As a beginner to soilless gardening, it can be difficult to choose a grow medium. There are many substrates commonly used in hydroponic systems and you’ll find that they each have their individual pros and cons. In two previous posts we highlighted to benefits of using two popular grow mediums:
Benefits of Clay Pebbles
Using clay pebbles as your grow medium in either container gardening or in a hydroponic system offers many benefits. The major benefit is that expanded clay pebbles retain moisture. This is important as we are trying collectively to maximize the efficiency of our water supple. Secondly, because clay pebbles are porous and lightweight they increase aeration to the plants’ root systems. In addition to this quality, clay pebbles also improve drainage which is important to maintaining the health of the root systems and preventing rot. Clay pebbles are also a good medium to ensure proper support of your plants.
Because clay pebbles are made under extreme heat, they’re a sterile substrate and also have a neutral pH level. Clay pebbles are an easy medium to reuse meaning they are ecologically friendly given their long life cycle.
All of these benefits of clay pebbles lead to an overall improvement in your plant’s growth and health which is why this grow medium quickly becoming one of the most popular soilless options.
Learn more about the types of clay pebble products available online or at your local indoor gardening shop.