How to use seed starting plugs is simple; you have to soak them in water, preferably around 24 hours. Then place the starting plugs in grow trays where you put the seeds afterwards. However, different kinds of seed starting plugs may vary in usage. We will tackle it later in this article.
Plants grow faster when using starting plugs as it is ideal for germination. It provides the right amount of oxygen and has the perfect water to soil ratio needed by plants to grow effectively. Seed starting plugs usually are placed on trays to hold onto the soil.
If you know how to use seed starting plugs, it would be beneficial for you, especially if you’re developing your greenhouse. Well, it is cheap and easy to use. Typically done indoors, seed starting plugs are often seen inside greenhouses to promote germination before placing the seed outdoors.
Types Of Seed Plugs
Before we give you the steps to use seed starting plugs, you’d want to get to know the different kinds of germinating plugs to differentiate and choose what’s best for your greenhouse.
Classic seed starting plugs are usually traditional soil, peat, coco coir, etc. However, this type of soil is best outdoors as it may require you to aerate the soil. Seeds need the right amount of moisture, aeration and will be able to prevent plant diseases.
Using seed plugs is ideal for indoor gardening in the United Kingdom as it is low maintenance. Here is a list of seed starting plugs you’d want to use:
1. Flexible plugs
This type of seed plug is the perfect medium for your seeds as it provides the right amount of moisture and soil needed by the plant.
Flexible plugs are neat and clean, unlike traditional soil that is loose and messy to handle. It contains organic material such as coco coir held together by polymers – imagine it like a rubbery glue.
Because of their structure, these polymer-bound plugs are easy to handle, making them easy to transfer. You won’t have to tear or cut plugs apart since the seed plugs are separated already from each other.
Flexible plugs will save you time filling trays with seed plugs. Lastly, these plugs make germination faster. With all these benefits these seed starting plugs have, you will almost forget their flaws.
The downside of using this kind of seed plug is that it is harder to reuse. Once the seedling matures and its root system starts to expand, the polyester plugs will already be damaged, making them no longer reusable.
One more thing, it takes about 3 to 4 years before polyester seed plugs decompose. Additionally, it can be pretty expensive.
2. Rock wool
Another alternative made from a type of rock cooked at a high temperature, turned into fibre using a machine commonly known for insulation.
Rockwool is an excellent tool for seed starting and cloning plants. However, it’s not biodegradable, as it stays in the landfills forever.
If you opt for environmentally friendly products, then do not use rock wool as seed starting plugs.
3. Jiffy plugs
Jiffy seed plugs are composed of soil and compost. This type of seed starting plug is perfect for beginners as its consistency is the same as traditional soil.
However, it is pricey since you have to purchase it by piece, and it is hard to handle because it is a loose medium. Having to transfer it may take you a while.
There are many more types of seed starting plugs available in the market. Be sure to be mindful of its content if it is suitable for your plants. We recommend you choose a growing medium eco-friendly and will provide the desired ratio of oxygen to soil and water for your plants.
Tips In Using Seed Starting Plugs
The method of how to use seed starting plugs would vary to their type. Some seed starting plugs first soaked in water or nutrient-filled substance before putting in a grow tray. However, seed plugs such as flexible plugs don’t need to be soaked at all.
After placing the seed plugs in the tray, you can put the seed to the seed’s hole starting plugs used. Other UK gardeners would place their seeds in a wet towel to know which ones will germinate. You can use this technique as well to make sure that the plant will grow.
Nevertheless, the usage of seed starting plugs would depend on what type and how manufacturers recommend using them. Therefore, make sure to read the product’s instructions before using it.
Conclusion
Growing your seed would be ideal when starting a polytunnel since you have control over the plant’s growth factors. Indoor gardening in the UK is best for controlling the amount of soil, water, and sunlight during the seed’s germination.
Here is when seed starting plugs come in. Seed starting plugs provide the ideal amount of oxygen and soil; some types contain nutrients that enhance the plant’s growth quality.
Moreover, using seed starting plugs will help you grow more seeds as it occupies less space. You can choose different kinds of growing trays that hold seed plugs in place.
Now that you know the benefits seed starting plugs have for you and their flaws, we hope you’d find the right type for your plants. Thank you for reading our article about how to use seed starting plugs; we hope you learned a lot!