Planting Seeds on Hydroponic Clay Pebbles Without Rockwool

In this video I’ll show you a different way to start seeds on hydroponic clay pebbles, without using rockwool. Rockwool is a great way to seeds, but there are hydroponic growers who don’t like using rockwool, and are always looking for alternatives. If you’ve tried to start seeds on clay pebbles, you know it works, there are usually wasted seeds that fall down between the cracks in the clay pebbles. One advantage to starting seeds in rockwool, is that the seeds stay where you put them, in the hole in the center of the cube. Not so with planting seeds on clay pebbles, the seeds rarely stay where you want them to. In this video I'll show you a method to keep the seeds where you want them to stay, without rockwool! Amazon links to products used in the video:
Mars hydro light: amzn.to/34ZJwQO
Clay pebbles: amzn.to/3pBDMEI
Net cups: amzn.to/38SF1Zo
Tiny Tim seeds: amzn.to/352Q4OK

[@gth042]

I think the simplicity of what you've done is a sign of genius. Time to order more clay pebbles and toss this rockwool in the attic.

[@TikkiOOO]

Its been working great, thanks for the comment!

[@sharonrose9552]

@@TikkiOOO Does it work with Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and cukes that are supposed to have a deeper planting depth?

[@toastiesburned9929]

@@sharonrose9552 just cover it with more clay pebbles

[@berndmayer1765]

​@@toastiesburned9929 Fact

[@chris12321222]

I use organic cotton balls! Over time they disintegrate as the plant grows and doesn’t have any harmful chemicals in it

[@NaturalHealingGuides]

Thanks for this amazing video. You did it 3 years ago and it is still very relevant today. You are my hero Tikki.

[@Flying_Doodle_Homestead]

I just set up a micro green experiment yesterday using a very similar set up. I got dollar tree deli cups with lids. I put my leca in the bottom, added fert to my water and then cut a paper towel to fit the shape of the container. Spread the seed and then sprayed them. I put the lid back on and set it in my window. I’m excited to see how this works. I found your video today, after I did this. So I’m doubly excited to see the progress knowing someone else did it successfully ❤❤

[@rivforest2395]

you are a great teacher, so clear and practical, many thanks!

[@ja-lt2jl]

Tikki, I leaned so much from you. Love your energy and method of experimentation!

[@KarenMontalvo]

So we’ll explained! Fantastic format and easy to watch/understand. I’m definitely doing this.

[@bigteach25]

Also a newb to this growing method and gardening in general. Thank you for this video and the illustrated processes. This has been immensely helpful Tikki! Thank you again!!!!

[@richardrussell4157]

Once again you have come up with a brilliant alternative to rockwool. This and the Loofah are both great ideas. Thanks so much!

[@atdforgebc4605]

You are really a good teacher. You and Urban Gardening. Its rare to see this kind of KZbin content creators thats directly to the point and use simple and less words. Very effective instructions with real experience demonstration. I hope you wont get tired of your efforts. Thank you

[@ssahasramorganics7664]

Yepp - I agree - sick of those monotonous drabble voices who teach almost nothing but go on and on preaching boring hydroponic sermons 😀

[@ironcurtain8432]

This is an incredibly useful guide! Thank you very much for the inspiration!

[@ChelegoesHiking]

YOU had all the answers to my questions!! YAY!! Thank you!! Will be watching much more of your content!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Michele!

[@tomlopez7819]

Great video, super helpful. You just made the Kratky method even simpler.

[@paulwilson3434]

You are a natural. Great explanation. Love you 😍

[@calabrais]

Wasn't it 13 out of 12 seeds that germinated? Talk about success! Thanks for another amazing video.

[@TikkiOOO]

Success breeds success! Thanks calabrais....success to you!

[@charismamagallanes7561]

Great content! I'm just starting to use clay pebbles and so far your video is the most useful I have seen. Thanks!

[@frankobermaier3440]

I just saw this a few weeks ago and have been using it with great success. Thank you, Tiki, for sharing your knowledge.

[@josmith6415]

I love all of your videos. You are such a great speaker and teacher. thank you.

[@TikkiOOO]

Wow, thank you, I really appreciate that!

[@johnharrison2511]

Your presentations are so good😊 Your methods also. Inspiring.

[@sherree5024]

Brilliant.. Loved your descriptions and detailed instruction. Especially when you stated what didn’t work for you.

[@michaelnewsomegreen5500]

I really like your vids Tikki, your explanations are very easy to understand & I like the experiential nature of your explanations. Your channel along with Hoocho are my goto channels for all things hydroponics. Thank you so much.

