![]() ![]() How Can You Prevent Algae In Coco Coir Aerogarden Sponges? Most of the time, you can wait until harvesting your crop before you treat your hydroponic system for algae growth, or you can also try the approach that we discuss below. Is Algae Bad for Plants or your Aerogarden Sponges?Īlgae is normal and not usually harmful for most hydroponic systems, especially if it’s present in a low amount. Algae contains chlorophyll but lacks the true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue we associate with plants. Algae is a simple, non-flowering, and typically aquatic plant from a large family that includes seaweeds and many single-celled organisms. It’s Not Mold, It’s Algae On Your Coco Coir Aerogarden Sponges What Is Algae & How Is It Different From Mold?Īlgae is a type of plant, not a fungus. But if you would like to treat your own moldy plugs with hydrogen peroxide then go for it – this is cheap and readily available and can be applied with a spray gun or mister, just be sure to keep your hydrogen peroxide concentration below 4%. Since you are going to be eating food grown in these plugs, we prefer to keep the Trichoderma in and the chemicals out. Technically putting diluted hydrogen peroxide on your aerogarden sponges is safe, and it is effective at killing fungi like mold (both good and bad), as well as reducing the chances of algae blooming (although this is more related to keeping your Aerogarden clean in general). Some retailers and distributors of similar products treat their products with hydrogen peroxide. Is Putting Hydrogen Peroxide On Your Aerogarden Sponges Safe? The benefit of this approach is that you will remove the visible signs of the mold on the surface of your plug while retaining the root-protecting beneficial fungi within the plugs themselves. If that’s not an option, simply brushing off any mold that you see will do the same thing. If the hydroponic grow sponges are still in a bag, you can just mix them up or shake the bag. The easiest way to start with mold removal in your hydroponic system is to physically agitate it. How Can You Start With Mold Removal In Your Hydroponic System? Prior to packaging, we air-dry our plugs on large racks in order to reduce the chances of a Trichoderma bloom (not because it’s bad, but because it tends to induce a 1-star review), and if you don’t like the look of it we recommend you store your sponges in a cool dry place. If you want to prevent the mold in your aerogarden, then we recommend either reducing temperatures, moisture levels, or both. our products, and all other Aerogarden compatible grow sponges). ![]() ![]() Mold, in general, tends to thrive in environments that are damp and warm – including packages of hydroponic grow sponges that are shipped during summer months in closed containers (i.e. Understanding how to prevent mold on your aerogarden sponges is as simple as understanding what mold needs to grow and thrive. However, we know this may not immediately alleviate concerns around what can appear to be a fuzzy white takeover of your precious seedlings. Some gardeners will actually deliberately inoculate, or introduce, Trichoderma due to the slew of benefits it offers – especially during the root development stages of the plant’s life. It reduces Pythium, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia, some of the most common plant parasites. Trichoderma is actually an incredibly beneficial ally to your garden. The type of mold that you are most likely to encounter on (or in) indoor gardening products or hydroponic systems like your aerogarden is called Trichoderma. Mold exists everywhere – indoors and out – and whether you realize it or not you are encountering it every single day of your life. ‘Mold’ is part of the fungus family, and consists of millions of small organisms that can appear white, black, orange, green or purple. Often the same habitats suitable for plant growth are also suitable for fungus and algal growth, and this is just a part of nature. This growing medium is made from materials that include coco coir, peat moss and sometimes composted fir bark. What all of these products have in common is that they all include some sort of growing medium (or “Smart Soil”) that is used for germinating seeds. Mold has been known to occur on AeroGarden compatible grow sponges (most common), and occasionally in our own Bottle Garden kits, which use a similar type of grow sponge. Although often misunderstood, mold in hydroponic systems such as aerogardens offer some surprising benefits to your plant’s health and may not actually be as harmful as it might seem at first. But before you go throwing everything out and starting over, allow us to present the case FOR it. We get it the presence of white fuzzy stuff is rarely a pleasant surprise for gardeners and plant owners. Ew, I Found Mold On My Seeds And Aerogarden Sponges! What Does This Mean? ![]()
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