Schedule for sowing vegetables in open ground. Calculation of timing of sowing vegetable seeds for seedlings. What seeds to sow in February for seedlings

After the New Year holidays, gardeners begin to prepare for sowing seeds for seedlings. Experienced people with many years of experience in growing vegetable crops can easily determine the date of sowing seeds for seedlings, using their observations and calculations. It is much more difficult to determine this date for beginners. To determine and clarify the date of sowing seeds for seedlings, there are several methods:

• according to the results of agrotechnical research,
• countdown method
• according to the amendment formula.

Pepper shoots. © Pookie & Schnookie Content:

Using ready-made averaged parameters

It is advisable for beginning gardeners to use special reference books for crops. Data on the timing of sowing vegetable seeds for seedlings are obtained in long-term agrotechnical experiments in conditions close to the area where the crop is cultivated. The seeds are called zoned and when sold on the back of the package, manufacturers always indicate the output data, up to the recommended date for sowing seeds for seedlings.

It must be said that the seed sowing dates given on the packaging are average. They do not take into account the climatic conditions of the year, the characteristics of the variety named on the label and other parameters. Therefore, during the winter period (free from field work), gardeners need to familiarize themselves with the recommendations of breeders and select the varieties and hybrids they like from reference books and catalogs.

It is more advisable to purchase hybrids marked F1. These are first reproduction hybrids. They always differ from subsequent ones in their increased resistance to diseases and more accurately correspond to the reference characteristics.

In your garden diary, draw a table and enter data that will help you more accurately determine the date of sowing seeds and planting seedlings permanently in open or protected ground (heated, cold, film, spandex greenhouses and other permanent and temporary shelters).

The necessary parameters for the main vegetable crops are given below in the table. 1 and 2. Please note that in tables 1 and 2 the same crops differ in the age of seedlings and planting dates (the region is the same, but the areas are different). These tables show how much the official data is averaged. Therefore, when using ready-made parameters for sowing seeds, it is better to take data from your area.

Table 1: Average seeding seeding data obtained on the basis of agrotechnical experiments for central Russia

Name of culture, days	Age of seedlings, days	Seed sowing date	Shoots, days	Date of planting of seedlings
Early tomatoes	45-50	10.03-15.04	5-7	1-10.06
Medium and late tomatoes	65-70	11.03-20.03	5-7	5-15.06
Sweet and bitter pepper	65-75	11.03-20.03	12-14	5-10.06
Eggplant	60-65	21.03-31.03	10-12	5-15.06
Head lettuce	35-45	21.04-30.04	3-5	11-20.06
Celery	75-85	12.02-20.02	12-20	21-31.05
Zucchini, pumpkin	25-30	11.04-20.04	3-5	21-31.05
Cucumber	25-30	1.05-10.05	2-4	1-10.06
Cauliflower	45-50	1.04-10.04	4-6	21.05-31.05
White cabbage	45-50	25.03-10.04	4-6	21.05-31.05

Tomato seedlings. © Gary Walton

Table 2: Timing for planting seedlings in central Russia in protected and open ground

Countdown method

To apply this calculation method, it is necessary to additionally use regional climate maps, which show the parameters for the onset of spring stable warm weather (without the return of possible spring frosts) and autumn cooling. Data on the length of the growing season of crops is also required. To better organize the sowing and transplanting period, we record the necessary parameters in our garden diary.

In the table we place data on the age of the seedlings, the period of their planting in the ground, the emergence of seedlings, the allowance of time for unforeseen circumstances, adaptation after picking and the calculated data obtained.

Eg: in central Russia, a warm, frost-free period begins in the second ten days of May. We set a deadline of May 15th. The period of development of early tomatoes from germination takes 45-50 days. To this period we add 5-7 days for the emergence of seedlings and 3-4 days for the period of adaptation of seedlings after picking and other unforeseen cases (50+7+4=61). Using a calendar, we count back 50 days from the age of seedlings, 4 days for picking and 7 days for the emergence of seedlings and get the number of counting days (60-61 days) and a fixed date for sowing seeds for seedlings. The date falls on March 14-15. Sowing seeds can be extended by doing it over several periods with a break of 10-15 days. Planting seedlings will take place from March 15 to April 1.

Here's another example of a countdown for sweet peppers. We determine the deadline for the frost-free period using the climate map. In the southern regions it falls on the last ten days of April - the first ten days of May. The age of sweet pepper seedlings ready for permanent planting is 65-75 days. We are counting down from May 10 (so as not to fall under the return frost).

To the age of the seedlings 65, we add 5 days for the emergence of seedlings and 7 for unforeseen circumstances (temperature drops, lack of lighting, delay in watering) and we get a total of 77 days. We count them from May 10 and get the date for sowing seeds for seedlings on February 17. So, the period for sowing sweet pepper for seedlings in the southern regions is from February 17 to March 1. If you sow in 2-3 periods with a gap of 8-10 days, then the period of sowing pepper seeds for seedlings will last until March 5-10.

When calculating the date of sowing seeds, adhere to the rule: it is better to permanently plant younger, undergrown seedlings than overgrown ones. Young seedlings go through the period of adaptation to new living conditions faster (like a newborn child), while overgrown ones are inconvenient to plant (lots of waste) and are susceptible to diseases during the adaptation period.

