchini, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leeks, and early tomatoes.
  • In the garden- sowing greens: lettuce, spinach, basil, kohlrabi, physalis, marjoram, onion, leaf parsley, sorrel.
  • Flower garden- sowing and planting dahlias, gladioli, hyacinths, crocuses, daisies, violets, chrysanthemums, zinnias.
  • In the garden- replanting plants, planting raspberries, blackberries, grapes, berry bushes, strawberries. Grafting and re-grafting, mineral fertilizing, sowing of green manure, lawn grass.
April 3, 2017 Mon. First Quarter Moon in Cancer
April 4, 2017 Tue. Waxing Moon in Cancer
April 5, 2017 Wed. Waxing Moon in Leo
  • a lion
  • In the garden- sowing of lettuce, scorzonera, fennel, and basil is allowed. Loosening dry soil, preparing beds.
  • Not recommended - germination of seeds, planting, replanting plants.
  • In the greenhouse- do not pick, do not pick, do not pinch (the above-ground part is vulnerable), care for forcing crops.
  • In the garden- sowing lawn grasses, loosening tree trunks. Pest and disease control, planting berry bushes (except raspberries).
April 6, 2017 Thu. Waxing Moon in Leo
April 7, 2017 Fri. Waxing Moon in Virgo
  • Virgo- Zodiac sign of average fertility (Days of the Root)
  • In the greenhouse- planting cucumbers and hot peppers is allowed. Picking seedlings, thinning seedlings, fertilizing root crops. Watering is not recommended.
  • In the garden- sowing (including seeds), dill, fennel, valerian, but not salads.
  • Flower garden- favorable time for sowing annual flowers.
  • In the garden-planting honeysuckle, grapes, rose hips. Spraying against diseases and pests. Transplanting and dividing perennial flowers. Loosening the soil. Grafting of fruit trees. Planting currant cuttings.
April 8, 2017 Sat. Waxing Moon in Virgo
April 9, 2017 Sun. Waxing Moon in Libra
  • Scales- Zodiac sign of average fertility (Flower Days)
  • In the garden- it is allowed to sow early ripening zucchini, squash under film, early peas, leaf and petiole celery, watercress, spinach, leaf mustard, leaf parsley. Planting cabbage seedlings. Preparing the beds.
  • In the greenhouse- plant care work: thinning seedlings, weeding, phosphorus fertilizing.
  • In the flower garden - planting tuberous and climbing flowers, roses, medicinal plants.
  • In the garden- transplanting and planting trees. Loosening the soil, weeding, pest and disease control.
  • Not recommended trim and graft trees and shrubs.
April 10, 2017 Mon. Waxing Moon in Libra
April 11, 2017 Tue. Full Moon Moon in Libra According to the Lunar Sowing Calendar of gardeners, it is not recommended to disturb plants during the full moon.
April 12, 2017 Wed. Waning Moon in Scorpio
  • Scorpion- fertile zodiac sign (Leaf Days)
  • In the greenhouse- favorable days for planting seedlings of cucumbers and low-growing tomatoes. Soaking seeds. Watering, organic fertilizing, picking seedlings.
  • In the garden- it is recommended to sow greens and root vegetables: radishes, onions, chives, onions, root parsley, carrots, parsnips, early radishes, planting potatoes, horseradish rhizomes, spring garlic cloves.
  • In the flower garden- a good time for planting all types of flowers and indoor plants.
  • In the garden- anti-aging pruning of old trees and shrubs is recommended. Planting currants, gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, sloe, hawthorn, grapes. Grafting, abundant watering, fertilizing with organic fertilizers.
April 13, 2017 Thu. Waning Moon in Scorpio
April 14, 2017 Fri. Waning Moon in Sagittarius
  • Sagittarius- Zodiac sign of average fertility (Days of Fruition)
  • In the garden- these days are very favorable for planting ornamental, flowering plants (especially tall ones), but not for vegetables. It is allowed to sow radish seeds, onion sets for turnips, plant spring garlic cloves, and plant potatoes. Sowing green crops - root parsley, dill, root celery. Digging, loosening the soil. Thinning of seedlings.
  • Not recommended germinate seeds, pick seedlings.
  • In the garden- planting fruit trees, shrubs, cuttings, strawberries. Spraying against diseases and pests. Application of fertilizers (organic).
  • Do not do it trim, replant plants (they get sick for a long time).
April 15, 2017 Sat. Waning Moon in Sagittarius
Waning Moon in Sagittarius
April 17, 2017 Mon. Waning Moon in Capricorn
