Over the millennia during which humanity has been engaged agriculture, this type of activity has changed almost beyond recognition. From a dependent, timid consumer who takes advantage of the fickle mercy of nature, man has turned, if not into a commander, then at least into a confident user of natural resources, able to direct them and keep many of them under his control. And yet, much has remained unchanged, and even the most experienced gardener one has to reckon with the laws of nature.
What are peat tablets
Peat tablets are one of the ways to facilitate the process of growing seedlings of any cultivated plants, even vegetables, even seeds. Moreover, it is very simple and logical, based on the need of any growing organism, including sprouting greenery, for nutrients Oh. And peat tablets are, in fact, those same nutrients. As you know, peat is a natural organic fertilizer, suitable for most types of plants. If you compress it and give it the shape of small vertically flattened cylinders (washers, tablets, etc.), and then pack it in a thin permeable shell and make a small depression on top, you will get exactly those peat tablets, useful and safe for man, and for his green “wards”.
They do not take up much space, are inexpensive, easy to use and perform all their functions, that is, they serve the perfect tool for anyone who needs to germinate viable seedlings from seeds and grow them until it is time to transplant them into open ground.
Most peat tablets currently on sale are very small: no more than 8 mm in height. But not 
be afraid that the seedlings will be cramped in them: after moistening, the peat swells and increases significantly in volume, literally by, or even 10 times. At the same time, the liquid itself is reliably retained by the substrate and maintains the necessary level of moisture in the internal environment necessary for seed germination. You can sow any crops, vegetables and ornamental plants, but it is especially convenient to use them for the smallest seeds. Capricious peppers, tomatoes, even vulnerable petunia show noticeably faster growth compared to similar seeds planted in the ground according to standard technology germinating seedlings in cups and/or pots. In addition, using peat tablets you can root leaves and plant seedlings. At the same time, the risk of infection of young seedlings with fungi and mechanical damage to the fragile root system tends to zero.
In addition to the peat base itself, which makes up more than 90% of the tablet, manufacturers add nutrients to the tablets, mineral compounds which contribute to the growth different types plants. An essential component of peat impregnation is an antifungal composition. And if necessary, you can purchase and use peat tablets containing a root growth stimulator or other components aimed at specific needs. An alternative to peat tablets, which is in no way inferior in its properties, are coconut tablets. They are made from compressed coconut fiber and have almost the same appearance, sizes and functions, are just a little less common on sale.
Both peat and coconut fiber correct use and sufficient moisture are an excellent medium for planting seeds and growing seedlings. And, what is equally important, there is nothing complicated in their use, and the technology is mastered in practice already at the first attempt.
Using peat tablets
Planting seeds in peat tablets is a modern and relatively new method, so it is unlikely that your grandmother, despite her enormous life experience and achievements in gardening, will be able to teach you how to use them. But you can very well tell her a great way to optimize the process of germination of seedlings, save strength and get excellent results by reading our tips.
The depth of immersion depends on the size of the seeds; the larger, the deeper. On average, aim for a depth equal to two seed lengths.
The modern gardening market is represented by a variety of devices and soils for growing seedlings. One of these simple and effective means are peat tablets. This article tells about what they are, how the process of sowing seeds, growing and replanting seedlings goes.
Such blanks look like washers with a recess for seeds. They are made from peat or coconut fiber and are tightened into a thin natural mesh, which prevents scattering during transportation and during seed germination. In addition, they contain special additives: growth stimulants, fungicides, and anti-stress drugs.
Features of using tablets
The height of such products is about 8 cm, and their diameter ranges from 2.5 to 7 cm in diameter. At the same time, the washers different diameters are used for different purposes. For example, for germination of seeds and for cuttings, blanks with a diameter of 4 cm are optimal. For sowing small seeds, it is better to use tablets of the smallest diameter, and for obtaining seedlings vegetable crops- the greatest.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of using such tablets are much greater than the disadvantages. Among them are:
- Unlimited service life when stored in a dry place at room temperature.
- Versatility: you can grow seedlings of any flower (vegetable) crops in them.
- Excellent germination and rooting.
- Protection of plants from rotting is achieved due to the high breathability of the substrate.
- Significant reduction of soil under crops.
- Convenience during transplantation: thanks to the natural shell, the root lump of earth does not crumble when transplanting.
The only drawback of the application is the high cost of the products, therefore, when growing seedlings in industrial conditions, their use is economically unprofitable.
