Substrate, soil, medium

    A substrate for plants, also known as growing medium or potting mix, is a material used to support and provide necessary nutrients for plant growth. It plays a vital role in container gardening, seed starting, container gardens, and many other horticultural applications.

    Characteristics of substrate:


    1. Drainage: A suitable substrate should have good drainage capacity to avoid waterlogging and prevent root rot.


    2. Water retention: The substrate should also retain an adequate amount of water to ensure plant hydration and prevent excessive drying.


    3. Aeration: Good substrate aeration is important to allow plant roots access to the oxygen they need for development.


    4. Structure: The substrate should have a sufficiently stable structure to support plants and their roots, promoting healthy growth.


    5. Nutrition: While the substrate is not the primary source of nutrients, it may contain nutrient elements that contribute to plant growth. Some substrates can be enriched with nutrients to meet specific plant needs.

    Commonly used types of substrates:


    1. Universal potting mix: This is a blend of different organic and mineral materials suitable for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants. It offers good water retention and adequate aeration.


    2. Garden soil: Used for in-ground gardening and can consist of a mixture of garden soil, compost, and other organic matter. It provides a fertile base for garden plants.


    3. Seed starting mix: This is a lighter and finer blend specifically designed for seed germination and the early development of young plants.


    4. Hydroponic substrate: Used in hydroponic systems where plants are grown without soil. It can consist of inert materials like rockwool, coconut coir, perlite, or vermiculite, which provide physical support to the roots and allow controlled irrigation.


    5. Specialized substrates: There is a range of specialized substrates available for specific needs, such as orchids, carnivorous plants, or cacti, which have particular requirements in terms of drainage, aeration, and nutrition.

    It is important to choose the appropriate substrate based on the specific needs of the plants you want to grow. The quality of the substrate and its compatibility with the plants' requirements can have a significant impact on their growth, health, and yield.

    109 products
    Sale
    Floraflex Quickfill Bag 2 Gal
    Sale price $4.95 Regular price $7.95 Save 38%
    Technaflora Rootech Cloning Gel
    from $17.99
    Smart Pots No handles
    from $4.90
    Sale
    GROW!T - Loose Coco Coir 50L
    Sale price $19.99 Regular price $23.99 Save 17%
    Sale
    AC Infinity SUNCORE A1 Seedling Heat Mat, IP-67 Waterproof
    from $16.99 Regular price $23.99 Save 29%
    Jiffy Preforma 72
    $13.99
    dynomyco premium mycorrhizal inoculant pouch
    from $29.99
    Alfred Clear Dome 7"
    $5.99
    Sale
    Perlite #4 Large 4 cu.ft. 115L
    Sale price $34.99 Regular price $45.99 Save 24%
    Sold Out
    Canna Coco professional plus 50L
    $32.29
    Mo'koko - Coco fiber 50 Liters
    $26.99
    Liaflor Clay Pellets 8 / 16mm 50L
    $46.49
    grodan a-ok starter plugs 1.5'' 36 / 40 98 / sheet
    $24.99
    lambert all purpose potting mix 85l
    $23.99
    Canna Bio Terra Plus 50L
    $33.69
    mondi mini greenhouse thermo hygrometer e100vb
    $22.99
    Agro Mix G5
    from $17.95
    BIOSOL Compost With Peat, Seaweed & Shrimp 30 Liters
    $9.50
    Sunshine Mix #4 3.8 Cu.ft.
    $42.11
    Oasis Rootcube 1.25" 5010
    $9.99
    Floraflex Quickfill Bag 1 Gal
    $4.95
    euro vers worm castings 20l
    $24.95
    Sporeo™ Sterilized Substrate
    $34.99
    Sporeo™ Sterilized Grain
    $34.99
    grodan gro-block improved delta 4x4x4'' unwrapped
    $1.99
    grodan gro-block hugo 6''
    $5.99
    grodan gro-slab 15 / 75 6''x36''x3''
    $11.39
    grodan gro-block improved delta 4x4x2.5'' unwrapped
    $1.19
    Super Sprouter Seedling Heat Mat 10" x 21"
    $42.95
    Myke Vegetable & Herb 1 Liter
    $15.95
    Myke Pro Greenhouse 30 Liter
    $179.95
    Expedition Box Small 11 1 / 2" x 6" x 23"
    $1.95
    mondi mini greenhouse with easy vents g110
    from $5.90
    Cultiwool Block
    from $0.99
    Jiffy 703 (1000/cs)
    $105.99
    Jiffy Medium 36mm (2000/cs)
    $207.95
    Jiffy 730 (1700/cs)
    $147.95
    lambert all purpose potting mix 28.3l
    $11.49
    EZ-Clone 16 Low Pro System - Black
    $249.95
    Alfred Heat Mat
    from $39.99
    Recently viewed