  • Capricorn- Zodiac sign of average fertility (Days of the Root) and the Lunar sowing calendar recommends:
  • In the garden- a good time for sowing root crops: beets, radishes, carrots, sorrel, planting potatoes, Jerusalem artichoke (not for seeds), onion sets for turnips, horseradish. Sowing late white cabbage for seedlings, planting cabbage seedlings. Digging, loosening, soaking seeds. Application of organic fertilizers.
  • Flowers- favorable days for working with indoor plants.
  • In the garden- sanitary pruning, grafting, loosening the soil, cutting out shoots. Grafting of fruit trees. Weed control, watering. Spraying against diseases and pests. Favorable days for planting seedlings of fruit trees and shrubs
April 18, 2017 Tue. Waning Moon in Capricorn
April 19, 2017 Wed. Last Quarter Moon in Aquarius
  • Aquarius- infertile zodiac sign (Flower Days)
  • In the garden- It is not recommended to sow, plant and replant plants. Cleaning the area, thinning the seedlings, weeding, pinching, pinching, loosening the soil.
  • Not recommended watering and feeding plants (there is a high risk of root rot) is now more important for them than air.
  • Flower garden- planting bulbous flowers, a good time for breeding work with flowers.
  • In the garden- disease and pest control, formative pruning of trees and shrubs, cutting out undergrowth, mowing lawn grass.
April 20, 2017 Thu. Waning Moon in Aquarius
April 21, 2017 Fri. Waning Moon in Pisces
  • Fish- fertile zodiac sign (Leaf Days)
  • In the garden- you can plant and replant any plants. Sowing beets, endive lettuce, sorrel, rhubarb, root parsley and celery, early carrots (for summer consumption), radishes, and onions on turnips. Planting potatoes, planting seedlings. Watering is moderate.
  • Flower garden- planting carnations, sage, daylilies. Working with indoor plants.
  • In the garden- favorable days for planting strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes, shrubs (and division). Planting trees is not recommended.
April 22, 2017 Sat. Waning Moon in Pisces
April 23, 2017 Sun. Waning Moon in Pisces
April 24, 2017 Mon. Waning Moon in Aries
  • Aries- infertile zodiac sign (Days of Fruit)
  • In the garden- thinning of seedlings, weeding, loosening. sowing of Chinese cabbage, lettuce, dill, root parsley, carrots, beets for summer consumption, and radishes.
  • Not recommended germinate seeds, plant seedlings, water and feed plants.
  • Flower garden- pruning indoor flowers.
  • In the garden- you can plant hawthorn, thorns, cut out shoots, dry branches of trees and shrubs, loosen dry soil, fight pests and diseases.
April 25, 2017 Tue. Waning Moon in Aries According to the Lunar calendar of gardeners, the day before the new moon, the new moon and the day after the new moon are prohibited for working with plants.
April 26, 2017 Wed. New Moon Moon in Taurus
April 27, 2017 Thu. Waxing Moon in Taurus
April 28, 2017 Fri. Waxing Moon in Gemini
  • Twins- infertile zodiac sign (Flower Days)
  • In the garden- it is recommended to plant plants with mustaches: melons, beans, peas, beans, strawberries. Loosening the soil, mineral fertilizing.
  • Flower garden- planting climbing plants. Planting and replanting roses, lilies of the valley, passionflower. Working with indoor plants.
  • In the garden- planting strawberries, grapes, berry bushes. Planting ornamental plants with hanging, creeping stems. Replanting plants (quickly take root) Pest and disease control. Sowing green manure. Sanitary pruning. Mineral feeding.
April 29, 2017 Sat. Waxing Moon in Gemini
April 30, 2017 Sun. Waxing Moon in Cancer
  • Cancer- fertile zodiac sign (Leaf Days)
  • In the garden- Sowing seedlings of cucumbers, tomatoes, early cauliflower, sweet peppers, radishes, beets, tomatoes, eggplants, green crops, onions. Planting under film or in open ground early cabbage, pumpkin, zucchini, zucchini. Sowing seeds of onion, chives, leaf parsley, dill, spinach, sorrel. Loosening dry soil, watering, mineral fertilizing. Digging beds, mulching crops.
  • Flower garden- planting, pruning, replanting indoor plants. Planting clematis, roses, dahlias, gladioli, asters, carnations, chrysanthemums, violets, daisies, zinnias.
  • In the garden- planting berry bushes, vines, grapes, strawberries, viburnum, rowan, sea buckthorn, raspberries, currants, rose hips. Planting trees is not recommended. Grafting, watering, mineral fertilizing.