How to choose peat tablets
When purchasing peat preparations, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- Substrate structure: the contents should not be rough, as this affects the development of roots and can cause stagnation of water and the occurrence of fungal diseases.
- The acidity of the filler ranges from almost neutral to acidic, as indicated on the packaging. Therefore, when planning a purchase, find out what requirements for the level of acidity are imposed by the plant you are going to grow. For example, vegetable seedlings need neutral soil, and coniferous plants- in sour.
- The size of the washer is determined by the dimensions of the planting material. So, for small seeds it is better to use products of small diameter, and for large ones - large ones.
You should also pay attention to the presence of a special paper mesh. This mesh not only helps to maintain its shape and prevent the soil from crumbling, but also serves as reliable protection against diseases, since it is impregnated with fungicides.
Preparing to plant seeds
Before planting seeds in peat washers, the latter must first be soaked. To do this, it is recommended to place them on a tray with the indentations facing up and gradually fill them with a small amount of warm, settled water over 2-3 hours until the peat swells and the washers themselves increase in height. This is how an even distribution of nutrients can be achieved. After this, excess water from the pan should be drained.
How to use peat tablets
In order for your costs to be justified, you should know how to use preparations during sowing, growing seedlings, and also when transplanting plants.
Preparing for sowing
You should know that seeds cannot be immediately sown in peat preparations without preliminary preparation of the latter. To do this, they must first be saturated with moisture. This can be done using a tray or any other container, on the bottom of which the washers are placed with the indentations facing up and carefully watered with warm, settled water.
As a result of this procedure, they turn into moist cylinders that can be used for sowing seeds or rooting cuttings. At the end of soaking, drain excess water from the tray (container) to excess humidity did not harm the germinating seeds.
Planting seeds
Seeds are planted in the recesses of pre-prepared tablets. Large seeds can be spread out with your hands, and to distribute small ones you can use a toothpick or a pointed match. In this case, the seeds can be either dry or swollen.
Stages of sowing seeds
If planting material need to be sealed with a substrate; you can lightly press the seeds into the existing recesses using a toothpick. The pelleted seeds are lowered into the recess, moistened with a pipette and the softened shell is lightly smeared along the bottom of the recess.
Growing seedlings
The tray with the seeded material is placed under film or glass and placed in a warm, well-lit place. The most the best option there will be window sills eastern or western windows, since northern windows may be too dark and southern windows too hot.
Methods of growing seedlings
Further care consists of maintaining the required level of humidity in the earthen ball and temperature, as well as regular ventilation (as condensation forms on the lid, but at least once a day). After germination, the lid must be removed and watering done using a spray bottle or through a tray. At this stage there is no need to fertilize, since all the nutrients are in the substrate.
Picking and planting plants
One of the advantages of peat tablets is that there is no need for picking, since the young plant is replanted together with peat soil, which allows the root system to be preserved without damage. There is also no need to remove the paper mesh, since it dissolves in the soil.
If the shell is torn, it will be necessary to pick the seedlings in the usual way. The young plant is transferred to permanent place together with a peat lump, deepening depending on the type of seedling.
Storage
Although peat washers do not have an expiration date, they do require compliance with certain storage conditions. These include temperature regime and humidity level. Optimal for storage would be a cool room (0+15 degrees), in which the humidity ranges from 40 to 60%.
Features of transplanting seedlings
As soon as the roots become visible through the substrate, the plant can be planted in flower pot or a greenhouse. The protective paper mesh will not allow the soil to fall apart during replanting and will itself dissolve in the soil. In addition, the roots of the seedlings will be protected from damage, which is especially important when transplanting tender plants. Therefore, transfer the seedlings to a new place without removing them from the tablet.
Over the millennia during which humanity has been engaged in agriculture, this type of activity has changed almost beyond recognition. From a dependent, timid consumer who takes advantage of the fickle mercy of nature, man has turned, if not into a commander, then at least into a confident user of natural resources, able to direct them and keep many of them under his control. And yet, much has remained unchanged, and even the most experienced gardener has to reckon with the laws of nature. And this is not only climatic conditions and weather, time of year and quantity sunlight. This is also the level of humidity and that nutrition, without which plants cannot grow, develop and produce a full harvest. Therefore, enterprising humanity does not stop there and continues to invent new ways to conquer and at the same time satisfy its needs. One of the latest such tools is peat tablets designed for growing seedlings from seeds.
