Stainless Steel Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium - Complete Grow Medium Overview
What is a Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium? As the name suggests, it is a medium that can be used multiple times, offering cost savings over time with a single initial investment. Unlike reusable cups, straws, or bags, this medium is specifically designed for hydroponic growing. It serves as a lattice for plant seeds, providing support as they germinate and anchoring the root structures as the plants develop.
These reusable grow mediums can be more environmentally friendly because you aren’t buying bags of soil, coco-coir or other hydroponic grow mats that generally come wrapped in plastic, shipped all around the country and needed in large quantities to only be used once per grow. You could compost your coco coir or soil after growing microgreens on it and reuse it again, but the sterilization and composting process can be quite tedious when compared to simply cleaning off the steel mesh and starting again.
Meet our Stainless-Steel Reusable Grow Medium:
Crafted from high-quality 316-grade stainless-steel, this grow medium offers unparalleled durability and corrosion resistance, making it a superior choice for hydroponic setups. Here’s a quick glance at what makes our stainless-steel medium stand out:
|
Feature |
Stainless Steel Grow Medium |
Traditional Grow Mediums |
|
Material |
316-grade stainless steel |
Plastic, coco coir, soil |
|
Durability |
High (reusable for hundreds of grows) |
Low to medium |
|
Environmental Impact |
Low (reduces waste significantly) |
High (frequent replacements) |
|
Ease of Cleaning |
Medium (easy to sanitize and reuse) |
Low (can be labor-intensive) |
|
Seed Compatibility |
High for most seeds, challenges with tiny seeds like amaranth |
No seed limitations |
Why Choose Stainless-Steel?
- Sustainability: Reuse your grow medium multiple times, significantly cutting down on waste and ongoing costs.
- Performance: The robust material ensures a stable base for your microgreens, allowing optimal growth conditions.
- Ease of Use: Simple to clean and maintain, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced growers. Though there can be hurdles to overcome for some people when they are getting used to the watering differences when coming from mediums like soil or coco coir that retain water differently.
Comparison of Reusable Grow Mediums:
Explore the benefits and features of our Stainless Steel and Silicone reusable grow mediums to decide which suits your growing needs best:
|
Feature |
Stainless-Steel Grow Medium |
Silicone Grow Medium |
Traditional Grow Mediums |
|
Material |
316-grade stainless steel |
Food-grade silicone |
Plastic, coco coir, soil |
|
Durability |
High (reusable for hundreds of grows) |
High (designed to last for years with proper care) |
Low to medium |
|
Environmental Impact |
Low (reduces waste significantly) |
Low (reduces waste, sustainable) |
High (frequent replacements) |
|
Ease of Cleaning |
Medium (easy to sanitize and reuse) |
High (easy to clean and sanitize for reuse) |
Low (can be labor-intensive) |
|
Seed Compatibility |
High for most seeds, challenges with tiny seeds like amaranth |
Suitable for most microgreen seeds, hole density 1.2mm for smaller seeds, 1.7mm for larger seeds |
Works for most all seeds |
|
Initial Investment |
Higher but saves money over time |
Higher but pays for itself after a few uses |
Lower but requires continuous purchase |
|
Flexibility and Handling |
Rigid, may require careful handling due to sharp edges |
Flexible, easy to handle and cut to custom sizes, safer for frequent use |
Varies depending on material |
Why Choose Between Stainless Steel and Silicone?
- Stainless Steel: Opt for stainless steel if you prioritize extreme durability and are handling seeds that do not require a softer touch. Its robust nature makes it ideal for long-term use in varied environmental conditions.
- Silicone: Silicone is the go-to for those seeking flexibility and ease of use. It is especially good for setups where frequent changes or custom fits are needed. Silicone's softer material also makes it safer and more adaptable.
Environmental Impact and Indirect Savings of Using Stainless-Steel Reusable Grow Medium
Using stainless-steel reusable grow medium can offer significant environmental benefits and indirect savings. Unlike traditional single-use grow mediums, stainless steel is highly durable and can be reused many times, depending on how you care for it, reducing the waste generated by frequent replacements. This longevity minimizes the need for manufacturing new grow mediums, thereby can contribute to conserving resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with production and transportation.
Moreover, 316 grade stainless steel is fully recyclable at the end of its life cycle, ensuring that it does not contribute to landfill waste. This type of stainless steel, which contains molybdenum in addition to chromium and nickel, is known for its enhanced corrosion resistance and is widely used in various applications where durability and longevity are critical. Like other types of stainless steel, it does not lose its properties during the recycling process, allowing it to be recycled indefinitely without degradation in quality. This makes it a sustainable material choice in industries prioritizing both environmental impact and material performance. The material's inert nature also means it does not leach harmful chemicals into the environment, promoting healthier ecosystems.
