If you want to grow your plants in hydroponics, you should know how to germinate your seeds without using rockwool. Rockwool is a very common substrate in hydroponics, but you can easily replace it with heat mats, Grow lights, Coco coir, and seed plugs. Keep reading to learn more about these products. But if you are new to hydroponics, you might be wondering how to germinate your seeds without rockwool.
In this post, we will cover:
Heat mats
When used with hydroponics seeds, heat mats provide a uniform, controlled temperature for the growing medium. A heating mat is typically placed underneath a propagation dome or germination tray. A controller should be used to regulate the temperature, as heating at too high of a temperature can cause your plants to die. A temperature regulator can also protect your plants in case your controller malfunctions. In addition, heat mats can be used for early-year heating in greenhouses and light stands. Most products will raise the soil temperature by between 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
These heating mats are great for seed germination and budding. They can be purchased separately or with a humidity dome. Seedling heat mats must be waterproof and have a thermostat to control temperature. Many seedling warming mats also have an alarm that alerts you to a temperature too high or too low. This way, you can monitor the temperature of your hydroponics seeds easily. When used in conjunction with a humidity dome, heat mats can help prevent your plants from dying.
While seedling heat mats are often used to mimic the warmth of summer, the benefits are dependent on the temperature of the growing environment. In general, 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) is not enough to cause germination, but increasing the temperature can increase the yield. A Texas Agricultural Extension Service researcher said that watermelon seeds will not germinate at 95 degrees. A realistic germination temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and heat mats can help your crops reach that temperature.
A heat mat should be placed under a seedling tray. Once sprouts appear, the seeds should be removed from the mat. The extra warmth should not be excessive, as the seeds should start sprouting once they are grown. However, this should be done as soon as possible. Otherwise, the additional heat can cause the soil to dry out faster, leading to thirsty sprouts and weak stems. You should also remove the heat mat when the seedlings are ready for transplanting to their final environment.
Grow lights
A dedicated germination tray can be useful in this scenario. Some trays have plastic domes to keep the seeds moist, but these are not necessary. Some growers just slide the trays inside Ziploc bags to retain moisture. If you don’t have a germination tray, you can use an upturned tray that sits across Rockwool cubes. Regardless of what you choose, keep in mind that germination is not guaranteed.
Despite the advantages of natural light, seeds require about 70 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Alternatively, you can use heating mats under the trays. But be careful not to overheat the trays, because seeds cannot germinate without the proper temperature. During summer, window sills are an excellent choice for germination. In addition, a grow light that illuminates the entire tray surface is another great option.
If you don’t have rockwool or any other specialized starter nutrient, you can still grow plants in a hydroponics system. But instead of Rockwool, you can use jigsaw foam, coconut coir, or peat. The key is to use an aerated solution of these three ingredients. Once this is done, the seeds will be able to germinate.
Many seeds are compatible with germination without the use of rockwool, as long as it retains moisture. Most common seeds germinate well on moistened paper towel. A paper towel can be placed in any container, but a clear lid will help retain moisture. You can also use a transparent dome beneath the lights to ensure the necessary moisture is present. If you don’t have rockwool, use a transparent jar instead.
Seed plugs
You can start hydroponics with a small plug of seed or a seedling. Depending on the seed you use, you can either use a rockwool plug or a rapid rooter. Both types of plugs should be moistened with pure water or a mild nutrient solution. However, there is no guarantee that the seeds you plant will germinate.
If you want a high success rate, you can use a starter plug. These plugs are made of peat or coco coir and have a hole in the center for a seed. Regardless of type, the seedlings should have equal water levels in order to germinate properly. You can also use a sterile plug. When you use a plug, make sure to select one with neutral pH.
To germinate seedlings in hydroponics, you need to provide the right amount of moisture for them. The perfect seed germination medium is Rockwool cubes. These cubes retain moisture and can be watered via the openings on the seed coats or micropyles. Water activates enzymatic reactions that initiate seed germination.
To start seeds, you will need a container with an area of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a heating mat to keep the trays warm. In addition, remember to moisten the rockwool cube every day. After you’ve moistened it with water, plant the seeds inside. As the water level drops, you can add water as needed.
The rock wool cube should be placed in a lattice tray inside a propagation unit. Make sure the rockwool is moist but not soggy. Add a few drops of rooting tonic if you need it. The product should contain ingredients such as Bloom Roots, Rhizotonic, and Roots Excelurator, which will increase root growth after the seed opens. The pH of the water should be 5.5-6.5. During the seedling stage, the seeds should be planted a depth equal to the width of the seed. The seed should be positioned 2mm below the surface of the lattice tray. The cube should have a drainage system for water.
Coco coir
Coco coir is a natural alternative to rockwool in hydroponic systems. Its superior water-holding capabilities, light weight, and antifungal properties make it a great choice for growing plants. It is relatively inexpensive, but you should keep in mind that coco coir has very little nutritional value. However, coco coir can be quite expensive, depending on where you live.
The disadvantages of using rockwool for germination are the carbon footprint it creates during transportation and the energy it requires for manufacturing. However, it is still a highly-recommended growing medium for both newbies and experienced growers. Alternative germination media can give similar results, but you will need to mix it to make it more efficient. As with all hydroponics supplies, choose the right medium for the type of plant you are growing.
Before germinating seeds, soak the seed in clean water or a diluted solution. Once the seed is saturated, you can moisten the rockwool or sponge cube with water to make it more absorbent. Don’t worry if the seed won’t fall in the rockwool – just use your finger or a tool to push it down. This will cover the seed and provide a dark environment, which is essential for hydroponic germination.
When germination is complete, you can transplant your seedlings to a larger container. When they reach 2 sets of leaves or root, they are ready to be transplanted. You can use a spoon to lift the seedlings from their original container, if they are in starter cubes. Then, add soil around the roots and up to the bottom of the stem. Pat the soil firmly and finish off with water.
Peat moss
Many seed starting mixes contain peat moss, a potentially harmful material for the environment. Peat is extracted from peatlands, which are marshes, fens, and bogs. These ecosystems take thousands of years to form and contain five times more carbon than forests. Disturbing peatlands releases CO2 into the atmosphere, aggravating climate change. The UK government has declared a ban on amateur peat by 2024.
Rockwool is not natural. It is manufactured by heating silica-based materials and spinning them into thin threads. It is made from the same process as roof insulation, but it’s worth the extra expense and the effort. It delivers an optimal oxygen-to-water ratio and is pH neutral. Because Rockwool is synthetic, it’s cheaper than peat moss.
During the initial stages of hydroponic seed germination, seeds need a moist and dark environment. Rockwool contains a pH of 7.0, which can be hazardous for seed germination. A substitute growing medium can be sand or perlite. It is also possible to replant cannabis seeds in the same growing medium if the growing medium is in a moist state.
Another alternative to Rockwool is vermiculite. This seed starting medium is slightly more moist and less dense than rockwool. It is also recommended to keep the seedlings in a shaded area. When transplanting seedlings, you can add nutrients to the potting mix. You may also use fertilizer from the plants you’re growing or diluted liquid fertilizer.
To begin the process, soak the rockwool cubes in slightly acidic water. After they are moist, place them in a dark corner for two to three days. Once they sprout, the seeds may be transplanted into traditional soil or hydroponics. However, a rockwool cube will not guarantee that the seedlings will germinate.