[@anthonydelgado731]

The paper towel idea was brilliant. Also thanks for taking the time and sharing your results. I often wondered whether the translucent light made a difference. Love the channel and the content

[@kimivy7234]

Thank You SO MUCH for this informative video!!! Its just what I needed to get started. Very clear, concise and easy to follow. Plus your method is genius!

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the lovely comment!

[@aaronmyatt8700]

Simple, elegant, fantastic! I will be experimenting with this technique when I next cycle my containers!

[@TikkiOOO]

Good luck Aaron, and thanks for the comment!

[@sandram5664]

Very clever idea Tikki! Thanks for sharing.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you! 😊Sandra M!

[@eric5800]

I just started 2 tiny tims in rockwool n 2 chard tonight. Just for fun n testing different methods on hydroponics thanks for great ideas

[@donnainmt]

This is a super idea! Thanks!

[@bcarol2484]

Was looking for an alternative to the rock wool- and using the clay pebbles or Perilite. THIS answered that need. And I have Paper towels always around.!!! Thank you!!!

[@wesleyvanauken]

I love this lady, she is absolutely the best!

[@Exfog]

Great job - I dig your videos, and always struggle with Rockwool. I've had great success starting in Dirt/Coco Coir, and transferring into my system which is a real pain...I absolutely dig this, and can't wait to give it a run! Thank you for sharing!

[@LindysSoftware]

Genius!! I was looking for an alternative to rockwool. This is perfect!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks YZ!

[@dtozdiamondsinc107]

I love this idea. I am giving it a try. Will update how it goes.

[@jayc6159]

That’s a great idea thanks!

[@loriea1785]

Love your creative ideas ! Folgers jars and paper towels!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks lorie A, I appreciate it!

[@lynn2551]

Brilliant fix, thanks 😊

[@-.-_123]

Thanks for doing all of this expirementing for us!🙂

[@jacqslabz]

Love it! Prefect!

[@Schallerotto]

Great vídeo! Great Idea! Salute from Brazil!

[@WannodsPlace]

Excellent video. Thanks so much. Im brand new to gardening and hydroponic. I never even heard of growing herbs and veggies in water, no soil before 1-2 yrs ago when my daughter told me a little about it. So of course curious me has to give it a try. My first 10 pod idoo kit arrivved and im about to set it up. Your well explained video is going to be a great help. Again ty so much.

[@bereckdavid4810]

thats good science, thank you for your work.

[@stevelake5943]

Thanks for the great and timely vide

[@Trackhoe075]

What a neat idea! Please keep us advised going forward! I can’t wait to start my tiny Tim’s this way! I’m sure the towel will have no I’ll effects on roots or growth! Certainly less than rockwool! Again thanks for this tip! You are a real inspiration

[@TikkiOOO]

The Tiny Tim's have flower buds....very exciting! Thanks Trackhoe for your kind comment!

[@vidaroni]

What a clever idea! I have some peppers germinating in a paper towel right now, and I think I'll try to transfer them into a setup like this instead. Thanks for sharing!

[@TikkiOOO]

I tried the paper towel in baggie method to germinate seeds, its what got me thinking about using a paper towel....its good for more than just wiping up spills! Thanks for your comment Vidar, and good luck!

[@norahmason7451]

So informative! Thanks

[@deborahtemptingtanglesdesi1511]

Someone already said this genius and it truly is. I have some little seedlings already started on cotton balls but i have a terrible time getting those little roots thru the bottom of the net cup. So I will nestle my rooted seedlings on a little paper towel nest as you show and hope the roots will follow the wet paper down into the nutrient solution. Thank you again for your brilliant ideas. =Deb

[@sharadseth5306]

Nicely explained...as always. Thanks Ma'am.

[@TikkiOOO]

My pleasure 😊Sharad, and thanks for the comment!

[@christinewinig8286]

Genius ! Thank you for this. So helpful

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Christine for the comment, and keep on growing!

[@GerryStilton]

Tikki, so glad I found your channel. I was getting tired every year of the knats and then I started to notice last two years when I started them in water and let them grow in the water, the gnats just drown ha, serves those pest right! What a great idea 💡👏, I am going to try your idea this year. Thanks, subscribed!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Gerry! Unfortunately I have some soil based plants as well, and a fish tank, so the gnats come...I use yellow sticky paper and I just bought a UV light catcher, but they are very annoying...hope your problem is solved, and thank you for commenting...welcome to the channel!

