We note at once that the vegetation period and the growing season are different concepts. The latter term means a biological concept, since it determines the period of development of a particular variety or plant species. That is, the period of vegetation from mass shoots of seeds to ripening and subsequent harvesting. It is the time of vegetation and determines the category of culture - early, mid-season or late.
The period of vegetation, in turn, implies a time interval in the year during which the development and growth of plants are possible according to the climatic conditions of a particular locality. It is obvious that the vegetation period is a meteorological concept, and, therefore, refers to all plants growing in the specified locality.
The harvest of the majority of plants, gardeners and gardeners, is usually collected even before the seeds ripen. Sometimes even the fruiting period does not have time to come. That is why in vegetable growing it is customary to call time from the emergence of shoots (the beginning of growth) to harvesting. In tomatoes, cucumbers and a number of other crops that yield multiple yields throughout the year, it is important to know the period of the first and last harvest in order to make a complete description of the growing season.
Vegetation features
The vegetation period of each crop is variable, that is, it can vary depending on external factors and characteristics of the variety. This means that the vegetation, more precisely its terms, can vary from a few days to three months! So, if the plant does not have enough nutrition or heat, then in comparison with optimal conditions, the vegetative period may triple. The concept of vegetation is inextricably linked with growth and development. And in this case the essence of the terms is different. Growth refers to the quantitative changes that are associated with the formation of cells, parts or organs. That growth is the reason for the increase in the size and weight of plants. But development is invisible externally qualitative changes occurring at the points of growth. They lead to the appearance of organs, as well as to flowering and subsequent fruit bearing.
Both growth and development in the body always occur simultaneously. They are related, but the intensity and pace of these processes can sometimes differ markedly. Of course, this affects both heredity and environment. If you skillfully create favorable conditions, you can control the vegetative stage, that is, promote the growth of plants or slow it down if necessary.
Vegetation under control
Annual vegetable and fruit crops are important to create such conditions, so that development and growth are parallel and as fast as possible. So you will ensure the growth of the assimilation apparatus, early and abundant fruiting, a good growth of fruits. By slowing down, for example, the beginning of vegetation in tomatoes or cucumbers, ultimately, you will get an excellent harvest. It is worth noting that the reduced period of vegetation will affect the fruiting - all the fruits will not ripen.
If the goal is harvest of leaves, stems or root crops, then growth should be accelerated and fruiting slowed, since after the emergence of peduncles these parts of plants begin to coarsen and lose their nutritional qualities. For the same reason, queen cells of biennial crops should be stored in the off-season in a cool room. In such conditions, the processes of transition to flowering are activated, and growth is suppressed. Vegetables will be better and longer stored, if in the room are inhibited development and growth conditions.
Having mastered these secrets of vegetable growing, you can independently regulate the vegetation period, which will allow you to get good harvests.