The normal round expanded clay balls float, which means to wash them you just fill up your bath half way and throw them in and vigorously stir them around. All the crap and dust (and old roots if you're reusing them) will fall to the bottom and as the balls float you just scoop them up with a big net pot. It's the only way to rinse them properly.
Orchid growers like me have adopted these clay pebbles for what we call semi hydro..... very fun and effective way of growing our orchids. I grow almost all of them in these. We are taking advantage of the wicking ability and aeration. I love them and find the price is OK. IKEA sell them, they're called Odla
Could you please do a video on how you can use semi hydro in house plants, maybe propagating string of hearts and cacti? Pothos i find is easy. Thanks so much! 😊
Pro tip for people who live in areas with clay soil. Screen a bunch of dirt through some screens into a 5 gallon bucket until you're left with just the clay. Wrap whats left up in a rag, tie it up to drain somewhere. When its dried enough, take out your big chunk of clay, make a bunch of tiny little balls, and once those are dried, toss them in the bottom of a camp or bonfire. Bam! little clay balls.
I used decorative lava rock and perlite from Walmart in my version of an ebb and flow table with great success for years once every thing got going it was a perpetual weed machine 😊
Once you have your camera set up and focused switch it to manual focus if you won't be moving in the scene. All through the section at 3:40 the camera keeps trying to find what to focus on.
Gross old hydroton is a decent addition if you're making terra preta as a substitute for the smashed pottery. It's not worth it to buy it in specifically for this, though in my case I found someone giving it away for free after their own failed adventure in hydroponics.
Is there ever an issue with algae build up on the clay pebbles? I'm currently using pumice stones and have an issue with green algae build up. Does clay work better? Thanks.
Yes, algae can grow on hydroton. High humidity and high nitrogen levels favor the growth of algae as does keeping the hydroton wet at all times. It can also be an issue with rockwool never having a chance to dry out.
How exactly can I use these to aid in preventing root rot? I heard about putting them in the bottom and soil on top but then I've read that's not a good idea. 🤔 I'm confused 😕
Hello. I've heard about placing the clay pebbles on top of the soil but I doubt their real benefits there. Could you make a video about using clay pebbles (especially for rosemary). Tks a lot. :)
I have a question about hydroton in a 3 inch net cup..if I filled the net cup halfway with these and topped it off with coco coir, would that work as a safe grow medium for veges in kratky method? I NEED an answer to this question today because Im waiting to sow some seeds. Thankyou
Generally you don't start your seeds in the hydroton. He started his seeds in rockwool cubes. I like to start my seeds in a paper towel zip lock bag then transfer them to the hydroton.
Hey if i want to use a mix of Leca and potting mix for succulents ... do the leca balls be kept at the base of pot or above the soil layer ..?? Am confused .. plz reply
Have you seen it used for succulents ? I can’t seem to get a good mix with equal participle sizes of pumice and calcined clay . Once I add some organic potting medium ( even just a little ) , I end up with a pot that stays wet for days because all the smaller particles settle and fill in my air pockets that I’m trying to create . With these being more round , it seems that there will be more air space between them once piled on top of each other in a pot . That’s my theory anyway. Thanks for the video 😊
Hi! i kinda need your advice, i got this indoor plant which uses this method (Im really new with plants) and so i asked the sales person on how to take care of it and the only thing she said was to pour an inch of water on a pot where the ventilated container with the plant would sit, and just change the water every few weeks. Is that accurate? Thanks in advance!
Hey I'm planting for the first time using Kratky and pebbles. Do you put the pebbles in the bottom of the net cup to bring the rock wool cube to level with the top of the net cup?
Hi. I thought buying LECA would be easy, but when I went shopping online, I found there are pebbles and balls, so I don't know which of those I should buy. I tried to find out which brand or source would be better to no avail. I also found many sources and many sizes of package, and I don't know how pounds or liters translate into volume, and when I ask these questions, I don't get answers, just more ads and how-to-use information. Can you help me?
@@epicgardening would you advise against it due to possible damage to roots? I use coco fiber. i don't want to put the net pots with coco fiber in a grow tower. it dirt's up the solution. I use lava rock instead of the clay pebbles.
Very nice vedeo, are they good for growing vegetables like strawberries or herbs or tomatoes? What are the two chemicals you mentioned to add to the clay pebbles to start with? Thanks so much for replying
any plant can be grown well in this hydro method; if you use distilled water (this is easiest for beginners to make sure the pH is always correct each time) and add your nutrients to it, it will flourish after a brief adjustment period-smaller plants adjust better than larger root systems. assuming you already have correct light conditions you can pretty much ‘set it & forget it,’ refill with nutrient water as needed. For nutrients: General Hydroponics has great nutrients that are also fairly priced, and I also personally use FoxFarm’s hydroponic formula called Grow Big. You can order both online!
