Growing Media General Hydroponics
Growing media for growing in pots, in the garden and in a grow box: pre-fertilised soil mixes, coco growing media, clay pebbles, grow mats and substrate additives such as perlite, vermiculite or zeolite. Choose from brands including BioNova, Plagron, Canna, BioBizz, Atami and others. When combining growing media and fertiliser, follow their composition and dosage instructions; using the same brand is not essential. We’ll be happy to advise you at info@higarden.eu.
Bulk purchase of growing media For larger orders, check the terms for pallet delivery and any free delivery before placing your order. The number of bags and the option to include other goods depend on the specific offer and agreement with the online shop.
How to choose growing media
Growing media provide roots with support, water and air; their ability to retain nutrients depends on their composition. The choice mainly depends on how you want to water and feed your plants. A pre-fertilised soil mix can make the first weeks of feeding easier for beginners. With unfertilised coco and media without a nutrient reserve, you supply nutrients through watering and monitor the solution’s composition as you go. Many products in our range purposefully combine the properties of different media.
#ShowMore#
Comparing types of growing media
| Type of growing medium | Suitable for | Feeding | In our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil and soil mixes (peat, compost, perlite) | beginners, pots, trough planters, gardens | depending on the level of pre-fertilisation: lightly pre-fertilised mixes need feeding sooner, while more heavily pre-fertilised mixes last longer | Soil mixes, Light mixes |
| Coco growing medium | growers who want precise control over feeding, pots and irrigation systems | unfertilised coco does not provide balanced nutrition; feed according to the instructions from the start | Coco growing media |
| Clay pebbles (expanded clay) | hydroponics, an additive for coco | nutrient solution | Clay pebbles – Hydroton |
| Grow mats and cubes (mineral wool, coco) | hydroponics, drip irrigation, germination and cuttings | nutrient solution | Grow mats, Inert media |
| Substrate additives (perlite, vermiculite, zeolite) | adjusting your own mix: aeration or improved water retention | they do not replace complete fertiliser; some may release individual nutrients | Substrate additives |
Soil and soil mixes
This loose brown mix, which looks like soil at first glance, is made from different types of peat and peat blends, often with perlite or compost. Individual products differ in structure, water retention, pH and the amount of added nutrients. Choose from lightly pre-fertilised growing media (Light mixes) as well as medium and heavily pre-fertilised mixes.
- Lightly pre-fertilised options, such as BioBizz Light Mix or Plagron Lightmix s perlitem, are suitable for seedlings and for managing feeding yourself. When to start supplementary feeding varies according to the product and the condition of the plants; light pre-fertilisation does not mean that a full dose is needed from the first watering.
- More heavily pre-fertilised options, such as Plagron Allmix, contain a reserve of nutrients. For Allmix, the manufacturer states that the reserve lasts approximately 6 weeks, depending on the condition of the plants. For organic feeding, however, the manufacturer recommends starting supplementary feeding from week 4 so that nutrients are released in time.
- For sowing and cuttings, choose a fine growing medium with a moderate nutrient reserve. Examples of specialist mixes include Agro growing medium for sowing and propagation or NATURA growing medium – herb garden and sowing.
Pre-fertilised soil mixes can be an easier starting point than hydroponics. Don’t forget a suitable fertiliser for soil. Fungus gnats thrive in damp conditions with organic matter; they can also appear in soil-free mixes. Avoid overwatering and remove dead plant matter.
Coco growing medium
Coco growing medium can be put into containers in the same way as a soil mix. Coco coir and fibres from the outer husk of the coconut retain water well while remaining aerated. Coco is used in pots and in hydroponic systems. On its own, it does not provide balanced, complete nutrition and may contain potassium or salts, for example; use fertilisers specifically intended for coco with unfertilised coco. One example is BioNova Cocomix Plus.
Clay pebbles (Hydroton)
Clay pebbles are expanded clay; in a suitably designed system, they provide an airy root zone and rapid drainage. They are used in hydroponics and as an additive for coco. A layer of coarse material beneath fine growing media in a pot does not improve drainage and can hold water higher up in the root zone; drainage holes and a suitable mix are important. For example, according to the manufacturer, Plagron Hydro Cocos 60/40 contains 60 % clay pebbles and 40 % coco fibres. Read more in the article Clay pebbles as a growing medium.
Perlite, vermiculite and zeolite
- Perlite is produced by expanding volcanic glass. The light white granules aerate growing media and improve drainage, and are also suitable for rooting cuttings. For example, Plagron Perlite. Guide: All about perlite.
- Vermiculite retains water and nutrients and is suitable for sowing mixes. Guide: What is vermiculite and how to use it.
- Zeolite is the name for a group of minerals; horticultural zeolites can retain water and bind certain nutrient cations, such as ammonium ions and potassium. The article Zeolite for plants explains how much to add.
Growing media subcategories
- Soil mixes: pre-fertilised soils from BioNova, BioBizz, Canna, Plagron, Atami, GOLD Label and others.
- Coco growing media: pure coco, mixes with perlite and clay pebbles, compressed briquettes.
- Substrate additives: perlite, vermiculite, zeolite.
- Clay pebbles – Hydroton: various grades and pack sizes.
- Grow mats: mineral wool, coco mats and mats for Microgreens.
- Inert media: media for hydroponics and germination.
Frequently asked questions
Which growing medium should I choose to get started?
A soil mix with a moderate nutrient reserve can be a practical choice to get started. For seedlings, you can choose a lightly pre-fertilised light mix and feed according to the specific product instructions. Find an overview in the article How to choose a horticultural growing medium.
What does pre-fertilised growing medium mean?
The growing medium contains a nutrient reserve for the first weeks of growing. Lightly pre-fertilised mixes contain less, while more heavily pre-fertilised ones contain more. Check the instructions for how long it lasts and when to start supplementary feeding; this also depends on the plants’ needs and growing conditions.
Which growing medium should I use for sowing and cuttings?
Choose a fine, airy medium with a low nutrient content, such as sowing compost, light mix or grow cubes. Compare the options in the article Sowing compost, rockwool, peat or Eazy Plug.
Soil or coco?
A pre-fertilised soil mix can make it easier to get started with feeding. Unfertilised coco requires regular feeding; watering frequency depends on the mix’s structure, the container, the plant and the conditions, not just whether it is labelled coco or soil. Read more in the article Soil or coco growing medium?.
Can growing media be reused?
Healthy growing media can be reused, depending on their type, after assessing their structure and salt levels and replenishing nutrients. Do not reuse contaminated growing media unless they have been treated using a verified method. The article How and why to revitalise growing media explains the process; for coco, see Don’t be afraid to reuse coco growing medium.
Why have small black flies appeared in my growing medium?
They may be fungus gnats, which thrive in consistently damp growing media; check their appearance to confirm their identity. The article Fungus gnats: how to get rid of them explains how to deal with them.