Hempy method

[mathewscott]

With the hempy method can you start your seeds right in the peralite and go from there?

 

[rkymtnman]

i would not. i think rapid rooters are easier to keep moist. once they get to a decent size, then just pop the RR right into the top of the hempy bucket.

the only tricky time with a hempy is before the roots grow into the res. you have to hand feed them a few times a day IMO so the medium doesn't dry out.

 

[mathewscott]

Thanks got any more tips on the hempy method

 

[rkymtnman]

Thanks got any more tips on the hempy method

use the 3:1 perlite to vermiculite. i think it holds water better than just perlite alone.

i liked GH floranova bloom for nutes. it's a bit thick for normal hydro but works great for start to finish in a hempy.

i grow my tomato plants in hempys in summer time. they get huge! 6 to 7 ft tall usually.

it really is a great method to start out in hydro.

 

[rkymtnman]

and check out the world of hempy thread in drain to waste secition of hydroponics

lots of other great info.

 

[mathewscott]

Thanks again

 

[MickFoster]

I start my seeds in Rapid Rooters and place them in a 3-1/2 gallon buckets filled with a 5:1 perlite/vermiculite ratio. I drill 2 holes in the bucket - one at the 2" from the bottom and one at the bottom. I start feeding every few hours by watering around the sprout to keep it moist. The reason for the bottom hole is because the roots aren't drinking from the bottom 2" yet and I don't want the res to stagnate - once the roots reach the bottom I tape up the bottom hole.

I highly suggest you rinse your perlite thoroughly because there is a lot of dust and when wet turns into white dense mud - not good for the roots. I fill 2- 5 gal. buckets with water and pour some perlite in the first bucket, swish it around, scoop out what floats, place in the second bucket, swish it around, and scoop out into my hempy buckets. You'll be amazed at how much gunk powder sinks to the bottom of the first bucket.

I grew in coco for years with great success, but I find hempys easier - very fast growth, no salt build up, you only feed every other day instead of multiple feedings a day in coco, and no fungus gnats.

Good luck with your grow.

Edit PS - consider covering your perlite mix with pebbles or something to avoid algae growth - I use small river pebbles.

 

[mathewscott]

Thanks. Any recommendations on what feed and how do you know when the roots have reached the bottom?

 

[MickFoster]

Thanks. Any recommendations on what feed and how do you know when the roots have reached the bottom?

I like the GH FloraNova line. You'll know when the roots reach the res when the growth increases. Usually within 2 weeks or less there will be roots in the bottom.

 

[mathewscott]

Thanks