[@julieduncan1996]

Very clever!

[@bettyboohadapoo]

That what super informative thanks so much ❤️

[@mahmouddarwish707]

Its really so amazing simple ideas for biggners ., i my self going to apply yrs and see Confident it working well ., trusting your clear simplicity thk u

[@FortWildernessRicky]

That was marvelous 😎

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Fort Wilderness Ricky!

[@chris2pher44]

All I gotta say is wow. I have a love hate relationship with rockwool. I feel stupid after watching this, this is outstanding idea and I must try. Thanks so much for sharing.👍

[@stevend.harrington5017]

I'm using a plastic coffee container...and put three holes in the cover. Using your rolled up paper towel idea and applied a plastic rap for humidity...it works...!! very well actually.

[@jomnomnom]

That's brilliant! 😃 So much cheaper and eco-friendlier than a fresh piece of rockwool for each new plant. Been searching for alternatives for a while. Can't wait to try that!

[@golfshoe9321]

You can also use cotton balls.

[@KeepSycklids]

Or pool noodles. Lol gardening is mostly simplicity.. but big companies and capitalism will tell u that u need the growmaster 9000.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣and there goes the Gardner down to homedepot just to return it.. cuz it don't usually work better then simple 🤷

[@KeepSycklids]

I remember when they said u couldn't grow Marijuana in miracle grow. Lmao just 20 years later find out that Scott's owns all the fertilizer companies. Ur basically growing in miracle grow no matter what u buy. Look it up. They were tryin to monopolize the soil game .. I think they did.

[@joeromph213]

Genius move!!

[@DaveCaseyin3D]

2yrs later, is this still your preferred method? It looks like a great idea!

[@jimmyjo1375]

Great video.

[@taekwonmo]

You're a genius! Thanks! I was going to try a cotton ball but this works well! :)

[@taekwonmo]

OK - so two weeks later, I had to uproot my bok choy and take out the paper towels because it was molding and I noticed a fungus gnat targeting the paper towel plants. It doesn't look like you had this problem, though, so maybe it was something on my end. :

[@ThanhBui-fi6xg]

thank you, i really did not want to buy rockwool. this is perfect

[@markledford4420]

Loved this I was buying condiment containers and starting in paper towels and moving the paper towel to netcups guessing heights lol

[@Worldwidegiantgrowers]

Nice video I’m new to hydro 👀 to learn more

[@RedhairedRanger]

What a great idea! I'm always in favour of a more sustainable solution (i.e., I'm running out of rockwool!). Thanks again for sharing!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you RedhairedRanger!

[@ranchodiablaacres3967]

You're doing great work for the hydroponic community for posting these experiments, Tikki! Great job! This is a much better method for our lungs and the environment.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you for the nice comment, I appreciate it!

[@laticecarpenter5887]

@Tikki O. Hello, lol I wished I had saw this video before I purchased the rock wool, I purchased it because I binged watch alot of your wonderful videos. May I ask why you stopped using rock wool, and also do you still to this day use paper towel to start your seedlings. Thanks...I'm gonna try and find up to date videos you have...you do such an excellent job on explaining, thanks again!!

[@catherinebaldwin6580]

Wow. This is perfect. I’m glad I found your channel while web surfing about hydroton. It’s nice to find a method without rockwool. Just don’t like the idea of the fibers, the throwing away and buy more, and the energy cost. It takes a lot of fossil fuel most of the time to melt rock like that. A method where the only thing thrown away is a paper towel is great. I wonder if it could be more sustainable, but whatever makes thar bed is getting tangled in roots, so a brown recycled paper towel seem best.

[@theflightsimmerupnorth5172]

Thank you for this! This helped saved me some $$$ :)

[@TM-we6eg]

This is awesome im gonna try it, ty for the video. The rockwool drives me nuts.

[@JenMarco]

I’ve been wondering if I could do this! Thank you!!!

[@TikkiOOO]

Yes, Bounty towels work great, thanks jtuno 122!

[@Katya-zj7ni]

Great presentation 😂❤❤❤

[@danhaas6448]

I started lettuce in just paper towels and just spent a half hour transplanting into clay pebbles, this makes more sense, thanks

[@TikkiOOO]

Glad its working for you, good luck!