If you are not sure about the quality of preparation of the permanent planting sites, then always postpone the sowing date to a later date (sometimes up to 10 days). You can sow seeds at several times. This technique will provide the opportunity to get into temperature and light regimes favorable for the crop.

Eggplant seedlings. © Joel Ignacio

Calculation using the amendment formula

As you saw from the examples given above, the seed sowing date still turns out to be floating and fluctuates within 10 days. There is another way to calculate more accurate sowing of seeds for seedlings - using the amendment formula. To calculate it, additional data will be required, which can be taken from reference literature or use the results of your long-term observations.

We draw an auxiliary table where we enter the following data (Table 3). When determining the date of sowing seeds for seedlings using the amendment formula, the calculation is carried out at the variety level. That is, we take into account the parameters not of early tomatoes or other crops in general, but of a specific variety or hybrid.

Table 3: Example of calculating the date of sowing vegetable seeds using the amendment formula

You will find some of the parameters on the bag of seeds, others you can get from reference books, climate maps of the region or region. To make the calculation, immediately decide in what conditions the crop will be grown in the post-seedling period.

The following parameters must be indicated on the bag of seeds:

• name of the variety or hybrid,
• growing region,
• sowing date,
• date of planting in the ground,
• seed treatment.

The last 2 parameters will be a guide for you when making calculations. It is important to know whether pre-sowing seed treatment has been carried out. If not, you must treat the seeds against diseases and pests yourself. Poor-quality seeds will delay the development of seedlings and you may be late with the timing of planting permanently, not get or get very sparse seedlings, etc. To fill out the calculation table, you will need a number of parameters obtained experimentally (duration of the growing season, age of vegetable seedlings, period of seed germination).

On average, the duration of the growing season is always indicated on the packet of seeds or in catalogs of varieties and hybrids of vegetable crops. Let's take the average data as a basis:

• tomatoes - 75-140 days;
• sweet pepper - 80-140 days,
• eggplant - 90-150 days.

• tomatoes - 45-50 days;
• mid-season tomatoes - 55-60 days;
• late-ripening tomatoes -70 days;
• sweet pepper - 55-65 days;
• eggplant - 50-60 days.

Obtaining seedlings depends on the preparation of the seed material: - treatment with growth substances, sowing with seeded or dry seeds, etc. The average time for seed germination is:

• tomatoes - 4-8 days;
• sweet pepper - 12-14 days;
• eggplants - 10-12 days;
• white cabbage - 4-6 days.

Cabbage seedlings. © hmle2217

It is possible to obtain a harvest within a predetermined period, as well as to prolong the fruiting of the crop. To do this, we sow seeds in several stages, with a gap (depending on the crop) of 8-12-15 days. To get an extra-early harvest, we select an early-ripening variety and sow it as early as possible, providing all the required conditions (warmth, watering, additional lighting, fertilizing). There is a risk of losing seedlings from frost, but high-quality temporary shelter will help preserve the seedlings and get an extra-early harvest.

Permanent planting of seedlings significantly influences the timing of sowing seeds for seedlings. If we plant seedlings in open ground, then it is necessary to know as accurately as possible the onset of the spring frost-free period. For central Russia (area Moscow, Ufa, Chelyabinsk) this is the period from 10.06. For the colder region, covering Perm and Yekaterinburg, the frost-free period begins on June 15. At the level of Voronezh and Saratov, steadily warm weather sets in from 1.05 and in the south (Rostov, Krasnodar) - from 10.04.

The established warming will have a noticeable impact on the condition of the soil; it will begin to warm up. This is especially significant when sowing in film greenhouses and greenhouses without constant heating. By the above dates, the soil for seedlings in a 10-15 cm layer should warm up to +10..+14 °C. In cold soil, it is better to delay sowing. Researchers involved in the agricultural technology of vegetable crops believe that it is more rational to plant seedlings that are shorter than those that are overgrown.

According to the data in Table. 3 we calculate the date of sowing early tomato seeds for seedlings using the amendment formula.

1. The date for planting seedlings in open ground for Moscow and the region is June 15.
2. The optimal age of seedlings is 50 days. According to optimal parameters, by this period the seedlings should have 25-30 cm in height, 5-7 formed leaves, a stem diameter of at least 6-8 mm and 1-2 inflorescences with buds. If the seedlings have such indicators, but are still only 44 days old, they can be planted in open ground at higher accepted indicators of soil readiness. If the soil has not yet warmed up and the weather is cold, then you can reduce watering and lower the temperature in the greenhouse (suppress the growth of seedlings) or plant it in the ground, making a temporary shelter (for example, use a double layer of spandbond).
3. From the date June 15, count down the age of the seedlings (50 days). We get the date April 27.
4. subtract the seed germination period (7 days). We get the date April 20.
5. We subtract the adaptation period if the seedlings are grown using picking (1+4=5 days). We get the date April 15.

Pepper seedlings. © Amy Urquhart

The calculated dates for sowing seeds for seedlings completely coincide with the data in Table. 1 (averaged seed sowing parameters obtained in long-term experiments), but are more accurate.

Working in a garden or vegetable garden requires enormous costs, both physical and spiritual. After all, it is necessary not only to plant a plant, but also to do it with soul and mind. To achieve success, you also need to act in accordance with nature, and this is not so easy. 2019 promises to bring a good harvest, but only if you follow the lunar cycles. And the 2019 seedling planting calendar will help you with this.