I have tried using them this past summer and they float so badly that the top layer was pushed up and some pellets fell out. I created grow trays with bell siphons. The couple plants I started out with did not do well because they were constantly moved and dislodged. Any thoughts?
@@epicgardening why do you need to wait ? I have a black thumb and I just threw seeds into a jam jar with the pebbles that I had soaked overnight (apparently too many seeds), and they're all growing out between the spaces. It's been three days, and they all have about inch long roots already.
Starting a seed in hydroton is more for an advanced grower. Can be done but you need a good understanding/experience of how seeds and different media work.
Some seeds are probably easier than others. I’m going to try beans and tomatoes. But like basil seeds I’m sure will get washed away so I’m going to start them in coconut coir
yeah. I forget exactly what but you get some of the stuff out that hardens water. Most plants want nice soft, lower ph water. If you don't give it a good soak you'll probably find that it hardens the water faster and raises ph. And use distilled or RO water so as not to defeat the purpose. Beyond that it's good to simply disinfect if you're reusing it.
Do you water your clone from the top since the roots are not in the water yet? Or spray it or just wait for them to grow into the water? Thanks in advance
Dude! Stop repeating what you’ve already said! 6min video you repeatedly state that you can reuse pebbles, it’s cheap, you can wash them. You could fit this info in 10 seconds! So much water in your video!
I started a tomato plant from seed in a tiny pot with seed raising mix. Just stuck it in the pebbles in a Kratky bucket. It's growing really well.
The normal round expanded clay balls float, which means to wash them you just fill up your bath half way and throw them in and vigorously stir them around. All the crap and dust (and old roots if you're reusing them) will fall to the bottom and as the balls float you just scoop them up with a big net pot. It's the only way to rinse them properly.
Great technique
Orchid growers like me have adopted these clay pebbles for what we call semi hydro..... very fun and effective way of growing our orchids. I grow almost all of them in these. We are taking advantage of the wicking ability and aeration. I love them and find the price is OK. IKEA sell them, they're called Odla
They're great for orchids because orchids are (as you know) epiphytes! Seems like a lot of commercial orchid growers use them as well :)
Good advice, thanks. Auto-focus issues didn't bother me at all but the background music did. Made it hard to focus on what you were saying
Thanks, I am going to tone down the music a bit in the future - had a few people mention!
I know nothing about gardening or hydroponics but I'm fascinated
Could you please do a video on how you can use semi hydro in house plants, maybe propagating string of hearts and cacti? Pothos i find is easy. Thanks so much! 😊
Pro tip for people who live in areas with clay soil. Screen a bunch of dirt through some screens into a 5 gallon bucket until you're left with just the clay. Wrap whats left up in a rag, tie it up to drain somewhere. When its dried enough, take out your big chunk of clay, make a bunch of tiny little balls, and once those are dried, toss them in the bottom of a camp or bonfire. Bam! little clay balls.
I used decorative lava rock and perlite from Walmart in my version of an ebb and flow table with great success for years once every thing got going it was a perpetual weed machine 😊
Great information about hydroponics. I am looking to transition some of my plants to hydroponics.
Good luck Ruthie!
Once you have your camera set up and focused switch it to manual focus if you won't be moving in the scene. All through the section at 3:40 the camera keeps trying to find what to focus on.
Fixed in future vids!
What about using river pebbles you can get at the nursery?
Gross old hydroton is a decent addition if you're making terra preta as a substitute for the smashed pottery.
It's not worth it to buy it in specifically for this, though in my case I found someone giving it away for free after their own failed adventure in hydroponics.
Super informative but I thought I was having a stroke from the auto focus at around 2:50 😳
Yeah what the heck happened with the continuous auto-focus. Fucking great video though.
I think you should buy him a new camera
@@TheMigs101 you know, thats such a great idea that i think you should follow your own advice and buy him one yourself
I did, it's the one he's using now. Maybe you could pick a better one since it means so much to you
@@TheMigs101 oh so you're the one responsible for us all almost stroking out. Buy a better one since you've clearly so prideful about it 😂
Great video. I use these in my indoor grow tent
Is there ever an issue with algae build up on the clay pebbles? I'm currently using pumice stones and have an issue with green algae build up. Does clay work better? Thanks.
Yes, algae can grow on hydroton. High humidity and high nitrogen levels favor the growth of algae as does keeping the hydroton wet at all times. It can also be an issue with rockwool never having a chance to dry out.
I always wondered what those things were. Thank you for explaining it very clearly 😊
+Little Bean's Garden you're super welcome! Glad to help :)
So I'm new to this but if I put a plant into these with water, won't the plant get root rot?
Hello ! Thank you for the vidéo ! What's the positive point to grow plant in leca rather than in plain water ?
