Reusable Grow Medium vs Premium Grow Medium - Rambo Radish Microgreen Medium Trial

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a Premium Grow Mat that can retain water and a simple Reusable Stainless Steel Mesh that doesn’t retain water in terms of Microgreen Growth!? We sure have, and there are many different grow mats for growing microgreens available on the market today to compare too. From hemp grow mats to jute grow mats and many more, that are all single use.
Today, we’ll be focusing on using a grow mat made of bamboo fibers from a company called VegBed and comparing the Microgreens grown on the Vegbed grow mat group to Microgreens grown on 304 grade Stainless Steel Mesh. And we'll see which grow medium can grow microgreens better! In this video we discuss everything in full depth, from seeding, to harvest weights to a side-by-side comparison of appearance and flavor- along with sharing costs, any tips, advantages, or pain points we notice with both grow mediums!
** Please note ** This video is an older video and since posting it we have started selling our own Stainless Steel Mesh product for growing microgreens and there is a difference between the mesh used in this video and the mesh that we sell. The mesh is this video is a 304-grade stainless steel…. however, our product that we now sell on our website is a 316-grade stainless steel. Links below are for OUR reusable grow mediums.
IN THIS VIDEO →
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#microgreens #Howtogrowmicrogreens #hydroponics

[@OnTheGrow]

💥 We now have a blog on our Website where we talk more in depth about the Reusable Grow Medium, how to use it, how to clean + much more --> www.onthegrow.net/post/reusable-microgreen-grow-medium

[@randyjohnson9772]

TEST OPTIONS>> GROUNDING THE SS MESH ADDING HEMP BED ON TOP OF SS OPTIONAL COPPER MESH OPTIONAL ALUMINUM MESH

[@bobbieriley3061]

Topic idea: Nutritional analysis of the end product grown in different growing mediums, potting soil ocean, trace minerals etc

[@patricianelson7911]

You are so real and easy to listen to. I love your step by step testing to show the difference. The steel mesh seems so much better than using soil and then tossing it each time. I am so close to starting to grow some for us to try at home and get some knowledge under my belt so I can decide and share with others and try to start a business. I am older (64) and have loved gardening for years, but as I get older, an inside growing of nutritious food seems the smart thing to do to stay healthy. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge. You are a blessing to all of us!

[@ScottYdo]

It’s been a while since I have been to your site. You guys have really stepped it up. Way to go. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍🎯

[@criscoregelo]

great job, very detailed, love your drive for new efficiencies

[@RubinaMerchant]

New to this, learning a lot from your lovely explanations. Thank you!

[@lynnrabe4428]

I know this video is from last year, but it’s fabulous! I’m just starting on with microgreens and you are my go-to channel for knowledge!

[@EmpressKadesh]

So stoked to find this video!!

[@drew-shourd]

Great video, I love this channel and have learned a lot. Thank you to for your passion and dedication to share it. I also used that same grow mat media but took a few seconds to cut it to fit right, I am a small outfit, so it wasn't an issue. I have also placed paper towel over about 3/4 of an inch of coco coir, worked great.

[@youdodat2]

Awesome Stuff. Thank You.

[@dizzydinonysius]

To keep the seeds from falling off the medium, make a frame that sits in while the seeds are being placed and then remove it. Could even be kind of a funnel shape to it so they can be more easily scattered around.

[@tanis1111]

Great video, you two do such a good job with the whole process. I appreciate it. I love watching your videos. Thanks for all the wonderful information. Grow on lol 🤣👍🌎✌️🎃🌱🍀

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support!!! It really does mean a lot to us! Thank you for your wonderful support 🤗🌱🌱

[@jboymah]

excellent work

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Your video was so informative. Thank you so much! I just use paper towels. Works like a charm.

[@jeffhyett4645]

Thanks!

[@deliastanley3921]

Great video! Wondering why you have three fans per shelf on the rack to your left and only one fan per shelf on the other ? Thanks 🙂

[@monicasteele8348]

You guys ROCK.... thank you so much for the terrific walk throughs and wonderful energy that comes through. i BELIEF in you . Peace and gratitude

[@flavrt]

Use flanging pliers to form a minimal lip on the sides of the ss mat. That will speed up seeding and save seeds.

