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Word Count: 553 Germinating Seeds in Hydroponic Systems
Germinating seeds hydroponically has several advantages over using soil. Many
common diseases can be avoided because the hydroponic medium is clean while soil
may contain fungus or insects that can harm vulnerable seedlings. Root rot can
also be avoided by using a good hydroponic growing system.
The area where hydroponic growing really shines over using soil is control of
the growing environment. With hydroponics, the gardener is no longer at the
mercy of the soil's nutrient or water content. Every aspect of the plant's
growing conditions can be controlled by the grower, not Mother Nature. This can
be a tremendous advantage for young seedlings because they will get the proper
nutrients right from the start of their life, leading to much healthier plants
in the long run.
Choosing a Growing Medium for Germinating Seeds
While germinating, seeds require both oxygen and water to sprout. This means
that your growing medium must provide sufficient amounts of both to the seed or
it will not germinate. Porous mediums such as perlite, rockwool, or vermiculite
will do this along with having great drainage capabilities. Rockwool cubes can
be used for quick set up and easy transplanting as the seeds sprout and grow
into full-size plants. Simply place a larger cube around the cube holding the
plant. The roots will expand and grow through both rockwool cubes, allowing your
medium to easily adapt to the size of your plant.
Perlite makes another good growing medium for germinating seeds because its
porosity allows for good drainage and oxygen availability. Just be sure to use
the gardening-grade perlite rocks and not the finer grade masonry-quality
powder. Plant your seeds about a half to one full inch deep in the perlite
medium and cover them with a thin layer of perlite. The easiest way to set up a
seedling tray with perlite is to use a plastic tub or similar container covered
in black plastic to ensure that no light will penetrate to the roots of your
plants. Add a drain hole about an inch from the container's bottom to cycle your
nutrient solution through while keeping a minimum level of solution available to
the plants at all times.
Nutrients for Germinating Seeds
Many seeds contain nutrients within their shell to provide initial
nourishment to jumpstart the germination process. However, this is not true for
all species. Orchid seeds, for example, contain very little nutrients, so be
sure to research your particular plant before setting up your garden. To avoid
stressing the seed at a vulnerable point, it is best to use a medium that is
pre-prepared with a low concentration of nutrients. The first few initial
waterings will give your seeds a small dose of nutrients until it is ready to
absorb more. After a few days, switch to a regular nutrient solution in your
water, but keep it at a lower dose than normal until the seed shows significant
growth. Once the plants have developed strong, healthy stalks, you can change
them over to your normal feeding and watering program and use your seedling tray
for the next batch of germinating seeds.
About The Author
Katherine Keleher
This article courtesy of
http://www.indoor-gardening-guide.com, your best indoor gardening resource
on the Net.
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