Spring work in the garden

Already at the beginning of the month, it is necessary to harrow the soil dug up in the fall as quickly as possible, sow early vegetables, install temporary film covers, sow fast-growing cold-resistant (mustard, phacelia) green manure in the beds that will be occupied by heat-loving vegetables.

Now they sell collapsible greenhouses of various sizes. They are installed over the prepared bed in a few minutes. You can simply cover the bed with a frame covered with film, or insulate the area with film on the arches.

The simplest shelter will allow radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, onions sown with nigella, and kohlrabi to sprout earlier than in open beds. Seeds of cold-resistant crops begin to germinate at low positive temperatures, but if the microclimate is warmed by several degrees, seedlings will appear faster and plants will develop more actively.

In addition to the hints of the Lunar sowing calendar, gardeners use hints from nature:

They begin to sow in open beds in April, when crocuses bloom in the garden.

A small greenhouse can be equipped for sowing seeds and picking tomato seedlings. You can sow dry tomato seeds directly into the garden bed and cover the arches with film. The result will be low film tunnels that will provide favorable conditions for friendly shoots and at first will protect the seedlings from changes in April weather. On warm days, such shelters can be slightly opened or removed, accustoming the tomatoes to direct sunlight and wind, and in May they can be removed altogether.

The birch trees have turned green - we are planting potatoes.

At the beginning of the month, we continue to prepare potatoes for planting: while inspecting the tubers, we remove diseased, unsprouted ones with thread-like sprouts.

Some summer residents germinate cleanly washed tubers in plastic bags, having previously made holes in them. In more humid conditions, not only eyes, but also roots begin to develop on the tubers. It’s just important not to break off both during transportation and landing.

When warm weather sets in (the birch trees turn green), we plant potatoes, even if the eyes of the tubers have not reached the required centimeter length: the tubers become more active in the soil faster.

First daffodils for early cabbage

In the second half of April, we plant hardened seedlings of cabbage - Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kohlrabi - into the beds. You can navigate by the flowering of early daffodils growing in the sun. In cool weather, cabbage takes root well and begins to intensively grow leaves. In case of severe cold weather, it is necessary to provide temporary cover for plants with non-woven material or film.

When the soil in the greenhouses at a depth of 10 cm warms up to 14 degrees, we plant tomato seedlings in unheated greenhouses. To plant seedlings or sow cucumber seeds, we will wait for warmer weather. Cold soil is fraught with root rot for these heat-loving plants.

If the soil in the greenhouse has not been changed for a long time, it is generously moistened with extrasol solution: 10 g (tbsp.) per 10 liters of water, consumption - 7-8 liters of working solution per square meter. m. This helps to populate the soil with beneficial microflora and suppress pathogenic ones.

Around the middle of the month, at home or in a greenhouse, we sow the seeds of cucumbers and zucchini in separate cups, so that in May we can plant the not overgrown seedlings in open ground.

