Sure to Grow / STG Cubes?

[McBudz]

Anyone use the new STG or Sure to grow cubes? Supposedly a superior alternative to coco and rockwool. Not sure what they are made of but they look white like cotton. Just curious if any rockwool users have switched over or compared the 2.

What STG says about itself:

STG Advantages for Growers:

Compatible with major growing systems
Light, clean and hygienic
Requires no presoaking, no pre-conditioning
Does not interfere with nutrient solution EC and pH
No mess, no clean-up, no measuring
Indefinite shelf life
Lower product cost, lower freight cost


STG Advantages for Plants:
Quicker germination and higher yields
Optimal aeration and water retention
Inert, sterile and pH neutral
No nutrient salt build-up
Less incidence of disease, molds and fungus

[Andy Botwin]

BUMP!

I would also like to know if this item has had any testing from the community...

[Andy Botwin]

I put them to a difficult test - by seeing if they could be successfully used to root a flowering clone from an outdoor plant. No nutes, just RO water.

They work.

[McBudz]

Looks like they are only holding them in place though, no?

[Andy Botwin]

For this application, yes you are 100% correct McBudz. I've had some MJ and basil that has rooted right through the inserts, but basil has a tendency to do that no matter what you use. I think it could push roots through rock if you're patient...

I purposely placed the pictured cutting lower so it didn't push roots through the insert. That way I can place the cutting into soil or hydro without any damage to the roots (I wouldn't use the STG inserts to root and then transplant into soil again...they retain too much moisture around the root collar).

I will transplant this cutting into a DWC Bucket fitted with a 6" STG insert and report back with pictures, because you're right, this update doesn't do anything for validating Sure To Grow's effectiveness. I could have used Styrofoam or even cardboard to do what I did...

[saywordson357]

how long did it take to start seeing roots?

[Andy Botwin]

10 days for roots. No rooting gels/powders or nutrients of any kind. With additives you could get it down to 5-7 days.