When to plant seedlings in a greenhouse

When planning to plant seedlings in a greenhouse, did you conduct an independent investigation and find out that the lunar calendar, folk signs and instructions on seed packets differ in their indications? It's time to put aside speculation and turn to common sense.
 

A greenhouse is a gardener's best friend, especially for those who have a plot of land in a climate zone that is not the most suitable for growing vegetables. However, even the right soil for seedlings, proper preparation of seeds for sowing and adequate care do not guarantee a rich harvest if the plants are planted in a greenhouse at the wrong time. The planting dates are determined individually, and the main criterion that should be used as a guide is not the monthly weather forecast, meteorological statistics for your area over the past thirty years, or an agronomy textbook, but the soil temperature at the time of planting. What temperature "predilections" do the most popular garden crops have?

Eggplants are planted only after the soil warms up to at least 18°C ​​during the day and 15°C at night, while the air temperature does not drop below 20°C.

Cucumbers are quite "sensitive" to temperature changes. And although the optimal soil temperature for young plants starts from 18°C ​​during the day and from 16°C at night, even a slight decrease to 15°C will negatively affect the development of plants, and a drop to 10°C will stop it altogether.

Peppers are not so capricious (at least when it comes to planting in a greenhouse), and therefore kindly agree to move when the soil temperature is above 15°C.

Tomatoes are not far behind their relatives in the family, so they tolerate night temperatures from 15°C without any problems.
 

To measure soil temperature, you can use both special thermometers and regular alcohol thermometers, which are used to control the air temperature indoors or outdoors. The main thing is that its readings correspond to reality. A difference of 1-2 degrees can be almost imperceptible to a person, but fatal for a young plant, so before using, check the device by comparing its readings with the readings of other thermometers.

If you decide to use a special thermometer, be guided by the instructions supplied with it. As for working with a regular thermometer, you will have to tinker a little here. To do this, dig a small hole to the depth of the planting hole, install the device vertically upwards and bury it. After 10-15 minutes, you will be able to take readings. If possible, try to measure the temperature not only during the day, but also in the morning and evening. This way you will have a more complete idea of ​​the soil temperature.
 

So, now we know at what temperature to plant seedlings. But what to do if your green pets are about to outgrow, and the soil has not yet warmed up enough? The answer is obvious: you need to help nature a little. You can speed up the warming of the soil in different ways. The option of using heated greenhouses is certainly good. But will this game be worth the candle if you are not engaged in year-round vegetable growing? Most often, the following folk methods are used to warm up the soil in a greenhouse.