Plantra Greenhouse Grow Tube Guidelines: SunFlex Grow Tubes with Stem Guides
Sunlight Note: SunFlex is a greenhouse designed for a wide range of sunlight conditions which receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sunlight per day during the growing season. The image at right illustrates where to plant your seedlings if using a grow tube.
Avoid planting seedlings and using any grow tube, tree-tube, or tree-shelter in deep shade. Plants, especially small seedlings, need sunlight and plenty of it. Planting under established and shady tree canopies increases root competition for young seedlings that would grow better in a space of their own.
Choosing the Correct Grow Tube Height
Any discussion of grow tube height needs to factor in the specific animal threat at your planting site.
1. Beaver & Small Critter Protection: The 4 ft SunFlex Beaver Shield is the ideal height for protecting riparian tree plantings from the powerful jaws of beavers and nutria. It also provides a definitive barrier against small pets and rodents.
Deer browse alert:
White-tailed deer can easily browse any unprotected tree below 4½ ft tall. If deer are present in your area, 4 ft tubes are too short. We strongly recommend our 5 ft Doe Shield or 6 ft Buck Shield grow tubes to protect your trees above the browse line.
Installing The SunFlex Grow Tube System
Step 1 - Plant Seedling: Always follow your nursery supplier's guidelines on when, where, and how best to plant your new seedlings.
Step 2 - Prepare for Tubing: If your seedlings have lateral branches, remove them carefully using sharp pruning shears before installing the tube. Avoid cutting the terminal leader. Your seedling should have a single stem with only leaves or tiny branches left on the side.
Step 3 - Install Grow Tube and Support Stake:
A. Position your support stake (sold separately) 1.5 - 2 inches from the seedling. Drive the stake until secure and vertical.
B. Pop the grow tube open by flattening it. Slide the tube over the top of the stake and seedling, guiding them entirely inside the tube.
C. Secure the tube to the stake with the 3 included Twist Lock® Soft Wire Ties. Twist firmly to prevent the tube from sliding or spinning in the wind.
Step 4 - Stem Guides & Bird Protection: These SunFlex tubes feature Integrated Stem Guides (Patent Pending). These guides naturally deter birds from perching and prevent them from entering the tube. No additional bird net caps are required for this model.
Additional Considerations
Weed Control: Weeds steal light, water, and nutrients. For the best growth rates, pair your SunFlex tubes with Plantra Water Saver™ Weed Mats to stop competing vegetation without chemicals.
Grow Tube After-Care: Do not remove the SunFlex tube until the trunk has grown to the size of the tube diameter. This ensures the tree is "wind-firm." SunFlex tubes are perforated to split open safely if the tree outgrows them before you can remove them.
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