<center><h1>Starting Seeds In Rockwool</h1></center>
<b>Warning, research before trying this method. This is my first time and I always make mistakes. So far so good my seeds are sprouting</b>

Rockwool was made for buildings, someone living in Denmark got the bright idea this would make a great hydroponics medium for plants. 

The process to make rockwool includes sand  and rock melted at high temperatures and spun into a wool like constancy. Lime forms on the strands and has a pH balance of 8, which is to extreme for most plants. 

Directions on all sites I've read say soak your pellets in tapwater for up to 24 hours and drain. This rinses off the lime deposits from the manufacturing process.  Many instructions state no need for nutrient solution when starting seeds. I've had better luck using nutrients when  starting seeds  in sterile dirt. Since Rockwool has no nutritional value, I'm using a little mineral fertilizer mixed into my water.

The reason I started this experiment, I don't want any smells or attract flies that might have larva in my dirt or want to lay eggs, hence this experiment. I've had problems with white fly, they are awful!  My seedling flats are sitting on our huge dining room table near our windows. I keep a dome on my flats, it helps keep the bugs out and the moisture in while sprouting seeds.
<p><center><a href="http://www.simplyhydro.com/growing3.htm">Simpe guide to start seeds with Rockwool.</a></p></center>
<p><center><a href="http://www.epicgardening.com/rockwool-harmful/">Rockwool has some environmental issues.</a></p></center>
<p><center>https://scratchliving.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/image3-e1486563943377.jpg</p></center>
I'm staring my cold weather plants first, collards, kale, chard, artichokes, lettuce, spinach, bok choi, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. 

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I place several seeds together in one hole and keep the most vigorous seedling. Rockwool breaks apart really easy. Once my seedlings get their first true leaves I plant outside and cover the row with insulating cloth, to keep bugs out and protect seedlings from a late frost.

<center><p>https://scratchliving.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/image1-e1486563979905.jpg</p></center>
<a href="https://seaagri.com/products/sea-90-fertilizer/">Sea 90 fertilizer</a>

<p><center><h3>Before</h3></p></center>




<p><center>https://scratchliving.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/image18.jpg</p></center>
<p><a href="https://www.cacklehatchery.com">I bought my chicks from Cackle Hatchery. They have excellent customer service and healthy chicks. </a></p>

<p><center><h3>After</h3></p></center>

<p><center>https://scratchliving.files.wordpress.com/2017/02/image4-e1486564234714.jpg</p></center>
My hens offer me in exchange for food and protection from predators, free weeding, eggs, pest removal, and fertilizer services for my garden areas. I've read mosquitoes  don't like the smell of chickens. I still have mosquito problems, so I question that fact. I've just started digging up the garden rows. My hens follow me like dogs, waiting within inches of my garden shovel chopping off their toes or head for worms. They are either very brave or very dumb birds.

<center><p>https://scratchliving.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/img_2932-e1485015619558.jpg</p></center>
A successful experiment with sterile soil and paper pots, however, this method is prone to fungus/mold issues if pots are kept too close together and or too moist. Good air circulation is essential for proper growth and avoiding diseases.

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