A dry crust or mold on the surface of the soil? Withering leaves or rotting roots? All these are symptoms of improper watering.
This seemingly very simple matter has its own nuances. If they are not taken into account, the consequences can be very serious, up to the death of the seedlings. What happens to seedlings with excessive watering and when the soil dries out?
Consequences of excessive watering
First, let's see what can happen to seedlings that are watered too often and abundantly.
Rotting of the root system is one of the most common problems with overwatering. In conditions of excess moisture, anaerobic bacteria and fungi begin to actively multiply, causing root rot. Externally, this manifests itself as follows: seedlings begin to sharply lose turgor, leaves become lethargic, may turn yellow and fall off. At the same time, many summer residents think that the plants do not have enough moisture, and they continue to water them, further aggravating the problem.
The development of fungal diseases is another consequence of overwatering. Excessive soil and air moisture creates ideal conditions for the appearance of such a dangerous seedling disease as black leg. With this disease, the base of the stem becomes thinner, begins to darken and rot, which ultimately leads to the death of the plant.
Nutritional disorders also occur with excess water. Due to constant exposure to wet soil, root hairs responsible for the absorption of nutrients begin to die off. As a result, the plant does not receive the necessary microelements, which affects its development: leaves can become pale, growth slows down, and sometimes seedlings simply stop developing.
The lack of oxygen that the roots feel in waterlogged soil also leads to inhibition of seedling growth and promotes the development of various diseases.
Seedling stretching is another possible negative effect of waterlogging. With excessive watering and insufficient lighting, plants begin to actively stretch upward, become thin and fragile, which worsens their viability and reduces the chances of successful rooting after transplantation.
Consequences of lack of water
If seedlings are watered too rarely, the soil dries out, which also leads to negative consequences.
Dehydration of plants is the most obvious problem. Without sufficient moisture, all physiological processes are disrupted, leaves lose turgor, become lethargic, curl and dry out. If there is a long absence of watering, seedlings may simply die.
Slow growth and development is due to the fact that without water, the roots cannot absorb nutrients from the soil. Even if the soil is rich in useful elements, without moisture they remain inaccessible to plants. As a result, seedlings develop slowly, leaves may turn pale and become small.
Weakening of the root system occurs because when the soil dries out, small roots begin to die. If after a long period of drying out you suddenly water the plants with a large volume of water, this will lead to stress: the roots will not be able to quickly absorb moisture, and the seedlings may begin to get sick or even die.
Cracking and compaction of the soil is another unpleasant effect. When the soil dries out, it becomes hard and cracks. After watering, a dense crust may form on the surface of the soil, which prevents air from reaching the roots. As a result, plants also begin to feel a lack of oxygen, as in the case of over-watering of the soil, and their growth slows down.
How to water seedlings correctly
To avoid problems associated with both over-watering and over-drying of seedlings, it is important to monitor the condition of the soil and take into account the needs of the plants.
What water to water seedlings with
Water quality plays an important role in plant development. Using cold tap water can cause stress in seedlings, slow down their growth and increase the risk of diseases. For moistening delicate seedlings, settled water at room temperature is well suited. It is even better, if possible, to use melted or rainwater.
How often to water seedlings
The frequency of watering depends on many factors: the type of plant, air temperature, indoor humidity and soil composition. At the initial stage, when the seeds have just hatched, it is important to keep the soil constantly moist (but without over-watering!). Usually, spraying or light watering through the tray is enough during this period.
When the seedlings have their first true leaves, the need for moisture increases. However, you should not get carried away with excessive moisture even during this period, as this can lead to stems stretching and root rot. Watering as the top layer of soil dries is considered optimal. You can check the moisture by gently touching the soil with your finger: if the soil is dry at a depth of 1-2 cm, it's time to water.
Watering methods
The watering method depends on the stage of seedling development. At first, while the seedlings are very small, a sprayer or syringe is most often used. These devices help to gently moisten the soil without washing it away. As the plants grow, you can move on to watering at the root using a small watering can or a bottle with a thin spout.
Many summer residents use watering through a tray - one of the effective methods, which is especially relevant for crops with a sensitive root system and in a situation where for some reason you have overdried the earth lump. In this case, water is poured into the tray (as much as can fit there), and the roots themselves absorb the required amount of moisture. If all the water has been absorbed, you can add more. After 2-3 hours, the remaining liquid is drained. This method helps to avoid over-moistening the top layer of soil and prevents the development of black leg.
Time for watering
The best time to moisten seedlings is in the morning. During the day, the plants will have time to absorb moisture, and excess water will evaporate, which will significantly reduce the risk of overwatering and the development of fungal infections. When watering in the evening, the soil remains damp longer, because evaporation slows down at night.
Common mistakes when watering seedlings
One of the common mistakes is watering with cold water, which can cause stress and slow down the growth of plants. It is also dangerous to allow the soil to dry out and then suddenly pour a large amount of water on the seedlings. This leads to cracking of the soil and damage to the roots. It is better to water overdried soil as described above - through a tray.
Another mistake is watering according to a schedule without taking into account the condition of the soil. It is important to focus on the needs of the plants, and not on a strict regime. Sometimes the humidity and air temperature change, and the seedlings may need more or less water than usual.
If the soil is overwatered, you need to let it dry out and carefully loosen the soil to improve air access to the roots. In severe cases, when rotting has already begun, you may need to transplant the seedlings into a fresh, drier substrate.
Summer residents often combine watering with fertilizing. This is very convenient, but it is important to maintain a balance. It is better to alternate these procedures: today - regular watering, in a few days - a weak fertilizer solution.
Proper watering is not just mechanical moistening of the soil, but careful observation of the plants and understanding their needs. This is the only way to grow strong and healthy seedlings, which will become the basis of the future harvest.