Question 1

Im new to these, can someone give me instructions? To water or not? to soak seeds prior? etc... it would sure help!

Accepted Answer

As long as the rapid rooter is still moist just plant the seed directly into it.  If it has dried out give it a quick soak. 5 minutes should be more than enough.  Do NOT prestart the seeds on a paper towel. That is literally a grade three science project, not how any serious gardener/farmer would ever do it.    Put them under lights immediately, even though the seeds haven't started yet. That will speed germination and prevent stretching when they do sprout.  Leafy greens and herbs 12h/ day, tomatoes/peppers/the other thing 18h/day.  NEVER 24h/day.  Start with the Fluorescent light 3-4 inches above the rooters and let the seedlings grow up to 1-2 inches. raise the lights to maintain 1-2 inches distance.

Question 2

Will these work in the HydroFarm float trays?  Will they fit? I'm concerned because one of the reviews mentioned something about them being square.

Accepted Answer

They will work fine in many trays, you just want to assure that you have not compressed the cell of the rooting plug, as this will cause a defeciency of oxygen and over-abundance of moisture which will lead to slow rooting or worse disease/death.   The plug must fit into the tray without the much of the sides being exposed or the roots will die as the emerge.  If you try to incorporate two cloning techniques (float tray/plug progation your gonna have issues as these plugs should never be saturated.    I also agree with Williams answer, using the chopsticks and that these plugs work better that others, and I've tried several.  If you poke a hole with a stick, just make usre that the cut stem doesn't extend past the plug.  Root Riot plugs have performed closer, but I still live these a little more.  My expereience with cloning machines leads me to disagree with Sugarfoot09's answer, as I went from having 99% good cutting yields to less than 75% with an EZ clone machine (which I now use as a $400, 18g reservoir...LOL).  If I want to root a cutting but do not want to have the start to be in a plug, I will support a cutting directly into a tray with water and add a couple air stones, enough to keep the water bubbling around the stem.  I use RO water (ph +/- 6  PPM >40), no pH adjustment, no rooting additives, and no cloning gels or powders. This is what the float trays are mimiking.If I use the peat puck trays, which contain no insert to support the plug, I cut down an insert tray to fit.  I only use these smaller trays if I want to save space or need to seperate plants at my cloning station.  Cloning is very easy, keep it simple and you'll do fine.

Question 3

Will this fit. In my Aero Garden holes?

Accepted Answer

If your holes are at least 1.5 inches in diameter then yes. They are 1.5 x 2 inches tall.

Question 4

CAN BE USED FOR ROSE SEEDS?

Accepted Answer

Dear Samuel, I believe those plugs are appropriate for rose as well as for any kind of small seed. It provides the media the seeds need to sprout and create the first root systems. I hope it can help you.

ASIN	B0002IU8K2
Brand Name	General Hydroponics
Coverage	plants in general
Customer Reviews	4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (12,267)
Global Trade Identification Number	00793094032537
Item Form	Plugs
Item Type Name	Plant Starters 50 Plugs
Item Weight	2.7 Pounds
Manufacturer	Hawthorne Hydroponics, LLC
Mixing Ratio	1:0:0
Model Number	714140
Number of Items	1
Part Number	HGC714135
Specific Uses For Product	Plant Growth, Root Development
Target Species	Plants
UPC	793094032537
Unit Count	50 Count

General Hydroponics Rapid Start

Details

Details

Description

Specifications

Common Questions