We plant seedlings of nightshade plants (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants) for open ground, feed them (1 g of complex fertilizer per liter of water), and begin to harden them in the open air. In April, it is not too late to sow tomatoes as seedlings - in small cassettes or cups, so that in May (without picking) they can be planted in open ground.

We try not to spoil the seedlings that have begun to outgrow: we lower the temperature (open the windows or take the plants out onto the loggia), water less, do not feed with nitrogen, and improve the lighting.

At the end of the month, we dig up green manure (both overwintered and sown in spring) in areas allocated for planting seedlings of heat-loving crops.

Lunar calendars for the following months:

The moment of peaking usually occurs in April. Preparing for this process, the question arises: “When to pick tomatoes in April 2017?” To answer this question, we need to look at the lunar calendar, where we will get a clear answer - 2, 3, 4, 12, 13.

The moment of seedling dive depends on:

  • sowing time;
  • condition of seedlings;
  • growing conditions.

When thinking about when to plant tomatoes after germination, you need to take a critical look at the seedlings. If the tomatoes are elongated, the central shoot is thin, and the seedlings look like a forest, then you need to dive immediately.

Picking process

What does it mean to pluck tomato seedlings? This activity involves pinching the tip of the tomato root. In nature, its root is a tap root, and by pinching its end we ensure that it becomes fibrous, that is, lateral processes extend from it, which increase the area of ​​absorption of nutrients from the soil. The pinching is done on a third of the entire spine.

There is no need for special tools to perform this; it can be easily done with a fingernail.

Many people have the question “Do I need to pick tomatoes?” To give an answer, it is necessary to consider the botanical features of the tomato plant. It turns out that additional roots in a tomato can grow from the stem, subject to a certain humidity. Therefore, it is enough to hill up the tomato or plant it deeper, and we will ensure the growth of the root system.

Experienced vegetable growers are trying to trick the tomato plant and not pick, but achieve a huge root system. They do it this way: they plant the plants in disposable cups and give it the opportunity to stretch out. At the same time, the plant does not look very beautiful, but it serves a certain purpose. Before transplanting, the plant is not watered; it loses turgor, and the stem bends freely. It is placed in a hole with the root up, and the bent stem is completely buried. Thus, the entire stem releases the root system and turns into a powerful root.

Classic picking method

When the seedlings produce two true leaves, they are removed from the ground, helping themselves with a picking stick and choosing favorable days for picking tomatoes 2017, pinch the bottom of the root and transplant it into an individual peat or plastic pot.

Planting is carried out by deepening the plant along the cotyledon leaves. After picking, the plant is watered and, having taken root, continues its growth.

Experienced gardeners and summer residents know when to pick tomatoes after germination, but those who are just starting to get acquainted with this activity cannot always understand when it is time to carry out such work. For this purpose, recommendations are created for picking tomatoes and the time that is most suitable for this, in order to help people reap a rich and healthy harvest.

Picking tomatoes according to the lunar calendar 2017 and emerging problems

Experts say that picking should be done after the first pair of true leaves appear. This usually happens a week after the first shoots appear.

Some difficulties may arise:

  1. Young tomatoes with one root can recover over a long period of time after picking.
  2. By shortening large sprouts, you may encounter another problem. The roots of neighboring tomatoes tend to intertwine, making picking difficult. Each seedling must have a voluminous lump of earth near the root, in which case the process will proceed without complications.


Some manufacturers write the dates of the most significant stages on seed packages. You can refer to them, and also do not forget about the lunar calendar.

Early diving will not lead to good results. The process will be very difficult. Later planting will not lead to intertwining of roots due to the fact that their development is still insignificant.

In April 2017, the days from the 12th to the 16th are suitable for diving. In the first ten days of the month, it is worth picking early-ripening varieties of tomatoes.

First picking of tomatoes in March 2017

When should seedlings be picked? Gardeners prefer to rely on the lunar calendar. In it you can find suitable days for diving, as well as days on which you should not work.

