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What would be the best "substrate" for these Kratky bottle plugs to hold seeds or cuttings in place?
(slrpnk.net)
I designed and printed these adapters, which fit into used glass bottles. I use them to grow lettuce, basil, and more.
I will publish the files very soon and also make a post about them :)
Right now, I'm trying different materials to use as substrate for holding the seeds, but most I tried sucked in one way or another.
- LECA is too coarse, and the balls roll out.
- Coco coir is washed out quickly when filling the bottles/ when raining, and rots in the nutrient solution
- Polyester filling (used for pillows) is either completely soaked, or bone dry, but works reasonably well
- PVA sponges become too hard when dry
- Cotton/ other cellulose stuff (towel, etc.) decompose too quickly
Can you suggest me other materials that would be best suited for that purpose?
Spagnum or some other moss (preferably home grown). if you buy it make sure to get the stuff that is still slightly alive (dried not toasted else it will rot and not work very well.
Most "sustainable" sources aren't all that sustainable, but its my favourite substrate nonetheless, I'm currently trying to grow it myself (not very sucsesfully tho)
Great suggestion! I totally forgot about that! Spongy, wicking, doesn't degrade fast, and the best thing: I'm also currently trying to grow it myself!
(Still learning tho.)
I collected many different samples from different places (forest, concrete, etc.) and see what thrives and what not