If you had to choose between Jiffy or rapid rooters... - GreenPassion.org - Dedicated to Medicinal Cannabis Cultivation and Education

serial_killer · #1 11-28-2009, 10:11 PM

With the intention of starting seeds that will be grown DWC, what would you choose? I know most people say not to use either fro hydro, but I am having a horrible time trying to start seedlings, I dont know what my problem is, so far I've killed 2 out of 3 White Widow seeds and I only have 2 more. Plus the one that is still alive isnt showing any new growth. I have no doubt I can grow them to decent healthy seedlings in jiffy pellets, I have used them for soil grows in the past, and I also use them for my vegetable garden so its what I'm most comfy with, the only reason I didnt use them is cause I always see people on here saying not to put them into hydro cause they'll cause root rot. It seems to me that DWC be the best way if your gonna do it, no water dripping onto the pellet, or flooding it to keep the pellet soaked.

operator1 · #2 11-28-2009, 10:13 PM

I have rapid rooters in my DWC, haven't heard any bad things about them myself. I love RR personally.

The Corsican · #3 11-28-2009, 11:12 PM

I concur with Operator,

Rapid rooter plugs are awesome. I use them after germinating my seeds. Just keep the plugs in the dark for a day or two and you'll have a bunch of healthy little sprouts. They work great in hydro setups. I haven't had any problems other than the stalk of my plants splitting the rapid rooter plugs because the growth is so good. And I wouldn't call that a problem, just something that will happen no matter what you use. My stalks are thick and beefy.

Go for the rapid rooters brother, you won't be sorry.

-the Corsican.

operator1 · #4 11-28-2009, 11:45 PM

they keep forever in the fridge too... I had a bag of 50 that I used throughout the first two grows for clones and stuff... then still had a few left over for my DWC setup to get started. The only time I throw them away is if they are smashed beyond recognition from sitting in the bag.

serial_killer · #5 11-28-2009, 11:46 PM

How long do you let the taproot get before you put them in the RR?

operator1 · #6 11-28-2009, 11:51 PM

not very long... maybe a half inch at most. Otherwise I find it a little tricky to get that root down in the hole without touching it a lot. I would go with about a quarter inch if you can, much easier to manage in my opinion. Put it down far enough so that the seed husk is below the top of the RR by about a 1/8 inch, then water enough to get them good and moist but not soggy and keep them that way. I also like to use a little superthrive in the water I use to germinate and water seeds... not sure if it makes a huge difference but keeping the stress level low from the start can't hurt.

deep[H2O]culture · #7 11-29-2009, 12:01 AM

like usual, only read the OP so i'm sorry if I repeat anything, but you nailed it with DWC man. Iv'e grown every way possible, and still to this day grow in both soil and hydro. But the prize winners always come from the deep waters my main man.

Rapid rooters is what I would go with, without question. I use gro-dan solely because sometimes I do product testing for Urban Garden mag and the good folks over there sent me more gro-dan than I know what to do with. And it dont look like ill be running out anytime soon. But if I were to buy starter plugs it would be RR for sure. Good luck man

BTW- nice to meet ya!

KGBLuVR · #8 11-29-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by operator1

not very long... maybe a half inch at most. Otherwise I find it a little tricky to get that root down in the hole without touching it a lot. I would go with about a quarter inch if you can, much easier to manage in my opinion. Put it down far enough so that the seed husk is below the top of the RR by about a 1/8 inch, then water enough to get them good and moist but not soggy and keep them that way. I also like to use a little superthrive in the water I use to germinate and water seeds... not sure if it makes a huge difference but keeping the stress level low from the start can't hurt.

Hey Op, I was talking to the guy that owns the local nursery today and he swears by superthrive. He also said that he soaks his medium in water with it in it for cuttings too. says really helps root development.

Also, and this is just something i read in a book and it works great for me, if you put the sead taproot up just after it cracks, it immediately turns down and starts to drive it's way down. as it does this it forces the sprout to break through the surface. If you will notice, and you probably have, the taproot always turns to kind of rap it's way around the shell.

I have nearly 100% survival rate when germinating this way...

I will see if I can find the article and post it

operator1 · #9 11-29-2009, 01:41 AM

I like superthrive... have used it in all the germinating and cloning I've done. That little bottle lasts a long time too since you only use a couple drops at a time.

KGBLuVR · #10 11-29-2009, 01:52 AM

yep, me too. I use it in my plain water and feed water. I think it great and you are right about it lasting a while...

Hatch · #11 11-29-2009, 02:14 AM

Rapid Rooters.

Lumix · #12 11-29-2009, 02:37 AM

One more for RR

I've tested RR, RW, and Sure to Grow

The Corsican · #13 11-29-2009, 07:08 AM

Hey KG,

I do the same as you, what until I get a little nub of a tap root showing then I put the seed in with the point (and the root nub) facing up. This way the the root won't try and reorient itself and have to make an unnecessary turn, wasting energy. But if you already have a long tap root then it's best to plant it pointing down.

-the Corsican.

tokecrazy · #14 11-29-2009, 09:44 AM

Hey, I use RR in hydro all the time.They work for soil or hydro.To me they are the best in grow plugs.I dont like rock-wool cubes,you have to ph them and they will hold to much water at times too.The rr-plugs all the way. Peace

green_nobody · #15 11-29-2009, 11:10 AM

my 2 cents:

I use jiffy tabs for literally everything, soil or hydro, sprucing seeds or taking clones. The tabs work well in a simple DWC unit with hydro clay pellets or in a rockwoll block - that setup works also well on an E&F table.
They work well, are cheap and easy to store and sold everywhere - there is never a supply shortage with jiffy tabs. A short ride to the next place that sells general gardening supplies will get you a pack of 100 for a couple bucks - let it be 5 cents a tab, and a pack of cress seeds to be totally kosher

KGBLuVR · #16 11-29-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Corsican

Hey KG,

I do the same as you, what until I get a little nub of a tap root showing then I put the seed in with the point (and the root nub) facing up. This way the the root won't try and reorient itself and have to make an unnecessary turn, wasting energy. But if you already have a long tap root then it's best to plant it pointing down.

-the Corsican.

Absolutely Corsican, if the taproot comes out and makes that first turn then its down all the way. I tend to check my seeds on a regular basis though because I have fat fingers and so if I can get them in just after they crack I won't rough up the taproot...

-KGBLuVR

I8ntLucky_UR · #17 11-29-2009, 02:17 PM

I love my RR's I just drop a seed in and let them grow!

Lumix · #18 11-29-2009, 03:31 PM

I have my own fool proof way of growing in the RR by first germinating in a paper towel till they have a 1/4"+ tap root.

I then transfer them to a RR by first splitting the RR down the middle of the hole about 1/2", laying them with the tap root down.

I close it up with cotton string to keep it it place, works every time YMMV