is it possible to grow in clay balls only, no soil or any other mediums. Will the plant still be able to get all the nutrients it needs when watered as the water just runs straight through the clay balls. Any advice given would be much appreciated.
yes, absolutely. it's more difficult to start seeds off in just clay, since it shifts and has a lot of big gaps so it's hard to get footing. that's why you start with rockwool. it sounds like you're talking about a non hydroponic system though. as in a plant in a pot of clay balls that you water every 2 or 3 days? that's not gonna work out well. hydroton retains moisture, but you'd have to give them a good soak at least 4 times over the course of the day. it's also way fucking expensive compared to dirt, so it's not practical in that way either.
thanks wongwead, i was thinking of just filling a pot with clay balls like you said but from your advice it seems a bit impracticle, how much potting soil would you recommend to mix with clay balls?
I grow in straight clay and i have to water 3 times a day but i have found that its easier to control pests and also you can never over water or rarely if ever will your plant suffer from any fungal diseases. Theres pros and cons to every way in which you decide to grow..........suess
what is it with you and clay? if you're not growing hydro, they serve ABSOLUTELY no purpose whatsoever. if you're looking to retain moisture in your soil, use perlite. half soil, half perlite mix. perlite's like 3 dollars for a gallon bag? you have to by hydroton in 30 liter sacks, for about 35 bucks a pop, at least around here.
I wouldn't say that, I bet they'd make good drainage if you put them at the bottom of pot under the soil.
Would this be a sustainable method? the clay pepples are easily rinsed and can be used a number of times correct?
I wouldn't mix clay hydroton and soil. It can be done, but why? If you want to use soil, mix mith perlite. If you want to use hydroton, go ebb and flow or drip feed.