Rapid rooter or nothing

I recently purchased some rapid rooters because I thought I was sure that was the route I wanted to go because it is the easiest route (I read) and I am new to growing. I was recently playing with germination methods and I tried throwing seeds in a glass of water as well as the paper towel method. What I saw was that certain seeds germinated faster and then I read about people choosing those seeds because they were growing more aggressively.

Finally, my question: Should I germinate seeds in a cup of water/paper towel to find the best seeds and give it a head start and then drop the seed directly into the clay balls in my aerocloner, or would it be easiest for me to just use the rapid rooters? The rooters would not go to waste either way; I would have other uses for them, just curious what you all think would be best for my situation. Thanks

I understand what your saying.
The first time I'd use the rapid rooters because if you plant directly into clay balls all it takes is a few hours of the seedlings to accidentally dry out then they are dead. Plus, if anything accidentally shifts the tiny roots get dislodged. Before you put anything directly into the hydroton (clay balls) practice with some tomato/lettuce etc. seeds you can get a pack for a dollar at one of your local stores.

If I use the paper towel method when doing hydro I fill the center of the net pot with perilite/hydroton mix and then put the seedling in there. The perilite will keep it more protected and it still grows just fine. Actually, most of the time I just fill a party cup(with drainage holes) up with perilite and hydroton mix and let it grow in there for a few days/week then move to net pot.

Put seed in room temp water over nite and same with plug next day put seed in plug plug in tray done apart top of plug if you think it to dry

Tone5500 said:

Put seed in room temp water over nite and same with plug next day put seed in plug plug in tray done apart top of plug if you think it to dry

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Do you soak the rapid rooter in PH balanced water with nutrients? If so, what nutrients do you use?

Just stick them in the rooter, water it, keep it warm, leave it alone.

When reading about the rooter it says drop the seed in the hole and pinch the top together to close the hole at the top. I can't seem to cover the hole and I can see the seed. Is this an issue?

kesaber said:

When reading about the rooter it says drop the seed in the hole and pinch the top together to close the hole at the top. I can't seem to cover the hole and I can see the seed. Is this an issue?

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Yes, its an issue. They like dark.

Alienwidow said:

Yes, its an issue. They like dark.

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I covered tray with a towel so no light is coming in, but it seems when I squeeze the top closed it bounces right back open. Any advice on how to keep it closed?

kesaber said:

I covered tray with a towel so no light is coming in, but it seems when I squeeze the top closed it bounces right back open. Any advice on how to keep it closed?

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Pinch off a piece of the plug and put it in the hole. Don't use too big a piece and don't pack it too tightly

kesaber said:

I covered tray with a towel so no light is coming in, but it seems when I squeeze the top closed it bounces right back open. Any advice on how to keep it closed?

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Rip a corner of the plug off. Not too big so it crams the hole shut. Just a small piece. And germinate them in in the dark. At 78 degrees or even a bit warmer. Temps are key. I make sure the plugs are damp, not soaked and close them in a cabinet for 48 hrs at 80 degrees. When i open it theyre all up. I soak them for 12 hrs first.

Alienwidow said:

Rip a corner of the plug off. Not too big so it crams the hole shut. Just a small piece. And germinate them in in the dark. At 78 degrees or even a bit warmer. Temps are key. I make sure the plugs are damp, not soaked and close them in a cabinet for 48 hrs at 80 degrees. When i open it theyre all up. I soak them for 12 hrs first.

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What do you soak the Rapid Rooters
in? I'd like to use Thrive Alive B-1 Red, since I already own an abundance of it. Do you PH the soak bath during the 12 hour soak?

Rapid rooters are ph balanced already. Just water is fine for them. And the seeds just need to be soaked in water. Old school

Alienwidow said:

Rapid rooters are ph balanced already. Just water is fine for them. And the seeds just need to be soaked in water. Old school

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Old school. Love it.

After you soak your seeds in water to get them to germinate, you put them in the rooters and place rooters in a dark space held to 80 deg F. Check rooters in 48 hours and you should have sprouts. Correct?

Are you soaking the rooters for 12 hours before you plant the germinated seed? I would imagine that rooters would be too wet after 12 hours of soaking to accept a germinated seed.

Kinda, the rooters get dunked in water and then when theyre wet ya squeeze most of the water out. And you dont let the seeds germinate in the water. You just soak them, theyll germinate in the plugs. But ya, 48 hrs in the dark.

Alienwidow said:

Kinda, the rooters get dunked in water and then when theyre wet ya squeeze most of the water out. And you dont let the seeds germinate in the water. You just soak them, theyll germinate in the plugs. But ya, 48 hrs in the dark.

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Do the seeds get soaked for 12 hours?

Mashkiki'inini said:

Do the seeds get soaked for 12 hours?

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Yes. Only 12. 24 hr soak can drown them.

i put seeds directly into soaked rapid rooters( .4 ec 7.5 ph tap water), into a closed rubbermaid tub,put in a couple oz's of water, off to the side under 400w hid, on a heat mat..had sprouts in 3-5 days. I had them in the DWC by day 7..doing great..