What are peat tabletsPeat tablets are one of the ways to facilitate the process of growing seedlings of any cultivated plants, be it vegetables or seeds. Moreover, it is very simple and logical, based on the nutritional needs of any growing organism, including sprouting greenery. And peat tablets are, in fact, those same nutrients. As you know, peat is a natural organic fertilizer suitable for most types of plants. If you compress it and give it the shape of small vertically flattened cylinders (washers, tablets, etc.), and then pack it in a thin permeable shell and make a small depression on top, you will get exactly those peat tablets, useful and safe for man, and for his green “wards”. They do not take up much space, are inexpensive, easy to use and perform all their functions, that is, they serve as an ideal tool for anyone who needs to germinate viable seedlings from seeds and grow them until it is time to transplant them into open ground.
In addition to the peat base itself, which makes up more than 90% of the tablet, manufacturers add nutrients to the tablets, the mineral composition of which promotes the growth of different types of plants. An essential component of peat impregnation is an antifungal composition. And if necessary, you can purchase and use peat tablets containing a root growth stimulator or other components aimed at specific needs. An alternative to peat tablets, which is in no way inferior in its properties, are coconut tablets. They are made from compressed coconut fiber, have almost the same appearance, size and function, they are just a little less common on sale. Both peat and coir, when used correctly and sufficiently moistened, are excellent mediums for planting seeds and growing seedlings. And, what is equally important, there is nothing complicated in their use, and the technology is mastered in practice already at the first attempt.
Using peat tablets
Planting seeds in peat tablets is a modern and relatively new method, so it is unlikely that your grandmother, despite her enormous life experience and achievements in gardening, will be able to teach you how to use them. But you can very well tell her a great way to optimize the process of germination of seedlings, save strength and get excellent results by reading our tips. You can purchase peat tablets in advance or go for them just before the start of the summer season: ease of storage and undemanding conditions for saving are also among their advantages. Also, check out the sequence of steps you'll go through when it's time to plant the seeds in the peat tablets:
- Remove the tablets from the original packaging and place them in a wide tray without holes. Choose a tray height that is sufficient so that, after increasing in volume, the tablets do not rise above its sides. Do not be afraid to handle the tablets with or without gloves: they will not cause any harm to the skin.
- Place the tablets at an arbitrary distance from each other, or very close together. After swelling, thanks to the restraining mesh, only the height, but not the diameter of each tablet will change. The main thing is that the recesses intended for seeds are oriented upward.
- Pour clean water at room temperature or a little warmer into the pan, wetting the peat tablets generously. Wait a few seconds, during which the tablets will become larger right before your eyes. Use at least (preferably more) 1 liter of water for every 10 peat tablets.
- Now you can start planting the seeds. Pick them up with your fingers or tweezers and place them in the grooves on the top side of the peat tablets. The depth of immersion depends on the size of the seeds; the larger, the deeper. On average, aim for a depth equal to two seed lengths.
- Choose the number of seeds in one tablet depending on the specific type of plant. Cover each seed with a small amount of peat taken nearby.
- Place a tray with sown peat tablets on a warm surface or use special greenhouses for seedlings.
- Seeds germinate faster if the bottom of the box is warm. For the same purpose, you can use lamps for illumination. But do not forget to ventilate the germinating seedlings by opening the greenhouse during the day and letting air in, and closing it again at night.
- When the seedlings turn green, water the peat tablets from a spray bottle or simply through a tray as needed. Peat tablets will absorb all excess water, maintaining optimal humidity.
- Before the first formed leaves appear on the seedlings, it has enough nutrients that are contained in peat and included in tablets during production. Two weeks after the leaves appear, start adding mineral fertilizers to the water for irrigation.
- When the root system of the seedlings has developed so much that it breaks through the side surfaces of the tablet, you can transplant it into the ground. In this case, picking seedlings grown from seeds in peat tablets is not required, which additionally protects thin roots from mechanical damage.
- Place the strengthened seedlings together with a peat tablet in the ground at such a depth as to hide the tablet underground, dig in a little. It is not necessary to remove the mesh from the tablet for this, but some gardeners do this.
- Both the tablet and the mesh dissolve without a trace in the soil over time, thanks to which the plant takes root well in an open environment.
Gardeners tend to want to achieve the highest possible quality result. Spring is a time of intensive efforts with seedlings. It is very sad when all the work and efforts, as the popular expression goes, “are covered with a copper basin.” Either the composition of the soil is not the same, or the air or irrigation regime has let us down, or the seeds were damaged during planting.
So growing seeds in peat tablets is accepted by enthusiasts summer cottage as And for good reason.
