Starting Seed in Perlite

Since I’m growing hydroponically, I need a sustainable, re-usable method of starting seed. So, this is my first attempt at seed-starting and thought I’d use the very material it’ll grow the plants in….perlite. Using a rayon wick (from mop head) to deliver water and nutrient to the seeds, I was successful at germination and growth. Now, I know, from past experience, that I can use this setup anywhere the bottom of the rayon wick touches water. This gives me some flexibility in setup and location of the net cup, and of course, spurs more ideas I’ll share later. I love chatting with folks and answering questions. If you enjoy my videos, please like, comment and subscribe! You can subscribe by clicking this link and then you’ll get a notification every time I upload a video: http://www.youtube.com/user/c3voyage?sub_confirmation=1

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A little about my setup. I have a hydroponic greenhouse. I grow in a system I call FAWN which is a modified hydroponic drip system. The media I grow in is aged rice hulls with parboiled rice hulls mixed. This has proven to be a great mix for me. I use Masterblend fertilizer as my nutrients to every plant grown. I’ve been pretty successful with my setup growing hydroponic tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, squash, cucumbers, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, turnip greens, corn, potatoes, kale, carrots, beets, spinach, onions, leeks, and even okra! Everything a gardener would desire. I also dabble in other areas like growing in raised beds, growing in a ground garden, grafting, pond activities, growing fruits, and other projects on the homestead.

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Starting Seed in Perlite

| Hydroponic Gardening | 20 Comments
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20 Comments

  • Jhavard Jonas

    Hi,

    I am looking for a system likewise to your sentiments of "Since I'm growing hydroponically, I need a sustainable, re-usable method of starting seed. " Also a system that is easy to work with seedling extraction, preserving the roots, and will not have fine medium sediments to cause clogs in the hydroponics system and pump.

    Since this video, have you found any better / more efficient way?

  • Fatalsprigs

    This is why I don't do hydro, too hard to keep the reservoir clean. I can't imagine ever getting a good harvest, all I see are higher chances of mildew root rot and nute burn. Not to mention having to filter and ph balance the water.

  • C Schuster

    just a note on the spinach, my father told me that it would not sprout at temperatures above 50F. Try putting it into the refrigerator to sprout as it doesn't need light to sprout, just cold.

  • Bj north

    ahh, i lik the wick. i'vee been having a problem with getting starts with the set up not in water because of other plants that have roots that would rot without an air layer. I like this idea – Thanks

  • Chris Pridemore

    You should check out Oasis Cubes. They are foam blocks that are perfect for seedlings and clones. and they make different blocks for either seed or cutting. They are like rockwool cubes, but without the pH altering effect of limestone. You briefly dip the bottom half in water, and allow them to soak up. You can just briefly dip the entire cutting tray, to water several at once.

  • lowashington

    Also, can you answer a question. When planting straight into the hydro. Do I plant directly out side or should I start it outdoors in shade and wait to move to a sunny spot?

  • lowashington

    Loved this vid. It was so helpful! I decided hydro was for me but failed to think it through. I started my seeds and was successful. But when it came to transplanting I was lost. I found your vid and will try it again. The mop string is genius!! I lost all but a few tomatoes and one spinach. The perlite is a great alt to the clay grow medium. Thanks again. I'm excited to see more of your vids!

  • Arthur Kay

    Really enjoyed the video man that was an insane amount of starts you had at the end there! All looked really healthy! Good job man thanks for the inspiration. 

  • jctactic

    Hi there, I recently bought a Goliath Tomato Plant and I want to know if I can I plant it in a container with perlite and potting mix? Can I mix them together? Or will that completely kill the plant?

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