How to prepare a soil mixture for seedlings: experts explain
When it comes to growing seedlings, providing the right nutrient mix is essential for the successful development of young plants. To achieve this, it's important to use fresh, uncontaminated soil adapted to the specific crop being grown.
In this article, SSPDaily discusses the recommended soil mixtures for various popular vegetable crops and provides valuable tips on how to prepare them.
1. For crops such as cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, physalis, celery, and lettuce, it is recommended to mix turf or compost soil with humus and sand in a ratio of 1:2:1. To enhance nutrition further, it's advised to enrich the mixture by adding two cups of ash and an additional cup of slaked lime specifically for kale.
Alternatively, you can also create a mixture consisting of equal parts humus and well-ventilated lowland peat. Regardless of the combination you choose, be sure to add three matchboxes of superphosphate and one box of potassium sulfate per bucket of soil. In situations where mineral fertilizers are not available, up to three cups of wood ash can be a suitable substitute.
2. Cucumbers and other pumpkin crops require a slightly different soil composition to thrive in the early stages of development. It is recommended to mix shredded turf with humus or compost soil in equal proportions when preparing potting mix or cups. Adding a cup of ash to each bucket of soil will provide additional nutrients for optimal growth.
To further increase the nutrient content, you can create nutrient pots or cubes using similar mixes and add a mullein solution at the rate of 1 liter per 10 liters of water. This solution will ensure proper moisture and prevent the pots or cubes from disintegrating.