Burlap Bags are great for storing or rinsing Hydroton.
Good idea - I've seen people punch holes in the bag they came in as well...but i want to be able to store them!
How exactly can I use these to aid in preventing root rot? I heard about putting them in the bottom and soil on top but then I've read that's not a good idea. 🤔 I'm confused 😕
So does the rockwool stay dipped in water once in the pot surrounded by the pellets
you can crush it and make it compact and grow in that, surrounding the crush with the solid pieces
Good point!
Hello. I've heard about placing the clay pebbles on top of the soil but I doubt their real benefits there. Could you make a video about using clay pebbles (especially for rosemary). Tks a lot. :)
I have a question about hydroton in a 3 inch net cup..if I filled the net cup halfway with these and topped it off with coco coir, would that work as a safe grow medium for veges in kratky method? I NEED an answer to this question today because Im waiting to sow some seeds. Thankyou
how do sprout a seed in hydroton? or how do you use hydroton in the first few weeks after sprouting?
Generally you don't start your seeds in the hydroton. He started his seeds in rockwool cubes. I like to start my seeds in a paper towel zip lock bag then transfer them to the hydroton.
Was looking for water scheduling opinions with expanded clay.
Hey if i want to use a mix of Leca and potting mix for succulents ... do the leca balls be kept at the base of pot or above the soil layer ..?? Am confused .. plz reply
could you put the cutting into the pellets with no rockwell?
Have you seen it used for succulents ? I can’t seem to get a good mix with equal participle sizes of pumice and calcined clay . Once I add some organic potting medium ( even just a little ) , I end up with a pot that stays wet for days because all the smaller particles settle and fill in my air pockets that I’m trying to create . With these being more round , it seems that there will be more air space between them once piled on top of each other in a pot . That’s my theory anyway. Thanks for the video 😊
Succulent mix: 25% pumice: 25% sand, 50% potting mix
Epic Gardening what kind of sand you use,
you have any brands thank you
The forbidden Coco Puffs
Can I put just a seed in these and will it grow
I call hydrotons, Coco crunch clay.
"Forbidden cocoa puffs" is what i've been calling them
Hi! i kinda need your advice, i got this indoor plant which uses this method (Im really new with plants) and so i asked the sales person on how to take care of it and the only thing she said was to pour an inch of water on a pot where the ventilated container with the plant would sit, and just change the water every few weeks. Is that accurate? Thanks in advance!
I'd have to know what plant it was!
Hey I'm planting for the first time using Kratky and pebbles. Do you put the pebbles in the bottom of the net cup to bring the rock wool cube to level with the top of the net cup?
Great video!! Big thank you from British Columbia!!
Glad it helped!
Today was the First I’ve heard of these... interesting. Thanks for all the info and pros and cons! Do you currently use it in raised beds?
we call it leca rocks in europe
What fraction is the best for mix it with a peat moss? And what for hydro?
brevity is the soul of wit
great video. at around 4:40 the VoiceOver sounds louder in right ear than the left. trippy.
Is it called fly ash brother
Sooo beautiful
Can you use hydroton for seed germination?
Hi. I thought buying LECA would be easy, but when I went shopping online, I found there are pebbles and balls, so I don't know which of those I should buy. I tried to find out which brand or source would be better to no avail. I also found many sources and many sizes of package, and I don't know how pounds or liters translate into volume, and when I ask these questions, I don't get answers, just more ads and how-to-use information. Can you help me?
Either one works, the balls are more common (from what I’ve seen). You can easily buy them off Amazon for fairly cheap too!
can you take the plant out of the rockwool and just use the clay pellets to hold it up?
I would advise against, esp. if it's started in rockwoot. Roots entangled
@@epicgardening would you advise against it due to possible damage to roots? I use coco fiber. i don't want to put the net pots with coco fiber in a grow tower. it dirt's up the solution. I use lava rock instead of the clay pebbles.
Very nice vedeo, are they good for growing vegetables like strawberries or herbs or tomatoes? What are the two chemicals you mentioned to add to the clay pebbles to start with? Thanks so much for replying
any plant can be grown well in this hydro method; if you use distilled water (this is easiest for beginners to make sure the pH is always correct each time) and add your nutrients to it, it will flourish after a brief adjustment period-smaller plants adjust better than larger root systems. assuming you already have correct light conditions you can pretty much ‘set it & forget it,’ refill with nutrient water as needed. For nutrients: General Hydroponics has great nutrients that are also fairly priced, and I also personally use FoxFarm’s hydroponic formula called Grow Big. You can order both online!
If I use this in self-watering pots, do they have to stay wet? I read you cannot allow them to dry out.
They don't retain water well, so I'd recommend using something like coconut coir as well if you're going to use these in a self-watering pot
Epic Gardening Thank you! I am transitioning all my plants (80+) to perlite or hydrotons and only using self-watering planters.