[@helenflouch]

I use tissue paper which works fine. By the time it's time to cut the microgreens the tissue paper has almost completely disintegrated.

[@RetailCryptoNews]

Looks Good. Thanks

[@OnTheGrow]

Thanks for the support!! 🌱🌱👌

[@barbararoldan7471]

Thanks for these great videos! So informative and helpful. Thank you so much for all your channel does to help. Have you found a good method for getting rid of fungus gnats?

[@stanleygarland5164]

Get some fruit fly traps..

[@PatriciaEspiritu]

Thanks much for this 🥰

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support!! 🌱🌱

[@PatriciaEspiritu]

@@OnTheGrow I literally am binge-watching on your channel. Love from the Philippines. I hope and been working on to have my own microgreens farm for personal consumption and future business. Your videos are truly helpful. 🥰💛

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Thanks

[@tomallison4103]

New to microgreens, just looking to grow them at home for personal use (at least for now). I've been binge-watching your videos, and learning a TON! I am getting a lot of different input on nutrients. Some say they are not needed, and others use them. I see that you do use them. What do you use? (didn't see it on your web pages, or in any of the vids I've watched yet). Thanks, and keep it up!

[@dwightryder9564]

He mentions Ocean Solution in the vid.

[@stanleygarland5164]

Do you have a garden plot where you can use some of the discarded seedlings to actually grow the vegetable?

[@nkc9788]

Thank! Great video and funny bloopers. Very detailed… you mention using hydroponic nutrient would that be organic? If not would fish emotion work for a lite nutrient?

[@OnTheGrow]

Thank you so much for the support!! We use a nutrient called Ocean Solution 2-0-3 which is a sea based nutrient that we really like! Fish emulsion would work well, but it does get a bit stinky... kelps can also sometimes work well too! 🤗🌱🌱

[@tdvanwinkle]

try a vermiculture bin for hard to compost items. worm castings are great

[@michaelscarn4619]

Have you found any seed that do not do well? Thanks for the video

[@KME111]

Would you be able to do the same with the plastic bin that comes with a strainer?

[@333brndn2]

I'll have to look into it but there are silicone mats or neoprene that would likely be even easier to utilize than the SS mesh

[@farmmicrogreensuk8156]

Great video! Thanks :) How have you found getting peashoot roots out of the mesh? I imagine that's quite a bit trickier? Would you just recommend the mesh sheets for the smaller micros? Thanks 🌱🌱

[@RovingPunster]

The radicals for pea shoots are definitely too thick for the 1mm RGM. I recommend either top sowing on coco coir, or just directly on the mesh tray itself. Both work fine, but I find the coco coir to be better because it retains moisture better and is more inhospitable to puff mold. The coco can also pay for itself if you compost by being recycled into top quality potting soil.

[@Put-that-down]

Are the screens better than coco coir? Love your content.

[@erickevinz7369]

Great video. I’m new to all this. What are the exact 1020 trays do you use? I noticed the blog mentioned 3 tray method. Thanks

[@musicjewell9329]

Bootstrap farms probably

[@drpk6514]

I have used the stainles steel (and woven plastic) mesh for growing microgreens in the past. I used very fine holes mesh; my plan was to keep all the roots over the mesh to make a pure root matt. I had a few problems: 1. I had to water frequently as mesh didnt retained the water. I was aining eventually to have a self watering system of spraying or mister using ultrasound (I did use it). 2. Fungal growth issue. 3. Eventhough it was very fine mesh the fine roots still got through. 4. Problem with cleaning the mesh which I could get through it by drying the roots. I am sure I could get that work but I changed the system and now I have developed a self watering microgreen growing system which after a number of prototypes I think is ready for the market. Now I have ordered the first few hundred batch of them and they are ready for the shipment. If you are interested we could work together and we both benefit from it.

[@OnTheGrow]

Sure, you can reach out to [e-mail] with some details and we can talk about it! Excited to see what you've created...

[@drpk6514]

@@OnTheGrow Thank you. I will be in contact with you. Regards

[@drpk6514]

@@OnTheGrow Please check your email.

[@gizmorepairs]

@@drpk6514 can I please have some details on your system. Thanks

[@drpk6514]

@@gizmorepairs Check my channel. I made a video of it.

