Grow sponge success (other than AG brand)?

[aud]

Hi all—

I’m trying to start seeds in my bounty and sprout using Rapid Rooter starter sponges. They have great reviews on Amazon but I’m having trouble. I’m cutting them down to size so they’ll fit in my seed starter tray. Then I’m pulling the sponge slightly at the top to create a fissure to put the seed in.

I had s few sprout but mainly I have mold and mildew.

Has anyone had success using other sponges than AG? I’d rush to purchase some AG grow anything sponges if I hadn’t seen they have similar problems.

[mike]

I only use the Park Seed 60-cell sponges. They fit perfectly inn the AG and I like the texture much better.

parkseed.com/bio-dome-refill-sponges/p/v1597/

[Shawn]

Welcome aud!

I echo Mike.  I also use the Park Seed Sponges.


May I ask when you say mold and mildew what color is it?  Have you tried to use a cotton swab to gently wipe it away? 

[MaryL]

I’ve only used AG and the Park sponges.  At times I’ve gotten white fuzz and green stuff (the latter rarely) on both kinds.  The white is, if I recall, harmless to the plants (others correct me if I’m wrong as to which is harmless).  (Edited to say I was wrong - the green is algae and harmless, the white is mold and can be a problem).  I don’t know why sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but usually I just leave it and use a pod cover so I don’t see it.

As an interesting aside regarding the sponges, Corinne recently grew the same seed in both AG and Park sponges side by side, and those in the Park definitely sprouted faster. Though I’ve used both for years, that was the first time I learned there could even be a difference in speed.  I think it’s to do with the texture difference.

My first choice is the smallest Parseed sponges. They are softer and more porous and the roots can penetrate the media more easily.
I do use the AG sponges , and presently am trying to use up a bag I got on sale, but will be going to the Parkseed after these are gone.
When planting the AG sponges, I soak them first before adding the seed and then plant them in to deck holes.
I feel that the green is algae and totally harmless..just yucky to look at.
The white and gray is mold and can have an effect on your plants...particular seedlings, I find.
I think there is the possibility of getting both or either mold mildew and algae no matter what media is used, but I have never had an entire seed starting deck or even an entire 6 or 7 pod project totally infected.  If I see white or gray mold, sometimes I will dab with peroxide, but USUALLY I just toss that pod early on for fear of infestation and just replant it.`JMO

[drbanks]

I use rapid rooters, but in a tray.  When transplanting to the aerogarden, I skip the cage and put them directly into the grow deck, but first, I have to make a flat spot on one side to accommodate the water spout in the deck.

[MaryL]

Feb 18, 2018 14:01:00 GMT -5 @cornne said:

I feel that the green is algae and totally harmless..just yucky to look at.
The white and gray is mold and can have an effect on your plants...particular seedlings, I find.

I had a feeling I got it opposite.  Thanks Corinne.

[carmen]

Wow, this thread has me all sort sorts of second guessing myself. I just ordered a pack of 50 Rapid Rooters and plan to reuse my cages. If you'll recall my other thread and forgetting to plug in the basin, I've got a bit of mold on some sponges. Planning to clean it out and do a full reset and throw in one or two pepper seeds. I'll report results when I have them. Also I should take some pics of my grow tent. I've mostly been sh aring that stuff over at the Pepper Lovers Community on Google+.

[carmen]

Update: I can NOT get algae to stop growing on the top of my Rapid Rooter plugs. Where the circle cutout is in the green toppers, it just keeps turning green. I've dabbed, I've wiped, with a q-tip and 3% peroxide and nothing. I'll probably end up getting another grow anything pack or maybe the park seed sponges. I just don't know what to do. I'm having such a bad experience with the Rapid Rooters.

[Shawn]

Mar 9, 2018 8:22:32 GMT -5 carmen said:

Update: I can NOT get algae to stop growing on the top of my Rapid Rooter plugs. Where the circle cutout is in the green toppers, it just keeps turning green. I've dabbed, I've wiped, with a q-tip and 3% peroxide and nothing. I'll probably end up getting another grow anything pack or maybe the park seed sponges. I just don't know what to do. I'm having such a bad experience with the Rapid Rooters.

Ok I did some digging AND made a call.  This is what I learned the green algae can be coming from:

1)  The water may be too warm.  You can keep water cool by placing ice cubes in the bowl.  Also make sure the AG Unit is not near a window, or any appliance that can give off heat.  Heat from appliances can and often warm the water in the bowl which then can cause the algae in the bowl and /OR on the sponge.

2)  If you see Algae you can place 1 tsp (good for Harvest units and larger) in the bowl itself. 

3)  Make sure the pump is plugged in.  Absence of water circulation can also cause the algae on the sponge and in the bowl.  They suggested to try removing the filter on the pump and turning the dial to the right for more intensity of the pump.

4)  The sponge is too close to the label not allowing for air circulation, push the sponge into the cage a little more.



NOTE:  I will also be placing this in the AG FAQ Thread in the General Forum.

[carmen]

Well I know the water is warm, don't have the temp though, just something I noticed. And there is very little room between the sponges and the labels. Good tips. I have to change the water today anyhow, so I'll make a few adjustments.

[Shawn]

If it gets warm before a rinse and refill is needed, throw ice cubes in.  I do that all the time in the Herb Garden.

[carmen]

Will do. I actually thought it would stay cooler since my airpump in on the window sill. Figured it would pump in some cool air. lol

[Michiel]

My alternative to the grow sponge is rock wool.. 150 pieces cost me €14,71 (incl shipping and taxes) on amazon. (So about 18,26 US $)

You just need to consider that rock wool fibers are something to watch out for, so wear gloves while handling. I can fit about three quarters of a 2,5 x 2,5 cm cube in the plastic holder.

In the picture below you can see how it fits within the holder. The tomato plant actually comes from an AG grow kit, but instead of cutting/throwing away the additional sprouting tomato plants, I transplanted one. This way it feels a little bit less like wasting a good plant, plus I saved a seed pod from the kit for a later time. Also, both plants are practically at the same growing stage. A third sprouting seed I did remove though, but I recon that both tomato plants in one bounty will be plenty. lol