Lessons Learned #1
When planting seeds in custom clay blocks with indentations, make sure you cover the opening with something dark to prevent light from penetrating until germination has occurred.
By failing to do this, the Tom Thumb Peas actually went moldy and had to be tossed, along with the grow medium.
I tried to use cocoanut coir as a replacement – BIG mistake! This growing medium expands DRAMATICALLY, something entirely unknown to me.
It is:
- extremely hard and difficult to cut – I had to use the circular saw as it is compressed
- it expands to several (8 or 9 times) its thickness when immersed in water!
- cocoanut coir is DUSTY and sheds a lot of tiny fragments that will end up blocking a circulating pump!
I ended up ditching the planted Tom Thumb Peas and coir growing medium, washing the entire grow station, ensuring that the pump was thoroughly cleared of any material.
I contacted the manufacturer of the eSupereGrow hydroponics units as to where I could source the same type of square, dimpled growing blocks. None were in stock, so they suggested ordering 5-7 mm clay beads – a common growing medium.
Once these arrived from Amazon, I immediately dropped a bunch into the grow sites on the station, and failed to read the instructions thoroughly!
How to handle clay beads properly!!
- Wash the beads thoroughly to remove any dust!
- After washing them, place them into the receptacles.
- Plant the seeds, ensuring that these are completely covered.
- Start the nutrient circulation!
Clay beads are re-usable!
- The roots need to be removed – to do this remove all liquid and allow the beads to dry out.
- Remove as much of the organic material as is possible. Wash, rinse, and allow to dry.
- Remove any additional organic material. Then proceed to disinfection.
- Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide – leave beads immersed in the bath for at least 8 hours.
- Disinfection – place the clay beads in an oven safe container and heat to 300 degrees C.
- Keep in oven for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool and then they are ready for reuse.
Clay beads can be used dozens of times, making them a cost effective growing medium.