Some adhere to the rule of planting plants on “women’s days” of the lunar calendar. Anyone who picks tomatoes based on this calendar should pay attention to days favorable for this.


It's no secret that picking is best done in March. A couple of days before the new moon and a couple of days after are good for this. The moon must be waning.

Suitable days in 2017:

  • March 12 at full moon;
  • 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 are the most suitable period for diving.

When planting tomatoes in a greenhouse, it is necessary to postpone this activity until the end of April or the beginning of May. The weather will be more suitable for planting.

Is picking necessary and when to pick tomato seedlings?

Many people believe that plants do not need picking. Gardeners select special varieties for which this process is not necessary, but the result is not always satisfactory.

Diving is necessary because:

  1. Seedlings planted closely do not grow evenly. Each of them interferes with the other and obscures the light of neighboring shoots.
  2. Diving helps to choose the best planting material. After thinning the seedlings, the strongest one is taken, then it is transferred to a separate glass. His growth will immediately accelerate, since nothing will interfere with him.
  3. Diving helps get rid of sick and weak seedlings. This helps control seedlings at an early stage of development.
  4. If there is no diving, the roots of the seedlings may become intertwined, which will make replanting more difficult and increase the likelihood of injury to the plants during their transfer to open ground.


The best time for picking can be considered the time when the plant has formed 4-5 true leaves. This happens about a month after sowing. During this time, the seedlings and root system have time to become strong.

There is an opinion that diving helps to achieve a bountiful harvest. There are gardeners who do it more than once.

Those who are against picking argue that this procedure harms the roots, and the plant will take a long time to recover when transplanted into the ground.

How and when to pick tomatoes

Tomatoes are the most beloved and popular vegetables on our tables. During their growth they require attention and care and it is very important to provide this at every stage of the plant's formation.

Correct diving should be done as follows:

  1. Seedlings are planted in peat pots. They have suitable material so that when transferred to open soil there is no need to remove seedlings from them.
  2. It is necessary that the soil in the pots be filled to one third. You can take universal soil and mix it with garden soil. This will help the seedling to get comfortable in the future in the open ground. To make it easier to remove seedlings during the day, stop watering.
  3. You need to make holes in the soil with a pencil.
  4. The seedling is removed and transferred to a pot, then it is covered.
  5. At the end of the process, the picked seedlings are watered with an infusion of egg shells.


If the soil warms up poorly and the temperature is less than +8 °C, planting in a greenhouse is postponed until a more suitable time.

You can make your own pot for seedlings. A cut plastic bottle, disposable paper bottle or plastic cup will do. The diameter of the pot should be 8-14 cm, and the height should be 10-16 cm.

When planted in a greenhouse, the seedlings should have a sufficient number of leaves (about 10), as well as a certain number of established inflorescences.

Features of the process and when to pick tomato seedlings

Gardeners who practice picking believe that the procedure strengthens the plant and helps the root system develop better.

The dive will depend on the climate zone in which the vegetables are planted. On average, the procedure is carried out in April.

The first transplant should be carried out in a glass with a size of 150 ml. The tomatoes will grow in it for about 2 weeks.


There are several features of diving:

  1. A pot of 0.5 or 1 liter will provide comfort to the seedlings. It is not worth replanting into large containers; they can retain moisture, helping mold to develop. The soil may also become acidic.
  2. When the seedlings grow, they need to be fertilized with biological additives. A couple of days before diving, the soil is moistened.
  3. To remove a seedling from a common pot, you need to use an auxiliary tool. For a small plant, you can take a match.
  4. During transplantation, tomatoes can be buried down to the leaves of the cotyledon. This will help stretch the stem.

In short, picking is a technique used when growing seedlings. The young plant is given a large area for nutrition, where the seedling grows and forms a root system.

When to pick tomatoes (video)

Any gardener will be happy with a healthy and abundant harvest. Each has its own methods of growing, diving and feeding with fertilizers. Growing vegetables on your windowsill, in a greenhouse or open ground is a kind of art, in which by investing your soul, time and effort, you can get not only joy from the process, but also delicious fruits that will delight your loved ones and friends.

