Eazy Plug versus Rockwool – Day 14

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Eazy Plug versus Rockwool

This is the last installment of the Eazy Plug versus Rockwool series. At two weeks the tomatoes in both the EazyPlugs and Rockwool have developed their first “true leaves” (cotyledons), and root development is underway. No longer sprouts, these have developed into seedlings. The moisture of the sprouts are checked twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and water is added as needed.

Tomato seedling in Eazy Plug
Tomato seedling in Eazy Plug showing roots.

Roots have appeared for both the Eazy Plug and Rockwool cubes. Easily seen roots are emerging from the sides of the plugs. The seedlings are ready for transplanting into Eazy Cubes or Mini Pyramids.

Tomato sprout in rockwool
Tomato roots in rockwool

The Rockwool cubes have also sprouted roots.

The new seedlings are ready for transplant. The Eazy Plugs require slightly more frequent watering, but have less tendency to stay soggy than the rockwool cubes. The change in color (light brown when dry, dark brown when wet) is a helpful indicator as to the moisture level in the Eazy Plugs which also appeared to be less likely to develop algae on top.

Stay tuned! Future posts will feature some of the Eazy Plugs in Eazy Cubes, and some on Eazy Mini Pyramids.


SunBlaster Grow Light Garden

Two high efficiency SunBlaster 24W T5HO fluorescent lamps provide bright, full spectrum lighting. Each lamp lasts up to 10,000 hours and the unit is supplied with a 12 month user guarantee.

The canopy height is fully adjustable on the aluminum uprights, giving a maximum clearance height of 15 inches (38cm) from the bottom of the base tray.


Eazy Plug versus Rockwool – Day  7

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Eazy Plug versus Rockwool

To continue the Eazy Plug vs Rockwool trial, at one week in the Eazy Plug cells have sprouted 8 tomato seedlings. Both the Eazy Plugs and the Rockwool are sprouting seeds faster than would be expected if they were direct seeded outdoors. Trays like these are commonly used to start sprouts indoors during the late winter to prepare for spring planting.

Tomato sprout in Eazy Plug

Both the Eazy Plugs and rockwool cubes have their first set of “true leaves” (cotyledons) on the tomato sprouts. Notice that the leaves develop in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. This is an indication that they are dicotyledons (dicots – two seed leaves) as opposed to grasses and other monocotyledons (monocots – single seed leaf). Dicots include most vegetable seeds (other than corn), whereas most grains are monocots.

The rockwool cube tomatoes also have 8 sprouts.

Tomato sprouts in rockwool cubes

Some algae has started to show on some of the rockwool cubes. The rockwool cubes appear to retain water longer than the Eazy Plugs. Some cubes have more than others. Now that the sprouts are larger, the rockwool could be covered to block the light on the surface by cutting slits in an opaque material to fit around the stems.

Now that the sprouts have developed “true leaves” they will require light, and a mild feeding to thrive.

Starting seeds with either Eazy Plugs or rockwool can be successful, although of the two, the Eazy Plugs seem to be a little more forgiving.


T5HO Mini Greenhouse Kit by SunBlaster

Includes:

  • 18 inch SunBlaster T5HO light and reflector
  • 6400K T5 Grow Lamp
  • Double Thick 1020 Tray
  • 7 Inch NanoDome
  • Lamp included

Eazy Plug versus Rockwool – Day 3

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Eazy Plug versus Rockwool

This is day 3 and some of the tomatoes are already sprouting in the Eazy Plugs. Out of 8 plugs, 4 have sprouted. One noticeable trait of Eazy Plugs is their color difference between wet and dry, allowing for a visual indication of when they need watering. In the photo below, the light brown indicates areas where the Eazy Plug is dry, and the darker color shows where there is moisture. Later, once the sprouts have developed their roots enough to fill the plugs it will be time to transplant.

Tomatoes sprouting in Eazy Plugs

Sprouts are showing in 4 of the rockwool cubes as well. The rockwool cubes appear to hold moisture for longer than the Eazy Plugs. Quick drying growing mediums should be watered often. Growing mediums that don’t dry quickly enough are more prone to fungal issues and root rot can set in. Eazy Plugs seem to have a nice balance between the two. Rockwool tends to stay on the moist side so care must be taken to avoid overwatering.

Tomato sprouting in a rockwool cube

Neither the Eazy Plugs or the rockwool cubes require any watering yet, as the are still moist from the initial soak. The sprouts appear healthy and are on their way to becoming seedlings. At the top of the sprout is the seed casing, which falls off as the sprout grows. These first seed leaves hold nutrition to sustain the sprout until the first “true” leaves” appear.


Eazy Plug startup kits are available from hydroponic shops and garden centers carrying Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supply products.

The Eazy Plug startup Kit includes:

  • 12 Eazy Plugs (1.2″ x 1.4″) with mini tray
  • 12 Eazy Cubes (2.9″ x 2.4″)
  • An instruction booklet


Eazy Plug versus Rockwool – Day 1

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Eazy Plug versus Rockwool
Eazy Plug vs Rockwool

This is a seed sprouting trial using Eazy Plug plugs versus Rockwool starting cubes. This should be taken as a historical record of a particular trial with a small sample size and not an indication or guarantee of future performance or indication of performance in other situations (In other words, this is what happened here, your milage may vary).

