#Seed Starting
3 messages in this thread
I start well over a thousand plants each year, this includes annuals,
vegetables, and a few perennials. I do this in the basement using a number
of 4' grow lights. In the past I have used a commerical soilless mix for my
growing medium. However, this year I have decided to try something new, and
this is my question to the forum. I am going to use the "Oasis Wedge
System". If they really work like I hope they will, I will save a lot of
time and money. Plus should have stronger transplants. Has anyone used this
product? Or does anyone know anything about this product?
Thanks………….
Never heard of them Don. ARe they made of rockwool?
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.