In order to obtain quick seedlings of tomatoes, protection of seedlings from diseases and good harvest, experienced agronomists recommend soaking the seeds before planting.
An excellent solution for the procedure - the use of hydrogen peroxide. This healing fluid is effective and useful not only in the medical, but also in the agricultural field.
This article describes in detail the nuances of soaking the seeds of tomatoes in hydrogen peroxide before planting, given advice on sowing.
Useful properties of means for seeds of tomatoes
When industrial or home cultivation rely on the mercy of nature can not. Collect rainwater reserves, monitor their cleanliness - an extremely time-consuming and impractical process. The optimal alternative for a bountiful crop is soaking tomato seeds in hydrogen peroxide.
Peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic disinfectant. Its composition contains atomic molecular oxygen: during decay, it is this element that enriches the seeds with oxygen. Another important property of the element is the oxidative action (protection and disinfection of seeds from microbes).
What else is the use of peroxide?
- Activation of metabolic processes and acceleration of germination.
- Neutralization of the dangerous action of nitrates, nitrites.
- Better assimilation of trace elements and nutrients.
Before starting soaking in peroxide, it is necessary to place the seeds in room temperature water. Leave for 20-30 minutes. This procedure will soften the protective coating and the effect of soaking in peroxide will be more noticeable.
Pros and cons of soaking
The main advantages of the procedure are the achievement of rapid and mass germination, effective disinfection, increasing the resistance of future shoots to external factors. Proper peroxide treatment is a guarantee that the seeds will develop into strong seedlings., bushy bushes that will be excellent fruit.
Unlike other means for soaking (for example, potassium permanganate), peroxide disinfects and accelerates germination. Peroxide has no disadvantages and minuses. To achieve the desired effect, it is important to properly prepare the working solution and respect the time. If you leave the seeds in a peroxide solution for a long time, they will be soaked and unsuitable for planting.
Why is it necessary before sowing?
Tomato seeds contain inhibitors that inhibit and slow down the germination process. Under natural conditions, inhibitors are destroyed by natural oxidation. Agronomists use excipients to destroy them. One of the most effective is hydrogen peroxide. This fluid washes away the essential oils, which also affects the seedling growth rate.
What seed is suitable for?
Soaking is suitable for any seeds and plants.. The procedure is especially useful and necessary if there is no confidence in the health and quality of the seed. Pretreatment is not necessary for seeds of hybrid hybrids of known breeding, since they are already fully prepared for planting. Also it is impossible to carry out soaking:
- for pelleted seeds (there is a nourishing shell);
- inlaid (thin water-soluble layer containing disinfecting and growth-promoting components).
Preparation of the solution
For soaking tomato seeds use the standard instructions for preparing a working solution: 2 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. 3% hydrogen peroxide. In such a solution, the seeds are soaked. There is a second way. It is more durable, but effective:
- To prepare the solution, 6% peroxide is taken and diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10.
- For the treatment of soil and containers 1 bottle of peroxide must be dissolved in 4 liters of water.
- The resulting liquid shed the soil for 2-4 days before planting the seeds, washed the surface of the containers.
Step by step instructions on how to soak
| Way | Materials (as required) | How to hold? | Total time |
| 3% peroxide 2 tbsp. water | Gauze, pouch, plosechka - to choose from. |
| Keep 12 hours |
| 6% peroxide with water (1:10) | Wet rag, toilet paper, paper napkin - your choice. | Moisten the material (cloth, napkin) in the peroxide solution, wrap the seeds in it. | Keep 24 hours. |
There is also an express soaking method. To do this, take a clean 3% peroxide and immerse in it the seeds, wrapped in gauze, for 10 minutes (not more). Then take out the seed and rinse it under running water.
The total seed aging time depends on the concentration of the solution. For example, when using pure peroxide, the duration should not exceed 10 minutes, diluted - from 12 to 24 hours.
How to sow on seedlings?
After soaking the seeds need to dry. After that, they are ready to disembark. Sow 2-3 hours after removing peroxide from solution. What are the nuances to consider gardener?
Choosing the right soil. Mandatory drainage in drop tanks.- Convenient containers. Tomatoes for seedlings can be grown in individual cups, pots, a common cassette or container.
- Put drainage on the bottom, fill it with soil, spill it. After absorbing the moisture, make a 1 cm indentation, place the seed in it.
- Between seeds must be at least 2 cm.
- Sprinkle the seeds with a thin layer of soil, do not ram.
- Lightly moisten the ground with a spray bottle.
- Cover with polyethylene, put in heat (25 degrees).
- After the appearance of sprouts to reduce the temperature to 18 degrees.
Choosing the right soil. Mandatory drainage in drop tanks.So, tomato seeds can and should be soaked in hydrogen peroxide. The only exceptions are proven seeds of well-known manufacturers, which have already passed preliminary training and are ready for planting. Seed material should be lowered into the working solution, the exposure time depends on the concentration.
