Features of transplanting tomatoes into film, how to plant and grow seedlings

Preparations for growing seedlings begin as early as February: containers and soil are prepared, windowsills are cleared. However, many gardeners are gradually switching to the diaper planting method. Picking tomato seedlings in diapers allows you to save space, which is so lacking for gardeners when germinating seedlings.

Peculiarities of picking in diapers

Diapers are soil wrapped in plastic film into which tomato seeds are planted. This method has several advantages:

1. Thick polyethylene is used to cover greenhouses and hotbeds.
2. Prepare a special container for placing the seedlings in the diapers. Choose a large container with high sides.
3. Cover the bottom with sawdust.
4. The film should not be rolled tightly to allow air to pass through, otherwise the seeds will not germinate.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits include:

• convenient procedure;
• less soil is used;
• planting diapers can be used several times;
• protection of seedlings from diseases and pests;
• seedlings transplanted into diapers are easier to transport;
• space saving.

The disadvantages include:

• the root system develops slowly compared to regular seedlings;
• the seedlings do not have enough light;
• With intensive growth, it becomes necessary to plant in separate containers.

How to plant tomatoes in a diaper?

There are several ways to plant:

• with soil: sow seeds or plant sprouted seedlings;
• without soil: using toilet paper.

Pre-sprouted seeds

Cultivation can be done using pre-sprouted seeds. These seeds can be sown in prepared diaper material.

Sequence of stages:

• cut a piece of polyethylene the size of a notebook sheet and place it on a flat surface;
• Place some pre-moistened nutrient soil on the corner;
• place a sprouted seed sprout on it, the leaves are located above the level of the film;
• add the same amount of soil;
• roll up, carefully holding the tender sprout;
• To prevent the polyethylene from opening, secure it with a thread or a loose rubber band;
• place in a container;
• place the container in a well-lit place;
• To create a suitable microclimate, cover with film with holes cut into it.

Moscow-style seedlings

Planting seeds this way is not difficult. This method doesn't use soil. The paper is soaked in water, and the seeds germinate. To do this you need to:

• cut into strips about 10-12 cm wide and no more than 0.4-0.5 m long (the length depends on the number of seeds);
• for seeds of each variety you need to make separate strips;
• prepare plastic cups, label the varieties for convenience and the sowing date;
• spread out the film and put toilet paper on top;
• sprinkle with water;
• step back 10 mm from the edge, lay out a row of seeds;
• inter-seed distance 2 cm;
• cover with a layer of paper on top and spray;
• cover with a strip of film;
• roll it up, secure it with a rubber band and place it in a prepared plastic cup;
• pour water from the bottom edge of the paper to a level of 2 cm;
• place the cups in a container and cover with film with holes to create a microclimate;
• put in a warm place;
• change the water periodically;
• The seedlings require feeding with humic acid-based fertilizers at a concentration half that specified in the instructions.

We sow in snails with substrate

Seedling germination is accomplished by sowing seeds directly into plastic film. Here are the steps:

• cut the polyethylene into strips 0.1 m wide;
• place a thin layer of toilet paper on it;
• moisten with aloe vera solution (juice) using a spray bottle;
• sprinkle with earth;
• spread seeds, keeping a distance of 3-4 cm, or sprouted seedlings;
• sprinkle with earth, water;
• cover with paper and film;
• roll into a roll and place in plastic glasses with water;
• Place the glasses in a container, cover with film, and place in a warm place;
• After emergence, remove the covering;
• Separate along with the paper and plant in the soil.

This method allows seedlings to adapt easily and well, since the root system remains intact. The seedlings develop faster, outpacing those prepared using the traditional method. These seedlings survive until planting in the ground.

Picking

When the seedling grows a little and becomes strong, it needs to be pricked out. Tomato plants are pricked out when they have their first true leaf. Roll them out and remove the outer film, being careful not to damage the roots. Cut the paper into 3-cm pieces. Plant in prepared containers. The paper scraps will quickly decompose in the soil, preventing damage to the delicate roots.

The seedlings are watered and transplanted like regular seedlings.

Care

Like all plants, seedlings in diapers require care. After transplanting, you should:

1. While the seedlings are under the film, they need to be ventilated. To do this, open the film for a few minutes every day. This helps harden the seedlings.
2. Watering should be done moderately to prevent liquid from stagnating in the rolls.
3. Fertilize the seedlings twice a week, reducing the usual dose by half. Tomatoes love banana peel infusion.
4. If there is insufficient lighting, use a fluorescent lamp.
5. Regularly remove condensation from the film to prevent mold from forming.
6. When 4-5 leaves appear, unfold the film, add soil and roll it up again.

How to place in the ground

You need to prune again if the plants become crowded and begin to stretch upward. Unroll the roll, separate the sprouts from the diaper, and plant them in individual containers. To stimulate root development, pinch the central root stem.

As convenient as this method may be, tomatoes grow more crowded in plastic wrap than in individual containers. Therefore, it's essential to transplant them to their permanent location as soon as possible. Planting in a greenhouse avoids significant stress.

When planting in open beds, seedlings need to be protected from temperature drops. If there's a risk of frost, cover the bed with plastic wrap or plastic bottles.

Common mistakes

Some gardeners make mistakes during the growing process, which are best to be familiar with and take into account:

1. Using scented toilet paper adds chemicals, which hinders plant growth.
2. It is important not to miss the moment of hatching.
3. If watered incorrectly, the seeds will become covered in black mold. If watered incorrectly, the seedlings will turn yellow.

Feedback from those who planted

Only those who use a method know its advantages and disadvantages. They can share their experiences and express their opinions.

Maria, 47: "I grew seedlings the usual way. I tried transplanting them into diapers. I have many years of experience growing them, so I have something to compare it to. The tomatoes are strong, the seedlings are of higher quality, and they take root more easily in open ground."

Svetlana, 35: "I don't have much gardening experience, but I like this method. They take root more easily after being planted in the garden, and the roots don't break. The plants are more resilient because they're used to a small amount of soil and competing for nutrients and moisture."

Most gardeners note that this method of transplanting saves space for seedlings. Moreover, it can also be used for growing other crops.