Reusable Grow Medium Showdown: Silicone vs Steel for Growing Microgreens | Hydroponics | Soilless
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2023
- 🌱 In this video we compare the growth of Red Acre Cabbage Microgreens on our Silicone Reusable Grow Medium, verses the Stainless-Steel Reusable Grow Medium that we sell on www.onthegrow.net !! We wanted to see if there are any Key Differences in the germination rate between the two mediums, as well as plant growth, and cleaning prep time.
We’d love to continue testing the two mediums next to each other for more Microgreen crops in the future and see if the results we had in this video for Red Acre Cabbage Microgreens carry over to other seed types & varieties.
Either way, its really nice to have a comparison of our Silicone Reusable Grow Medium, next to our Stainless-Steel Reusable Grow Medium and being able to watch the germination process, Microgreen Growth, Harvesting process and clean-up process together. And we hope that this video can help shed some light on which medium is the better choice!
If you’re curious to know more about these mediums, we have tons of videos out for both, with more on the way! Both mediums in this video our sold on our website www.onthegrow.net
Happy growing y’all, we hope you enjoy this video and our new shorter format!
IN THIS VIDEO →
➽ Reusable Grow Mediums: onthegrow.tv/ReusableMediums
➽ 1020 Trays: onthegrow.tv/Trays
➽ Micro-Dose Shirt: onthegrow.tv/Merch
➽ 120mm Fans: onthegrow.tv/Fans
➽ Harvesting Knife: onthegrow.tv/HarvestKnife
➽ Scraper/Cleaning Tool: onthegrow.tv/MediumCleaner
➽ Countertop Grow Light Kit: onthegrow.tv/GrowLightKit
➽ Our Indoor Pots/Planters: onthegrow.tv/Pots-Planters
➽ Ocean Solution: onthegrow.tv/OS203
➽ Our Favorite Microgreen Seeds: onthegrow.tv/Microgreenseeds
➽ Watering Tool: homedepot.sjv.io/Z9NQ0
➽ Free Seeding Guide: onthegrow.tv/OTGseedingguide
➽ Nutrient Ratio's Article: onthegrow.tv/HydroNutrients
➽ Guide to Selling Microgreens Article: onthegrow.tv/SellingMicrogreens
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#Microgreens #Gardening #Howtogrowmicrogreens - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
So which one was better?
thank you this answered all my questions.
Have tried stainless before. Make sure your first aid kit has band-aids, you will eventually cut your self on the edges. The bend is another downside in my opinion, might have been the cause of that dip in this test. The edges were slanted slightly, could tell from when you put the seeds in.
Both options are better than soil for sure, just wished i had bitten the bullet $ sooner and invested in reusable mats. Making the conversion now, have wasted too much $ on soil...probably $5k over the last 4y.
Thank you for writing this comment. You helped answer my extra questions.
Great video! Thank you. 😎👍
Thank you for watching, we're glad you enjoyed it!
Have you tried using the scraper instead of the knife? You’d get an even cut across, with less waste.
Where did you get your water sprayer?
Awesome😊
Thanks for watching!
Do you have to put them on a mesh 1020? This is amazing.
I might get some of that silicone mesh. I tried biostrate and don't really like how the roots get so deeply embedded and it inhibits the growth and the microgreens sart to die off as it dries faster in some spots than others.
I have both. I really like the silicone
Agreed! The silicone has been really nice for us too, faster to clean too!
Curious if on that tutorial if you’re using your ocean solution for bottom watering?
Awesome.
Glad you enjoyed this video!
Just clicked the link to your sight and bought some. Going to give it a try. Thanks.@@OnTheGrow
The silicone looks really handy. I just wonder about the material. Does the silicone contain plasticizers for instance or could it be harmful in the long run when the material weakens / ages?
Food-grade silicone, in its pure form, does not contain plasticizers. It is a synthetic polymer made primarily from silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. Unlike some plastics that may require plasticizers to enhance flexibility and durability, silicone is naturally flexible and does not require the addition of plasticizers to achieve these properties.
