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 vegetable bushes without seedlings. To obtain 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 film coating
Film coating is the simplest structure for protecting soil from external negative factors. It is located on the surface of the boxes when 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 have a good effect on the germination, growth and development of seedlings. And also these conditions will make it possible in the future to extend the growing season for plants and provide them with good immunity to various diseases.
It is worth paying attention: the polymer shelter is a short-term link from seed germination to a certain growth of seedlings.
Using and removing film
Before you start covering the boxes with film, you first need to plant the seeds. Sowing is carried out according to the following scheme:
- Fertile soil is poured into pre-prepared boxes measuring 24x35 cm and 7-9 cm high.
- Using improvised means, grooves about 1 cm deep are made.
- Tomato seeds are placed in each groove at a distance of 1 cm from each other.
- The planting material is spilled using the drip method and the seeds are filled with loose, sifted soil.
Having thus sowed, the boxes are covered with plastic wrap and put away in a dark place with a constant temperature of + 25 degrees.
After 3-5 days, when the first seedlings appear, it is recommended to move the boxes to a well-lit place. The best place for further seed germination is considered to be a window sill, where the daytime temperature will vary within +22 degrees, and the night temperature will be around +16 – + 18 degrees. At the same time, it is not recommended to remove the film until the seeds are completely germinated.
When the boxes are covered with dense seedlings, you can begin hardening off the seedlings.To do this, over the course of 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 germinate smoothly and young seedlings to develop well, high soil and air humidity is required. With the slightest decrease in humidity, young plants may die. Therefore, before covering the box with film, it is recommended to thoroughly water the soil with warm water, but at the same time try not to swamp the soil. After 1 week, if dryness is observed when inspecting the soil, you can 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 should not be allowed to dry out. This is justified by the fact that the roots of the plant are located at the top layer of soil, so if it is too dry, the plants will simply die.
Film coating selection
Today, the consumer market offers several types of film for covering seedlings. Each product has its own distinctive performance characteristics.
But, despite the variety of types, it is more rational to choose a material that will meet the following indicators:
- Ease. The less the film weighs, the less it will sag from condensation.
- Light conductivity. In order for plants to receive enough light, the light conductivity of the film should be about 80%.
- Resistance to UV radiation. Such qualities will allow you to save heat in the boxes and protect the seedlings from sunburn.
- Environmental friendliness.The covering product must consist only 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 flow down the walls of the boxes.
So, having considered the purpose of the film cover, you can see for yourself that this is a fairly rational option for obtaining strong seedlings. But as practice has shown, the film from the boxes must be removed at a certain period, otherwise young plants may be damaged by excess moisture or dry soil.
