INFORMATION
Growing Medium
| Growing Mediums serve as the base or holder for the plant and can vary from common agricultural organic material such as straw to non-organic material such as stonewool (also called rockwool). It is very important to ensure that the material is sterile or has been sterilized before planting a new crop in it. Organic materials such as straw or peat are frequently cheaper but more prone to potential diseases. Man made materials such as Stone Wool are inert and pathogen-free when purchased. |
Expanded Clay |
Expanded Clay is derived from a renewable and plentiful source (clay) and is considered an ecologically sustainable medium. The clay is formed into pellets and fired in rotary kilns at 1200°C. This causes the clay to expand, like popcorn, and become porous. Expanded Clay pellets are light in weight, do not compact and are completely reusable - they can be cleaned and sterilised after use. They are also inert, pH neutral and do not contain any nutrients. The pellets drain freely and do not hold any excessive water, which is why they provide good oxygen levels around the root and why they are particularly suitable for flood and drain systems. They are also used extensively for rose growing. In drip irrigation systems the pellets can be mixed with a medium with better capillary action so the feed is dissipated broadly through to prevent salt build-up. |
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Perlite |
Perlite is a volcanic rock which is heated at high temperature until it explodes resulting in a porous white medium. Perlite can be used loose, in pots, bagged or as part of a mixture. Perlite is a lightweight substrate that holds up to 70% airspace when fully saturated. One of the most ideal grow substrates alone or excellent in custom blends. Properties
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Stone Wool Also known as Rockwool |
Basalt originates from the earth's interior and was brought to the surface as lava many thousands of years ago. It is melted at high temperature and dripped onto spinning disks, similar to the way cotton candy is made. When this has cooled down, it is compressed into stonewool as we know it. It is a completely natural process from volcanic basalt to stonewool producing a natural final product: inert and free of pathogens. Properties Stonewool is used more and more, because of the following properties:
Available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. |
