She sure could lure quite a few of us there with her plants! Kell, where about do you live? North, South, East or West? Lol...
I am sold!!!
WOW!
I just stumbled on this thread and what a treasure find!
I have a bunch of seeds that I was going to put in light soil as I usually do, but this rockwool everyone's talking about seems like something I should try. Las year I bought a bunch of Oasis cubes (a sort of sponge like the ones used by florists). I actually bought these to try and root brug cuttings, but I had no success. I wanted to try to use them to start seeds but I chickened out. Based on all the rave reviews I see here for rockwool I will definitely buy some tomorrow ad a local hydroponics supply store.
Maybe there should be a rockwool co-op??????
That sounds like a good idea!
This message was edited Jan 18, 2004 11:04 AM
I can't wait for mine to get here! I am sitting on my hands being good, but I am itching to get more planted! Maybe mine will get here by Thursday and I can get to planting then.
I have been trying to get to Worms Way to check out the different sizes and packaging systems. Without seeing it/them in person, the best way to go seems to be the block that is 6x36x3. Those go for $3 (2# as far as mailing). They have no holes but from what I read, it is easy to add those or slits. The top area would be 216" and if you did one inch blocks out of that, 3" deep, you could do 216 seedlings. That does not seem so bad and with the extra depth, you'd have somewhere for the root to go for longer. What do you think? I still want to look at the plug size too. I think I have been a bit hesitant about buying because when I did a search on rockwool in Ohio, I pulled up a bunch of info pages about buildings being insulated with it, the amount of bat guana it holds and the dangers of removing it-both the rockwool and the poo.
Chele, maybe with the danger of small particles flying in the air you should bite the bullet and get the ones that need minimal manipulation. Is that block solid? My block is preformed in cubes with just the very tops attached to each other. Less tearing it apart.
It's this one Kell. http://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=GRS355 Don't pay attention to the description though, it is the same for most of them. That also pertains to the front page price when you do a search. Being prego and also having a little one with virally induced asthma, I do have to be a bit more careful. I don't really want me or my kids (or animals) breathing the stuff.
Make sure you have it wet before you cut it. I would think that would keep the particles from flying. And do it outside!
If they are wet, the stuff would not fly through the air. I bought a slab and cut it. I made it into bigger cubes, but cut it in half depth wise and then just scored it on the top into cubes. I don't know how it will be to tear apart, but guess I'll find out.
That is an EXCELLENT point, kell! The rockwool needs to be WET before you cut the cubes into the desired size for your container. Less fibers that will float around in the air! That also pertains to vermiculite and perlite too! Much less dust that will fly into the air and get inhaled into your lungs!!!
Scooterbug, Hibiscus, C.C., & fellow rockwool lovers - I would run the idea of a rockwool co-op past Dave or Terry. They are the ones that would need to okay it and then post the thread in the Co-op Forum. Has anyone looked into the various companies that offer it for the most competitive prices? Quantities needed? Price breaks?
P.S. I did a search under "rockwool". I came across this solution and wondered if anyone was using it in conjunction with their rockwool and if you noticed any difference. http://www.wormsway.com/detail.asp?sku=ERC505
(ERC505 ) Europonic Rockwool Conditioner - $9.95 for 1qt.
Europonic Rockwool Conditioner is a pre-conditioner that adjusts and stabilizes rockwool for maximum nutrient uptake.
This message was edited Jan 18, 2004 5:06 PM
Kell, that is a good idea about wetting it first before cutting it to size. The box that it comes in could be taken outside and a slab carefully removed.
I am glad the danger of pearlite and vermiculite were also mentioned. In Texas the Home Depots will not sell vermiculite because the dust particles cause cancer. Whenever I purchase either one, I open the bag and spray with the water hose to wet all of it completely.
