50/50 Spagnum Peat Moss and Vermiculite

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Originally Posted by melodious fellow

Even if the peat moss (which is unfortunately the majority of the Seed Starter mix) brings down the Ph a bit, this is a passive hydro grow, so as longas it does not dip below low 5's I should be straight, yeah?

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That's a good question. I'm not entirely sure where you'll need to keep your pH for a passive system (wick?)... but if you're using a soil-like medium, and not hydroton or an inert medium, then I'd think you'd be aiming for 6.5-6.8. I'm sure someone will drop by to clear this question up for you. Wish I could be of more assistance here, but I don't know a whole lot about hydro systems... passive or active.

Also, I may have accidentally skipped over it, but will you be adding any perlite to your mix? Peat moss and vermiculite both retain moisture very well, and might stay too saturated for healthy root development to occur. If you're not planning on aerating it any better, I'd go with a pretty coarse vermiculite. Even then, vermiculite breaks down over time... so you may want to seriously consider the perlite. It won't mess with your pH, and definitely helps get oxygen to the roots.

(Sorry... accidentally posted the same response twice.)

The Seed Starting soil is ridiculously lightweight itself, as after cutting it with 25-40% vermiculite, it is extremely well airated and well drained... water easily flows right out bottom hole.

It is a helpy bucket. Container with no drainage holes on bottom. drill a small hole 1-2 inches from bottom of container. This will create a reservoir for the roots to access at all times. 1 inch tall plant developed 12 inch long roots when I transplanted it today.

thnx for all the replies