[@dougsimpson1062]

I am curious to see what happens if you place the stainless on top of a hemp mat. The hemp mat would retain the necessary moisture that the stainless lacks. Is it possible to then lift the stainless off the hemp and get a higher total harvest weight? Even better would be a reusable moisture medium that does not degrade like the hemp. This would allow you to reuse the moisture medium and the stainless. My assumption here is that the stainless allows you to retain a higher yield by allowing you to cut closer to the roots.

[@tansielexingtonstoryyokai8790]

What temperature do you maintain in your grow trailer?

[@righteousruckus]

Do you guys use reusable or do you use coco coir in your normal grow operation?

[@craigsuccee3404]

Great comparison. You have me interested in trying the mesh. I have grown thousands of trays of microgreens, all with a soil medium. I am specifically interested in growing alfalfa micros with the mesh, as that is the crop that I have had the most mould/rot issues with, plus it is such a short standing microgreen, that harvesting can be tricky to make sure you leave all the soil behind. Do you guys grow alfalfa microgreens?

[@OnTheGrow]

We actually do grow alfalfa! Mandi is working on a full walk through for the moment on it... I'll ask her to do it on the stainless steel mesh so we can give you a better idea of what to expect!

[@craigsuccee3404]

@@OnTheGrow That's great. You guys definitely earned a purchase from me. I will look into buying a 10 pack of mesh from you asap. Cheers!

[@finkleeinhorn1767]

Can u spray it with vinegar to clean it at the end to disinfect between grow tray cycles?

[@nkc9788]

Do you carry the half size stainless steel mess for home-grower?

[@stanleygarland5164]

Have you ever tried burlap or some sort of cotton fabric?

[@jackstraw9728]

Question… what works the best for you…??? Seeds Temperature Humidity Medium &, Fertilizers if any. Just starting out. All The Best ✌️😎👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@baronkimble5378]

Not sure if going to be better than soil due to cleaning labor, but interesting to try imo

[@patriciatoomingtheplantpar2558]

I don't want to be or hire a "dish washer" not sure if you put the time/cost ratio down on paper that the numbers would work out as realistic

[@raymondnederhoff8134]

So, if I think I might have trouble monitoring the saturation levels (over or underwatering) would you recommend I use cocoir, soil, paper towels, or what?

[@OnTheGrow]

Coco and soil and probably the most forgiving. Over saturation can cause mold and other issues on them, but for the most part, you can usually overwater or underwater a little. If you aren't good at determining how much to give in water, I'd suggest those two. Reusable grow medium can handle overwatering but not underwatering.

[@ourhomesteadjourney1775]

Have you ever tried a copper mesh? Thinking electroculture 🤔

[@04DynaGlyde]

Can all varieties of microgreen seeds be grown on stainless steel mesh? And do you still grow on Stainless steel grow mats, why or why not?

[@patriciatoomingtheplantpar2558]

That pastry cutter is literally $1.25 at Dollar tree. Same size, same shape, and stainless steel...$1.25 at dollar tree. I bought 2 a week ago. Not sure the stainless steel is cost effective. Time is money and you spend a huge amount of time cleaning, picking and pecking at those. Although those can be autoclaved, I think in the end they are to frail, prone to getting bent, pinched and materials stuck in them to spread disease. Not a fan

[@TPSDmike]

Nailed it on the head. These mesh mats could be useful for the windowsill grower but not for anyone that puts a higher value on their time. These are not a viable option for any sort of commercial growing. Labor, without a doubt, is the biggest expense on a Microgreen farm. The cost of added labor for cleaning these things is far greater than the little bit you save using a reusable mat. Not to mention, cleaning is generally the least favorite task on a farm. The goal should be minimizing these types of tasks, not adding to them.

[@OnTheGrow]

When we power wash them, it takes a whole 10 seconds to 15 seconds per mesh. Really quite easy to clean 😄 depends on your processes though I suppose! We will make a video on our cleaning process for them soon. Also, we have several farms running about 80-120 of these mesh and are loving it. I think it's really up to your cleaning process and what you prefer 😉

[@user-mk6qp4iy4i]

How many watts are those lights?

[@helenemorin3087]

your trays got a lot of holes. Mines not. So how and where can I get some?

[@wolmaister]

Hi what is the micron of the reusable mesh

[@hanstakani]

Thanks for this good idea. Where can i buy the trays ? Please share a link ;)

[@OnTheGrow]

shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1148267&u=2175923&m=72437&urllink=&afftrack=

[@TheRenenino1988]

what is the size of the holes?

