2 false starts! Rapid Rooters shelf life?

[VitaMan]

I got a new bag of Raid Rooters when I first tried AutoMazar. Worked as expected, and problems during growth were my own fault. They are actually quite hardy and produced pretty good under the circumstances. Fast forward to next 2 starts.

I planted more AutoMazar, all germed and were placed in the rooters. They were all quite weak, and either died or grew super slowly and were culled.

So I sterilized my tent, got new soil, and planted some familiar Sour D photos. All 5 germed, and were put in the RR plugs. Only 2 out of 5 showed their faces to the world, grew vigorously to about 1 1/2 inches and started failing. Attempts to rescue were unsuccessful, so I shut everything down.

After scratching my head for a while, I started wondering if Rapid Rooters have a shelf life? They smell OK, like a mossy bog, same as when I got them. I store all my garden supplies in the small space beside my tent. Both fresh air and exhaust are piped in/out of the closet, so it only gets to be about 20-28 degrees C in there depending on season.

Unfortunately I lost a lot of seeds and a couple months of electricity. I need to get this straight before my next start in spring.

 

[namvet25]

Don't use those anymore.Use the paper towel method out lined in our germing thread and plant sprouted seed directly into your final pot.

 

[Waira]

Vitaman-- what method of growing are you doing? Usually RR's are okay, some swear by then, but we've seen rare funky batches happen before,... and unless you're doing DWC or something like that, you might consider a different method like Nammy suggested,... If you're in soil/soilless media, RR's are kinda pointless IMO,... planting directly after an overnight water soak, or the paper towel method to get them right when the root first emerges and then plant are great options! just don't let the tap root get too long, or you risk damaging it during planting,.. personally, I do the soak ans sow method, though some like the towel method so they can see if and when the seeds pop! ...usually it's takes about 3-5 days for them to emerge at warm room temps (upper 70's),....use a mister to moisten the top of soil and keep it from drying out,....

 

[CoviklaFlaire]

I put my germinated beans in root riot and I'm not satisfied how the things are going..

 

[Son of Hobbes]

Could you guys describe how you are germinating in your rooters? What process step by step are you doing? I use rooters almost exclusively and there's a method to the madness with using them.

 

[CoviklaFlaire]

i have used them now And never agai..

 

[GoAuto6]

I had a batch that had little worms crawling through it the last time I used them, after I soaked them it took a few days of watching every thing go to crap! till i open'd one up and it was full of them. which was the last time I used them? I sow strait to finish pot no soak or nothing.

 

[VitaMan]

Vitaman-- what method of growing are you doing? .

I use fabric pots of soil/perlite under 210w (draw) LED

The germination method I use is:

Soak until germination
Place in Rapid Rooters
Mist plugs with water several times a day
After they break the surface of the rooter, I place under dome in diffuse light.
Place rooters in pots after first leaves show and/or roots are starting to poke out of the plug

The first time, they seemed to work better than Jiffy pellets.

 

[VitaMan]

there's a method to the madness with using them.

I wonder if your method will cure my madness...How are you using them? See my response to Waira re my method.

 

[VitaMan]

I had a batch that had little worms crawling through it the last time I used them, after I soaked them it took a few days of watching every thing go to crap! till i open'd one up and it was full of them. which was the last time I used them? I sow strait to finish pot no soak or nothing.

Yikes! I should cut some open and see.