Cover with film. Protective films. Where can I use it?

Weeding is a time-consuming procedure, and chemicals can accumulate in plant tissues, which makes their fruits hazardous to health. Meanwhile, there is a technique that allows you to reduce labor costs when growing garden crops and at the same time eliminate the possibility of the negative impact of herbicides. Modern enterprises began to produce a special black film against weeds. This material is relatively inexpensive and can save a summer resident a lot of time and effort.

Does black film help with weeds?

Using this material is quite simple. In spring it spreads out on the ground. Next, holes are made in it for planting plants. One of the features of black film is that it does not transmit sunlight at all. As a result, weeds that do not receive ultraviolet light stop developing.

In Europe, film and roofing felt have been used for weed control for a long time. Moreover, this is done not only by private individuals, but also by large farms. In this part of the world, black film is considered to be very effective against weeds. Many domestic gardeners also speak well of this method. But some summer residents are still skeptical about this technique. So, does black film help control weeds? Let's look at this in more detail.

What processes occur under the film?

Weed control with black film can actually be quite successful. The edges of this material lying on the ground are usually covered with soil. As a result, a special microclimate is created in a garden bed mulched in this way. The soil under the film warms up very quickly. Therefore, weeds accelerate their development at the first stage. However, when germinating, the grass rests against a film heated by the sun. The result is the death of the surface part of the plant. After some time, the roots of the weed also rot.

Where can I use it?

The use of black weed film (photos of such beds are presented on the page) is allowed as per open ground, and in greenhouses. Very often this material is used for the development of virgin lands. In this case, the film is laid directly on top of the weeds and left there for a long time (1-2 months). As a result, the grass rots along with the root system. The soil under the film becomes loose and easy to work. Subsequently, even in the absence of film, weeds in the area do not grow as actively.

Benefits of use

Thus, weed control with black film can reduce labor costs in the garden, greenhouse or nursery. Compared to conventional methods, this mulching technique also has the following advantages:

• early warming of the soil in spring;
• better heat retention by soil in winter;
• reduction of irrigation costs;
• no need for loosening;
• acceleration of plant development.

Since the black film is an airtight material, the soil underneath it warms up very quickly. Therefore, plants in the spring with such mulch begin to develop at an accelerated pace. This material also reduces the risk of crop death during recurrent frosts.

The film does not allow moisture to pass through. Therefore, you can water plants in beds covered with this material less often. As moisture evaporates, in this case it condenses on the film and flows down again. This material is more convenient to use than many other types of mulch. All that is needed in this case is to spread the film over the area once.

Also, the advantages of using this material include the fact that, unlike organic matter, mold almost never forms under it. The air entering under the film through the holes made is quite enough for this.

Disadvantages of use

Of course, such material has not only advantages. Most gardeners consider the main disadvantage of using black weed film to be the inability to replenish the soil in the beds. Organic mulch is usually dug up in the fall, which increases the humus content in the soil. The film does not have this advantage.

In addition, spreading it on the ground is quite a troublesome task. In addition, this material is also quite easily damaged. The film on the beds has to be replaced after just a few years. This procedure is also quite labor-intensive. This is especially true for perennial plantings. Indeed, in this case, when disposing of the film, you need to try not to damage the plants.

In virgin lands, this material is also sometimes impractical to use to remove weeds. Usually only fairly soft grass rots under the film. Tough weeds often cannot be eradicated in this way. After all, sometimes for such grass even, for example, asphalt is not an obstacle.

What to look for when purchasing material

Protection against weeds with black film will be effective, of course, only if it is chosen correctly. Many companies produce this covering material today. At the same time, the black mulching film itself may vary in technical characteristics.

When choosing this material, you should pay attention first of all to its thickness. A thin film is only suitable for warming the soil in spring. Actually, for mulching, you should take material that is stronger, more durable and thicker. Perennial crops, for example, strawberries, are usually protected from weeds with a 100-micron black film. It is not advisable to use thicker material even in this case. A very thick film is expensive and is mainly suitable only for construction work.

If annual crops are to be mulched, fairly thin material can be used. In this case, the 80 micron option is most often used.

How to lay black weed film

Technologically, laying this material is a simple procedure. However, there are some rules to follow when performing this operation. You can lay the film on the ground only after the soil has warmed up well enough in the spring. The area must first be cleared of debris and dirt. Most attention should be paid to sharp objects that can damage the material - dry branches, glass, stones. If there are already weeds on the site, it is advisable to remove them.