[@lisas7516]

how small are these screen holes?

[@NatureZone101]

Interesting video. Seems a little concerning though across the board. If you're talking about Black Mold on all product, it doesn't matter if it's a little or a lot because any of it means there is much more you can't even see yet. This seems like all the product is a little risky to eat.

[@OnTheGrow]

It was only the VegBed side as I show at the end... I visually inspected the stainless side and none was present. I hear your concern though! Generally we don't have that kind of mold in our growspace, it only happens when some mediums work really poorly, such as the VegBed in this case...

[@NatureZone101]

@@OnTheGrow OK, I thought you said there were a few Black Mold spots on the other one as well just not as bad as the VegBed. Thanks :)

[@PectusCarinatum]

What grade stainless steel do you use? At the begining of the video you say 304, but on your website it says 316?

[@OnTheGrow]

The mesh in this particular video isn't our product, it was just a 304 grade stainless steel that we cut to size. The product we sell on our website is 316 grade.

[@mistym614]

Where did you get your scale?

[@Goodellsam]

What mesh size is the screen?

[@ronaldvuiller4626]

what's the purpose of blackout?

[@patjohnson3528]

What micron size is the mesh you are using? Would different sizes be better for different micro varieties pea or sunflower or fava? Thanks!

[@OnTheGrow]

This video is an older video and since posting it we have started selling our own Stainless Steel Mesh product for growing microgreens and there is a difference between the mesh used in this video and the mesh that we sell. The mesh is this video is a 304-grade stainless steel…. however, our product that we now sell on our website is a 316-grade stainless steel and the mesh holes are 1mm. For peas, you do not need a grow medium, you can grow directly on a mesh tray, and since the roots are so aggressive I feel that they might clog the grow medium (we'll have to do a test on this). As for sunflower, they grow amazingly - Check out this blog /case study we wrote --> www.onthegrow.net/post/case-study-coco-coir-vs-reusable-microgreen-grow-medium-high-seeding-density Fava is a crop we haven't grown yet, so I am unsure. However, our mesh works with most seed varieties as long as the seeds aren't small like amaranth (they'll fall through), or aren't hard/clingy seeds like swiss, beets and cilantro. here's the mesh we sell www.onthegrow.net/product-page/reusable-microgreen-medium

[@patjohnson3528]

@@OnTheGrowAh ok thank you. The mesh holes are 1mm or the wire is 1mm? I have read that some growers use 2 different sizes depending on variety I was hoping to find a common one that worked for all. Before I purchase what is the mesh of the screen? 30 mesh? 40 mesh? Thanks

[@foamformbeats]

is the stainless steel food grade?

[@faisalwahabkhan5310]

can I grow wheatgrass using this mesh?

[@Karoline_g]

For those of us at home - any reason we can’t use drugstore (3%) H2O2 and just dilute it less?

[@dwightryder9564]

3% has stabilizers. and Order the 35% on-line. It can and must be diluted. Much more expensive initially, but SAFE. And lasts forever.

[@shellbelz]

Serious question.. Would fiberglass window mesh be a good reusable medium do you think?

[@OnTheGrow]

I saw your question on our other video and answered it for you! :)

[@Pseudonym1234]

If this plastic not toxic - yes. You need a food safe one,like polypropylene.

[@evansamson2703]

What ever happen to your hydroponic rack set up you made? Do you still use that system?

[@OnTheGrow]

Yes! The flood and drain is still in our grow-space, this was just filmed prior to us adding it to the space. Currently it's filled with blooming edible flowers, basils, shiso and other leafy greens!

[@sharriceowens913]

so is this better than the coconut coir in your other videos

[@OnTheGrow]

Really it comes down to personal preference, we enjoy using both currently and both mediums have their own challenges and advantages. If you're interested, we now have a blog that talks more in depth about the "Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium" www.onthegrow.net/post/reusable-microgreen-grow-medium

[@michaelscarn4619]

Is the steel mat considered food grade? How do regulations affect this?

[@dwightryder9564]

Stainless is what ALL foodservices use.