Benefits of know-how
Let's start with the fact that the use of this invention significantly saves the space occupied by seedlings. Still, the majority of gardeners and gardeners are urban residents; they have little free space to prepare for planting. We can say that all the window sills are occupied, but there is still not enough space (you still want everything, even if it’s a little). And here they will come to the rescue. The instructions recommend having a greenhouse for them, but folk craftsmen assure that this is not necessary - there are ways.
It is equally important that such tablets already contain everything you need - no fertilizing, which is introduced into the seedlings by drops (and God forbid you overdo it!), will not be required.
You don't have to loosen the soil either - you have peat tablets. The instructions clearly guarantee that there will be enough air inside them, the soil will not cake and will not put pressure on the seedlings, and the water will be absorbed all over the entire volume.
What is it best suited for?
If you are not interested in cost, but in friendly and powerful seedlings, then the tablets are suitable for those plants that are marked by gardeners and flower growers as difficult to germinate. These include petunia, strawberries (especially strawberries, if you cultivate them), as well as all plants that have small seeds.
If you got hold of super-expensive planting material for something rare, then planting in peat tablets will help you not to mourn wasted money: the seeds will definitely sprout in them.
Two methods of application: the first is mass
Which one to choose depends on your personal conditions for growing seedlings. The first one saves space and gives large quantity seedlings, the second guarantees that a plant will definitely appear from the seed placed in the tablet.
Number one advises choosing a large enough tray on which to place the peat tablets. The instructions only require maintaining a certain distance between the future “pots”: after all, they will have to increase seven times.
The “blanks” are watered with water (settled, of course), left alone for a quarter of an hour or half an hour (depending on the manufacturer), and seeds are inserted into the holes on top of the tablet.
This method is especially suitable if growing seeds in peat tablets involves further mass planting, that is, the presence of plants in large quantities.
Two methods of application: the second is individual
This approach will require much more space to implement. The idea is that each future “glass” is placed in a separate small plastic container, for example, a yogurt jar. So one window sill will be enough for you to grow a much smaller number of seedlings. However, in this case, the swollen tablets will not crowd each other with their sides when swelling, and there is no risk that the roots of the plants will intertwine if they suddenly grow through the walls of their pot. Before planting in peat tablets, if they are in an additional container, it is better to disinfect these cups - the seedlings do not need extra fungi and bacteria.
This method is good if you are growing something new, a single specimen, expensive or requiring slightly different conditions of care and maintenance. In individual cultivation, the ideal solution is, again, peat tablets. The instructions will help you create an optimal regime for your unusual pet.
Subtleties of use
To begin with, the first watering. The tablets absorb exactly as much as they need to swell. If half an hour after adding water there is still some water left, then it is excess moisture, and it must be drained.
The next point is the water temperature. It should be at least room size. However, it has been noticed that if the water is warm (about 30-40 degrees), then the process goes faster.
One more nuance. It is not for nothing that a greenhouse is recommended - in it all the properties of the container used are revealed more fully, and it becomes clearer how good peat tablets are for seedlings. The instructions are quite strict, but our gardeners have found a workaround: you can create a mini-greenhouse on the windowsill. Enough to take plastic box from the cake or pastries, carefully place the tablets there and cover with a lid. Cute, cheap and cheerful!
Further care
It is very simple. If you have nevertheless created greenhouse conditions (in the same box of cakes), then all that remains is to ventilate the container so that mold and mildew do not flourish due to humidity. The timing of ventilation is not difficult to determine: drops flow down the plastic - open the box for half an hour. Just no drafts! If this is not your first time using the instructions, you’ve probably already learned them by heart, but you should still remember: “no” to drafts, “yes” to ventilation.
Until the sprouts appear, the tablets can be moistened simply from a spray bottle (or, if you have a lot of seedlings, from a spray bottle). The main thing is not to overdo it: the force of the jets should not erode the peat base. When the seedlings hatch, the method of watering changes. Now the water should come from below, from the plastic tray (We hope you checked the holes in the “individual” cups? However, this is already at the level of instincts...) If you water from above, the water will certainly fall on fresh leaves or stems, and this may be the beginning of some some diseases that we do not need at all.
Another important rule: do not overdry, but also do not over-moisten. Some novice gardeners, who had not previously encountered peat tablets, relaxed when they learned that they did not absorb more than necessary. Of course it's convenient. But excess water still needs to be removed, otherwise it will rot on its own. peat cup. And excess humidity in a mini-greenhouse will not benefit the plants. At a minimum you will have to once again ventilate, but this is also a hassle. So it is better to observe the watering regime.