The film should be spread in such a way that it fits as tightly as possible to the soil surface. In those places where air “bubbles” remain, weeds may subsequently begin to develop. Of course, they will not grow too actively, and their color will not be green, but white - but still.

After the material is laid out on the ground, its edges should be pressed down with some kind of weight. This could be, for example, stones, bricks, or even just soil. Next, cross-shaped or slot-shaped holes are made in the film for planting plants. Round or square slits should not be made. Experienced summer residents have noticed that with this method of cutting, the plants subsequently develop worse. The distance between the holes is selected depending on the type of garden crop. For example, for strawberries this figure will be 30-35 cm.

As soon as shoots appear on the bed covered with film, several semicircular holes should be made in the material on the south side. Without normal air exchange in the soil, plants are known to develop worse. In addition, in this case, acidification of the soil may occur. The holes will provide air access under the film. In addition, if they are present, the soil under such covering material will not overheat too much.

How to water plants under film

Moisture under such covering material, as already mentioned, is retained well. However, it is, of course, necessary to water plants mulched in this way throughout the season. This can be done either by the “root” method or by sprinkling. Water will freely pass through the holes cut in the film under the plants and be distributed throughout the bed.

Many vegetables, for example: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, are native to warm regions. During our short summer they do not have time to fully ripen. With the help of shelters, the growing season can be extended by 2-3 months.

Polyethylene film

Polyethylene film has long been successfully used as a covering material. They cover it. It transmits light well and retains heat.

One of the advantages of polyethylene film is its affordable price.

The soil under the film does not dry out for a long time. There is no need to water the beds every day.

But this material also has disadvantages.

Firstly - fragility. Over the course of a season, the film is destroyed by ultraviolet rays and temperature changes. If the film is used only in spring and autumn, it will last 2-3 seasons. And if the greenhouse is covered with ordinary polymer film, then it will have to be covered every year.

Another disadvantage of a film shelter is that the air in it overheats on a hot day. In the presence of humidity, which is always elevated in a film shelter, fungal infections rapidly develop under the film. And overheating of plants can lead to their death.

But you shouldn’t give up film entirely. Scientists have created several types of agrofilm:

• Hydrophilic film - it contains a special additive, thanks to which condensation does not collect in drops, but gradually flows down the film.
• UV stabilized film is a light converting film. Special additives in the film convert ultraviolet rays into infrared rays. Thanks to this, the film not only protects from frost and overheating, but also photosynthesis is activated under it and plant growth is accelerated.
• Reinforced film - characterized by increased strength. Fiberglass mesh fused into polyethylene prevents the film from tearing.
• Bubble wrap is the warmest of all films. Between the layers of this film there is a bubble of dry air. Thanks to this, the thermal protection of bubble film is 30 times higher than that of regular film.

Non-woven covering material

Non-woven covering material is gaining more and more popularity and is gradually replacing conventional polyethylene film. The process of covering with non-woven material is simpler and easier. The film needs to be secured along the entire length of the canvas, and the covering material in some places.

No excess moisture is formed under the covering material. At the same time, it holds heat well.

Plants do not overheat. Moreover, non-woven materials are used for shading plants.

Modifications of non-woven covering material differ in density: 17 g/m2, 30 g/m2, 42 g/m2, 60 g/m2.

The thinnest covering material is 17 g/m2. You can simply put it on the plants. Denser materials are suitable for greenhouses and tunnel greenhouses. The densest is 60g/m2, covering the walls of stationary greenhouses.

The greater the density of the covering material, the higher its protective functions. Canvas 17 g/m2 will protect from frost down to -2 0 C, and canvas 60 g/m2 - 5 0 C.

Non-woven covering material is easy to work with: it does not break or crack, it is easy to remove and easy to store. If necessary, the covering material can be washed. It is more durable than polyethylene film.

Despite all the positive qualities, the covering material has a drawback - the ground under it dries out quickly. And if it is enough to water plants under film cover once a week, then under covering material they need to be watered more often.

There are plants that do not tolerate plastic film: beans and zucchini. The seedlings of these plants die under the film.

Slow-germinating crops: parsley, carrots, dill are best covered with film after sowing.

Useful tips

Cling film is one of the most important things for those who want to keep food fresh.

However, there are some very unusual ways to use it that you may not have heard of.

In this collection you can familiarize yourself with the use of transparent film and, perhaps, rp there is something for yourself.

