what size rockwool cubes to use

Cubes (1.5″, unwrapped) are recommended for starts and cuttings. They fit into standard 1020 propagation trays, and may be transferred as needed to blocks or traditional growing mediums. Mini Blocks (1.5″ & 2.0″, wrapped) are used for seed and cutting propagation.

How often should I water rockwool cubes?

Rockwool holds about 80% water and 20% air when oversaturated and needs to dry out (similiar to a soil-based medium) before it is watered again. In an ideal environment, Hugo Rockwool blocks generally need watering once a day in the Vegetative Growth Stage and twice a Day in the Bloom Stage.

Can you overwater Rockwool?

Don't: Overwater Plants in Rockwool

The appropriate level of runoff should not exceed 30%, which means very little water should come out the bottom of a rockwool block. ... The plant can literally tip over because the block is too light before you need to water again.

How do you prepare rockwool cubes?

Prepare the rockwool cubes for use, making sure to soak them in pH adjusted water to bring their pH down between 5.5 and 6.5. To Plant Seeds: Insert 2 seeds in the hole on the top of the rockwool cube. Use a toothpick or other similar object to press the seeds down to the bottom of the hole.

Can I reuse rockwool cubes?

Is Rockwool Reusable? Rockwool not only can be reused but should be reused. Rockwool, while made from organic products, is not organic in the final state and can sit in landfills for years. You will want to change crops when you reuse Rockwool.

Why is Rockwool dangerous?

Not only is rockwool unfriendly to the environment – it's also potentially harmful to your health. New blocks can contain a lot of dust and loose fibers that can get in your eyes, mouth, skin and lungs. ... If you're using rockwool, you should be using a mask, goggles and gloves when you work with it to protect yourself.

Does Rockwool need a vapor barrier?

And by the way, if you're remodeling a shower and use Rockwool with KERDI-BOARD or Wedi's shower system there's no need for a vapor barrier.

How long does Rockwool last?

22) How long will ROCKWOOL last before it has to be replaced? ROCKWOOL insulation should last the lifetime of your building if installed in a properly designed system according to spec. ROCKWOOL products will not decay since they are inorganic, so they will retain their properties assuming no physical damage occurs.

Why is my Rockwool turning green?

The green slime you have on your rockwool is called Algae. Algae needs light and nutrients to live, it will spread to your reservoir and will block feed lines.

When should I feed my rockwool seedlings?

The best time to start feeding seedlings in rockwool is as soon as the roots begin growing. One you see the first set of cotyledon leaves plant emerge from the cube you should provide a light dose.

How long do you soak rockwool cubes?

Gradually add pH down adjuster fluid, drop by drop, stirring and re-testing, until the pH meter shows a reading of 5.5. Next, submerge the rockwool cubes and leave to soak for between fifteen minutes and two hours.

What are rockwool cubes used for?

Rockwool is a brand name; the generic term is rock wool. Rockwool cubes, 1 or 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inch deep, are used for germinating seeds for seedlings that are then transplanted into soil or hydroponic gardens. Cubes 3 and 4 inches wide are used as a primary growing medium for small plants.

What can I use instead of rockwool cubes?

Additionally, there has been a growing concern about disposing rockwool after use because it never truly decomposes.

Perlite/Vermiculite. Perlite is a substance made from volcanic rock. ...
Sand. ...
Sawdust. ...
Oasis cubes. ...
Rice hulls.

Do roots grow through Rockwool?

Fortunately, rockwool holds nutrients well, keeping them close to the roots. To sum it up, rockwool takes a bit of prep work, but in return you get a growing medium that retains water and nutrients at the roots, helping you to keep more of what your plant needs where it needs it.

What can I do with old Rockwool?

Ways to recycle your used Rockwool

Cut up cubes and add it to sandy or clay soils to improve tilth.
Turn rockwool into granulate by running it through a woodchipper. Add some each time you throw stuff out for composting. It rockwool aerates the compost and speeds up composting by 20-30%.
Reuse in planters.
Use as “potting soil” for potted plants.

Do you need gloves for Rockwool?

Gloves and goggles should be worn when working with rockwool. ... Because rockwool fibers are short and thick, the body can easily expel them.

Is Rockwool cancerous?

The EPA has classified refractory ceramic fibers as probable human carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined glass filaments, glass wool, rock wool, and slag wool to not be classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).

What's better Rockwool or kingspan?

Kingspan is vastly better on U-Values per unit thickness. U-Values are very important and if I were you, I'd make the effort to understand what they mean. However, it is cheaper to get the same U-Value through rockwool. Unfortunately, this will be acquired by using a thickness many times that of the Kingspan.

Is Rockwool like asbestos?

Rock wool (RW) is a kind of asbestos substitute and is widely used in the construction industry, in particular for fire-resisting insulation, thermal insulation, and acoustic absorption.

Is Rockwool insulation expensive?

Mineral Wool Insulation

It has a higher R-value per inch compared to fiberglass, about a 22-37% higher R-value. It contains 70% recycled material, making it a greener product than fiberglass at 20-30% recycled material. ... It tends to be more expensive than fiberglass, often between 25-50% higher in cost.

Do I need vapor barrier?

In many colder North American climates, vapour barriers are a required part of building construction. You may find that vapour barriers are often not required in warmer climates. And, if installed in the wrong climate or on the wrong side of building materials, a vapour barrier can cause more harm than good.

Is Rockwool good for attic insulation?

Our loft insulation solutions provide first class performance, are easily installed and need no maintenance. Lasting a lifetime, they are a safe and comfortable choice. ROCKWOOL insulation is made from stone wool².