Growing Media Guide
Rockwool vs Coco/Perlite (70/30)
Pick the medium that matches your plants and workflow. Both work great with a gravity-fed, on-demand valve system—no pumps or timers needed. Quick comparison below, then prep steps.
| Best for | Rockwool: uniform seedlings, leafy greens, plugs to net pots. | Coco/Perlite 70/30: fast vegetative growth, herbs, peppers, tomatoes. |
|---|---|---|
| Water holding / Air | High water-holding capacity with good oxygen once conditioned; consistent cubes. | Excellent aeration and drainage; forgiving to over-watering. |
| Prep | Soak and pH-condition to ~5.5–6.0 before planting. | Rinse to remove fines and pre-charge with a light nutrient solution. |
| Maintenance | Stable once dialed; monitor for EC buildup. | Tends to hold salts less; easy to flush if needed. |
Rockwool (1.5” Starter Plugs)
- Clean, uniform starts; roots strike quickly through cubes.
- Great for greens, herbs, and transplanting into larger pots/net cups.
- Prep: Soak 15–30 min in pH-adjusted water (~5.5–6.0), shake off excess.
- Irrigation: Let the on-demand valve cycles handle watering—avoid constant top-watering.
Coco/Perlite (70/30 Blend)
- Airy roots with fast drainage; very forgiving for new growers.
- Great for herbs, peppers, compact tomatoes, and leafy greens.
- Prep: Rinse to remove fines; pre-charge with 0.6–0.8 EC nutrient solution.
- Irrigation: Capillary action works well; avoid compacting the mix.
Targets: pH 5.5–6.0 for greens; EC 1.2–2.0 (strain & stage dependent).
Keep solution ~65–72 °F (18–22 °C). Flush lines briefly when changing nutrients; keep filters clean.
Seeded Rockwool
Condition cubes, seed, then let the on-demand valve cycles handle irrigation.
Filling with Coco/Perlite
Rinse, pre-charge, and avoid compacting the mix for optimal aeration.