Indirect savings are another key advantage. By investing in a reusable grow medium, growers can save money over time by eliminating the need for constant replacements. The initial cost of stainless steel may be higher, but the long-term savings on purchasing new grow mediums and the reduction in waste disposal fees make it a cost-effective choice.
Overall, switching to stainless steel reusable grow medium is a sustainable choice that can support environmental conservation and offers significant financial savings over time.
Overview of Our Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium (RMGM):
In 2021, we launched this product, the "Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium" (RMGM), alongside our patent-pending "Microgreen Tray Clips." Today, we aim to delve deeper into the details of the RMGM to enhance your understanding of this product. It's important to note that while other reusable grow mediums exist, they are typically crafted from plastics such as nylon, polypropylene, or HDPE, and often require user modification to fit specific dimensions.
Our Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium sets itself apart by being constructed from 316 grade stainless steel, known for its superior corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use with acidic hydroponic nutrients. The durability of stainless steel is another significant advantage. With proper care, our grow medium is designed to withstand hundreds of growing cycles without the common issues faced with plastic meshes, such as damage from cutting tools or tearing during cleaning.
The RMGM features a mesh density of 1mm, effectively preventing most microgreen seeds from slipping through. However, it should be noted that finer seeds like Amaranth and Sorrel might fall through when sown directly onto the mesh. We are actively researching solutions to this issue and have observed promising results by pre-sprouting Amaranth seeds before placing them on the mesh. Fortunately, very small seed varieties such as these are relatively rare.
For crops like Arugula, or Clover, we advise first misting the medium with a light pass of water, prior to seeding. This will help the seeds stick for germination. Once seeded, water as usual.
If you’d like to learn more about which Microgreen seed varieties will and will not work with this medium type, watch this video below!
Learn more about our Stainless-Steel Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium
How to grow Microgreens on Stainless-Steel Reusable Grow Medium Resources
We're working to having more comprehensive how to grow videos for a variety of crops, designed to enhance your success with our Stainless-Steel Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium. Currently available resources include:
- Informative Playlists: Explore our video playlist dedicated to using the Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium. View playlist
- In-depth Case Studies: Gain insights from our detailed blog on growing Sunflower Microgreens. Read the case study
Videos that we have available for our Silicone version of our reusable grow medium also work for the stainless steel! Watch them here!
Product Arrival and Setup
Here’s a comparison chart that outlines the options for our Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium, focusing on the available sizes, packaging, and dimensions:
|
Product Option |
Sheet Size |
Packaging Type |
Actual Dimensions |
Suitable Tray Size |
|
10x20 |
Mostly flat-packed – varies by set |
9.625 in x 19.25 in |
Check tray compatibility |
|
|
10x20 |
Fully flat-packed |
9.625 in x 19.25 in |
Check tray compatibility |
|
|
10x10 |
Fully flat-packed |
9.25 in x 9.5 in |
Check tray compatibility |
|
|
10x10 |
Fully flat-packed |
9.25 in x 9.5 in |
Check tray compatibility |
|
|
Small Sprout |
Fully flat-packed |
4.5 in x 7.825 in |
Specifically for small sprout trays |
|
|
Small Sprout |
Fully flat-packed |
4.5 in x 7.825 in |
Specifically for small sprout trays |
Upon ordering, choose from sets of two or ten 10x20 sheets, or our 10x10 sheets, or Small Sprouting Tray sheets which are conveniently flat packed for immediate use. Our packaging ensures that the medium arrives mostly flat to flat, requiring minimal preparation. Note the dimensions (9.625 in x 19.25 in for 10x20; 9.25 in x 9.5 in for 10x10); 4.5 in x 7.825 in for Small Sprouting Tray) to ensure compatibility with your trays.
Tray Recommendations
- 10x20 Stainless-Steel: Works best with our 10x20 Heavy Duty Trays, 10x20 Kratky Tray Kit and 10x20 2”inch Deep Trays.
- 10x10 Stainless-Steel: Works best with our 10x10 shallow Heavy Duty Trays and 10x10 shallow grow Trays. You can also fit two sheets side by side in our 10x20 Heavy Duty Trays and 10x20 2” inch Deep Trays.