Food-grade silicone is generally considered safe for food contact, and it is designed to be stable and resistant to leaching or releasing harmful chemicals. However, as with any material, food-grade silicone can break down over time, especially when exposed to high temperatures, UV light, or mechanical stress. When it breaks down, it may release small amounts of silicone compounds, but these are generally not considered harmful to human health.
If the silicone products show signs of deterioration, such as cracks or changes in texture, it's a good practice to replace them to maintain safety and quality standards. Generally it should last a few years with no issues with proper care.
Happy growing!
do you eat all those stems and roots?
So, do we worry about the partial left-over greens broke off and stuck between the mesh when cleaning? Are these dishwasher safe? Is there anything else that I have to do to prep these meshes before I use for a second grow? I'm really interested, I just want to know what I'm getting myself into.
You always want to do your best to remove what you can before cleaning them. With the silicone, it's sometimes easier than the steel. Depending on the root mass. While they are dishwasher safe, we personally don't suggest it. It's better to clean them by hand or use a power washer for the steel. Before growing a 2nd time, always sanitize the medium.
Here are two blogs you should read to learn more about both
Silicone - onthegrow.net/blogs/news/meet-our-new-reusable-microgreen-grow-medium-silicone
Steel - onthegrow.net/blogs/news/reusable-microgreen-grow-medium-complete-guide
We'll likely do an update to the steel blog soon after we finish planning our wedding.
The main thing with reusable is properly cleaning & sanitizing, storing and then when using, watering is key to a good grow.
I just bought stainless steel mesh from your store! Getting ready to set up, but I have a couple of questions. On which day do you switch from spraying to filling the bottom tray? Do you add anything to your water, and does the bottom tray ever need to be cleaned out/dried during the 11 days? TYSM
when the roots poke through keep the water in the bottom, roots need air and water so do not drown them or the plants will die. dumping the old water is not necessary but the old water will lack oxygen and it does not hurt probably not necessary. It all depends on if you grow for you or to sell.
if you turn the mats over and use the scraper on the bottom side of the mats you won't need to cute them to harvest!
That's a great suggestion! We'll have to give that a try next time!
Do you rest the mat on the plants while scraping?
I guess that would only work with the SS, because it’s more rigid. With silicone, you’d damage the plants by applying pressure when scraping the bottom
When u cut MG, it's more cleaner, no empty hulls nor soggy bottom stems.
I am almost ready to harvest and I will try that with my stainless.
The silicone I had been using gets 2 uses and then wants to curl up after that. It curls bad. Does your silicone sheets last and for how long?
That's odd... our brand does not do that, and I've been using the same sheets for nearly a year now!
@@OnTheGrow I wonder if cutting them for 9x13 trays changes them? I'll get them from you if I know they will work. I loved the ones I have/had at first lol.
Dishwasher?
Does this way of growing affect the health benefits in a negative way? I heard it did, but haven't done much research. Seems easier and cleaner though
Hydroponics? That's more of an opinion. Growing microgreens hydroponically versus in soil does not inherently affect the health benefits of the harvested crops in a negative way. Both methods can produce highly nutritious greens, but there are some differences to consider:
Hydroponically grown microgreens absorb nutrients from a water-based solution, which can be carefully controlled and adjusted to optimize the nutrient uptake. Soil-grown microgreens obtain nutrients from the soil, which may have a more complex array of natural nutrients, depending on the soil quality.
Lights also play a factor too! So, It really boils down to using the right lights, and nutrients (giving the plants the correct care).
Its honestly really fun too! And there will always be some people who prefer soil over hydroponics. Both are great options depending on your grow style.
Weird they didn't mention the nutrient solution in their water, or the solution that should be there.
Are the holes the same sizes in the media?
Silicone is 1.2mm, Steel is 1mm
Could that be a reason for difference in germination rate and speed?
How many times can these be reused ?
Really depends on how you take care of them and handle them. For instance, we've used the same steel for over a year now and the same silicone for nearly a year. Also, all of our mesh have a 1 year warranty.
will these mats successfully grow amaranth?
EFGS makes mats that have a smaller gauge for seeds like amaranth and mustard.