Grow tubes are long, plastic tubes placed over young seedlings to provide several benefits including:

• Protection from damage caused by wind and physical disturbances, which can cause the seedling to dry out or fail to take root.

• Temperature regulation around the seedling by trapping heat from the sun and creating a microclimate that is warmer than the surrounding air. This can help to prevent frost damage and promote faster growth.
• Protect the seedling from herbivores such as deer, rabbits, and rodents, which can eat young seedlings and prevent them from becoming established.
• Increased sunlight which can help to reduce the time needed to germinate, and can also increase the overall growth rate.

Grow tubes are not meant to be permanent, so don’t forget to remove the grow tube at the right time!