The expert spoke about the timing of transplanting seedlings into the ground in the Moscow region

Agronomist Vikulov: seedlings can be planted in the ground as early as the end of April

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 06:00

Photo: Global Look Press/IMAGO/Jose De Jesus Saldana

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In the Moscow region, the first transplanting of seedlings into the ground is possible from the end of April. At the same time, it is necessary to transplant cold-resistant crops and use fortifications. Vladimir Vikulov, director of the Michurinsky Gardens and chief agronomist of the Timiryazev Academy, told Izvestia about this.

The expert warns that the summer cottage season should be opened in the temperate continental climate of the Moscow region with crops that are not afraid of nighttime cold weather.

"Early-ripening and late-ripening cabbage varieties are the first to be planted. It is possible to plant spring garlic and onions both as sowing and as planting seedlings. For example, leek lovers are more often grown through seedlings and planted. These crops are quite cold-resistant, and they can be planted from the end of April, especially when using any shelters," the expert told Izvestia.

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Vikulov recommended using geotextiles or lutosil as shelters, and old five-liter bottles are well suited for amateur conditions.

A completely different approach is required for heat-loving plants. Vladimir Vikulov warns: if we are talking about cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, it is absolutely impossible to hurry.

"If we talk about heat-loving crops, then their planting is possible no earlier than the middle of May. And you should definitely count on shelter, as frosts are known to be possible until the first days of June. And these crops are thermophilic and do not tolerate the slightest disadvantage," Vikulov emphasized.

The expert also noted that there is no universal date for the start of planting: it is important to take into account not only the fact of snowmelt, but also the condition of the soil.

"Let's take two sites: clay and sandy soil. The snow has gone both ways, but excessive moisture remains on the clay and it is very difficult to work on the site. And the sandy soil will already be ready for spring processing. Such nuances need to be determined purely mechanically. It is necessary to look at the fact," Vikulov summed up.