Don't Germinate In Your Grow System

Why You Shouldn't Germinate Seeds In Your System

Firstly, it is important to understand that a variable stage system involves having plants at different growth stages within the same system. When utilizing a Gardyn system or any hydroponic system, it may be tempting to germinate all your seeds directly in the system. However, this approach can lead to several complications.

 

• Varied Germination Rates: Different plants germinate at different rates. Some seeds will be ready for nutrients sooner than others. Those that are not ready can be stunted by receiving nutrients before they're ready. This can lead to weak cell structure and lower the plant's abilities to fight off pests and disease. 
   
• Nutrient Imbalance: In a multi-crop variable stage system, some crops require higher electrical conductivity (EC) levels than seedlings. Adding seedlings to a system with higher EC levels without proper acclimation can be detrimental to their growth. Here are some of the issues that can arise from this practice.
  • Nutrient Burn: High EC levels mean a higher concentration of nutrients, which can overwhelm young seedlings and cause nutrient burn. This can damage the roots and stunt growth.
     
  • Stunted Growth: Seedlings are sensitive to environmental changes, and sudden exposure to high EC levels can stress them, leading to stunted growth and poor development.
     
  • Root Damage: High nutrient concentrations can harm the delicate root systems of seedlings, making it difficult for them to absorb water and nutrients effectively.
     
  • Increased Disease Susceptibility: Stressed seedlings are more susceptible to diseases and pests, as their weakened state makes it harder for them to fend off infections.
     
  • Inconsistent Growth: Without proper acclimation, seedlings may grow unevenly, with some plants being more affected than others, leading to an inconsistent crop.

 

Understanding Nutritional Needs of Seeds, Sprouts, and Seedlings

Here are the needs of each stage of the germination process. Knowing these needs will help you understand the plant's development process and develop healthier, stronger plants with improved output.  For the actual process of Germination, see our Seed Starting Guide

 

So, on to the needs by stage:

Seeds

• Water and Humidity: Seeds need a warm, high humidity, and dark environment to germinate properly. Direct exposure to nutrients or light at this stage can inhibit their development. It's good practice to use a seedling tray with humidity dome and a seedling mat to keep the environment warm.  That is it at this stage of the process.

 

Sprouts

• Water and Light: Once seeds break through the Rockwool surface, they're now a sprout. Now they need consistent moisture and access to light to grow. If you keep them in the dark too long now, they will become "leggy" meaning they're stretching to find light. So, keep a close eye on the "breakthrough". Sprouts do not need nutrients. Early exposure can be harmful. Plants at this stage begin to develop their feeding process and receive their nutrition through these early leaves called Cotyledon. 

 

Seedlings

• Diluted Nutrients, Water, and Light: Once sprouts have developed into seedlings, they will finally require diluted nutrients, along with water and light. Introducing concentrated nutrients too soon can stunt their growth, so at this stage, you will introduce them to your nutrients in a diluted formulation. We only recommend Hydroponic Research nutrients for their purity, their ease of use and high quality. It is at this stage where you will begin to see "True Leaves" develop and roots should begin to push through your Rockwool. Here is where your plant will slowly begin to wean itself off the Cotyledon and feed off the nutrients provided to it. 

 

You have a Seedling, Now What.

This is where decisions must be made. If all your plants are in the same growth cycle, the process is straightforward: add your plants to your grow system. However, if your system contains plants at different growth stages, you will need to acclimatize them. This requires an additional seedling tray with increasingly higher levels of nutrients.

 

Acclimating Seedlings for Variable Stage Grow Systems
To ensure your seedlings thrive in a variable stage grow system, follow this method. It will acclimatize your seedling slowly and give it time to adjust without causing nutrient burn or other issues. If you notice issues, cut back a bit and allow your plant to adjust longer before increasing concentration.

 

• Multiple Dilution Rates: Use a seedling tray with multiple dilution rates to gradually increase the nutrient concentration. This can be done in as little as a day or two in each dilution. Our method is to up the EC by 100 micro siemens every other day until we are close to the concentration in the grow system. 

 

Conclusion

Although product manufacturers may recommend germinating all seeds in their system, this is not the best practice. Feeding plants before they are ready to utilize nutrients or exposing them to excessive nutrient concentrations without acclimation can stunt their growth and make them susceptible to various issues. By following our methods and using a separate tray system for germination, you will cultivate strong, healthy plants with productive yields that will provide for you and your family indefinitely.