[@lukenovay1785]

What are those things you put ontop of the trays for weight called

[@Cameron_F]

Pavers

[@TheMajinCollins]

Link to steel mesh please 🥺

[@grenadegoboom4967]

Just to point out. The panel led's on the bottom, which you deemed to be the best. Only problem is you WAY over paid for them. Those panels are available in 2 packs for 35 bucks on amazon. from sellers greensindoor or seametal. they come in full spectrum and blurple so make sure you get the ones you want. 300 watt "replacement" panels have an actual pull of 45w. for the price you paid you could have bought a Viparspecta XS-1000 or P1000 or similar. Which is a 100w full spectrum panel using Samsung LM301b diodes. Those are advertised as 1000w replacements {nope| but they are super amazing for 75 bucks or so!!!

[@albertlopez3578]

What size is the hole on the stainless steel screen?

[@OnTheGrow]

It's 2mm I believe! I can get the exact spec later and I'll pin it in the comments! At dinner at the moment. Hope that helps 🤗🌱🌱

[@OnTheGrow]

The holes are 1mm in size! We now have blogs a a video on it! 🤗🌱🌱

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

you can use silicone mesh mats. what was your mesh hole size?

[@OnTheGrow]

1mm holes, and definitely!

[@guitarlearningtoplay]

@@OnTheGrow what micron size is that 30,40,50, or 60?

[@OnTheGrow]

It's a 30 mesh, if you go to our website there are all the details you need. Www.onthegrow.net. 🌱🌱

[@ashleyorganic]

Does this work with cilantro seeds?

[@OnTheGrow]

So far, we have not had success with cilantro or seeds like swiss chard. It works wonderful for brassica seeds / similar seeds to brassicas as well as sunflowers. As soon as we figure out the process for cilantro, we will make a video and share it!

[@fernwehchronicles193]

BOOP-DOO-DOO-BOOP!! 😂

[@Richibald1]

Is there any taboo reason why you shouldn't harvest with the chopper straight off the SS mesh? Seems like significantly less waisted income to me cleaving off just above the roots 🐖🐷 Love the trailer as a store idea. Man you must clean up at food markets anything you'd wish you had done differently... A double decker trailer with spiral staircase and sunshine ceiling maybe 🐷🐷.

[@darkhunter777]

Салатики лучше выращивай в грунте - с ними меньше геммороя. И без грунта растение будет без витаминов.

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

I bought a house that came with a 1000 sq ft greenhouse, the tech is bit dated, but functional only need to do a bit a maintenance. Level with me how easy it to turn the greenhouse into money making machine microgreens or whatever?

[@OnTheGrow]

Super easy! You can watch all our videos on different subjects like light and nutrients and be a pro in a few days. We also have a book for under $20.00 that teaches you everything. Www.onthegrow.net

[@tinyhydrogreens1932]

Is the mesh food grade?

[@OnTheGrow]

Ours is! I believe that the one in this video was 304 grade stainless steel, but the one we sell is 316 grade stainless steel, food-grade.

[@patticriss2238]

That medium appears to Be quilt batting.

[@RovingPunster]

18:40 You mentioned 12% Hydrogen Peroxide ... is that a typo, cuz ive only seen 3%.

[@Clever_Motel]

How the hell are you growing on those stainless screens? Every time, EVERY TIME I take my greens out of blackout and bottom water them, they're all dead and fallen over when I get home from work. I've tried this 4 times now and 'm so pissed off because I don't know what I'm doing wrong!

[@xaviermartinez623]

Did you figure it out?

[@Clever_Motel]

​@xaviermartinez623 Not really, I did finally have one success with radishes, but everything else died. I feel like there's something I am missing. Perhaps it needs a cleaner environment? Maybe more controlled temperatures and humility? I have no idea

[@xaviermartinez623]

@Clever_Motel hey I've never grown microgreens but I've been learning a lot this past month so I'm not a pro but are you using a nutrient supplement for the first watering?

[@deliafrye1344]

Why did you not just cut the pad down

[@OnTheGrow]

Because then, it wouldn't be true to what comes straight out of the package and ready for the person who purchases it. 🌱+ With this being a test/experiment, it's best not to alter things.

[@Ash.Crow.Goddess]

Just cut down the medium. Scissors are a great investment.

[@drthomason7043]

Don't you guys have a scissors

[@mskuttinupwhitney3540]

🫶🏽