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Step 5Seed Starting
Rockwool is magical. It can be soaking wet but dry and airy at the same time. It's the cotton candy of the volcanic rock world. The seeds I started in it are the best seedlings I've ever had. I get close to a 100% success rate from my seeds. Things that might otherwise 'damp off' or be eaten by ground dwelling bugs (like my constant battle with melons) are safe and sound.
For convenience and seed safety I started my seeds in a seed tray. Mix up a very weak fertilizer solution, put the rockwool you'll be using in the tray, and keep drizzling solution over it until it stops absorbing. Drop your seeds into the holes (you can add holes if you want to - I did for bunching onions). WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU PLANT AND WHERE. I've found that hydroponic plants can grow a bit closer together than the package says because they don't have to compete for resources as much.
Check the tray daily - I generally pour a bit of solution into the tray (not over the rockwool) daily to keep things evenly moist. If there is unabsorbed moisture in the bottom of the tray don't add any more. Once you've got seedlings turn the tray daily to help keep them upright-ish. Once they're big and solid (or you're tired of waiting) pop them into the box and skewer them in place, being gentle about the roots.
Gratuitous seedling pictures - this is the best I've ever done, these were taken just under a week after planting them.
For convenience and seed safety I started my seeds in a seed tray. Mix up a very weak fertilizer solution, put the rockwool you'll be using in the tray, and keep drizzling solution over it until it stops absorbing. Drop your seeds into the holes (you can add holes if you want to - I did for bunching onions). WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU PLANT AND WHERE. I've found that hydroponic plants can grow a bit closer together than the package says because they don't have to compete for resources as much.
Check the tray daily - I generally pour a bit of solution into the tray (not over the rockwool) daily to keep things evenly moist. If there is unabsorbed moisture in the bottom of the tray don't add any more. Once you've got seedlings turn the tray daily to help keep them upright-ish. Once they're big and solid (or you're tired of waiting) pop them into the box and skewer them in place, being gentle about the roots.
Gratuitous seedling pictures - this is the best I've ever done, these were taken just under a week after planting them.
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