Favorable days for planting seedlings in 2019 according to the lunar calendar

Planting seeds for seedlings will certainly be crowned with success if the gardener is guided by common sense, that is, simple mathematical calculations. The lunar sowing calendar is responsible for success in this matter.

For the mathematical calculation, the following information is needed:

1. Time of seed germination.
2. The time for planting seedlings in the ground, in a greenhouse or outdoors, and in this case you can be guided either simply by the planting date or by the planned date of harvest.

Data on the main garden crops are given in the table, which also shows favorable days for planting in central Russia.

Culture	Favorable days for sowing seeds for seedlings, greenhouse/open ground	Germination time, days	Age of seedlings for planting in the ground, days
Tomatoes	March 10-17/ April 9-16	5-8	40-45 (standard) 50-55 (medium height) 50-60 (tall)
Pepper	February 9-16/ March 10-17	7-10	50-60
Eggplant	February 9-16 March 10-17	7-10	50-60
cucumbers	April 9-16/ May 9-16	2-4	20-25 (open ground) 30-35 (greenhouse)
Zucchini	February 9-16/ May 9-16	2-4	40-60
White cabbage	February 16, March 10-17/ March 17, April 9-16, May 9	3-4	45

How to choose seeds for seedlings

One of the most important factors that have a huge impact on the yield is the quality of the seeds. But the difficulty lies in the fact that it is not immediately possible to discern which ones are good and which ones are not. Every gardener has his own secrets, but we will tell you a few more tricks.

You can buy seeds in a supermarket, a specialized chain store, and even at the market. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but the main thing is reviews about the product and the seller. You can find out from your summer resident friends, or you can look it up on the Internet, or better yet, all at once.

But even with good reviews, there are mistakes and you can end up with a low-quality product. To avoid such a fate, be careful and consider the following factors:

• buy only in places you have trusted, and even if another store has opened where it’s cheaper, you shouldn’t take the risk. If you suddenly decide to buy expensive seeds in a store, be sure to keep the receipt so that in case of a defect you can return them.
• Before purchasing, be sure to check the quality certificates. And forget about embarrassment and inconvenience. Remember that this is your legal right.

Do not forget to study the information indicated on the packaging:

Hardening and planting seeds

Coated seeds do not require any pre-treatment before planting. But it is better to harden ordinary seeds before planting. This will ensure good germination, protect against pests and diseases, and also increase resistance to weather conditions.

The seeds of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and zucchini are hardened. They need to be soaked for 5-7 hours until they swell at a temperature of 20 degrees, and then put in the refrigerator (not the freezer!) for 6 hours, and do this for five days in a row. Instead, the seeds can, on the contrary, be heated in the oven - at a temperature not exceeding 60° for three hours. There are other ways to prepare seeds for sowing - each summer resident chooses his own. If you refuse to harden the seeds, do not forget to soak them overnight in water before sowing to speed up the seed's hatching.

The soil can be purchased, or your own; according to many experienced summer residents, this is not so important. But in both the first and second cases, it is necessary to carefully check it for the presence of various small plants; they should not be there. And before planting seedlings, it is necessary to prepare the soil. Place it in a wide container, pour boiling water with potassium permanganate and leave it for 3-4 days.

Planting seeds should be done as follows:

Picking seedlings is carried out at any time, but most often this is done when the first leaf appears. It is better to cut off weak plants in a common container, leaving the strong ones.

Don't forget about regularly loosening the soil. Thanks to this, you can provide the plants with oxygen and also protect them from the development of bacteria. And to avoid such a misfortune as “black leg”, sprinkle the soil with ash.

Just remember to turn the pots towards the light so that the plants do not stretch to one side. In other cases, to grow strong seedlings, you cannot do without additional lighting. The easiest way to use a light source is fluorescent lamps or LEDs.

Seedlings should be watered only with settled water that does not contain chlorine. Two weeks before the intended planting in the ground, begin hardening the seedlings: take them out of the warm room onto the balcony for a couple of hours, then put them back. After a week, the seedlings can “stay” on the balcony for 4-5 hours. This procedure will speed up flowering and fruiting. The timing of planting seedlings in the ground depends on the specific area and weather conditions.

Introducing 2020 for every day. Daily lunar calendar for gardeners, flower growers and gardeners. The lunar calendar of sowing and planting contains a detailed description of gardening work for every day. The calendar recommends favorable days for sowing, planting, caring for plants and a lot of necessary work in the flower garden, garden and vegetable garden, depending on the influence of the Moon and taking into account the agricultural terms of Central Russia. The lunar calendar gives the dates for sowing and planting a large number of fruit, berry, vegetable and ornamental plants.

The calendar includes a calendar for 2020. The exact time of sunrise and sunset of the Sun and Moon, the time of the Moon's entry into the zodiac sign, the hours of the full moon, the new moon, the transition from the waxing to the waning Moon, the time of change of lunar phases, the length of the day are indicated according to Moscow time for the coordinates of Moscow.

Lunar calendar of sowing and planting for 2020 published for 10 days and updated weekly.

