Happy
AGA Bounty
Posts: 506
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Post by Happy on Jul 30, 2018 18:58:34 GMT -5
I'm thinking that when I start chives or chard that perhaps I should use Rapid Rooters, and make slits so that I can plant seeds over a broader area. (I do cover my newly-planted seeds with jar covers to keep out the light.) aerogardenaddicts.com/thread/774/right-after-plantingYour opinion? |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 30, 2018 22:34:12 GMT -5
To me they are the same as the Parkseed sponges...except they are pre treated with Hydrofarm nutrients. If I used them, I would hold off on the AG nutes for a while.But ..I have never used them. Maybe someone else on the forum has. If you use the large ones(not quite understanding your plan for growing over a broader area)how will you squeeze the sponge into the small hole? It would be too tight for roots to grow through the sponge.JMO
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,218 
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Post by Shawn on Jul 31, 2018 3:52:42 GMT -5
I know nothing about them but I do know there are a handful of threads that people talk about them. DO a search for Rapid Rooters in the search field  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2018 7:43:14 GMT -5
From what I see, it is an open invitation for a profusion of Algae, and the plastic baskets can't be used. The Rooter would have to be stuffed directly into the deck hole w/o the basket..a tight squeeze. Also it appears that the Rooter begins to crumble. I would not want to wreck a pump with crumbs in the tank. If it were for a homemade rig like Katky, it wouldn't matter.
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
Posts: 3,532
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Post by MaryL on Jul 31, 2018 14:52:57 GMT -5
I haven’t used them but I think DRBanks has. If it’s the same thing, she places them directly in the holes without baskets, but also cuts a slice off one side to allow space for the trickling water from the deck. (She explains it better than me).
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Post by drbanks on Jul 31, 2018 16:31:17 GMT -5
Definitely what I've been using lately. Like in my Jalapeno GAL, for instance.
If you take one and just stick it in an AG's pod hole, you'll have a lot of water backing up on top of the grow plate. I generally take some shears and cut off a corner and align it with the pod hole's water spout, so water can flow freely.
Yes, they can be a bit of an algae magnet, but not so much that it's really caused me any issues. And yes, things sprout quite nicely in them. But, I don't feed any additional nutes until I start seeing true leaves.
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Happy
AGA Bounty
Posts: 506
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Post by Happy on Aug 1, 2018 13:43:13 GMT -5
Thanks, everyone. Several years ago, I did try Rapid Rooters for my regular greens and found them disappointing. There's really no advantage to them for regular seeds. (Yes, I did have to slice off some from the side so they would fit.) The only reason I'm giving them a go again is because it's so hard to germinate chard, and I figured that if I made several depressions for the seeds, that one of them might take hold. I'd also like to give chives a broader area since they're so vertical. drbanks , I'm curious as to why you use Rapid Rooters for your jalapeno. ? |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2018 16:05:02 GMT -5
ever try starting them out of the machine and then transplanting them when the seeds germinate?
Here are 2 methods I use: Place the seeds in a damp paper towel in a zip lock baggy and place it on top of a hood for a few days. Check to see that the paper Towel is still moist every few days. Remove the seeds and transplant into a sponge before the roots grow into the fabric of the paper towel.
Or put some filled, ready to plant seeded sponges in a few cups, fill the water to the halfway mark of the sponge and wait for germination. Place it on a counter or surface out of direct sunlight or algae will grow on top.
I have had both these methods work for me.
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Happy
AGA Bounty
Posts: 506
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Post by Happy on Aug 1, 2018 16:47:12 GMT -5
Good ideas, Corinne! I'll post a report after my seeds (Thanks, Mary!), sponges and Ultra arrive |
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