I’m thinking about using 25% perlite 20% coco coir 45% soil and 10% clay pellets in a smart-pot watered daily do you think this is a good idea ?
Hmm, why the addition of soil? Are going full hydro or no?
Epic Gardening it’s a soil grow but I want a lot of aeration
can i use hydroton as germination medium...i dont want soil.
I use rockwool for germination. When I see roots growing out of my small rockwool cubes, I transplant them in claypebbles.
I have tried using them this past summer and they float so badly that the top layer was pushed up and some pellets fell out. I created grow trays with bell siphons. The couple plants I started out with did not do well because they were constantly moved and dislodged. Any thoughts?
You may have a low quality product...only some should float in any batch, the rest should remain sunken.
I wish mine floated (or were magnetic) , I accidentally spilled some down the garbage disposal. I'm using tongs and I still can't get them all out.
@@epicgardening This is what I got: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHQ0IHA/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
FUN FACT: Hydroton hurts like a bitch to step on!
Gidday I have a seedling that sprouted 1 week ago in a 4 inch rockwool cube how big should it be to transplant to a pot with Hydroton thx in advance
I like to wait until there are a few Roots popping out of the bottom of the rock wall before I transplant into hydroton
@@epicgardening why do you need to wait ? I have a black thumb and I just threw seeds into a jam jar with the pebbles that I had soaked overnight (apparently too many seeds), and they're all growing out between the spaces. It's been three days, and they all have about inch long roots already.
Ask and you shsll receive....lol..Awesome video💚👍🌱
thnx for the great explanation
What about using LECA as mulch?? Anyone???
can you use 100% hydroton? or do you need to have a cube of rockwool?
You CAN, but I like to have something more solid for the early roots to hold on to. I usually use Rapid Rooter Starter Plugs from General Hydroponics.
Starting a seed in hydroton is more for an advanced grower. Can be done but you need a good understanding/experience of how seeds and different media work.
I thought water was 15min on 15 min off all day especially for a wilma dripper?
hi Kevin these cups for mason jars where can we purchase ?
Can you crush clay pebbles and mix it with soil so it hardens??
can you start seeds in Clay pellets?
Some seeds are probably easier than others. I’m going to try beans and tomatoes. But like basil seeds I’m sure will get washed away so I’m going to start them in coconut coir
Is it A Hydro Popcorn? 😂💭💭💭
Bahaah basically
can I use it as a bonsai soil mix.
I haven't done enough Bonsai to say for sure, sorry!
People use other smaller sized clay's like turface mvp, brick fines and fired clay auto shop absorbants. Small sized (1/4")lava rock are also good
Thank you for this information. I heard someone say they boiled their Leca before using it. Do you recommend that or think it is necessary?
yeah. I forget exactly what but you get some of the stuff out that hardens water. Most plants want nice soft, lower ph water. If you don't give it a good soak you'll probably find that it hardens the water faster and raises ph.
And use distilled or RO water so as not to defeat the purpose.
Beyond that it's good to simply disinfect if you're reusing it.
You should have talked about the different sizes.
You can just throw alcohol and burn the roots away
If you're converting pretty well established houseplants to Leca, is that the only medium you would use?
No, you'd need to give them some soil at least to get nutrients in there unless you're going hydroponic
@@epicgardening Thank you ✌🌱🌿🌵
Thanks you answered my questions. Like.
Great video. Thanks
Why not just use rocks or lava rocks
If I have 9lbs of hydroton, soak it, but only use 2 lbs. What is the best way to store the rest until later use?
Just toss it back in the bag, you should be good to go
@@epicgardening ok, just checking because I've read somewhere not to EVER let it dry out, but didn't think it was that sensitive. Awesome, thanks!👍
Do you think it would be ok sitting in a bucket? Or would a bag be better?
Yeah it's not that sensitive, you're totally fine leaving hydroton in either of those
Do you water your clone from the top since the roots are not in the water yet? Or spray it or just wait for them to grow into the water? Thanks in advance
Yeah totally, see my video on where to place your net pots for more info on that
Nice video.
Thanks Jack!
Better without music. I can't listen, got to go somewhere else, sorry
do these prevent damping off, fungus and mealybug infestations?
Hard for fungus / mealybugs to hang out on these, so I get less of those issues yes
@@epicgardening cool would it be ideal for container gardening outdoors?
sounds like pottery
Yeah BASIL
SHUUUUURRRRR
Dude! Stop repeating what you’ve already said! 6min video you repeatedly state that you can reuse pebbles, it’s cheap, you can wash them. You could fit this info in 10 seconds! So much water in your video!
Your camera sucks. Thank you for the content, but your camera makes this damn near unwatchable.
Lmao dramatic