Can you mix the hydroton rocks with potting soil to provide aeration for the roots? Reason being, when I water the FarmSoil it becomes like mud.
2011543
This isn't really hydroton but yes you can mix it with soil to aid in aeration. I've done this before on plants of all kinds with great success. Just be sure to water slightly more often because the soil will dry out faster due to added aeration. I suggest a ratio of .25:1 to 1:1 (pellets:soil). You can also put them on top of the soil to act as a mulch (works great with tomatoes) and at the bottom of the pot for added drainage.
2011544
I mixed hydroton with regular potting soil for my Peace lily. I don't really notice a difference for the plant though.
2011545
U could, but its not that effective. They don't absorb well. You're better off using vermiculite for your mud problem, or try to dispense your water more evenly. Verm is very airy and absorbs great
2011546
I amend my soil with hydroton often, and also use the hydroton to cover the top of the soil.
2011547
I am not certain, but I think that the soil would just wash through the Hydroton little ceramic balls. They are rather large.
848290
Yes, please put it in a bigger pot right away, not because it needs it but because adding fresh soil is always better to the plant. Also this needs a bit of acid soil as well and what I did is to combine half regular potted soil and half coffee grounds. I hope this info will be helpful to you.
366229
I would think it would work to just sprinkle the granules over the rocks. When you water, the granules would slowly dissipate over time sinking down into the roots. That's just MY opinion.
1803324
This time I stayed away from chemicals...used good top soil..manure humus mix..with garden lime..dr earth #5..coffee ground.. egg shells.epsom salt..bat guano.and worm castings...and only used water for entire grow...Every couple weeks...make some dr earth tea...and bat guano tea too when flowering...Mmm mmm ....taste great and no need to flush nasty chemicals
193561
I would do that but using small stones on bottom so there is some drainage for the soil to avoid saturation.
1183198
put it in water and let it expand, I usually do it for about a day. then it will fluff out and be very easy to add to your soil. it needs to have nutrients added, but it will help keep them from washing away. it will also retain moisture and it will keep your soil light so it doesn't just mud and harden.
1734418
I suggest that you water your plants so the the soil is evenly moist "before" filling and installing the Hydorspike. I personally use the Hydrospike with Authentic Haven Brand Natural Brew premium soil conditioner tea for the past three years with much success
401438
There's nothing in this that can burn your plants. You can use it in any growing situation. In fancier hydro grows that utilize drip emitters or sprayers, this could cause build up over time. As for soil, it would take a lot to overdo it. I don't think there would be much benefit, though. This is made to mimic what is in soil for a hydro grow. If you're using soil, especially something like foxfarms, I don't think this will make any difference. But it won't hurt, so there you go. If you're looking to establish root growth or bigger root systems in soil (not soilless, that's different), I recommend combining Superthrive with the addition of pebbles and stones to the dirt. There's nothing in this that can burn your plants. You can use it in any growing situation. In fancier hydro grows that utilize drip emitters or sprayers, this could cause build up over time. As for soil, it would take a lot to overdo it. I don't think there would be much benefit, though. This is made to mimic what is in soil for a hydro grow. If you're using soil, especially something like foxfarms, I don't think this will make any difference. But it won't hurt, so there you go. If you're looking to establish root growth or bigger root systems in soil (not soilless, that's different), I... » Read More There's nothing in this that can burn your plants. You can use it in any growing situation. In fancier hydro grows that utilize drip emitters or sprayers, this could cause build up over time. As for soil, it would take a lot to overdo it. I don't think there would be much benefit, though. This is made to mimic what is in soil for a hydro grow. If you're using soil, especially something like foxfarms, I don't think this will make any difference. But it won't hurt, so there you go. If you're looking to establish root growth or bigger root systems in soil (not soilless, that's different), I recommend combining Superthrive with the addition of pebbles and stones to the dirt. « Show Less
2037735
The volume of the container is good. You could just use rocks at the bottom to facilitate water running out of the soil. I drilled a few holes at the bottom of the container (it was very easy) and have had no problems. I like the container very much. It is light and holds a lot of soil.
1514283
No you cant do it, First real issue is the heat the pump produces it makes the water hot and you would have too swap (4) frozen water bottles (4) times per day to keep the water temp closer to the optimum range for aeropnics because thats what it would take to prevent root rot bacteria from setting in, you can make or buy a aeroponic unit, The clone king is excxellt with getting cuttings to root vigerously, thats it
1091283
I wouldnt do that. The ph will change within 2 days. Ive had plants die because i left them unattended for days. This is typical for all hydro setups
529414
The clay pieces will go every where if you don't use a planter pot. I try not to get cly and dirt in my pond because it muddies the water.
858647
Yes, Sophie, it can be used in conjunction. Try and remember this, with these things, less is more, if your growing a garden in soil or hydro, this will only help keep your soil healthy, and the nutrient availability in hydroponics systems cleaner, while nutrients are kept FLOWING rather than building up, and often creating your #1 & 2 enemies in BOTH systems... BACTERIA! This product helps sustain plants by keeping water fresher. Also..flushes clean out your excess of the Additives/Fertilizers/Etc. that, when used, become salts, and this keeps the plant bound because of poisoning, over time from these salts, they build up and poison the plant. What kills a plant faster than salt?! This keeps the plants from reaching their fullest, most healthy and organic potentials. Any more ?s feel free to ask!! Happy Gardening Sophie!!! "It is a love of the garden which ennobles the spirit of all." ~ Author Unknown
1637334
That's what we were going to do but ours died in the infancy stage :-(. I would recommend that you go to a nursery and ask which potting soil would be best as they have many varieties.
1990653
Just get the top of the soil wet. Using a small spray bottle filled with spring water usually does the trick. You can water with method every morning. You don't want the roots to get soggy as they will rot.
2268896
You want to fill the bucket with at least 4 gallons of RO water, a brand of bacteria designed to promote root growth and a nutrient package based on what your growing, making sure to balance your PH specific to that plants needs. It's also wise to add H2O2. The air stone will help circulate the water, allowing the root system to be oxygenated. Oxygenated water is critical in pushing nutrients through the root system and into the plant. Down side to DWC is that you will need to change out your water every one to two weeks. During that time monitor your PH and water level and adding H2O2 every 3 to 4 days. Hope this helps and isn't to detailed. :)
865624
Only if you use it as your top layer. It looks great in the tank and stays pretty clean. Use a heavier substrate as the bottom layer so your plants roots will stay put.