What can you do with cling film?

1. No cracks or gaps in the windows.

Even the smallest crack or gap in a window can let in a blast of icy air in the winter.

Cut several pieces of cling film to the required size, stack them one on top of the other to create one thick layer, and glue them to a place on the window where there is strong wind.

2. Don't let your brushes and rollers dry out.

If you have painted, for example, a wall, and are going to continue painting the next day, then to maintain the softness of the brush and roller, wrap them in PVC film (cling film). The same can be done with a can of paint.

Use of polyethylene film

3. Quickly clean the refrigerator.

Cover all shelves in the refrigerator with cling film. When it's time to clean them, you simply remove the film and replace it with a new one.

4. No unexpected spills.

We all know the situation when we put a bottle of liquid (water or cosmetics) in a bag or backpack, and when we decide to take it out, some of the contents spill varies on your things in your bag.

This can be prevented by removing the lid, carefully covering the neck with a thin film, and closing the lid.

You can also wrap cosmetics in film. before packing them into a suitcase. This will prevent any possible spills.

PVC film

5. Hand protection.

If you decide to work with rake or a shovel, then to protect your hands you can wrap the handle with cling film, thereby protecting your hands from calluses.

6. Delicious ice cream.

To prevent ice cream from crystallizing in the freezer, first wrap it in cling film. The next time you take it out, it will look great and won't crystallize.

Transparencies

7. Fresh bananas last a long time.

8. Clean house.

If you frequently walk around the house (for example, if You If you remember that you forgot to take something and don’t want to take off your shoes), store the film close to the door. We came in, quickly wrapped our shoes in film, and we were ready to move on.

Transparent PVC Film

9. Making a sippy cup.

Fill the glass with liquid, cover with film and insert a straw.

10. Fresh bouquet for a long time.

If you wrap the ends of the flower stems with a cloth napkin and then wrap them tightly with cling film, then flower bouquet will keep fresh for a longer period.

Film for food products- one of my must-have purchases economic department. Not only because it helps keep food fresh in the refrigerator! An ordinary film in a roll will help in various everyday situations: you will be surprised to learn that with its help you can even apply patterns to the wall and drive fruit flies out of the kitchen forever!

How to use cling film

The film will protect your hands when you need to work with a rake or shovel. Just wrap the handle of the tool with film, and no more calluses on your palms!

Always wrap leftover ice cream in plastic wrap before putting it in the freezer. Ice cream will be in at its best, no crystallization!

By wrapping the brush with film, you will protect the tool from drying out and you can continue working with paint the next day. You can also cover a jar with leftover paint with film.

If you wrap banana stems in film, the fruit will stay fresh for a long time! This is the only way I store them now.

To seal the container airtight, use cling film! I always do this with cosmetics, before packing them into your suitcase. Nothing will spill!

Keep a roll of film near the front door: if you urgently need to enter the house with shoes on, just wrap the film around your dirty shoes!

There will be no more drafts: using film you can easily close the cracks in the windows.

A trap for midges that have settled in the kitchen! Cut the fruit, cover the cup with the delicious pieces with film and make a small cut in it. The fruit flies will gather in the cup very soon, no doubt, and you will be able to push the whole company out the door!

An original way to create a pattern on the walls when painting! Apply paint, then cover the wall with a layer of film and remember it. This trick will create a unique pattern and decorate the wall with original patterns!

I always line my refrigerator shelves with cling film! Perfect cleanliness: even if jam drips on the shelf or kefir spills, it’s easier to change the film than to wash the entire refrigerator.

Cling film is irreplaceable for weight loss! It is very useful to do wraps for women who want to get rid of cellulite: blood circulation increases in problem areas and natural weight loss occurs. You can also enhance the effect of any face mask, both nourishing and cleansing, using just a regular film! The thermal effect created by the film will ensure effective penetration of the substances contained in the mask into the skin.

By covering any glass of liquid with film and piercing it with a straw, you will make a reliable sippy cup!

To make your bouquet look fresh longer without water, use this trick. Wrap the ends of the stems with a wet cloth, then wrap tightly with film.

Tell us in the comments about non-standard ways to use cling film and other household items you use! We will appreciate

What is there to think about! - you can answer. - I'll stop by hardware store, I’ll buy the film, and that’s it! Hmm, which one exactly?