We suggest that experienced gardeners use a brief Lunar calendar in pictures, and you can open the general Lunar sowing calendar in the form of a table, published for three months, using the picture link below:

March 13, 2020. Friday

	Waning Moon in the sign of Scorpio. Phase 3. 20th lunar day. Sunset 8:37. Sunrise 23:55.	Sunrise 6:49. Sunset 18:30. The length of the day is 11:41.
Suitable days for sowing and planting spicy and medicinal plants. In a heated greenhouse or on a windowsill, parsley, beets, celery, and sorrel are forced to obtain early greens; seeds of early-ripening radish varieties are sown. Tomato (tomato) seedlings that have 2-3 leaves appear are planted in 6x6 cm pots. Gladioli are planted for forcing. Root crops are sown and planted for long-term storage of the crop. Seeds of onions, chives, leaf celery, and leeks are sown for seedlings for growing in open ground. Water the plants and apply organic fertilizers. They weed, loosen (without touching the roots), mulch the soil. Thin out the seedlings. If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. The crops are harvested for storage in a heated greenhouse. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 14, 2020. Saturday

International Rivers Day. International Pi Day.
	Waning Moon from 14:10 in the sign of Sagittarius. Phase 3. 20th lunar day. Sunset 8:58.	Sunrise 6:47. Sunset 18:32. The length of the day is 11:45.
Fight against pests and plant diseases. Weeds are pulled out and seedlings are thinned out. Cut flowers for bouquets. The crops are harvested for storage in a heated greenhouse. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 15, 2020. Sunday

International Planetarium Day. World Consumer Rights Day. Day of workers in trade, consumer services and housing and communal services.
	Waning Moon in the sign of Sagittarius. Phase 3. 21st lunar day. Sunrise 1:21. Sunset 9:24.	Sunrise 6:44. Sunset 18:34. The length of the day is 11:50.
Sow and plant green, root crops, plants for seeds. Parsley, dill, beets, and sorrel are forced on the windowsill to obtain early greens; seeds of early ripening radish varieties are sown. Seedlings of petiole and root celery are planted in 6x6 cm pots (1-2 leaves appear). Gladioli are planted for forcing. Purchase seeds and gardening tools. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 16, 2020. Monday

Day of formation of economic security units in the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. Long icicles - for a long spring.
	Waning Moon from 19:26 in the sign of Capricorn. Phase 4 from 12:35 p.m. 22nd lunar day. Sunrise 2:40. Sunset 9:59.	Sunrise 6:42. Sunset 18:36. The length of the day is 11:54.
Sow and plant green, root crops, plants for seeds. Parsley, dill, beets, and sorrel are forced on the windowsill to obtain early greens; seeds of early ripening radish varieties are sown. Seedlings of petiole and root celery are planted in 6x6 cm pots (1-2 leaves appear). Gladioli are planted for forcing. Fight against pests and plant diseases. If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Weeds are pulled out and seedlings are thinned out. Cut flowers for bouquets. The crops are harvested for storage in a heated greenhouse. Purchase seeds and gardening tools. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 17, 2020. Tuesday

If on Gerasim the Rooker (March 17) the rooks sat in their nests - in three weeks go out to sow.
	23rd lunar day. Sunrise 3:48. Sunset 10:44.	Sunrise 6:39. Sunset 18:38. The length of the day is 11:59.
If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 18, 2020. Wednesday

Day of the Paris Commune.
	Waning Moon in the sign of Capricorn. Phase 4. 24th lunar day. Sunrise 4:42. Sunset 11:40.	Sunrise 6:36. Sunset 18:40. The length of the day is 12:04.
Sow and plant for seeds and long-term harvest storage. In a heated greenhouse or on a windowsill, dill, parsley, arugula, beets, celery, and sorrel are forced to obtain early greens; seeds of early-ripening radish varieties are sown. Seeds of onions, chives, and leaf celery are sown into seedlings for transplanting into open ground. Tomato (tomato) seedlings, which have 2-3 leaves, and petiole and root celery (1-2 leaves have appeared) are planted in 6x6 cm pots. Gladioli are planted for forcing. Water fruit and ornamental plants. Feed with organic fertilizers. They weed, mulch the soil to lock in moisture, and do surface loosening (so as not to touch the roots). Thin out the seedlings. The crops are harvested for storage in a heated greenhouse. If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 19, 2020. Thursday

Submariner's Day.
	Waning Moon from 4:17 in the sign of Aquarius. Phase 4. 25th lunar day. Sunrise 5:23. Sunset 12:46.	Sunrise 6:34. Sunset 18:42. The length of the day is 12:08.
If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 20, 2020. Friday

Day of spring equinox. World Earth Day. International Astrologer Day. International Day of Happiness. If March 20 is a warm day, then forty days will be warm; if the day is cold, expect forty cold mornings.
	Waning Moon in the sign of Aquarius. Phase 4. 26th lunar day. Sunrise 5:53. Sunset 13:56.	Sunrise 6:31. Sunset 18:44. The length of the day is 12:13.
Today they are weeding and thinning seedlings. Fight against pests and plant diseases. You can do pinching and pinching. The crops are harvested for storage in a heated greenhouse. Cut flowers for bouquets. Purchase seeds and gardening tools. If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 21, 2020. Saturday

World Poetry Day. International Puppeteer Day. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
	Waning Moon from 15:34 in the sign of Pisces. Phase 4. 27th lunar day. Sunrise 6:15. Sunset 15:08.	Sunrise 6:28. Sunset 18:46. The length of the day is 12:18.
If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

