CompuServe Messages

Don, I too am interested in alternative mediums for seed starting. This year, I'm trying a few hundred Park's Starts. You know, the peat plugs about the size of your pinkie that are held together by a biodegradable rubbery binder. They fit neatly into 3 and 1/2 inch long pieces of 3/4 inch pvc tubing and also stand up to aeroponic spray. Unfortunately, they break-up when constantly free-floated on nutrient solutions making them impractical for certain applications. Another factor is the cost. $50 for 864 cylinders is too much money. Since I raise around 3,000 seedlings each spring, I look for bargains. I'm not sure this is one of them. I have never used Oasis, as described by Ms. Blakelock. But I've stopped experimenting with any non-reusables I would hesitate to put into my flower beds or the landfill. A few thousand cubes of expanded polystyrene may prove difficult to compost or naturally assimilate in your vegetable garden. May I make a suggestion? A bank of 24 – 4 foot fluorescent fixtures will light an 8 X 8 foot grow area well enough to raise stocky plants. This bank equipped with wide spectrum bulbs costs approximately $432, and produces 42,240 lumens of light using 1,920 watts of power. A single Super Metal Halide fixture with bulb, lens, balast, and everything runs about $360 and will light the same 8X8 foot area. BUT is makes 125,000 lumens (nearly 3 times the light) and consumes only 1,000 watts of power. I use three of these in my basement nursery with enormous success. In addition to the power savings and huge light output, your wiring and timer scheme is greatly simplified. I highly recommend the fluorescent solution for anyone looking to raise a few trays, but if you're growing 1,000 seedlings I urge you to look into easier, more economical lighting.