How to prepare the soil for pepper seedlings and what days in February are considered the best for sowing

Growing peppers is a difficult and time-consuming process. However, you should start sowing seedlings in February as this is a rather whimsical crop that reacts instantly to changes in humidity or temperature.

OBOZ.UA has figured out how to grow strong and healthy seedlings and harvest a bountiful crop in the fall. Simple tips will help you determine the right planting time and prepare the soil.

How to prepare the soil

Peppers do not grow well in heavy clay soils. The root system needs access to air, and excessive moisture will lead to rapid decay.

Experts recommend choosing a loose substrate for growing pepper seedlings, which includes high-moor peat, humus and river sand. Perlite or vermiculite can be added to normalize humidity.

You should also pay attention to the pH level. Peppers do not like high acidity as seedlings will quickly wither in such soils. Fertilizers, such as wood ash, will help to optimize the pH level.

Before planting seedlings, the soil must be disinfected. Experienced gardeners advise treating the substrate with potassium permanganate or using trichoderma powder at the rate of 2 teaspoons per 5 liters of soil.

Potash fertilizers, such as potassium magnesium, will also increase fertilit. You will need 1 tablespoon per 5 liters of soil.

When to sow peppers

Pepper seedlings begin to be sown in mid-February.

Shoots can be transplanted to open beds 75-80 days after germination.

Gardeners also pay attention to the sowing calendar, which determines the favorability of gardening depending on the phase of the moon.

February 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 are favorable days for sowing seeds.

February 8, 9, 10, 24 and 25 are not the best days to plant either peppers or other plants for seedlings.

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