Sphagnum moss as a medium

October 24, 2008

sphagnum moss as a growing medium
If you want to try a somewhat unconventional, but still very effective growing medium for hydroponics, you should consider sphagnum moss. Though it is commonly thought of as a soil conditioner, sphagnum moss along with some quality sphagnum moss nutrients can prove to be tremendously effective for hydroponic growing. It is possible to use sphagnum as your sole growing medium, but it is typically used in conjunction with another growing medium, such as perlite.

While sphagnum moss and sphagnum moss nutrients can do wonders for the development of your garden, it comes with its own share of personal challenges. However, if you are aware of them and deal with them head on, you can enjoy this growing medium no matter what you choose to grow.

Deteriorates Quickly - One of the biggest challenges associated with sphagnum moss is that, since it is an organic material, it has a tendency to fall apart. Unlike more permanent growing media, such as perlite or clay pebbles, you may need to purchase it fairly often in order to keep your hydroponic system stocked with sphagnum moss. Of course, you can work to try and keep the moss as intact as possible through proper handling and care of the sphagnum moss, both inside and outside of your grow tray.

May Clog Your Hydroponic System - Another major problem is that if you use a recovery type hydroponic system, the small bits and pieces that might fall apart can actually start to clog up your hydroponic system, inhibiting the flow of your sphagnum moss nutrient solution. Obviously, small clogs will not do too much harm, but if this is left untreated it could totally cut off your plant from sphagnum moss nutrients and moisture.

This is why it is essential, especially when you are using this kind of medium to clean out your recovery system every time you replace your sphagnum moss nutrients. It will help keep. Small clogs from becoming big clogs, and guarantee that your plants are always getting the stuff they need to thrive.

Very Acidic - Another major challenge associated with sphagnum moss is that it is highly acidic. As you probably already know, one of the factors that greatly influence sphagnum moss nutrients uptake is your general pH balance. With pH neutral media this can be an easy proposition, but with media that has a greater affect on your pH balance, you may have to work a little harder to get your pH into an ideal range.

For this reason, you should make certain to use only pharmaceutical grade pH adjusters to ensure proper pH balance at all time. If you use cheaper alternatives, such as aspirin, you might actually accidentally overcompensate and do more harm than good when trying to maximize the uptake of sphagnum moss nutrients.

There are very few totally natural hydroponic growing media available to growers, but sphagnum moss is probably one of the most notable. It is not only very natural, but is exceptionally water absorbent. But for all its benefits, like all growing media it has its share of challenges. However, if you simply work to make yourself aware of them, you can enjoy the benefits of this growing medium while suffering few of the downsides. To learn more about sphanum moss as a growing medium in hydroponics, visit the largest collection or hydroponics gardening articles, information, tips & tricks available on the web.

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