Full transparency

There are many types of film now. I won’t dwell on ordinary polyethylene: everyone knows it. An excellent inexpensive material, suitable for both small shelters and huge greenhouses... True, it’s only new. Some films don't even last through the seasons! So the garbage dumps around all gardening areas are filled with dirty rags; polyethylene decomposes extremely poorly. Maybe we should still look for a film that is a little more expensive, but better, so that it will last at least for several years?

So, what can the industry offer to us, summer residents?

1. Reinforced films in which a synthetic mesh is fused into polyethylene. Of course, it is much stronger than usual: it can be stretched large greenhouse and not be afraid of either wind or hail. The only “but” is that in such films it is not mechanical strength that comes to the fore, but resistance to solar radiation. The worst samples crumble into dust after 2-3 seasons. Apparently, this is why the data on the durability of reinforced film differ so much: from 2 to 7 years.

2. Polyethylene films with additives. Their range is very large, but not all supplements are “equally useful”, as the advertising says. It is definitely valuable to introduce stabilizers into the composition of the material, which protect polyethylene from the destructive effects of sunlight. Such films, although noticeably more expensive than regular ones, last many times longer (3 years or more). Most often they are pinkish or orangeish in color, but this is not necessary.

A more complex, but also very useful component of modern films is a phosphor additive. It converts some of the sun's rays from the ultraviolet spectrum into red and infrared radiation, which is more beneficial for plants. As a result, photosynthesis processes in plants become more active, and productivity increases noticeably. Such films are called light-converting films. But when purchasing something like this, do not forget that it must also be stabilized, otherwise all its advantages will not please you for long.

3. Bubble polyethylene film. We usually encounter it when unpacking something fragile. But such a film is also produced for greenhouse purposes: after all, it transmits enough light, and in terms of outstanding thermal insulation properties, only thick polycarbonate can compare with it. I think that a small greenhouse or sunken warm bed, covered with bubble wrap, will be useful for every gardener to obtain the earliest greens, as well as seedlings of cabbage, lettuce, asters and other cold-resistant crops. Although it is hardly possible to seriously talk about its durability (with the exception of special varieties).

4. Not polyethylene films (PVC and others). In my opinion, this is one of the best options. Typically, they have a “rubbery” feel to the touch and have a yellowish or pinkish tint. The strength and durability of these films is beyond praise! I know of cases when they lasted for 6 years or more without being removed from the greenhouse, and it even happened that the greenhouse itself fell under the weight of the snow, and the film was like nothing. And such films are usually fine with stabilizing and light-converting additives. The only drawback is the price.

Stress protection

Or maybe it’s better to replace the film with a non-woven covering material? It is needed both in summer and winter, and it lasts for quite a decent time - savings, however!

Nonwoven materials, of course, have many advantages. They “breathe” and allow moisture to pass through well, and the plants under them do not overheat. “Non-fabric” (especially thick, 40 g/m2 or more) has better thermal insulation properties than film and allows you to more reliably protect plants from frost. Well, thin (17-40 g/m2) - although not so warm, it is light, and it can be placed on plants even without a frame. But, alas, from experience, non-woven materials are still more likely a material for temporary (including winter) shelters, and not for long-term growing of plants. Summer residents of central Russia who tried to cover stationary greenhouses with them (of course, we're talking about about dense varieties of “non-fabric” - the thinnest is not strong enough for this), they were faced with the fact that their favorite cucumbers and tomatoes were significantly lacking in light. The benefits of nonwoven materials in greenhouses and greenhouses were truly appreciated only by southerners who have nowhere to put the sun. But this does not mean at all that they are not needed: every summer resident should have a supply of “non-fabric” to protect the garden from spring frosts, “safety net” when sowing and planting seedlings, as well as to cover capricious plants for the winter.

On a note

Secrets of marking (GOST 10354-82)

M- durable film used for the manufacture of transport bags and other packaging.

T- film for making products technical purpose, protective covers, packaging;

ST- painted or unpainted, stabilized film for greenhouses, greenhouses and other agricultural facilities;

SIC- stabilized film with IR radiation adsorbent for covering greenhouses and other agricultural structures, providing an increased greenhouse effect;

CM- for mulching and other similar purposes; undyed, carbon black stabilized film (dark);

B, B1- special films for use in reclamation and water management construction;

SK- film for use in food preservation, etc.; unstabilized;

N- film for the manufacture of packaging and household products; painted or unpainted, stabilized or unstabilized.

It is easy to see that films marked ST, SIC and some - N are suitable for greenhouses and greenhouses.