[@LesssIsMore]

I've watched several of your videos and they're great!!! So time for me to comment. Things that I really liked: 1. I liked that you experimented and tried something new with the paper towel and shared your results. 2. Recording over time is great so we can see the outcome. 3. You did a double experiment with the tin foil and again shared the results - GREAT!! 4. If you're not sure about why something happens, you let us know. I will certainly be watching more of your videos. Question/Comment: 1. I had the same question as you as to why not use something to prevent seeds from falling down. I thought about using a mix with smaller clay pebbles, crushed clay pebbles or perlite (thinking it would float to the top and create a surface for the seeds). Your solution is much more elegant. 2. I haven't used clay pebbles before but after watching your video, I ordered a bag. I'm just curious if the pebble wick up water without the paper towel. It seems like with just the rocks the the seeds would not get adequate moisture. THANKS!!!!!!!!

[@1SpiritualTruth]

Thank you!

[@margybane3985]

Love the hints you were giving us!! I’m thinking of starting Vegs with clay pebbles and wonder if you have lights over all of your plantings??

[@aarongentile7232]

Great idea and a good $ saver too!!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks AJG!

[@giovannysilva7735]

Sure gonna try out this method

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Giovanny!

[@cynthiaerskine4882]

Great video. I have been propagating from seed in separate media (50/50 perlite and vermiculite mix, which is reusable) and then transferring to net cups when the seedling is slightly bigger...mainly because I didn't like the idea of rockwool from a sustainability perspective. This idea of yours is really good though and I think there are probably a few ways to achieve the same end using scrap fabric instead of the paper towel (I never buy paper towel, we use cloth that can be either washed or rags that can be thrown away if the mess is really yukky). I'm going to give it a try, thankyou for your great video :)

[@TikkiOOO]

Cloth is a great alternative (no dyes of course) thanks for the comment and good luck growing!

[@seans7451]

Awesome video, this is essentially how the 'botanium' system works, seeds are started in miniature clay pebbles, and a pump goes off every few hours to keep them moist. I've grown bok choi, lettuce, and peppers in the original kickstarter botanium model. I've done the same thing as this video with kratky and just clay pebbles inspired by the botanium. I will say the mini pebbles work best but are hard to come by, I've only seen them offered by botanium, I'm sure you could essentially do the same thing growing in pure perlite.

[@TikkiOOO]

Great tips, thanks Sean!

[@mskraft]

Great idea using paper towels. I tried using wicking twine, but it didn’t work too well 😄. I’ll give your method a go next time. 👍🏾. TFS 💗

[@TikkiOOO]

I used Bounty, but it should work with any cloth, good luck!

[@Rite1010.]

I'm gonna try this. Rock wool was way too complicated for me as a first timer. I did do a single direct sowing recently and my garlic is doing great.

[@ametsai536]

Thank you! I don’t want to feel guilty about adding to land waste

[@thersgarden3144]

Cool video. I'll give it a try on my first grow season 😀 What did you use to paint the milk jars?

[@lorrainerhoades881]

Thanks for sharing

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevepethel6843]

❤😂very good ideas well spoken video

[@TheMartiniDiva]

Love your videos, you are concise and thorough! What size seed cups did you use for the gallon milk jugs and how did you get them to fit? P.S., use an eye dropper to moisten your paper towel instead of a sprayer.

[@lightheirart5521]

i found a black drawstring bag on Amazon that easily slips over bottom of wide mouth mason jar and has a neat draw string on top. I think they were a dozen for just over $1 each and so much easier than dealing with foil. (10/30/22). Haven't tried them yet but soon will use your clay pebble idea and let you know.

[@OxzowachiAlt]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! It seemed like EVERYONE used rockwool in their hydroponic systems, until I decided to actually look up "Hydroponics without rockwool". This video was basically MADE for me. I thought I would have to come up with a genius solution myself! Thanks so much for this video!!

[@Tannimaus1]

I'm super new to Kratky and I like your videos the best of many I've watched. Nicely paced, informative, to the point. Thank you! Do you know if the Masterblend nutrient solution might be harmful to dogs? I unfortunately don't know anything about chemicals /fertilizer. I would have more space if i wasn't worried my two dogs might get into any containers I put on the floor

[@TikkiOOO]

Thank you Tannimaus1 and thank you for your kind comment! Unfortunately I don't know if Masterblend is harmful to dogs, but I wouldn't leave any chemicals or fertilizers near pets or small children. Maybe get a large container like a bin/tote or large bucket with a good cover and secure it that way so they don't get into it. That way you can leave it on the floor, but its in a closed container that is difficult for pets/kids to get into. Good luck with your growing journey!

