The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

In most cases, hydroponic plants are planted with ready-made seedlings. But it is not always possible to find seedlings of the right variety and in the required quantity. This is especially true for exotic plants. Parsley and dill are also quite difficult to plant in a sprouted form. Therefore, there is only one way out – to germinate the seeds in a hydroponic plant with your own hands.

Germinating seeds in hydroponics

Germination of seeds in hydroponic installations, like the cultivation of adult plants, has some peculiarities. The main difference is that the seeds cannot be immersed in the ground. The use of land in hydroponics is unacceptable, and flushing the roots will lead to disease of the bush and long acclimatization.

The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

You will also have to get planting material – on the water. And so that the seeds do not wash away, and they do not germinate in one lump, you can use one of the proven methods.

Tape germination.

One of the most popular and effective ways. Great for getting shrubs to be planted one at a time. To implement it, you will need plastic tape (you can cut a regular garbage bag into ribbons 7-10 cm wide) and toilet paper:

  • A plastic tape is laid out on a flat surface, toilet paper is rolled out on it and moistened abundantly.
  • Seeds are spread on moistened paper at a distance of 3-4 cm (closer to the edge).
  • Then the tape is rolled up and placed in a glass with the seeds facing up.
  • As it sprouts, water is poured into the glass, it soaks the toilet paper and makes the future sprouts and young root system dry out. If desired, growth stimulants, for example, “Kornevin”, can be added to the water.

The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

Seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent place after the appearance of the second true leaf. Using this method, transplanting is quick and painless for plants. It is enough to unwind the roll and carefully separate each plant.

Seedlings on tea bags

A fairly new and specific way. Plants are cultivated on spent tea leaves with a small addition of loose substrate:

  • The top of the used and dried bag is cut off, a pinch of the substrate is added to the resulting bag;
  • The resulting mixture is moistened and prepared seeds are planted.
  • The tea bags are wrapped with toilet paper (for stability) and placed in a shallow container.

One tea bag holds one or two seeds. The method can be used only with the further growing of plants by the capillary method. The bag along with the seedling is simply placed in the substrate in a new place.

Tea brewing has a bactericidal effect. Seedlings obtained in this way are less susceptible to fungal diseases.

Peat tablets

If you don’t want to mess around with tea bags, I use regular peat tablets. You can buy them at any specialized store. Plants are planted at the rate of one or two seeds per tablet.

  • Before planting, the tablets are soaked in a weak solution of manganese, this will reduce the risk of fungal infection.
  • A seed is shallowly immersed in a soaked and opened tablet.
  • The resulting plantings are put in a shallow dish and wait for the emergence of two true leaves at the shoots. Then the tablet can be transplanted into the hydroponic capillary irrigation system.

The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

Peat tablets should be watered often enough, as peat tends to dry out quickly. Especially if the dishes with seedlings are located near heat sources.

Vermiculite

This is another method using ready-made soil designed specifically for hydroponic systems. The technique is ideal for growing greenery and crops requiring dense planting. Vermiculite can be used directly in the boxes (troughs) of the capillary installation at a permanent growth site. Or in pots, which, after emergence, are placed in a tidal structure.

The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

Expanded clay is poured onto the bottom of the pot or gutter and covered with a small layer of vermiculite. Seeds are planted on top of the ground and carefully watered with water from a spray bottle (so as not to wash off the crops). The seedlings are replenished, as in conventional cultivation, as they dry out.

In addition to the above methods, you can plant seeds in eggshells, in wet cotton wool or plastic bags. But in principle, they differ little from those given above, but are more difficult to execute.

Operating a hydroponic system

After receiving the first shoots, you can proceed to the launch of the hydroponic system. If necessary, transplant the resulting plants and monitor their further development.

Planting seedlings

One of the most difficult stages on which the further development of plants depends. If, during transplantation, the suction roots are damaged, the bush will take root for a long time in a new place and will lag behind in development. And this, in turn, will affect the timing of the harvest and the quality of products.

The method of obtaining sprouts must be immediately selected in accordance with the irrigation system, on which further cultivation of the crop is planned. If it is capillary irrigation, then it is better to use tea bags or peat tablets, which are immersed in the new type of substrate without damaging the root system. But with tidal or drip irrigation, it is advisable to germinate seeds using the belt method. In this case, the roots do not have to be washed off.

The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

When the plants are ready for planting, they are carefully dipped in pots and fixed with a small amount of wet substrate. At the first stage, the roots of the plants should not touch the nutrient solution. They will receive all the necessary substances from a moist substrate. It is also initially recommended to pour clean water into the system and only a week later, after transplanting, fertilizers can be applied.

Garter plants

Growing indeterminate plants in hydroponic installations, one has to face the problem of tying a bush. This is most felt in systems with limited height. Garter is carried out in two ways.

Bending down trunk

This is a method of artificial crown formation, in which the main stem, upon reaching a certain height (usually 4-5 nodes), begins to bend into a horizontal position. At the same time, the leaves are tied up so that the light freely falls on the secondary shoots.

Horizontal orientation is inconvenient for development, as a result of which the plant begins to activate the vertical growth of secondary shoots. This allows for a large, lush bush and reduces heights. Folds are best done a few hours after watering, when the stems are most elastic.

The garter begins by fixing the root part of the plant with a stretch. Then, with the help of a rope, they bend the top of the bush. Only then can the large leaves be removed to the sides and the central part of the stem can be raised.

Сетка

If the method of bending the shoots turned out to be too difficult or not feasible under certain conditions, you can use a special mesh. Install it at the required height so that the plant does not touch the lighting fixture. After the bush rests against the mesh, the trunk bends spontaneously and continues to grow in the horizontal plane.

In fact, both methods are similar. The first looks more aesthetically pleasing and gives you the ability to control harvest and shading. Facilitates the process of harvesting and inspecting plants for diseases or fungal infections.

Some cultures have a positive attitude towards crown pinching. For example, certain varieties of tomatoes. From ornamental crops, the formation of a crown by pinching geraniums is good. After removing the crown, the growth of secondary shoots is activated. As a result, the bush grows wider and gives more fruit. Tying a formed bush is also much easier.

The basics of planting and growing seeds in a hydroponic plant

System operation control

Controlling plant growth in hydroponic systems is essential every day. Particular attention should be paid to such points as:

  • sufficient illumination;
  • regular (at least once every 3-4 weeks) change of the nutrient solution;
  • removing garbage from the system. Dead leaves and flowers;
  • the water temperature in the system should not be lower than 200.

In addition, regular inspection of plants for infestation by pests or diseases is important. In a closed system, fungi and infections can destroy the entire crop in a matter of days.

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Anna Evans

Author ✓ Farmer

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