The trial will be primarily between Eazy Plugs and rockwool, although I may fill the remaining room in the trays with a small assortment of other sprouting cubes for comparison.

Both the Eazy Plug and rockwool packages come with instructions on how to prepare before use:

Eazy Plug prep instructions

(instruction text)

plug ‘n grow

Dried plant starter cubes with super fast water retention

It’s so easy!Just water and drain out excess water.

Eazy Plug will regulate the optimum moisture level automatically.

The Eazy Plug booklet has additional directions:

Allow the Eazy Plugs to fully suck up water with a pH of 5.8.

Let it drain out excess water. Do not squeeze out or dry the plugs.

Eazy Plugs are self-regulating and will only hold the water they need for an optimum moisture level and an optimum air-to-water ratio.

Rockwool prep instructions

The rockwool cubes also have printed instructions on the front of the package.

(instruction text)

Prior to planting fully saturate the B’Cuzz Mini-Blocks in a 1/3 strength nutrient solution adjusted to pH 5.5 and let stand to ensure the nutrient solution is evenly absorbed throughout the entire block. Drain excess nutrient solution and B’Cuzz Mini-Blocks are ready to use.

Water as needed – start with 1/2 strength nutrient and slowly increase nutrient strength with future watering, so that you end up with almost full strength just before transplanting to a B’Cuzz Rooting Block.

Following the directions, each sprouting area was prepared.

The first seeds up are tomatoes (approximately 5 to 10 days to sprout).


SunBlaster Quad Thick Propagation Trays are built tough.

  • Four times the thickness of regular 1020 trays.
  • No need to use multiple trays when one quad thick 1020 tray will do the trick. 
  • Same dimensions as a standard 10 X 20 propagation tray.


Age Old

Age Old Logo

Dating back to 1984, Age Old has always striven to develop plant fertilizers that are both sustainable and effective. Developed originally for discerning customers, who saw a need for high-performance products that nurtured the biological life in the soil. Today, they continue to strike a balance between the natural and synthetic world by embracing the “Age-Old” ways of growing, while weaving in specific technologies that enhance the growth of plants in a sustainable way.

They have a profound respect and appreciation for the age old ways, along with a culture that thrives on research and innovation. Age Old continues to test and develop plant nutritional products that bring solutions to growers across the country and around the world.

Greenhouses, container gardening, landscaping, and commercial hydroponic production all can use their products. Their fertilizers, plant nutrients, and soil conditioners have use on ornamentals, golf courses, farms, lawns, and athletic fields. Over the years, Age Old has prospered and grown. Starting out as a small, family-run business, they now distributes their products all over the United States.

Age Old dry blends provide slow release nutrients to help build the fertility and biological activity of the soil. Our granular formulas are slower dissolving, great soil conditioners and a storehouse of energy.

Dilute concentrated Age Old liquid blends before use. When used as directed, they provide the necessary nutrients and beneficial substances needed for healthy plants and increased biological activity in all indoor/outdoor soils. Refer to the label for specific use and application rates or follow the chart found here.

The company blog on their official website offers articles based on a variety of subjects. Such as articles on fertilizer shelf life, creating and maintaining healthy soils, and mycorrhiza.

Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supplies is proud to offer both liquid and dry Age Old Nutrient products.











Super Nutrients

Super Nutrients

Super Nutrient formulas are water-soluble plant foods for indoor or outdoor use. In addition, Super Nutrients has been giving outstanding results to a large community of growers over 15 years. Their formulas are two part solutions designed for both Bloom and Vegetative growth. Used alone or with additives, they are easy to use, yield powerful results time after time and are ideal for growing applications.

Extensive testing across North America has determined its effectiveness in soft and hard water applications. Soil and soilless tests were conducted in a variety of hydroponic applications by leading retail stores in California, Florida, New York, Tennessee and throughout Canada. Results have been nothing less than superb.

Super Nutrients Bloom Formula For Outstanding Flowering

Designed as a two-part nutrient to ensure maximum flowering potential. Promotes healthy, lush flowering growth by including all primary nutrients in the formula. In addition, the pH balanced formula requires little to no pH up/down required. Some applications may vary. 

Super Nutrients Veg Formula for Rapid Growth

Designed as a two-part nutrient to ensure maximum growth potential. Includes all primary nutrients in the formula to promote healthy, lush vegetative growth. pH balanced with little to no pH up/down adjusting required. Some applications may vary.

Benefits of Using Super Nutrients 

Super Nutrients are user friendly and simple to use. Mix in equal parts to insure proper nutrient levels. When using SV or SB, just one tablespoon each of parts A and B (add an additional teaspoon if desired) per gallon makes for a recipe that is easy to remember. Highly concentrated solutions means more value for your dollar. They wont clog up filters, drip lines or leave sediment build up like most other formulas.

Super Nutrients are available in quart, gallon, 2.5 gallon, 5 gallon, and 55 gallon drums.