How To Use Seed Starting Plugs

How to use seed starting plugs is simple; you just have to soak them in water, preferably around 24 hours. Then place the starting plugs in grow trays where you put the seeds afterward. 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 unto the soil.

how to use seed starting plugs

If you know how to use seed starting plugs, then 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 seen most often inside greenhouses to promote germination before placing the seed outdoors.

Types Of Seed Plugs

Before we give you the steps on how 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 for outdoors as it may require you to aerate the soil. Seeds require the right amount of moisture, aeration, and will be able to prevent plant diseases.

Using the types of seed plugs is ideal for indoor gardening 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 its structure, these polymer-bound plugs are easy to handle, making it 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 this seed starting plugs have, you will almost forget its 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 it no longer reusable.

One more thing, it takes about 3 to 4 years before polyester seed plugs decompose. Additionally, it can be quite expensive.

 

2. Rock wool

Another alternative made from a type of rock cooked at a high temperature, turned into fiber 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 that is eco- friendly and will provide the desired ration of oxygen to soil and water for your plants.

 

Tips In Using Seed Starting Plugs

The method on how to use seed starting plugs would vary to its type. Some seed starting plugs are first soaked in water or nutrient-filled substance before putting it 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 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 to use it. Therefore, make sure to read the product’s instructions before using it.

 

Conclusion

Growing your seed would be ideal when starting a greenhouse since you have control over the factors affecting the plant’s growth. Indoor gardening is best for that as you can control 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 would 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 are aware of the benefits seed starting plugs has for you and its 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!

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