Favorable days for picking tomatoes in April

Despite the fact that in each region of the country the summer season begins at different times, in April everyone is busy picking tomatoes. And this is not surprising, because the month is quite long. Therefore, some carry out this procedure a little earlier, some later. And it is very important to pick tomatoes on time. If you “oversleep” the moment, or, conversely, do not wait for it, then you can lose a significant part of the harvest.

Why do you need to pick?

In fact, picking plants takes quite a bit of time, especially if there are a lot of seedlings. Therefore, novice summer residents often want to bypass this stage and think that they can immediately plant, without transplanting into separate containers. But this procedure is not done just like that, and it is better to carry out a pick. This is what happens to the sprouts when they are transferred from a common container:

  • The seedlings are transplanted into separate containers with new soil, which means the risk of developing infections that form in the soil is reduced. In the previous soil, due to diseased sprouts, some kind of disease could gradually develop, which could have a detrimental effect on all plantings.
  • When picking plants, a summer resident can select all healthy sprouts and carry out a kind of distribution. Weak seedlings can also be transplanted, but placed in another place. And then it will become clear how many tomatoes approximately will grow in the garden, and how many will require special care for good development.
  • After picking, the sprouts stop actively stretching upward, but they strengthen well - the stems become thicker, and the root system also begins to develop well. After all, only one plant gets all the nutrients from the soil.

Suitable days for picking in April

The Lunar calendar will help every summer resident understand what are the favorable days for picking tomatoes in April 2019. As a rule, it is better to carry out all agricultural work during the waxing moon. The new moon and waning moon are suitable for destroying pests in the garden or burning leaves. And in order for there to be a lot of harvest and the plants to grow well, you need to wait for the waxing moon. Here are the periods when the moon is in the growing phase, which means you can pick plants:

  • April 5, 6 – Waxing Moon in the sign of Aries
  • April 7 – Waxing Moon in the sign of Taurus
  • April 9, 10 – Waxing Moon in Gemini
  • April 11 – Waxing Moon in the sign of Cancer

You can also pick tomatoes on the Waning Moon, but preferably on the following days:

  • April 23 – Waning Moon in the sign of Sagittarius
  • April 25 Waning Moon in Capricorn

How to pick correctly

The most important thing is to choose good containers for the sprouts, because the plants will spend quite a long time in such apartments. After all, it will be possible to plant tomatoes in the beds only in May or June. It is also important to choose a good soil mixture. After all, it is from there that the sprouts will take nutrients. All this can be purchased at any store that has goods for summer residents. But you can also simply set aside cups of sour cream or other products. For tomatoes, the volume of the pots must be at least 300 ml.
Before transplanting the sprouts, it is imperative to treat the containers, especially if seedlings were grown there in the previous year. If you do not disinfect the tomatoes, they may get sick later. If you are not using special pots, but simple cups, you need to make holes in them at the bottom so that excess liquid can flow out. For this it is better to use a hot awl.
To make it more convenient, it is better to first fill all containers with earth. But not all the way, there should be about five centimeters left to the side so that later the water does not spill over the edge of the container. The soil needs to be slightly compacted. Then you need to make a hole in the ground in the middle of each pot with your finger. Pour some water at room temperature into it and wait.
Then we move on to transplantation. You will need a fork for this. By the way, it is better not to water the seedlings immediately before planting; a little time should pass. Using a fork, you need to pull out the sprout with a lump of earth. It is better to hold tomatoes by the leaves, because the weak stem can be damaged in your hands. The sprout needs to be moved to a new house and placed well so that it does not grow at an angle. Then you need to carefully sprinkle the hole with earth so that no air remains, otherwise they may also get sick.


After this, the seedlings in separate pots are placed in the prepared place and watered with water at room temperature. This is how tomatoes are picked in April 2019. It is important to know that immediately after this procedure no fertilizers should be applied. This can only be done after ten to fourteen days.