Putting hydroton on top of soil? Will it help?

BigBudE

Well-Known Member
Just a quick question about hydroton.
I use soil 90% of the time and am wondering if I put a good layer of hydroton on top if it will help stop soil compaction and distribute water more evenly.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
BigBudE
 

cannabineer

Ursus marijanus
Probably not. You can't lay down a layer thick enough that it'll "bridge" and transfer the load to the pot. So you'll still get the soil to shift while it's being watered. A one-piece shield that covers the soil isn't the answer either, because that'd harm soil aeration. cn
 

alley.walker

Active Member
Try pete moss picked from trees outside.. Good stuff! Has soil cooling properties!

I once grew a pot plant out of a pile of cow shit.. Good shit!
 

Moebius

Well-Known Member
Just a quick question about hydroton.
I use soil 90% of the time and am wondering if I put a good layer of hydroton on top if it will help stop soil compaction and distribute water more evenly.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
BigBudE
Perlite? ........ Ive cloned before using 50:50 Soil:Perlite. No chance of compaction. Obviously for mature plants you'll use a lot less Perlite.
 

Moebius

Well-Known Member
Try pete moss picked from trees outside.. Good stuff! Has soil cooling properties!

I once grew a pot plant out of a pile of cow shit.. Good shit!
Surely you mean Peat? ........ Doesn't that come from Peat Bogs and not trees? ..... Either way, I wouldn't knowingly bring anything living from outside into my growroom, it may contain parasites.
 

polyarcturus

Well-Known Member
it will retain water better wont really do much else think of it like mulch. on small pots sometimes if the plant is small i will cover the top layer of dirt with small stones so it will retain water better.
 

polyarcturus

Well-Known Member
Surely you mean Peat? ........ Doesn't that come from Peat Bogs and not trees? ..... Either way, I wouldn't knowingly bring anything living from outside into my growroom, it may contain parasites.
wha you telling me youve never heard of a peat tree? jk
 

Moebius

Well-Known Member
With respect to Growing Ganja in a pile of Cow manure ... WOW thats some tall tales.

Apart from the fact it dries to a brick in 24 hours, less under HPS. It would burn the hell out of the plants, contains inadequate aeration and would make your home smell like a farm.
 

Moebius

Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone. Just wondering.
BigBud
Perlite or coco fiber .... basically if you start with a good soil mix you won't have a problem ..... its quite normal to top-dress in flowering with more soil or better still a soil/bat guano mix.
 

alley.walker

Active Member
Surely you mean Peat? ........ Doesn't that come from Peat Bogs and not trees? ..... Either way, I wouldn't knowingly bring anything living from outside into my growroom, it may contain parasites.
Exactly.. And it grows on the north side of a tree in a shaded area... And as a matter of fact, it can be used as a stand alone grow medium. But who the hell am I telling you this shit... SO Sorry you ppos
 

mipainpatient

Active Member
I do 1/2 inch or so of hydroton on the top and about 3.5 or so inches on the bottom. Transplanting proves how much the plants love this because the roots hold the hydroton together....not on top duh ya gotta hold that part
mpp
 
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