If you’re wondering how to start seeds in hydroponics without rockwool, keep reading! In this article, we’ll show you how to re-soak hydroponics seeds and give you some alternatives to rockwool.
We’ll also cover coco coir and net cups as seed starters. You can also try using a combination of both.
In this post, we will cover:
Pre-soaking hydroponics seeds
Pre-soaking your hydroponic seeds before they are planted isn’t necessary. You can start your seeds with tap water or filtered distilled water. Before soaking hydroponic seeds, be sure to check the pH range of the water.
Some growers prefer to use half-strength or lower nutrient solutions. It is possible to pre-soak hydroponic seeds without rockwool.
Once the water has soaked the seed, you can start transplanting. Starter plugs have predrilled holes, which provide the young roots with good drainage. Compared to Rockwool cubes, starter plugs have less space.
You can also choose to use sterile Rockwool instead. Make sure to choose starter plugs with neutral pH to avoid soil chemistry issues. But don’t forget to water your seeds – they won’t germinate without the proper pH balance.
If you choose to pre-soak your seeds without Rockwool, you can use a starter cube. These cubes are great for hydroponics because they maintain the perfect balance of air and moisture.
They also stay moist for days without additional water. You don’t need to re-soak your seeds every time you want to grow your plants. They’ll be healthy and thrive in no time.
When pre-soak your hydroponic seeds without Rockwool, the area around the container should be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep the trays warm, place them on a heating mat.
If you don’t have Rockwool, you can use a paper towel instead. The seedlings will need nutrients once they’re in the system. And, if you’re not sure, you can also use a heating mat to keep the trays moist.
Alternatives to rockwool
Rockwool is one of the most commonly used hydroponics mediums, but there are some alternatives that work just as well. If you’re concerned about the environment or don’t have enough money for rockwool, you can use jigsaw foam.
Jigsaw foam is similar to peat and can be used for hydroponics seedbeds. Just cut it into a cross shape and you’re good to go.
Another popular alternative is perlite. It offers excellent aeration and water retention, and it drains well. Potting soil is also beginner-friendly, and it doesn’t require any additional fertilizer.
However, these two substrates aren’t the best choice for hydroponics, as they are too large to accommodate seeds. This article will discuss three options for using these materials for hydroponics.
A good rock wool cube should have a swivel root at the bottom. Rock wool must be pre-coated with a nutritious solution. The plant can absorb more water than it can hold, so be sure to use a diluted solution.
For smaller rock wool cubes, dig a hole large enough for the cube to fit in. Once the cubes are planted, you can transplant them into a 4-inch cubic container or a slab.
The main downside of rockwool for hydroponics is that it has a high pH level, which can make it dangerous for plants. However, these disadvantages are outweighed by the many benefits that rockwool can provide.
It is a great resource for hydroponics systems, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Additionally, rockwool can be expensive depending on where you live.
Using coco coir as a growing medium
Using coco coir as a hydroponics growing medium is a great way to save money on potting soil. This soil substitute is made from the outer husk of coconuts and is available in bricks and loose bags.
Unlike peat moss, coco coir does not cause any adverse effects on the environment. It is biodegradable and sustainable. Its high absorption capacity and pH neutrality make it an excellent growing medium for hydroponics plants.
When using coco coir as a growing medium, you can buy ready-made or mix your own fertilizer to boost the plants’ growth. You can use rock phosphate, green sand, bone meal, or kelp extract to make the blend.
The only drawback to using a homemade mix is that it won’t be water-soluble. Using a homemade fertilizer blend is a great way to make coco coir work even better for your hydroponics seeds.
Using coco coir as a hydroponics growing medium can be more effective than using soil, especially if the plants are grown alone. Using coco coir can provide better air at the roots of the plants and can increase yields.
It can be stored for many years, and even used as a 40% soil amendment. A few tips when using coco coir as a hydroponics growing medium are listed below.
Another popular hydroponic growing medium is perlite. Perlite is an air-pumped volcanic glass that has excellent oxygen retention. However, perlite’s weight may be a drawback.
It can shift in hydroponic systems, and the water will affect its weight. To solve this problem, perlite is typically mixed with coco coir, soil, or vermiculite.
Using net cups as a seed starter
Using net cups as a seed starter is an easy way to start your hydroponics growing hobby. These reusable containers are often cheap and easily re-used. Whether you’re growing leafy greens or hydroponics clones, net cups are the perfect way to start your seeds.
They’re also easy to clean and reuse. You can buy them in bulk, which makes them a great value for money.
To use net cups as a seed starter for hydro-ponics, you need to add water just above the bottom of the cups. This water is filled with hydroton, which helps the seeds germinate.
When you drop seeds directly into water, their chances of germinating are extremely slim. They shoot out their roots towards the water. Water is carried to their roots through capillary action and should reach the bottom of the net cups.
The pH of your hydroponics medium is important as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. This is why specialized hydroponics starter plugs are available, which are pre-drilled and contain the right mix of nutrients to encourage root growth.
A few of them contain a neutral pH. Some other starter plugs are made from rockwool, which has a high pH.
You can use either water or hydroton to start seeds. The seeds will germinate in a hydroponically-grown pot when they are placed in a net cup. If you’re using hydroton, you can make the net cup sink if you’d like, but it can also cause your pump to clog.
If you’re using peat pellets, make sure to use them in a net pot that’s at least 2 inches deep.
Watering rockwool
When starting your seeds in hydroponics, it’s crucial that you water the Rockwool evenly and not too much, as over watering can lead to rot. Also, be careful not to place the
Rockwool beneath the growth medium, as water puddles can cause root rot. Here are some simple steps you can take to water your seeds in hydroponics without watering rockwool.
First, prepare the growing medium. Rockwool cubes are an ideal soilless growing medium because they have a pH balance that encourages germination. You can adjust the pH level of the rockwool cubes if you need to.
A 5.5-6.5 pH level is ideal for seed germination. If you’re using rockwool for hydroponics, adjust the pH to the desired level for the seeds.
The temperature of the area where you place the seedlings should be 68 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you’re starting your seeds indoors, you can use a heating mat to help maintain the temperature.
You can avoid watering Rockwool at the start of germination by keeping the soil moist and hydrated. Water the Rockwool as the level of water reduces. Then, watch for sprouts and remove them as soon as possible.
After soaking rockwool cubes, prepare the area where you’ll be growing plants. For hydroponics, it’s best to start seeds in the mini greenhouse because they will require less watering.
If you don’t want to use a mini greenhouse, a mini-greenhouse works well. You can simply place the cubes into the growing media, or you can make a hole in them. Ideally, these cubes come with holes already cut into them, but they don’t always. In that case, you can cut them and place them into a container filled with soil-based compost.
