The best Microgreen Grow Mats for hydroponic gardeners are those that are easy to use and incorporate a high level of mechanization without reducing overall plant health or yield. These mats come in a wide variety of sizes, which correspond to the amount of water needed to help plants grow. They can be planted in the traditional manner – using pots on trays and spreading the soil in large quantities – or in a new way. Some Microgreen gardeners like to plant their seedlings in baskets and allow them to dry in the sun. Other go the opposite direction and dig a hole in the earth and plant the seedlings in the bottom. Some of the most successful Microgreen growers do both: transplant seeds from the bottom directly into the garden and water directly from the roots of the plants into the pots.
Both methods work well, but some prefer one method over the other, depending on the availability of light, nutrients, and space. In traditional culture, a grower would place rows of plants in a “field” or cage underground, and then cover these with a layer of soil. This “farming” method encouraged plant root growth at an incredibly rapid rate, resulting in greater crop yields than could have been achieved with alternative growing mediums like sandy loam or rock wool. Plants could reach full height in just a few months. Today, thanks to modern technology, you can replicate this crop production by investing in a top-of-the-line Microgreen cultivation system.
The best microgreen grow mats contain holes just large enough to allow for plant roots to grow deeply. These holes are deeper than the roots’ natural exposure to air, which allows for deeper, more nourishing planting medium. Some people like to place their seedlings right next to their pots so they can get the benefits of direct sunlight. However, direct sunlight can damage plant roots. If you use a cultivation system that has a hole just slightly smaller than the roots’ natural exposure to light, you can provide the benefits of direct sunlight without damaging your plants.
The best microgreen grow mats contain ingredients that promote root growth and help keep the roots healthy. There are several different products out there designed to do this, but not all of them are as effective as one another. The most popular form of these ingredients is hydroponic microgreen growing mediums. Many companies make nutrient mixes specifically for hydroponic microgreen growing mediums.
The best microgreen grow mats are made of a material that allows air to flow through it and keep soil moisture levels stable. Some are heavy, so you need to ensure they are heavy enough to support plant growth. The nutrient mixes in these products have been specifically engineered to work well with each plant’s individual needs. They are best used in large rooms, but can be used in most indoor gardens as well.
If you want your plants to have deeper roots, then you should look for matting that features holes at regular intervals. This will help keep nutrients flowing through to the roots at all times. A popular product is called Reverso. It features holes at just the right intervals to allow for good water retention and drainage as well as being light enough so that the microgreens grow best. If you are looking for specific nutrients to give your plants, then look for those microgreens grow mats that feature ingredients that will boost water retention.
The best of these products will contain a high percentage of Nitrogen. This component helps provide plants with everything they need to root well. Many plants don’t root well when there isn’t enough Nitrogen in the soil. Some even die if this nutrient is absent. When you use the right type of compostable pad, your plants will be ready to take advantage of what you put in the soil.
To get the most out of your microgreen grow mats, make sure that you follow all instructions. If you miss a watering or other instruction, the plant could be damaged. For example, the watering instructions may state you shouldn’t water the leaves until after they turn yellow. However, if you don’t follow this instruction, then the leaves will be water retention machines instead. A better solution would be to water the leaves only once they turn yellow.