Start Germinating the Seed

by Ismael

I wish to germinate the seed and don't know if I should start in Aeroponics Cloner and then to Aeroponics System #1, or start in Aeroponics System #1 only? I want to grow herbs like basil, oregano, etc.

Thanks, Ismael Medina

Answer: Ismael- in my opinion, aeroponic systems are not really the best solution for germinating seeds, although they ARE the best solution for rooting clones! Until the seeds sprout and grow roots, there is really no reason to turn the aeroponic system on. In order to sprout a seed properly, the surface of the seed needs to be in contact with moisture. This means you will need to place the seed into a rubber dirt plug or pre-soaked (pH adjusted) rockwool cube or a small amount of soilless mix.

There should be enough moisture in the rubber dirt plug (or rockwool, or soilless mixture) to sprout the seed without having to add any additional water. Simply place the seeds into the pre-moistened medium you choose, make sure the temperature is warm enough for good seed germination, and perhaps cover it with a plastic cup to keep in the humidity and prevent the media from drying out before the seed has a chance to sprout.

I suppose you could place the grow media containing the seeds into your aeroponic system and simply leave it turned off until the seeds have sprouted. Otherwise, sprout them and then transplant them into the aeroponic system once they are an inch or two tall and have some roots. For other herbs (herbs that have the potential to get several feet tall) you may want to wait until the seedlings are at least 4 inches tall before you transplant them into the aeroponic system.

However you decide to approach this part of the process, keep in mind: seeds do not sprout well in clay pellets alone (especially smaller, finer seeds like basil seed or oregano seed). You should certainly sprout the seeds in some other media, but placing them in an aeroponic system for this step is not necessary.

I hope that answers your question....Happy Growing!