March 22, 2020. Sunday

World Water Day. Baltic Sea Day.
	Waning Moon in the sign of Pisces. Phase 4. 28th lunar day. Sunrise 6:32. Sunset 16:21.	Sunrise 6:26. Sunset 18:48. The length of the day is 12:22.
Annual ornamental plants and annual crops with a harvest for quick consumption or processing are sown and planted. They are engaged in forcing onions, chives, and onions; forcing beets, parsley, celery into greens. Seeds of onions and chives are sown into seedlings for transplanting into open ground. Seedlings of petiole and root celery (1-2 leaves have appeared), and tomato (tomato) seedlings that have 2-3 leaves have appeared in 6x6 cm pots. Gladioli are planted for forcing. On this day, fruit and ornamental crops are watered. Apply organic fertilizers. Loosen only superficially, mulch the soil to absorb moisture. If the average daily air temperature is more than 5°C, and the buds have not yet blossomed, trees and shrubs are sprayed to combat pests and plant diseases. Today, apple, pear, and plum trees are pruned (before the buds swell), dried and diseased branches of trees and shrubs are removed, and shoots are cut out from trees and shrubs. Lunar calendar of sowing and planting

A few words about the lunar calendar of sowing and planting for each day of the year.

About the lunar calendar of sowing and planting for every day of the year

The daily lunar calendar of sowing and planting contains a list of work for every day in the garden, flower garden and vegetable garden. The lunar calendar was compiled for those who are passionate about gardening, floriculture, and vegetable gardening. In the calendar, the days for sowing and planting various crops are recommended based on the lunar phases and the Moon’s passage through the zodiac constellation, as well as agricultural dates.

The lunar calendar gives recommendations on what seeds are favorable to sow, what plants to plant, how best to care for plants under the influence of the Moon. Fertile zodiac signs Capricorn, Pisces, Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio favor sowing, planting, and a bountiful harvest. During the days of low-fertility signs Aquarius, Aries, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, you can sow and plant certain types of plants, mainly decorative ones. Under a favorable zodiac sign, root crops are planted and sown on the waning Moon, and other vegetable crops, berries, fruits, and ornamental plants are planted and sown on the waxing Moon. During the full moon and new moon, the lunar calendar does not recommend sowing and planting; on these days they fight against plant diseases and pests.

Also, the lunar calendar lists for each day the necessary daily work in the garden, the results of which are not influenced by the Moon; these works are determined by the agricultural conditions of the given area and the weather. In the lunar sowing calendar, for these works we recommend days free from sowing and planting work.

The lunar calendar shows the dates for sowing and planting many plants. These are fruit and ornamental trees, berry and ornamental shrubs, annual and perennial flower and berry crops. Our lunar calendar tells us about the favorable times for sowing and planting almost all vegetable crops grown in the Middle Zone, with various methods of cultivation: planting, forcing, sowing, through seedlings, including in a greenhouse, on a windowsill and in open ground.

The lunar sowing and planting calendar for each day contains astronomical information indicating the exact time of the Moon's entry into each zodiac sign, the hours of the full moon and new moon are indicated, the time of moonrise and sunset, the time of sunrise and sunset and the length of daylight are given. If the Moon enters a certain zodiac sign during the day, then in the lunar calendar, in the sowing and planting recommendations column, a note is given before the specified hour to sow, plant and care for plants according to the recommendations of the previous day of the lunar calendar.

In addition, the lunar calendar of sowing and planting for each day contains folk signs for the Moon and signs for the harvest from the folk agricultural calendar.

Astronomical information about the Sun in our calendar

If you observe the position of the Sun for a long enough time, for example, throughout the year, you will notice that its height above the horizon on different days will be different - the highest on June 21-22, and the lowest on December 21-22. These events fall on different days in different years. These days are called the summer and winter solstices. Twice a year, on March 20-21 and September 22-23, the Sun rises exactly at the east point and sets exactly at the west point. On these days it is below and above the horizon for the same amount of time (that is, day is equal to night), and therefore they are called the days of the spring and autumn equinox. Between March 21 and September 22, the Sun rises north of the east point and, conversely, between September 23 and March 21 south of it.

Traditionally, March 21, June 22, September 23 and December 22 are considered the beginning of the seasons in the northern hemisphere of the Earth: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

We publish information on which days the listed astronomical events fall this year in the daily lunar calendar, which is given above.

How to grow plants in the rhythm of the lunar phases

The topic itself is interesting about the influence on the growth and development of plants of the position of the planets in the zodiac circle, in particular the closest companion of our planet - the Moon, about the interaction of the phases of the Moon and the growth, development of plants, the activity of microbiological processes in the soil.

The influence of the Moon on earthly affairs has been known since ancient times. It is with this planet that the tidal phenomena of ocean and sea waters, as well as fluctuations in electromagnetic fields that affect the weather, are associated. It is believed that on a full moon, the above-ground parts of plants are filled with juice to a greater extent, and on a new moon, it seems to tend to flow back to the roots. In the first case, there is a stronger hydration of the tissues, in the second - some dryness. From here comes research into the influence of the moon on plants, and based on the knowledge gained, a lunar calendar is compiled for each day of the current year.

Plants are influenced not only by the phases of the moon, but also by its position in the zodiac signs. It is better to plant when our companion is in the constellations of Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces. Fight weeds when she is in the signs of Aries, Gemini, Sagittarius, Aquarius. The presence of the Moon in the constellation Aries is conducive to collecting fruits - they are better stored. Moving to the constellation Libra is favorable for watering and grafting, to the constellation Leo - for mowing and weeding, Sagittarius - for digging up root crops, Aquarius - for exterminating pests.

