Hydroponic Root Trimming: Do You Really Need to Cut Roots?

I have been growing hydroponically for over 5 years but until now I have NEVER done any root trimming. Lots of you have asked me about root trimming so I fired up my two AreoGarden sprouts and decided it was high time I do a root trimming experiment to see what all the fuss is about.
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[@5280fame]

it will save the pump forsure I've had aerogardens for about 5 years now and it will go from silent to loud like a refrigerator if you dont

[@ivorykeys1566]

I know you trimmed those roots nicely, however from my own personal experiment, I had massive amts of roots like that on some plants, and not only did I trim straight across, but up the side at an angle! THAT WAS A NO! NO! There are lots of tidbits of root fray that came off in the water & over a short period of time clogged up the tall white channel that attaches to the pump. I could hear the pump making noises as usual & thought all was well UNTIL all the leaves on my only bell pepper plant began to droop. I thought it needed a lil more nutrients, but that was not the case. Then the leaves on the basil & whatever other plant I had in the AG began to do the same. I knew something was seriously wrong. So because I do a DEEP SANITIZE about every 6 wks(take even the top grow deck apart & spray with bleach) I thought there were roots that had possibly gotten between the deck again as it did 1 other time(btw, I have 5 Bounty Elites), I decided to take apart the deck. Before doing so a friend suggested to check the pump & see if it was operating properly. So I placed the pump back into the open base of the AG, hooked it up, without the grow deck, and the pump came on as usual but was NOT pumping water up through the tall white channel. Upon further investigation with a flashlight, I discovered there was a small root ball of those short frayed roots blocking the water flow!! Even though the pump was coming on the water was not getting to my plants. I had to take tweezers & reach down that chute to pull it out. Once I did that, everything worked great. I did not have to pop the top deck apart which I was very happy about... that's just 1 of my errors I learned the Hard Way from. And yes I lost all the plants in that garden bc of my error. So from now on I NEVER TRIM up the sides where it is so thick, but only the bottom length of any roots.

[@fugaziplacebo]

Thank you for running this experiment! I have been very curious about the effect of root training and trimming.

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Glad it was helpful! I love doing experiments to test things out. Definitely not scientific but better than just trusting what someone else says! For me, gardening indoor or out is all about trying different things and seeing what works best for me and my garden!

[@aliciacarney5013]

Thank you so much for this video! I was very curious about trimming also, and haven’t even set up my AeroGarden yet. Haha I’m devouring these videos before opening the box. 😂

[@The_IndoorGardener]

So exciting Alicia! What are you most excited to grow? If you have any questions I’m happy to try and help! Happy growing!

[@marygrott8095]

If you are thinking of changing nutrients in the AG, I'd definitely be interested in a video on that. I always trim the roots in my AG units, just to avoid them getting tangled in the pump.

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Awesome! It’s definitely on the To Do list! I am planning to try the Fix Farm nutes and Earth Medicine. If there are others you looked at let me know!

[@atomizer2665]

Your point about introducing issues due to mucking about with the roots is very valid. Open wounds on a plant become potential entry points for anything nasty that may be lurking around. Just touching roots with bare hands can cause damage and the damage plus stress can make them vulnerable. I discovered this when i moved a large root bundle away from another very gently with my bare hand. After a couple of hours i could see exactly where my hand had touched the root bundles, the area had changed from bright white to a yellowy tan. The damaged area never recovered and i learned my lesson. If you remove plants from the system be aware that just hanging them in the relatively dry air (compared to the humid root chamber) can potentially cause damage and stress. If you have outdoor units i definitely wouldnt risk taking the plants out in the middle of the day :) Stressing a plant is likely to cause a growth stall which could cost you 2-3 days in lost time. Having said that, if you have to cut the roots due to pump issues etc then you have no choice. I take the view that a plant wont spend precious time and resources growing roots it doesnt need :)

[@JemimahMai]

Do you still get your seeds from Baker Creek? I live in Canada (Ontario) and having a hard time finding a good, reliable place to buy seeds from. I looked up Baker Creek, and looks like shipping can take WEEKS to Canada!

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Hi Jem, I’m in Ontario too and yes I still order from Baker Creek. Their selection is the best (in my opinion) and sometimes they take awhile to get here but I think it’s worth it. I also order a lot from Rennes Garden and West Coast seeds. I have affiliate links for them in most of my video descriptions (doesn’t cost you anything and helps support my channel 😬)

[@tonipollack5021]

Victory seeds is a good seed company. I get my dwarf tomatoes from there.

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Yeah they are great! I have a bunch of their dwarf and variegated tomatoes

[@jasondavis3244]

You mentioned in your ‘tips for beginners’ video that you were going to do a pruning video, but I don’t see it. Have you done one yet? Great videos!