- Small Sprouting Tray: Cut to fit our small sprouting trays
Note: It’s important to note that these sheets may not fit all trays listed as “10x20” trays or as “10x10” trays, as some manufacturers inner dimensions are not true to the name. We advise you to always check your trays inner dimensions and see how our sheets will fit, prior to making an order with us. For instance, the 10x10 sheets fit perfectly in shallow trays, yet do not fit in 10x10 deep trays. If you’re curious to check, the actual dimensions for our Stainless Steel medium is found in the chart above.
Quick Start Guide: How to Use Your Grow Medium
Prepare your Stainless-Steel Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium by first washing and sanitizing it upon arrival, more about this in the next section. You can then follow along with this video below to see how we grow microgreens using this medium type!
Just remember that the most important key to success with reusable grow mediums is your watering. Not enough water and you’ll experience dry out and poor germination. Too much water and you’ll run into issues too. We highly suggest investing in a good watering tool, like this one here, we’ve used it for 5+ years now and it never fails us when it comes to evenly distributing water across our seedlings. If you ever need help troubleshooting a grow, our email line is always open!
Cleaning and Sanitizing Stainless-Steel Reusable Grow Medium
Step 1: Remove Microgreen Leftovers
-
Remove post-harvest stems & roots: Once you have harvested your microgreens, use our scraper cleaner tool to remove the stems and roots from the medium. This process usually only takes 30-seconds to 1 minute with our handy tool.
Step 2: Pre-Clean - Remove all debris: Before sanitizing, remove any plant debris or soil by gently scrubbing with a soft brush under running water. This helps to ensure the sanitizer can contact all surfaces directly. Do not use metal or abrasive brushes.
Step 3: Wash
- Soap and water: Use a mild scent free detergent and warm water to thoroughly clean the surface. A soft cloth or sponge is ideal for this to avoid scratching the metal.
- Rinse: After washing, rinse the stainless-steel thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Step 4: Sanitize
- Chemical sanitizer: You can use a solution of food-grade sanitizer such as a bleach solution (around 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) or a commercially available sanitizer designed for food contact surfaces. Apply the sanitizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Heat: Alternatively, you can sanitize with heat if the item is small enough to fit in a large pot. Boil it in water for at least 5 minutes or use a steam sanitizer if available.
- UV light: UV sterilization is another effective method, especially if you want to avoid chemicals. Place the stainless steel under a UV light for a prescribed amount of time to kill any lingering pathogens.
Step 5: Dry
- Air dry: Allow the stainless steel to air dry completely or use clean towels. Moisture can promote bacterial growth, so it’s important the surface is dry before storage or reuse.
Step 6: Storage
- Store properly: Keep the stainless steel in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and dust when not in use. This helps maintain its integrity and cleanliness.
When to Replace 316 Grade Stainless Steel
- Corrosion or pitting: Although 316 grade stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, exposure to harsh chemicals over a long period can cause pitting or corrosion. If you notice these signs, it’s time to replace the item.
- Surface degradation: Any cracks, deep scratches, or rough surfaces can harbor bacteria and make complete sanitation difficult. These are signs that the stainless steel should be replaced.
- Structural weakness: If the metal becomes bent or warped to the point that it no longer fits properly in its designated space or can’t hold materials securely, it should be replaced.
By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, and knowing when to replace parts, you can extend the lifespan of your 316-grade stainless steel equipment and ensure it remains safe and effective for food production and growing applications.
Pros and Cons of Stainless-Steel Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium
|
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
Economical and eco-friendly |
Higher upfront cost |
|
Made from durable, corrosion-resistant 316 grade stainless steel |
Challenges with moisture retention |
|
Pre-cut sizes fit most trays |
Sharp edges can pose a handling risk |
|
Easy to clean and sanitize |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I remove roots after harvest? Easily remove roots using our Microgreen Medium Scraper/Cleaner. Learn more
- How to sanitize? Options for cleaning & sanitizing this medium can be found higher up in this blog!
Adjustments for Different Tray Sizes
If the pre-cut sizes don't fit your trays, you can manually adjust the size using metal cutting scissors. Remember, custom-cut mediums cannot be returned under our warranty.
Storing Your Grow Medium
Store flat to maintain shape and extend lifespan. A dedicated tray can be used for storage to keep the medium flat.
Safety Disclaimer for Stainless-Steel Medium Use
- Please review our "Reusable Grow Medium Safety Disclaimer" prior to purchase.
We think we’ve covered everything about our Stainless-Steel Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium, but if we've missed anything, please let us know and we’ll include it! We’re committed to ensuring you have a top-notch experience with OTG products.
If you haven’t already, be sure to read up about our Silicone Reusable Microgreen Grow Medium too, it doesn’t have the sharp edges like our Stainless-Steel Medium does.
Happy Growing,
-CJ & Mandi