If you believe the experience of astrological observations, then the zodiac signs are divided into productive (fertile): Taurus, Cancer, Libra, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces, and unproductive (infertile): Aries, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Sagittarius, Aquarius. Planting and sowing of fruit and ornamental plants according to the lunar calendar is best done when the Moon is in a productive zodiac sign.

How the lunar calendar of sowing and planting is compiled for each day

From a practical perspective, the recommendations of the lunar calendar will be valid if they correspond to the local calendar dates for sowing and planting crops. Due to the dissimilarity of climatic conditions, landscape, and soil in different regions, it is impossible to develop a single lunar calendar. If we calculate the timing of sowing crops in another specific area, we will get significant differences. In one case it will be late, in the other it will be too early (compare the south of Russia and the Urals). Agricultural work, as well as care and cleaning work, are also related to the length of daylight hours.

The local folk calendar, traditional experience, and accumulated knowledge are the main support in the practical activities of a gardener, florist and gardener. For neighboring regions, any lunar calendar needs amendments regarding the deadlines for sowing and planting, taking into account the conditions of a particular area. Data on the exact time of the Moon’s entry into the zodiacal constellation can be obtained from a chisel (tear-off calendar) for gardeners or an astrological calendar.

The weather also does not vary from year to year - there are early and late springs, which is also taken into account when compiling the lunar calendar.

The timing of the moon phases does not coincide from year to year. In almost a month, the Moon passes through 12 constellations, called the signs of the Zodiac. The following year, the lunar calendar shifts by 10 days. The timing of the moon phases repeats itself every 19 years. Every year, amendments are made to the daily sowing and planting calendar for the specific shape of the season and for the lunar phase.

The question of when to plant seeds for seedlings interests every gardener and gardener. The sowing time depends not only on the length of the growing season of the plant, but also on the phase of the moon. By observing the lunar calendar for sowing seeds for seedlings, you can increase germination and significantly increase crop yields.

Even beginner gardeners have every chance to achieve results no worse than experienced gardeners. To do this, you need to adhere to the timing of sowing seeds for seedlings, having first selected the right planting material and prepared the container and soil.

Each garden crop has its own characteristics, so you need to know when to plant the seeds of peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers or eggplants. Everyone's favorite dahlias, petunias and geraniums also have their own sowing dates, which determine the timeliness and duration of their decorative period.

Moon phases and their influence on the timing of seed sowing

Contrary to many opinions, you should start planting seeds for seedlings immediately after the New Year holidays. Since the planting season begins in January, it is very important not to miss anything.

There are several criteria by which you can determine the exact timing of sowing seeds for seedlings. Such information will be especially useful when growing new flower crops or varieties of vegetables.

Beneficial and negative influence of the moon on various cultures

The moon influences the development of all plants on the planet. Many processes occurring at the cellular level depend on one state or another. The most favorable phase for planting seedlings is the waxing moon. During this period, plants begin to actively develop, metabolism and sap movement increase. In the waxing phase of the moon, it’s time to plant seeds for seedlings in order to get friendly shoots and healthy sprouts.

It is not recommended to sow anything during the full moon or during the waning phase of the moon. During these periods, it is better to care for already growing plants, hill them up and feed them. The most unfavorable period for all living things is the new moon, the day before it and the day after it. During these three days, it is better not to touch the plants at all, so as not to deprive them of vitality and energy. Planting anything is also not recommended.

Thus, the most unfavorable phases of the moon for the beginning of the planting season are the new moon and the full moon.

Planting seeds for seedlings according to the lunar calendar

• January - 1, 2, 11, 12, 13, 27, 28, 29;
• February - 4, 10, 11, 12 and 24, 25, 26, 27;
• March - 5, 11, 12, 13 and 20, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28;
• April - 10, 11, 12, 19 and 20, 21, 25, 26.

When to start planting seeds for seedlings

Each variety and type of plant has its own planting and planting dates, which depend on the length of the growing season, and must be indicated on the package with seeds. If you are harvesting yourself, or a neighbor shared planting material with you from last year’s harvest, you will have to calculate the time for planting seedlings yourself.

Development from seed planting to the first leaves takes 1.5-2 months for some crops, and 5 or more for others. Plants with a long period of “black soil” begin to be planted in seedling boxes in January, and fast-growing ones - in March or even April.

• growing season of the plant;
• time of planting in the ground.

By adding the first value to the second value, you get the approximate time for sowing seedlings. Next, after checking the lunar calendar, you can begin planting.

When to sow vegetable seeds for seedlings

In order to plant plants with a long germination period in the ground on time, it is necessary to begin preparing seedlings in January. The start of work depends on the crops and their varieties.

What vegetables to plant in January

In January, it is necessary to choose late-ripening varieties of vegetables with the longest growing season. In the second half of the month there comes a time when you can start planting pepper seeds for seedlings.

• Lumina;
• Ivanhoe;
• Triton;
• Bell;
• Lisa.

Suitable varieties:

• tomatoes - Cosmonaut, Yellow date, Cherry.
• blue ones - King of the North F1, Nutcracker F1, black handsome.

What seeds to sow in February for seedlings

• tomatoes: De Barao, RIO GRAND, Supergiant F1;
• eggplant: Quarte, Nancy, Lilac mist;
• cucumbers: Secret, Brownie F1, Phoenix.

