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New to growing your own tomatoes? This is the forum to learn the successful techniques used by seasoned tomato growers. Questions are welcome, too.

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Old January 25, 2009   #1
rnewste
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Default Rapid Rooter - (No, It's Not a Sewer Cleaning Company)

A few TV members have asked about the grow plugs that I am using. My son manages a hydroponics store in NM and he got me on to these a few years ago. They appear to be easier to use as compared with the netted Jiffy Pot types, as they are made of composted tree bark.

But the name Rapid Rooter can be confusing:



I have been using them in a simple Rubbermaid utensil tray:



But sometimes they move around a bit when adding water, so my son just sent me this 55 slot tray that allows the Rapid Rooters to automatically wick water from the reservoir below:



The individual pods simply drop into the slots:



And there is even a vented hood to help maintain warmth inside:



The system is made by a Company called Mondi. Your neighborhood Hydro shop probably carries them in stock as it seems to be a pretty good "cash crop" seedling system (for tomatoes, that is).

Ray
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Old January 26, 2009   #2
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Ray, the obvious question is whether or not your son can ship them and how much do they cost?? He could have a spike in sales.
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Old January 26, 2009   #3
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I will second that Ray. If he does online ordering I will definately place an order. If not I will list sites that have online ordering for Rapid Rooter. Ami
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Old January 26, 2009   #4
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Ted (and Ted),

He just caters to the local market currently, so please post your on-line links. I know Gurney's carries them in their on-line website.

Ray
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Old January 26, 2009   #5
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Gurney's Links

Grow Plugs Seed-Starting Kit

Mini Grow Plugs Seed Kit

I've used the Mini Grow Plugs Seed Kit in the past, (2006) they worked very well especially for the tomato seeds! You just push the little sponges out with your index finger, or pinky, if your hands are too large. I even germinated some Rosemary seeds in them at that time (and you know how fussy Rosemary seeds are.)

I just visited their site last night looking for them. Not enough cash for them right now.

~* Robin
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Old January 26, 2009   #6
rnewste
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Robin,

Gurneys price works out to be about 28 cents per Rapid Rooter plug. You can find a $25 off coupon on the Internet if you order $50 worth of products, so the per plug cost drops to 14 cents (assuming you need seeds or other supplies).

Ray
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Old January 26, 2009   #7
Polar_Lace
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Ray,

I have check my email then; they send me sales coupons all the time. Thanks for reminding me of the coupon deal.

~* Robin
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Old January 26, 2009   #8
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Robin,

In the utensil tray, I actually invert the Rapid Rooters so the flat surface sits on the tray surface. In the styrofoam holder, as they are tapered like an ice-cream cone, they just drop in by gravity. I just want those who buy them and are not using the styrofoam mold, that they should invert the Rapid Rooters to prevent them from tipping over.

Ray
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Old January 26, 2009   #9
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OK, here are some sites for Rapid Rooters. Remember if you need a dome that's extra. The last site I posted has the domes but there price is high for the Rapid rooters but gives you and idea what to look for. Ami
http://www.simplyhydroponics.com/rapid_rooters.htm
For the Bestbuds site click on the card in the upper left corner of the homepage. Then select Pots/planters/trays/containers.
http://www.bestbudsgreenhousesupplie.../merchant.mvc?
http://www.horticulturesource.com/cl...a479b15bcb6185
http://www.gardenindoorsllc.com/Seed%20Starting.html

Check out the horticulturesource site closely as they have about everything.
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Old January 28, 2009   #10
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Wow! My post vanished into thin air!

As I was saying... Thank you very much for the horticulture source site link Ami.

Could it be the stormy weather down here?

NOAA says: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...ield2=-96.2919

Wintry Mix, Lo 28°F -
Light Freezing Rain: 30°F (-1°C): Wind Chill: 20°F (-7°C)

~* Robin
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Old January 28, 2009   #11
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Here is the link to the Gurney's $25.00 off coupon on a $50.00 purchase. The Rapid Rooter plugs then come out to about $0.14 per plug, plus shipping. Not a bad deal!

http://gurneys.com/category.asp?c=23...cd2=1233167726

Ray
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Old January 28, 2009   #12
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Perfect Starts. Came across this product which is similar to Rapid Rooters and comes in two sizes depending on what you want to grow. They also sell a kit that comes with 72 cell insert, propogation tray, 6" dome, heating mat and 72 #4 plugs (the larger ones) for $49.95. So, with this one kit you can grow 72 plants. Buying separately with out the heating mat would run you $29.18. Here's a link. Ami

http://www.futuregarden.com/propagat...s.html#product listing
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Old January 29, 2009   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rnewste View Post
Here is the link to the Gurney's $25.00 off coupon on a $50.00 purchase.
Ray
Thanks, Ray; but I found it in my email.


To bad I didn't find the other one in time it was for $50.00 off!! a $75.00 purchase. A preferred customer coupon. I have to remember to check that email account more often!! So much junk there.

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Old January 30, 2009   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rnewste View Post
Here is the link to the Gurney's $25.00 off coupon on a $50.00 purchase. The Rapid Rooter plugs then come out to about $0.14 per plug, plus shipping. Not a bad deal!

http://gurneys.com/category.asp?c=23...cd2=1233167726

Ray
Thanks Ray...I just ordered the plugs and got the $25 off.

Steve
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Old January 30, 2009   #15
rnewste
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Good deal, Steve (I expect a 10% "commission check" in the mail..)

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