Everyone needs to take the time to read these articles that MaVieRose linked in this thread. There is a lot of very important information on rockwool, how to use it for horticultural purposes and how it may affect one's health. Make sure to use gloves and a face mask when handling this inert material. http://davesgarden.com/t/414564/
Geez Frannie, you are a wealth of info! I never heard that about vermiculite!! Scary HD won't sell it. I also read that bone meal was dangerous because of Mad Cow Disease, and though I eat beef, I have not used bone meal since. It made sense to me they would use the sick cows for this.
I always wondered about hairspray. You can't tell me that those aerosol chemical particles that you aim above your nose and mouth do not cause problems as they settle down to the ground and you are breathing them in. Has anyone ever read about a study on that?
This message was edited Jan 18, 2004 7:00 PM
((( CC ))))
Most reasonable IMO.............http://www.bghydro.com sheets of small cubes for starting seeds and they have rockwool food/conditioner also, but sell it in dry form.. A lot cheaper than paying for water in it!
.....The wrapped cubes from other suppliers are mainly used for cuttings so it retains more water. Unwrapped is cheaper and better for seed starting ....so I'm told by my supplier =)
I just read more and I am happy to report that the rating of rockwool has changed.
"In October 2001 WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer removed stone wool from a classification as "Possibly carcinogenic to man."
From my reading I have learned that workers do not even have to wear masks when working with it unless the work area is particularly dusty with fibers. They can even inhale a certain amount. Most articles I found have to do with it as being used as insulation.
Please research yourself to decide what is best for your own health.
I found these links useful.
[HYPERLINK@216.239.51.104]
[HYPERLINK@216.239.41.104]
I guess this is why there are no warnings about it attached to the product we have received.
Yay kell !
Kell, do you use bottom heat? I started my last batch of seeds (not in rock wool) on Dec 21. As of this morning, not 1 sprout!! Some I started DENO, some I started in cups with a dome. I guess since the weather has cooled off, they don't get enough warmth (inside). I've moved some on top of my computer monitor to see if the heat gets them started.
Got to find some of this rockwool, looks like a great way to start.
In case you can't find the other thread on Rockwool, Dave has moved it to the FAQ forum.
This message was edited Jan 19, 2004 10:19 AM
Seed, you're looking at the small plugs and then the 3X3? There is the 1.5X1.5 size in between that come connected together by the wrapping, but still are individual when you take them apart. You can write on the paper and it might control more of the airborn stuff since there is paper around the perimeter of the cube. I bought a sample from Wormsway after you mentioned it (had it shipped up here). They've been working quite well and I don't notice any flying particles (of course there may be those that I don't see).
The hole is not that big a deal as you likely want to put in two or three seeds anyway.
Just my 2 cents.
Morph, I am leaning most toward the sheet which is 3 inches thick, 6 inches wide and 36 inches long. I figure the extra depth would keep them a bit longer. Those are only $3. I have not fully decided what I am doing. LOL With the baby due in about 2.5 months and still working and my herd here, I'm almost afraid to start too much. Geeze!
Really Chele, you must be Wonder Woman! All you do now is impressive!
Linda, I never have used bottom heat but I did germinate my seeds before I potted them up. I always used the paper towel method which was a huge improvement on just planting them in dirt for me. I failed at the planting in dirt method! LOL.
If I were you, I would dig the seeds up gently in case they have sprouted, and lay them on top of the soil and slightly pushed in. I did well with this method also. Monika's method! Also are all your seeds enclosed in a miniGH? Really helps I find!
Gee Morph, I found that most of my seeds germinated in the rockwool so if you put 2 to 3 seeds in one hole won't the roots get so tangled? Do you pull them out to separate as soon as they germinate?
I did the true test of rockwool, I planted up an entire premature pod. Let see if miracles can happen!!
I just talked to someone that works at worms way and she said she handles and packs the rockwool all the time and she really does not believe there is any danger from the dust or otherwise. I'm too pooped today to do anything so maybe I'll run down tomorrow after preschool. Wouldn't it be cool if they had a scratch and dent section? LOL
From what I read Chele, it can be irritating to some people's skin. It doesn't bother me but Ma Vie got a reaction.