What seeds to sow in March for seedlings

In the first ten days of March, namely the 3rd or 7th-8th, you can start with early ripening tomatoes, the development period of seedlings before planting in the soil is 40-45 days.

The following varieties are suitable for this: Mandarin, Alpha F1, Superstar, Golden Brush, Cupid F1, Aphrodite. These seedlings are only suitable for planting in a greenhouse. For open ground - planting after the twentieth.

In the second half of March, a favorable phase of the moon begins, when you should plant the seeds of cauliflower and white cabbage for seedlings, sweet peppers, onions and radishes. March 17, 22 and 30 are ideal for melons and legumes.

Many people are accustomed to buying planting material already in the form of ready-made seedlings. For example, onions - small bulbs (onion sets), which are immediately planted in open soil. It is much more economical to germinate them yourself. Packaging seeds will cost you much less than ready-made seedlings.

What vegetables to sow in April

In the first days of April (4,5 and 6) you can start growing early ripening cucumbers, which in a month can be planted in a greenhouse. These include the following varieties: April F1, German F1, Kustovoy, Zozulya, Sphinx, Benefit F1, Orlik F1.

At the beginning of April, you can already store seedlings in boxes in the greenhouse itself. This will gradually prepare the young shoots for new conditions. But you should carefully monitor the temperature at night, as there is still a high probability of frost.

Flowers and berries: when to plant seeds for seedlings

Choose flower varieties that have an early and long flowering period. You don’t need to purchase many species; 4-6 crops will be enough, and your flower beds will be fragrant with aromas and delight you with bright colors in the summer.

Sowing seeds for seedlings in January

In the first ten days of January, namely on the 7th, the period of sowing flowers begins. The longest growing season is for the following species: Begonia, Lobenia, Turkish carnation, Heliotrope. The germination period of these crops is from 2 to 4 weeks, and the first flowers will appear after 5.5-6 months.

January 21 and 25 are the best days according to the lunar calendar, when it is especially good to plant petunia seeds for seedlings. These flowers will decorate your garden throughout the summer.

Among the berry crops, strawberries and strawberries are planted in January. Early planting will allow you to grow strong seedlings, while spring bushes are usually weak and take longer to develop.

The second half of January is the most suitable period when sowing strawberry seeds. To get a good harvest of berries, you need to choose the best varieties of remontant strawberries: Desna, Bereginya, Gigantella, Maxi, Carpathian Beauty. Strawberry seeds should also be planted in January.

The most favorable days: from 3-4, 10-11, January, as well as 30 and 31. The following varieties of remontant strawberries are very popular: Queen Elizabeth 2, Temptation, Albion, Moscow delicacy. If the seedlings are planted in a heated greenhouse, then sowing can be done at any time of the year, but be sure to take into account the lunar calendar for planting seeds for seedlings.

Dates for planting seeds for seedlings in February

Lavender, Viola and Salvia have a growing season of up to 5 months, so sowing should be done in mid-February. Then, in June-July you will be able to enjoy the beautiful view of your favorite flowers. There is no exact answer to the question: when to sow Geranium (Pelargonium) seeds. Depends on when you want to plant it in the ground. Favorable days of the month: February 3, 4 or 7 and 8.

When to sow seeds for seedlings in March

This month, the active summer season is already beginning in central Russia and the southern regions. Annual flowers with a short growing season are sown in March or April, but it is not recommended to plant them in the soil before the 20th of May.

March 7-8 is the best time to plant Dahlia seeds. Around these days, seedlings of the following types of flowers begin to grow: Echinacea, Alyssum, Iberis, Coleus, Bluebells, Herbal carnation, Violet, Phlox and Matthiola. Each of them has its own sowing characteristics and timing.

For sowing seedlings

When and what flowers to plant for seedlings according to the lunar calendar

How to grow strawberry seedlings from seeds in peat tablets

Bottom line

Knowing the growing season of a particular crop or variety, you can independently calculate the approximate time for sowing seeds for seedlings, and the lunar calendar will tell you which days you need to plant and which days it is better to avoid.

Selection does not stand still, and new varieties of vegetables and improved types of already known crops and root crops are constantly emerging. Therefore, there is no single answer to the question “when to sow seeds for seedlings.” Even experienced gardeners doubt the correctness of the chosen time, but beginners are even more lost among the huge amount of information regarding sowing seedlings. You can calculate the timing using the formula.

There is no universal period for sowing seedlings, even for one vegetable crop. There are many individual factors that determine the optimal sowing time. It is better to calculate this period for each type of seedling individually. To calculate using the formula, you need data on the following points:

• climate features in which the seedling will grow;
• how long does the growing season of this plant last?
• at what age is it best to plant seedlings in the ground;
• the need of a specific crop for heat;
• approximate ripening time;
• where this crop will grow, in a greenhouse or in open ground;
• seed germination time.

Despite the apparent complexity, everything is simple. If you consider each point in detail, you will see that even a novice summer resident can determine the time for sowing seeds for seedlings.

Climatic conditions

This is the key criterion that will be the starting point. It is best to use a scheme of two main sowing periods, the so-called “cold” and “warm” periods.

In the “cold” period, which is designated by the time period from March to May, crops that are resistant to cold are planted in open ground. Early ripening cabbage is also planted. Vegetables that are more heat-loving go under the film. These include tomatoes, vegetable peppers, eggplants, and cucumbers. During this period, the soil temperature 10-15 cm deep should reach 9° C.