[@strawman9410]

Growing made simple. Would of liked more info on your watering, how often you changed or topped up. I'm following similar method, but with a bubbler. Yes your paper towel method, like it. Thank you.

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks Sean, I like simple...my watering is different depending on the container size. The large 3-5 gallon totes I top off or change out once a month or so, depending on the water level. The water levels don't decrease as much in the beginning, and then much more as the plant grows more, and even more when it starts to flower and bear fruit. Cucumbers seem to drink more than tomatoes, and tomatoes more than lettuce. Also when the environment is humid the water doesn't evaporate as quickly as in a dry environment....so many variables, so I go by feel and by looking. Mostly I leave the lettuce alone and its fine. The tomatoes I tend to about once a month, flushing out most of the water and giving it new hydroponic water with nutrients. Hope that helps. Mostly look at your plants and see if they look good or are stressed out. Thanks for the question!

[@Legotron]

Brand new to hydroponics and stumbled upon your channel. Love the explanations, straight and to the point. My only question is... is there harm in not thinning out the smaller plants and letting them coexist in the same net cup?

[@Keithers_]

I'd like to know as well. I have some that I didn't thin and they are growing, but they're really crowded and I'm thinking it would make them more susceptible to disease and more difficult to harvest. Just a guess though. I know even in the gardening books I've read the seedlings get thinned, so there must be a reason.

[@sparkymikey25]

I know this is an old post but I wanted to answer anyway. Yes, what happens is competition for the nutrients in the water, space for the roots to grow, and especially as they grow they will compete for light. If you train them to grow sideways so they aren't competing for light and you change the water often then they could both grow together.

[@couponqueen5089]

Thanks for sharing, when should i remove the paper towel?

[@BeppyCat]

This is great! Has this became your standard practice?

[@Topdoginuk]

That was excellent. Can I ask about the lights? Do you use them so that you can grow indoors all year round? I'm very new to this subject of hydroponics

[@terryirwin3899]

Very very interesting! Thanks for the video. You moved the tomatoes to a larger reservoir - I assume they stay in their net cup forever? My understanding is a rockwool plug can be placed in a larger rockwool cube which can then later be dropped into a much larger net basket. Will your tomato plant reach full productivity in its original net cup?

[@hsbc2468]

Good idea. I will try with cotton balls and kerosene lantern wick.

[@TikkiOOO]

Without the kerosene I hope! Good luck Bob!

[@murtasma]

I'm going to try this out. If you go to a home depot or lowe's buy yourself a roll of reflective insulation it's pretty cheap and super easy to work with, scissors is all you need. You can glue it or tape it to your containers to block the light. It will also help to keep the water cool for the plants and is reusable and fine to get wet. I'm also considering ripping a piece of paper towel to place on top of the pebbles instead of making a little bed while still having a wick into the water. This should make it easier for roots to break into the paper towel and work down. You could also place a tiny bit of soil above the paper towel since the soil won't fall in. This will keep the seed and roots in the dark as they work their way down and give the plant a bit of support as it starts. That little soil layer can also help prevent some evaporation until the plant can get established. I'll let you know how it goes thanks for the idea!

[@TikkiOOO]

Thanks for the tips Murtasma!

[@chrisjenniferskippy]

Great video! Did you cut the paper towel below the net cup after the roots grew in?

[@Keithers_]

I didn't realize the smaller cherry tomatoes are Tiny Tim variety (thank you for saying so!) and now I have three giant ten foot cherry tomato vines in my sliding door window lol :D The bed method works great. I have experimented with TP & paper towel. I was using jute twine for a wick, but simpler just to cut up strips of paper towel like you have I suspect. I also wondered why I hadn't seen anyone try it until I found your video. I don't know if the paper will ever cause issues with mold or anything? I'm many weeks in and it has been fine so far. I like this because I don't want to spend money on expensive rockwool, I have bad luck germinating in soil (prefer to leave the soil outside), and it's a pain to clean the roots. Have you experimented with growing anything like garlic or carrots in clay pebbles? I'm going to try and see what happens.

[@jeng1395]

Carrots, as a root veg, would be a waste of resources, in my opinion.

[@AnnaRosaEverythingEnergy]

I love your videos :) About the milk jugs... what is the purpose of the blue tape?

[@La_La_La3]

Do you leep them under lights while waiting for them to germinate? Also at what temperature?

[@oftenwrongphong]

subscribed...where were you before I ordered a bunch of rockwool to go with my clay pebbles? lol