When to remove the film from tomato seedlings
To obtain high tomato yields, gardeners use several methods of growing plants. Each method has its own individual technique. But, regardless of the choice, it is extremely difficult to grow strong bushes of vegetable crops without seedlings. In obtaining strong seedlings with a well-developed root system, a film coating is required, which will need to be removed from the seedlings in a timely manner.
Purpose of the film coating
The film coating is the simplest structure for protecting the soil from external negative factors. It is located on the surface of the boxes, while growing seedlings at home.
Due to the structure of the film coating, the following microclimate is created inside the frame:
- optimal air temperature;
- constant soil moisture;
- good lighting.
Such favorable factors are well reflected in the germination, growth and development of seedlings. And also these conditions will allow in the future to extend the growing season of plants and provide them with good immunity to various diseases.
It is worth paying attention: a polymer shelter is a short-term link from the germination of seeds to a certain growth of seedlings.
Using and removing film
Before you start covering the boxes with foil, you first need to plant the seeds. Sowing is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Fertile soil is poured into pre-prepared boxes 24x35 cm in size and 7-9 cm in height.
- With the help of available tools, grooves are made with a depth of about 1 cm.
- Tomato seeds are located in each groove at a distance of 1 cm from each other.
- Spilling the planting material by the drip method, the seeds are backfilled with loose, sifted soil.
Having thus sowed, the boxes are covered with plastic wrap and removed to a dark place, with a constant temperature of + 25 degrees.
After 3-5 days, when the first seedlings appear, it is recommended to rearrange the boxes in a well-lit place. The best place for further germination of seeds is a windowsill, where the daytime temperature will vary within +22 degrees, and the nighttime around +16 - + 18 degrees. At the same time, it is not recommended to remove the film until the seeds are fully germinated.
When the boxes are covered with dense seedlings, you can start hardening the seedlings. For this, within 1 week, the film is gradually opened. Every day you need to increase the hardening time interval. After 10 days, after planting the seeds, the film can be completely removed from the boxes.
Tips for growing seedlings under film
In order for tomato seeds to sprout together, and young seedlings to develop well, high soil and air humidity is required. At the slightest decrease in humidity, young plants may die. Therefore, before closing the box with a film, it is recommended to spill the soil well with warm water, but at the same time try not to swamp the soil. After 1 week, if aridity is observed during inspection of the soil, it will be possible to spill it once with warm water. In this case, the next irrigation should be carried out at intervals of several days.
Important: When growing tomato seedlings, the soil must not be allowed to dry out. This is due to the fact that the roots of the plant are located at the top layer of the soil, so if it is overdried, the plants will simply die.
Choice of film coating
Today, the consumer market offers several types of film for covering seedlings. Each product has its own distinctive features in terms of performance.
But, despite the variety of species, it is more rational to choose a material that will meet the following indicators:
- Ease. The less weight the film has, the less it will sag from condensation.
- Light transmission. In order for the plants to receive enough light, the light transmittance of the film must be about 80%.
- UV resistant. Such qualities will allow you to keep warm in the boxes, and keep the seedlings from sunburn.
- Environmental friendliness. Covering product should only consist of environmentally friendly material.
In relation to moisture, it is better to choose a hydrophilic film. In this case, condensation will not accumulate and drip from the surface of the coating onto the seedlings, but will drain along the walls of the boxes.
So, having considered the purpose of the film shelter, you can independently make sure that this is a fairly rational option in obtaining strong seedlings. But as practice has shown, the film from the boxes must be removed at a certain period, otherwise young plants can be damaged from an excess of moisture or dry soil.
