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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?
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