When to remove the film from tomato seedlings: terms and rules

To obtain high yields of tomatoes, 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. In obtaining strong seedlings with a well-developed root system, a film coating is required, which will need to be removed from seedlings in a timely manner.

Film Coating Assignment

Film coating is the simplest structure for protecting 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:

optimum 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 for plants and provide them with good immunity to various diseases.

It is worth paying attention: 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 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 high.
With the help of available tools, grooves are made about 1 cm deep.
Tomato seeds are placed in each groove at a distance of 1 cm from each other.
Spilling the planting material with the drip method, the seeds are covered with loose, sifted soil.

After sowing, the boxes are covered with plastic wrap and put away in a dark place, with a constant temperature regime 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 about +16 - + 18 degrees.At the same time, it is not recommended to remove the film, until the seeds germinate completely.

When the boxes are covered with dense seedlings, it will be possible to start hardening the seedlings. To do 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 shed the soil well with warm water, but at the same time try not to swamp the soil. After 1 week, if dryness is observed during inspection of the soil, it will be possible to shed 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 the soil, so if it is too dry, the plants will simply die.

Film coating selection

Today, the consumer market offers several types of seedling cover film. 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:

Easy. The lighter the film will be, the less it will sag from condensation.
Light transmission. In order for the plants to receive enough light, the light transmission of the film should be about 80%.
UV resistant. Such qualities will save heat in the boxes, and save the seedlings from sunburn.
Sustainability. Covering product should consist only of environmentally friendly material.

In relation to moisture, it is better to choose a hydrophilic film. In this case, the condensate 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 shelter, you can see for yourself that this is a fairly rational option in obtaining strong seedlings. But as practice has shown, the film from the boxes must be removed within a certain period, otherwise young plants may be damaged by an excess of moisture or dry soil.