What are the different types of growing media?

Types of Grow Media

Stonewool - Coco Coir - Perlite - Vermiculite - Peat Moss - Grow Stones -Soil

- Stone wool - rock wool - mineral wool -

One of the most popular types of grow media is stonewool. Also known as mineral wool, rock stone wool is one of the best soil-less grow mediums a commercial grower can use as it is made from natural materials, typically does not contain impurities, offers excellent root zone aeration properties, and provides a perfectly balanced uptake of water and plant nutrients. As such, stonewool grow media is one of the most common types of grow media used in commercial greenhouses, indoor farms, and hydroponic operations.

Stonewool grow media comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes, such as- Grow Plugs and Cubes, Starter Blocks, Grow Blocks, Grow Slabs, and Multi-Flowering Slabs.

Check out the list below of other common types of grow media, mixes, and blends -

 

Coconut coir-

Coco coir is another popular type of grow media that is manufactured from shredded coconut husks. Coco coir is another common choice for commercial growers. This type of grow media  offers excellent absorption properties and can sometimes be reused or recycled.Coco coir grow media products typically come in the form of coco coir grow blocks, coco coir plugs, coco coir grow bags, loose coco coir chips, coco coir grow mats, and different types of coco coir potting mix blends.

Coir and Perlite blends:

Perlite coco coir mix- There are many growers that like to use loose coco coir blends, especially within hydroponics systems, that will add perlite to their mix to improve drainage properties with the commercial  hydro system. Typically, coco coir and perlite blended products contain different levels of coco coir with added perlite for enhanced drainage within soil and soil-less based grow operations.

Peat Moss Blends: Peat moss offers a unique ability to retain plant nutrients. As such, growers and farmers have been adding peat moss to soils and other grow media to assist with providing a nutrient-rich grow environment for plants and crops.

Perlite: By blending perlite into soils and other grow media, a grower can increase the drainage properties of their entire grow operation. Perlite does not absorb water and is used in both soil and soil-less grow operations to assist with aeration and drainage processes. Perlite can also be used as a stand alone grow media in different types of hydroponic systems for plants in early grow cycle stages.

Vermiculite- Vermiculite is another natural mineral that absorbs water and can expand when exposed to heat. Vermiculite is commonly mixed into soils as a soil amendment.

Soil & Potting Soil: Organic potting soil is the closest grow medium when compared to a plant being grown out in the natural world. Natural potting soils are typically nutrient rich, extremely absorbent, and much easier to use compared to hydroponic grow media.

Clay Pebbles, Grow Stones, and Other Growing Media- Clay pebbles and grow stones are some of the best options in terms of grow media. This type of hydroponic media is created from mineral deposits which offer excellent drainage and aeration properties when compared to other types of grow media. As clay pebbles and grow stones are a type of loose-fill grow media, they are perfect for easily transplanting plants and crops, and can assist with additional pest protection in your grow operation. Clay pebbles and grow stones are usually a bit more pricey when compared to the pricing of other types of grow media, however, this type of grow media can in most cases be re-used and not thrown out after one grow cycle.

Expanded Polystyrene- Polystyrene is another fairly common type of grow media. It is a bi-product made from polystyrene manufacturing processes. Polystyrene is perfect for increasing drainage and aeration properties, decreasing densities, and is extremely resilient to breaking down and decomposing.

Grow Media resins and foams- Urea Formaldehydes- This type of grow media is a type of manufactured resin or foam that offers high water retention properties and excellent aeration and drainage characteristics.

Other types of grow media, mixes, and blends- sand, sawdust, bark, bagasse, rice hulls, corn cobs, manure, peanut shells, pecan shells,pumice; cinders, and pea-gravel ...

Do you need wholesale growing media for your growing, farming, or commercial hydroponic operation?

At RedRock block we take great pride in providing growers with some of the highest quality stonewool grow media products. If you have questions about our premium-grade commercial stonewool grow media: Grow Plugs and Cubes, Starter Blocks, Stonewool Grow Blocks, Grow Slabs, and Multi-Flowering Slabs, please call- 1-310-967-2025

Or visit- https://www.redrockblock.com/shop/

About RedRock Block-

Commercial Grade Stonewool Grow Blocks, Grow Cubes, Grow Slabs, and Grow Plugs! The commercial cultivator’s choice for high quality, locally sourced and manufactured stone wool grow media and propagation substrate fit for any grow operation!

Call- 1-310-967-2025
https://redrockblock.com