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Hi Jason, It will be coming! Now that the root trimming video is done it’s moving up the to do list! I’m glad you found the videos helpful! If you have any other ideas please let me know.

[@giangellady]

Thx for the information. i have only one question: Do you ever remove the sticky tags that you placed on the pods?

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Great question! No I don’t as they are there to help reduce the light that gets to the pod. This helps to reduce the chances of algae. The plants will just push there way through

[@giangellady]

@The_IndoorGardener Thx, I think I might have screwed up. I thought they needed the tags remove so they could break through. No what I do,x🤯

[@The_IndoorGardener]

@@giangellady I have made little covers with aluminum foil. Not perfect cause it is much stronger that the stickers. Maybe you could make some from some felt (from the dollar store). It’s also not the end of the world so don’t stress too much. Just keep an eye out for algae

[@giangellady]

@@The_IndoorGardener much appreciated.

[@giangellady]

@@The_IndoorGardener thx, thx, thx u

[@Lmartin253]

Great video! Do you have the link for the pruning shears? I didn’t see it in you comments

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Hi Louise Thanks for pointing that out. I just added the link in the description to the ones I love.

[@Supercazzola]

What caused the tip burn ?

[@ivorykeys1566]

Also I meant to make mention that as soon as you notice 2 plants in 1 pod, it is ok to cut the extra plant out as soon as possible to allow the strongest looking plant to grow effectively. I had 3 jalapeno plants in my AG pod they sent me. Was way to crowded. A friend suggested cut 2 out, leaving the strongest & healthiest plant. I did, and started seeing peppers developing almost immediately. 😊

[@fitspirit]

I am wondering why you don't use aluminum foil for covers instead of buying the stickers? I just started some seeds and used foil but was wondering if maybe they will be too dark or reflect too much heat. I cut holes in the centers. Thank you.

[@TheLordsBlood]

Hi Kiri ♥️ have you ever had the mycelium colonize the whole top part of your aerogarden sponges and remain there my swiss chards have that going on I'm not sure it's mycelium lol

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Hmmm…typically when I have seen mycelium its just in the hole in the sponge. How do the Swiss chard seem? Mycelium would not hurt them at all. If you have Instagram why don’t you send me a picture @ourlittlesuburbanfarmhouse and I can take a look

[@TheLordsBlood]

@@The_IndoorGardener Thank you so much, I have been trying to take pics but it doesn't show it for some reason my phones camera is bad. The chards seem good but I didn't like the look of that stuff, today I cut the tops of the sponge where it colonized. the roots seem a bit brown the chards are about 3 or 4 inches in growth 🤔 today I put them on full pump cycle 60on 0 off the pump was running alot less before that in Herb mode

[@JemimahMai]

What scissors are you using? :)

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Hi Jem, These are the ones I was using and I LOVE them they are so sharp and precise amzn.to/3HOhWtL

[@lisaamante5384]

This was great!! Very helpful to hear and see thoughts! Thanks!!

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Thanks! I’m so glad it was helpful

[@nicholasantonelli5058]

It’s ok I have did it before

[@TiaRogers]

Have you received your pods already in the plastic holders and the stickers already on the pod holders? I feel like I received a used item because the stickers are placed poorly and I saw you had a sheet of stickers (which I didnt).😢

[@The_IndoorGardener]

I buy the bulk baskets, pods and sheets of stickers. A few years ago they switched from the iron on tops to the stickers and the stickers just don’t stay on as well and are much thinner than the old iron on ones. So it’s probably not a used one, the stickers just aren’t on as well

[@TiaRogers]

@@The_IndoorGardener Great, that is good to hear. Thank you for your response. I really appreciate it. I was so nervous to use them. Do you use distilled water for your aerogarden. I’ve seen people use it, but Im not sure if it is a preference thing.

[@The_IndoorGardener]

@@TiaRogers Distilled water is great, there is just the cost of getting it. I have big units so honestly I just use tap water and things have grown fine. It is more of a preference/accessibility thing. The only water I would not use is well water or softened water. Hope that helps. I’m not big on right vs wrong…more on good, better, best :)

[@navaerick86]

What a perfect video! Thank you for doing this.

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@travis9144]

I want to see experiments with other nutrients, I'd recommend dry nutrients because it's bad for the environment to ship water. Great video!!

[@The_IndoorGardener]

Thanks and great point! One of the nutrients I am going to test out is Earth Medicine and it is dry!! Stay tuned

[@trulsnilsen2658]

if u love spending time trimming roots and filling up this system is ok. i like to spend my time on other hobbies, that is why i like set and forget systems, so i only need to spend my time picking the veggies and fruits

[@bikinggal1]

this is not hydroponic, but aeroponic hence the NAME. I guess yoou are allowing the roots to live in the water so making it hydroponic