Last Updated on September 8, 2024 by Sara Rose
Do you know how to use rapid rooter plugs for your aquaponics system? Have you ever heard of them? This article will introduce you to this innovative tool that can save you time and increase the success of your system.
Rapid rooters are used at the beginning of your setup when you want to prepare seedlings for your grow beds. They basically are a type of starter plug.
A starter plug is simply a cylinder-shaped, condensed growing medium that you can put your seed directly in.
The seed then grows larger and roots deeper into the plug. Once this happens, you can put the plug and roots directly into your aquaponics grow beds.
It is also a very useful tool for hydroponics because the plug sits directly in the water and you do not have to do any transplanting. When using this tool, you only have to start the seed once and not worry about removing it from a growing medium to put it into another bed.
The starter plug is lightweight. So once the roots are big enough you simply have to pick them up and put them into your system.
It’s quite simple and almost foolproof. We have written this article to teach you exactly how to use rapid rooter plugs. So keep reading now and prepare for your seed starting methods to be transformed!
Table of Contents
Rapid Rooter Instructions
A rapid rooter is made out of material that promotes seeds to sprout. There are many different brands of seed plugs, but we are specifically focusing on rapid rooters.
It is made out of compressed sphagnum peat moss. Do you know what sphagnum peat moss is? It is basically dead matter that exists at the bottom of swamps.
The nice thing about this material is that it will not decompose because it is already decaying. This makes it an ideal material for seed plugs.
It also allows for a lot of aeration and drainage. So it will not get waterlogged. If your seedlings get too wet, they will not be able to sprout properly.
If you learn how to use rapid rooter plugs, you will have a high amount of success with seeds. It is very easy to use.
The first step is to identify which seeds you want to grow. Be sure to consider each plant’s growing conditions before getting your seeds.
Every plant needs certain things. You want to be sure you can provide the right amount of sun for each plant’s growing needs. Based on your aquaponics location and design, you can choose the right seeds for you.
Once you have your seeds selected you are ready to start with your rapid rooter plugs.
Remove the plugs from the bag. You can feel that they are super lightweight. This makes them easy and convenient to use.
The next step is to wet your rapid rooter plug. You want the plug to feel moist, not soaking wet. If you prefer, you can soak the plugin some worm compost or another fertilized water solution.
This can give your seeds an extra advantage in establishing themselves. However, it is not necessary. Plain water will give you similar results.
How To Use Rapid Rooter Plugs With Seeds
Take each seed and carefully place it inside the hole that is cut out on the top of the rapid rooter plug. Make sure the seed sits comfortably in the plug and that it won’t fall out easily.
Once that part is done you need to put the plugin in a seed starting tray. The convenient thing about rapid rooter plugs is that they are shaped to perfectly fit inside a typical seed tray.
They should securely fit into your tray. Seeds require moisture to sprout. The wetness basically breaks down the seed coat allowing for the internal sprout to emerge.
If you do not keep your seeds moist, they will not grow.
At this stage, be sure to check on your seed tray on a daily basis. Use your hands to feel if the seed plug is moist. If it is dry, give it water.
Continue this process until you see the seed coming out. Please note that before seeds sprout, they do not need any sunlight. In fact, they will sprout faster if they are left out of the direct sun.
Once you see the sprout, you can slowly start to introduce it to sunlight. As it grows bigger, you can start to introduce it to longer amounts of sun.
Learn more about: Your Perfect Guide About When To Transplant Seedlings In Hydroponics
When your plant has its second set of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted. Another way you can know it is ready is if you see strong root systems forming around the rapid rooter plug.
According to the University of Maryland, “This period may range from 2-3 weeks (lettuce) to 8 weeks (pepper, eggplant) before transplanting, depending on the speed of germination and rate of growth.” When you feel it’s ready, you can move it into your final grow bed.
Transplanting Rapid Rooter Plugs
The nice thing about rapid rooter plugs is that they are easy to transplant. All you need to do is pull the plug and root system out of the seed tray to move into your grow bed.
You can squeeze the bottom of the rooting tray to push the rapid rooter plugs out of the tray. Grasp both sides of the plug to transfer it to your bed.
Make a hole double the size of the plug. Then place the plug so that the top of it is flush with your growing medium.
After that, you are good to go. Your plants should grow smoothly from here.
Hopefully, after reading this article you have a clearer idea of how to use rapid rooter plugs. They are simple and convenient tools for any gardener.
You can buy rapid rooter plugs from almost any garden shop. They are not too expensive and can be reused! Have fun giving these plugs a try.
Feel free to comment and ask questions below!
Read more about: How To Use Rapid Rooter Plugs With Seeds
FAQs
How to use rapid rooter plugs with seeds?
Take each seed and carefully place it inside the hole that is cut out on the top of the rapid rooter plug. Make sure the seed sits comfortably in the plug and that it won’t fall out easily.
Once that part is done you need to put the plug in a seed starting tray. The convenient thing about rapid rooter plugs is that they are shaped to perfectly fit inside a typical seed tray.