They may have scratch and dent! it is easily pulled apart! LOL
Hey, I could take all the kids and 'scratch and dent' some! LOL No, I would never but working retail, I have seen what kids can do. Like bulls in a china shop.....
I remember reading someone got broken rockwool. I wonder how often that happens?
Please take the time to read this very informational thread on Rockwool - http://davesgarden.com/t/414564/ .
I for one, am not at all worried about Rockwool! I also use Perlite and Vermiculite, have not had any problems, but do dump them in things while outside, as they have a cloud of dust(powder). If you are suppersenative to allergies, etc. use caution, otherwise it isn't that big of threat to most of us. I love it, it answers all my brug seed sowing problems. WOW, where am I gonna put all these plants?........I'll find a place!
LOL Chele! Having your little army could create all sorts of havoc everywhere. I bet just by charm alone they could pretty much get what ever they wanted.
I am with you Gloria, I keep looking at my seedlings grow and wonder where am I going to put all of these! Soon they will not fit on my lighting shelves. I started another 100 last night. I am nuts! Before I would lose a lot to rot or no germination, now with rockwool I have way too many growing up! I may have to move some back to the windowsills. In February I will move the biggest seedlings outdoors. Kick them out of the nest!
Now I need to find cheap pots and some land! LOL
We have an acre + of good soil(old golfcourse), but it is to be 8 tonight 20's daytime, so don't think seedlings would be too grateful! Good thing DH lets me grow in 4 rooms and basement GH.
I use a cup of vermiculite covered with a clear cup for starting most seeds, and have pretty good luck. It just seems to be taking so long with this batch but maybe it's because I'm so bored I look about 10 times a day to see if anything is happening. I've moved a few to the top of my computer monitor to see if it makes a difference.
Linda....well I see 1 sprout! LOL
How clever of you to figure out the cup on a cup! I use the old Mcdonald salad cups with the dome covers and I love them!
At a month I would dig a seed out and see if it is still there. Also did you peel them? If not, I would peel a few and make sure there is an inner seed. Some say it can take a long time, so I guess patience!
I just remembered I had this problem last year. I moved my potted seeds to my car. And it worked! Of course it was much later so the car warmed way up during the day.
Kell,recognize any of these babies?
LOL CC. Too cool. Looking good! So how long did it take yours to germinate in the rockwool?
I started them in paper towels first on the 4 of January,as soon as I saw them starting to sprout I got them in the rockwool.Some I have in regular pots of soil with vermiculite on them.I don't see much difference in the speed between them and the wool,some I tried both methods,I will say I peeled(which I hardy ever do) soaked in 10% bleach then added water to dilute and soaked over nite,paper toweled them in a baggie.......time will tell
Also I found a whole lot of my new seeds that I just havested are empty....glad I peeled .Out of 50 seeds from my double white X creamsickle only 6 had anything in them...and they didn't look hopeful,they were kinda flat looking.A lot of my Maya were empty too.....
This looks like a great method,but I have never seen rockwool at my garden center.Would one also find it at a builders supply store?Where do you get yours from Monika? Maybe I can make a trip over the border soon and look in the German garden centers if they have it there.
Any place that sells hyroponics supplies should have it....
LOL CC......the reason I like rockwool is to bypass all those steps and get them to sprout fast in the rockwool. I have been moving mine into dirt as soon as they sprout!
Funny seeing you here now Gwist, I just emailed you back. LOL,several times.
Gwist, I didnot find it in any garden centers where I live. I found it in a hydroponics store like CC mentioned. If you have none, do a google search!
Gwist,
Here is a place in the UK. Maybe you can send for it through them.
http://www.rockwool.co.uk/sw8223.asp
Good luck,
Donna