How many seeds and how deep
The use of peat tablets does not at all eliminate agrotechnical rules. So, small seeds are put into the miracle invention shallowly - a centimeter from the surface, not deeper. Large seeds require deep burial - about five centimeters.
The number of grains depends more on their cost: expensive ones are planted in separate pots, more affordable ones - several in one, and then thinned out, leaving the strongest sprout. If you are thinking about how to plant a cutting in a peat tablet, follow normal rules- and you can’t go wrong. The only thing is that it is better to use it before landing. However, even without magic pills it is widely used, and it is more needed in this case.
First, count
Without a doubt, peat tablets are a very convenient invention that greatly facilitates gardening work. But don’t forget that such “pots” are disposable, but they still cost money. So before you buy pills for all your crops, think about whether it's worth it. If your tomatoes are already growing year after year, why spend extra money? And maybe it won’t “grow together” with peat tablets. So first, try an unfamiliar method on something familiar. Moreover, for the purity of the experiment, grow the seedlings in the usual way to compare the results. If you like it, use it! Still, peat tablets are very convenient.
Let's look at growing seedlings in peat tablets. First of all, let's get acquainted with the features of using peat tablets.
Features of growing seedlings in peat tablets
These tablets are based on peat, which is compressed into a shell, and all the components necessary for germinating flower and vegetable seeds are added to it. In them, seedlings are obtained with a powerful root system, which provides the plant with excellent nutrition and survival rate, as well as minimal stress during transplantation, which is very important for a high yield in the future.
An interesting way to grow seedlings in peat tablets
There are several ways to place peat tablets:
- next to each other;
- on a pallet close together;
- in a few centimeter layer of sand;
- in seedling cassettes.
Preparing a peat tablet for sowing seeds
How to soak a peat tablet
When you fill the tablets with water, make sure that the hole for the seed is at the top of the tablet. When a peat tablet swells, it can increase 6-7 times in height; this will only take 10-20 minutes. The transformation of the tablet into a cylinder occurs faster if you use warm water.
And yet, if the tablet is soaked gradually, adding water in small quantities over several hours, this will contribute to the even distribution of nutrients. After the tablet swells, the remaining liquid must be drained and sowing of seeds must begin.
Sowing seeds in peat tablets
How to plant seeds in peat tablets
Expensive seeds can be sown in each container one at a time, the rest - from two to three. After germination, the seedlings are thinned out, leaving the strongest plant.
Video about peat tablets
Small seeds need to be embedded smaller in the tablet, and large seeds need to be embedded deeper. When embedding a seed, you can use the following schematic rule: embedding the seed is carried out to a depth equal to twice the length of the seed. When rooting cuttings, you need to immerse them in a cylinder tablet to a depth of 1-3 centimeters.
Caring for crops in peat tablets
To maintain the moisture content of the tablet with cuttings and seeds planted in it, you need to cover it with film or glass and leave it in a warm place until germination.
Greenhouse for sowing in peat tablets
You can build a kind of greenhouse by placing a tablet with seeds in a transparent plastic glass and covering it with polyethylene. Rooting of cuttings and germination of seeds in such conditions occurs perfectly, even if these are capricious plants. Indoor plants can also be rooted and sown in this way.
You can buy peat tablets in garden stores.
Watering seedlings in peat tablets
Until sprouts appear, peat tablets are moistened by spraying water, but the pressure and flow rate should not be strong so that the top layer of peat is not washed away. When seedlings appear, water should be supplied to the containers from the bottom so that moisture does not fall on the sprouts. Peat tablets, drawing in water capillarily, are perfectly moistened from below from a plastic tray, sand or irrigation mat.
Growing seedlings in peat tablets is accompanied by careful control of the moisture content of the tablets themselves: excessive waterlogging, but also drying out, should not be allowed. Between waterings, it is necessary to allow the peat to dry out a little to saturate it with air, thereby activating the development of the root system.
Feeding seedlings in peat tablets
Supporters mineral fertilizers they can be added to water for irrigation two weeks after the formation of the first true leaves. Previously, this was not required, since high-quality peat tablets initially contain all the nutrients.
Planting seedlings using peat tablets:
Monitor the distance between tablets during seedling development to prevent roots from growing into the adjacent tablet. When to plant peat tablets in open ground? The seedlings are ready for planting in the ground when the roots of the seedlings begin to break through the tablet shell.
