I like to use the toilet-paper/paper towel rolls also as a barrier for bugs. The broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli rabe, and Brussell's sprouts, etc., seedlings, as we all know, start-out with very thin, delicate, stalks. Since they are cool-weather crops and also need a long growing season, I like to get them out into the garden ASAP in a section with a lot of sun. The only problem is that bugs, just beginning to crawl out of the soil, are very hungry and would love my seedlings as a meal. The little wall created by the cardboard roll sticking up out of the soil is a nice little deterrent to most bugs (especially the rolly-pollys I deal with a lot lately).
The little rolls also help to prop-up the little seedlings -- keeping them from falling over and bending/breaking. This way they get the most sunlight, they keep safe from damage, and they have a greater chance to grow straight, upright stalks.
I also make sure that the soil level inside of the roll is higher than the garden soil. This creates "a little raised-bed" for each seedling which helps to warm the soil around the root-ball. Later, when the stem starts getting thicker, I just cut/rip an opening down the side of the roll to allow expansion.
I like to use the toilet-paper/paper towel rolls also as a barrier for bugs. The broccoli, cauliflower, broccoli rabe, and Brussell's sprouts, etc., seedlings, as we all know, start-out with very thin, delicate, stalks. Since they are cool-weather crops and also need a long growing season, I like to get them out into the garden ASAP in a section with a lot of sun. The only problem is that bugs, just beginning to crawl out of the soil, are very hungry and would love my seedlings as a meal. The little wall created by the cardboard roll sticking up out of the soil is a nice little deterrent to most bugs (especially the rolly-pollys I deal with a lot lately).
The little rolls also help to prop-up the little seedlings -- keeping them from falling over and bending/breaking. This way they get the most sunlight, they keep safe from damage, and they have a greater chance to grow straight, upright stalks.
I also make sure that the soil level inside of the roll is higher than the garden soil. This creates "a little raised-bed" for each seedling which helps to warm the soil around the root-ball. Later, when the stem starts getting thicker, I just cut/rip an opening down the side of the roll to allow expansion.