Jordan Freytag + photo

Jordan Freytag

Mar 23
2 min read
bubble 1

Choosing between soil and a hydroponic pad as a growth medium is dependent on your preference. Often, we hear folks vouching for the cleanliness of hydroponic mediums while others vouch for the forgiving nature of soils. We find that those who grow using hydroponic methods have the extra time and attention required for successful growth. Here are some descriptors for each to help you make the right decision that is right for your growing needs:

  • Jute Mat
      • Jute is a fibrous plant that has been used to make rope and textiles for hundreds of years. Jute grow pads are made of 100% all-natural woven jute fibers with no binders or fillers. They naturally wick water and have a high water holding capacity.
  • Coco Coir Mat
      • Made from compressed coco peat and fiber, these hydroponic mediums are sturdier than others and very well-suited for growing larger seeds. The spacing between the large fibers is larger to allow easy root access.
  • Premium Bamboo Mats
      • Bamboo fiber grow pads are the top of the line hydroponic grow medium for microgreens. These pads have a high water holding capacity compared to most other grow pads, holding up to 10x its weight in water. They are naturally biodegradable and can be composted taking about 3 months to break down completely. Eco-friendly, sustainable and food-grade safe.
  • Micro Mats & Confetti
      • Made from biodegradable wood fibers, these highly absorbent pads provide an excellent medium to grow microgreens. The tightly-wound wood fibers absorb water fantastically; however, they are very delicate when wet. Ideal for smaller seeds.
  • Terra Cotta Saucers
      • Using a terra cotta surface to grow microgreens is often called “dry sprouting”. The terra cotta saucer absorbs water and provides it to small mucilaginous seeds, whose root hairs cling to the terra cotta, using it as its grow medium.

    Leave a comment

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1 comments

    Jean Bosco Ndikuriyo

    Even if English is thé first language today. Think about thé people or thé countries in which frech is maternal language,…We appeciate tout work,but try to translate your publication in french also .


    1. February Planting Guide by Zonehands planting seeds in small pots

      February Planting Guide by Zone

      Written By Lara Wadsworth My least favorite month of the year is February. As I am writing this, we are deep into it. What I love least about it is that we have already endured a long winter season, and yet it is far from over. I live in Southwest Mich...


      Ashleigh Smith + photo

      Ashleigh Smith

      2025-02-18
      11 min read
      bubble 0
    2. Sprout Out Loud: My First Bite-Sized Harvestnull

      Sprout Out Loud: My First Bite-Sized Harvest

      Written By Lara Wadsworth As a writer here at True Leaf Market, I am frequently researching and writing about a wide range of seeds and growing techniques. I learn about the health benefits of all sorts of plants as well as how to grow them. However, s...


      Ashleigh Smith + photo

      Ashleigh Smith

      2025-02-10
      4 min read
      bubble 0
    3. What Are Treated Seeds?null

      What Are Treated Seeds?

      Written By Lara Wadsworth At True Leaf Market you may notice some seeds are labeled as “Treated” in their titles. This means that it has been coated in a light fungicide. The purpose of this is to reduce seed rot in wet or cool soils. Very few of the s...


      Ashleigh Smith + photo

      Ashleigh Smith

      2025-02-10
      7 min read
      bubble 0
    4. How to Grow Restaurant-Style Mung Bean SproutsRestaurant-style mung bean sprouts

      How to Grow Restaurant-Style Mung Bean Sprouts

      Mung beans are one of the most popularly grown sprouts for their taste, texture, and many benefits. You can often find mung bean sprouts garnishing popular Asian cuisines, such as pad Thai, spring rolls, pho, and many other soups, stir-fries, and salad...


      Ashleigh Smith + photo

      Ashleigh Smith

      2025-02-03
      3 min read
      bubble 0