Germination Techniques Video

Guest Post by: Mister H. of Frugal Hydroponics

After getting several germination questions I decided to create a quick video on some techniques and tips I have learned over time. It is important to point out that nature makes germination a simple process. A warming ground, increasing light, available moisture, and a medium to allow roots to expand and anchor the plant all combine to set the seed in motion to create a new plant.

With that being said, there is no “best” method, but the simple basics will almost always allow success. I present a method and a few products that economically fit my goals and current growing systems. I will “up-pot” the starts destined for outdoors soil in coir as it is sterile and will do well in soil. Those will be germinated in peat pellets or under paper towels. All plants going into hydroponic systems (indoors or outdoors) will be germinated under paper towels or in rockwool. They will then be”up-potted” into silica stone grow media.

The methods I outline allow me to “up-pot” into both soil based raised
beds and containers or hydro media with a consistent method and products (peat pellets / rockwool) while using a common lighting system and 1020 trays. My goal of a completely “soiless” environment in my basement start and hydroponic grow room is achieved.

I also posted this under the youtube channel “Misterhalfwaythere1” along with the rest of the hydroponic growing videos at the Mister Halfway Youtube Channel Don’t forget to subscribe!

About Mister H: I journal my hydroponic growing endeavor in my blog at Frugal Hydroponics. After prompting from friends and family and seeing a need to better record my results, the blog has proven a great platform for videos and photos of my progress, techniques, and of course results. Hydroponics is highly efficient and a great complement to our soil-based containers and raised beds.

Humidity is an Overlooked Factor in Cloning Systems

From my experience and what I’ve been reading on hydroponic forums, people all around are having faster cloning rates using a humidity dome. Humidity domes come in many forms. A simple dome is a clear plastic structure with just a few holes for oxygen exchange. The structure sits so that it is covering all the plants without smashing them. Spraying a fine mist along the walls of the dome will help boost the humidity. The more plants per sq. inch of space will also increase the humidity, but having clones packed in too tightly could cause them to fight for light, air, and moisture. The struggle may cause unnecessary stress instead of beneficial humidity. Make sure to keep an eye on the temperature when the humidity dome is on. It may lock in heat in its enclosed structure. Simply remove the dome for a few hours so the temperature can lower and fresh oxygen can be swept to the leaves. This is a good time to re-mist the dome so the humidity is high when you put it back into action.