Plastic boxes for seedlings

Every experienced gardener knows that the quality of seedlings directly depends on the container in which it was grown. And among the huge variety of containers it can sometimes be difficult to choose something suitable. Quite often we use plastic boxes for seedlings. But do you know how many varieties of such containers are on the market?

Types of plastic boxes for seedlings

The simplest type is a one-piece box, where all the plants grow in one container. With time and growth of seedlings, they need to be pruned and dived into separate cups or pots. However, at the first stage the box is quite convenient - it can be easily transferred to another place, quickly turning the necessary side to the light.

The optimum height of this box is 8-10 cm. It is necessary to have drainage holes in them. It should be borne in mind that seedling boxes are not exactly suitable for crops with a rod root system, such as eggplant or pepper, as they do not tolerate pickings well.

Another kind of boxes for seedlings - sectional. Inside such boxes there are transverse and longitudinal partitions, allowing initially to plant seeds in separate sections. Such boxes are light and portable, do not take up much space on the windowsill, each section has a drainage hole for escaping excess water.

And because of the limited space, in plastic boxes for seedlings with septums the seedlings do not overgrow. However, in sections the soil quickly dries up, so it is necessary to follow the seedlings very carefully and to water it in time.

The third type is a collapsible box for seedlings. It is also intended for the cultivation of vegetable seedlings. Can have different number of cells. In it the roots of plants do not intertwine with each other, and when transplanting it is possible not to damage them, especially since the grate of such a box has a folding structure, which makes the seizure process safe. With such a box, you can easily pull each copy of the seedlings together with an earthen lump.

Since the requirements for growing seedlings prescribe the existence of a good drainage system, a special box for seedlings with a drainage grid will help to save seedlings from excess moisture and its stagnation.

And for plants that require a particularly palpitating care, there are boxes for seedlings with a pallet, with which you can carry out lower watering. This is especially important at the stage of seed germination, when watering from above can wash the inoculum onto the surface. Of course, at the bottom of the box itself there should be a lot of drainage holes, so that the water can easily rise to the plants.

Why plastic, not wood?

Use as a material for the box tree has its drawbacks. Since wood is a natural and moisture-consuming material, it is difficult to wash, it swells swiftly and is susceptible to mold and rot. It is clear that in such a container to grow seedlings is not recommended.

Of course, a wooden box for protection from moisture can first be lined from the inside with a plastic wrap and then poured into it the ground. But at the same time, first, the whole value of natural wood is lost, creating good conditions for the root system, and secondly, stagnation of moisture in the tank, which can lead to disease and death of seedlings.

Plastic is much more durable and suitable for repeated use. Plastic boxes for seedlings are presented in specialized shops in the widest assortment - different sizes and shapes. Plastic allows you to grow seedlings of a variety of crops, and there is no need for frequent watering of seedlings, because the water from the box will not seep and evaporate. The roots of plants will be reliably protected from damage.