Esikasvit

Esikasvit refers to a category of plants grown from seed indoors before being transplanted outdoors. This practice is common for a variety of reasons, including extending the growing season, ensuring successful germination of slow-growing or heat-loving species, and providing a head start for crops that require a longer maturation period. Many common vegetables and flowers are started as esikasvit, such as tomatoes, peppers, basil, petunias, and marigolds.

The process typically begins several weeks to months before the last expected frost date. Seeds are sown in seed-starting trays or small pots filled with a sterile seed-starting mix. These containers are kept in a warm, well-lit location, often under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill. Maintaining consistent moisture and temperature is crucial for successful germination. Once seedlings emerge, they require adequate light to prevent them from becoming leggy or weak.

As the seedlings grow, they may need to be transplanted into larger pots, a process known as "pricking out" or "potting up," to accommodate their developing root systems. Before being moved to their permanent outdoor location, esikasvit must be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions through a process called "hardening off." This involves exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures over a period of one to two weeks to reduce transplant shock. This method allows gardeners to cultivate a wider range of plants and achieve earlier harvests in climates with shorter growing seasons.