You may have heard about grow plugs in your research about indoor grows. Many growers of cannabis and other plants swear by grow plugs and believe this type of plant starting will result in healthier adult plants. Here’s a quick look at grow plugs and why you might want to use them for your indoor grow.
What Are Grow Plugs?
Grow plugs are small seedlings that have been started in a tiny plastic container or tray. Some trays may have space for 24 or more individual grow plugs. Potting soil is packed into the segments of the tray and the seeds are inserted. Some trays have lids that can be used to retain moisture.
Once the seeds begin to sprout, the roots of the seedlings are naturally contained by the tray. This makes for a more compact seedling that can easily be removed from the tray and transplanted into a larger pot.
The roots of seedlings in this type of setup form a tight plug, hence the name. It is common to encounter grow plugs when you visit a nursery to choose plants for your indoor grow. You can start your own grow plugs by purchasing a tray, soil, and seeds.
Why Should You Use a Grow Plug?
One of the most common challenges that is faced by an indoor grower is how to successfully start and transplant seeds. This is especially true for cannabis growers. Cannabis seedlings can be notoriously hard to start, and they are easy to stress when moving the sprouts to a larger pot.
The primary benefit of a grow plug is easier transplanting. When you plant a seedling in an open container, the roots spread. Removing the seedling and placing it in another pot carries a risk of damaging the roots or stressing the plant.
A more dense root system is created by a grow plug. More dense roots means that water will have an easier time reaching the roots of your plants in the crucial early stages of a grow. The roots will have plenty of time to spread after you have transplanted them to their new home.
Another benefit of grow plugs is space. You can start a lot of plants in a compact area when you use grow plugs. Separate trays can also be used to start different varieties of plants.
As an indoor grower, efficiency should always be a concern. You will find that grow plugs are a more effective way to get the most from your seedlings, and your grow will be off to a powerful start.
