Growing Media
Geolite Aggregate
(from Hydrofarm)
Geolite is special kiln-fired, lightweight aggregate that is super heated and formed into pebbles (roughly 3/8" by 1/2" in size). The ceramic shell and inner pore structure retain moisture and release it back into your plants' roots as needed. Geolite will not compact, insuring excellent aeration for the life of your plant. It's completely reusable and lasts indefinitely, making it a real value.
Geolite is excellent For Ebb & Flow Systems. It is also great for most potted plants and is especially popular with orchid growers. It readily accepts transplanted seedlings started either in Rockwool or a traditional planting mix.
Prices: (15 L) $11.95, (40 L) $23.95

Horticultural Rockwool
(from Hydrofarm)
Horticultural Rockwool is made from molton rock spun into cotton candy-like fibers and then compressed into cubes, rocks, or slabs. Rockwool has a tremendous capacity for absorbing nutrient solution while retaining plenty if oxygen for rapid plant growth.Rockwool comes in graduated sizes. Seedlings started in cubes are easily transferred into larger blocks and then ontl slabs, if desired. Blocks and slabs are the preferred choice for larger, long term vegetable crops. Seedlings or cuttings started in the Rockwool cubes can also be transplanted into more traditional planters and growing mediums.
Rockwool Cubes

These convenient, portable sheets of cubes are recommended for starting seedlings and cuttings. They fit into common propogation trays, and may be transferred as needed to blocks or traditional planters.

Cubes come in two different packages. Sheets of 98 with 1.5" x 1.5" x 1.5" cubes ($9.95), and sheets of 50 with 2 x 2 x 1.5" cubes ($7.95).
Rockwell Blocks

Rockwool blocks can support small to medium sized plants from start to finish. They are often used in combination with cubes or slabs. Soil grown seedlings can be transplanted directly into blocks.

Available in strips of 12 with 2" x 2" x 1.5" blocks (3.95), strips of 8 with 3" x 3" x 2.5" blocks ($4.95), and strips of 6 with 4" x 4" x 2.5" blocks ($4.95).
Rockwool Slabs

Recommendwed for larger, long term crops with extensive roots like peppers ofr tomatoes, or cucumbers. Typically, seedlings in blocks are placed onto slabs. Plastic sleeves are wrapped around the slabs to increase moisture retention and protect roots from light.

Slabs are available in three sizes.
6 x 36 x 3 ($7.95 each), 8 x 36 x 3 ($9.95 each), and 12 x 36 x 3 ($12.95 each).
Loose Rockwool

Loose rockwool is for filling any size planter of your choice. It comes in an absorbant type which holds nutrient solution and a repellant tyupe designed to keep more oxygen available for roots. Most growers mix both types half and half.