Use something coarse like ceramic balls. Drill some holes in your pieces level with the top of the substrate. Use pieces of wire or paperclips through the holes to hold the substrate in place.
Hydroponics
A community dedicated to every form of hydroponics, a technique for growing plants without soil.
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I already tried LECA, and too coarse stuff lets all the seeds fall through.
Also, I don't want to fiddle around too much
Spagnum or some other moss (preferably home grown). if you buy it make sure to get the stuff that is still slightly alive (dried not toasted else it will rot and not work very well.
Most "sustainable" sources aren't all that sustainable, but its my favourite substrate nonetheless, I'm currently trying to grow it myself (not very sucsesfully tho)
Great suggestion! I totally forgot about that! Spongy, wicking, doesn't degrade fast, and the best thing: I'm also currently trying to grow it myself!
(Still learning tho.)
I collected many different samples from different places (forest, concrete, etc.) and see what thrives and what not
Rock wool is good for hydroponics. It's not good to handle bare-handed or breathe in because it can splinter, but it won't have anything harmful in it that is unsafe for edible plants
I would prefer something less hazardous and what's available everywhere maybe
Fine grade wood, or a rocky mix like used for cactus or bonsai?
Maybe perlite?