In the “warm” period, heat-loving seedlings are planted in open space. The period lasts from mid-April to mid-June.

Important! The time for sowing seeds will depend on how long it is possible to plant seedlings in open and closed ground in your climate.

Growing season

This is the time from the appearance of the first shoots to the final harvest. Different crops have different growing seasons. The seedling method, as a rule, grows crops whose growing season is longer than the warm climatic period of a given region. If you sow such crops in the ground, you may simply not have time to get a harvest. It often happens that different varieties of the same crop do not have the same growing season.

There are garden crops:

• early ripening;
• medium ripeness;
• late ripening.

Data on this parameter are always indicated by the manufacturer on the seed packaging.

Age of seedlings planting

There is an optimal planting period for seedlings of each crop. It is at this time that young, fragile plants more easily tolerate the process of transportation from comfortable growing conditions to the soil. If the seedling is replanted on time, it is less injured, does not get sick in the future, and adapts better to new conditions. The time for sowing seedlings must be chosen based on this feature of the plants.

Timing for planting seedlings

Culture	Age of planting early variety seedlings in days	Age of planting medium-grade seedlings in days	Age of planting of late variety seedlings in days
Tomatoes	40-50	50-60	60-65
cucumbers	20-25	30	30-35
Eggplant	45-50	50-55	60-65
Pepper	40-45	45-55	55-65
	30-35	35-40	40-45
Broccoli	25-30	30-35	35-40
Kohlrabi	20-25	25-30	30-35
Cauliflower	25-30	30	30-35
Zucchini	20-25	25	30
Melons (watermelons, melons)	20-25	25-30	30-35

Warm

Almost all plants that we obtain from seedlings are heat-loving. The exceptions are early cabbage and zucchini. Eggplants can only be planted when all risks of frost have passed. Peppers too. Cold-resistant plants can be sown as seedlings later. A later sowing period also involves planting under a film cloth.

Ripening time

This is a relative criterion, since there is technical ripeness of the product and biological ripeness. To store the crop for storage, it is enough to wait for the first one. For immediate consumption, plants can be kept until the final biological ripeness of the fruit is achieved.

Advice! Guided by one simple rule, you can influence the timing of crop ripeness. By slightly changing the timing of sowing seeds and sowing in several stages, you can obtain seedlings of different ages. It will ripen at different periods, thereby increasing the duration of the overall harvest period.

Greenhouse or soil

Planting vegetable crops in different conditions significantly affects their ripening period. If you plan to grow tomatoes in a regular garden bed, you should transfer the seedlings to it no earlier than the end of May - beginning of June. Under greenhouse growing conditions, you can move the planting three to four weeks earlier.

It is also worth paying attention to the materials that make up the greenhouse. The ripening time of the crops also depends on the temperature in the shelter.

Culture	Time to plant seedlings in the ground	Time to plant seedlings in a greenhouse
Tomatoes	26.05 - 6.06	2.05 - 7.05
cucumbers	7.06 - 14.06	7.05 -14.05
Eggplant	1.06 - 10.06	20.05 - 25.05
Pepper	25.05 - 05.06	01.05 - 10.05
White and red cabbage	05.05 – 15.06	30.04 - 15.05
Broccoli	25.06 - 1.07	20.05 - 25.05
Kohlrabi	20.06 - 25.06	25.05 - 30.05
Cauliflower	25.06 - 05.07	20.05 - 01.06
Zucchini	1.06 - 10.06	15.05 - 25.05
Melons (watermelons, melons)	5.06 - 15.06	20.05 - 30.05

Time for sprouts to appear

The appearance of sprouts can occur within 3-15 days from the moment of sowing the seeds. This criterion is very important, since it directly affects the overall growth period of vegetable crops. It depends not only on the quality of the seeds, but also on the conditions in which they are located. This includes soil quality, temperature, humidity level, and sowing depth. Shoots from dry seeds appear later than shoots from pre-wetted and prepared seeds. To speed up germination and make it uniform, you can treat the seeds with a special preparation - a growth accelerator.

Average seed germination rates

Culture	Germination time after preparation in days	Dry germination time in days
Tomatoes	4-5	7-8
cucumbers	2-3	5-7
Eggplant	4-5	8-15
Pepper	4-5	8-15
White and red cabbage	3-5	8-10
Broccoli	4-6	8-12
Kohlrabi	3-5	8-10
Cauliflower	3-5	8-10
Zucchini	4-5	7-8
Melons (watermelons, melons)	7-10	14-18

Video - Timing for sowing vegetable seeds for seedlings. When to sow?

Optimal time for sowing

Climatic conditions are taken as the starting point. Then the conditions in which the crop will grow are selected from the table. Taking into account the information about the growing season indicated by the manufacturer, the sowing time is selected. By subtracting the period of emergence of sprouts from the obtained value, you can obtain the exact dates for sowing the seeds of a particular crop for seedlings. This is a basic formula that can be supplemented with data from personal experience.

Advice! It is better to immediately sow eggplants and cucumbers for seedlings in separate pots or cassettes, since their roots are very fragile and react painfully to the transplantation procedure. Tomatoes can be sown in boxes, and when transplanted into open ground, divide them into squares with a fork or knife.

It’s not worth it to rush sowing too much. Very early planting may not meet early harvest expectations. Seeds sown according to the exact timing will grow into healthy seedlings, and subsequently into a noble, generous harvest.