switching to coco coir, couple questions

[purpleman]

I've decided to switch to coco for my next seedlings and clones. Couple quick questions. Should I start my germinated seeds and clones in rock wool first? I've used peat pellets up until now. Also, as far as nutes, Do I start them with a light dose from the get go? Thanks guys

[Tersky]

Hey purpelman, i just recently went through a switch from hydro to coco and i do have a few tips that i've noticed. I've never used rockwool but i do use some rapid rooter type seed plug so I assume peat pellets will work. As far as your other question, yes. very light nutes. I dont know what kind of pots you are going to use and what kind of coco mix you are using but i do a 70/30 coco/perlite mix in fabric pots. I prefer fabric for the drainage but you may be more familiar with other pots.

Now here are my tips.
A - wash the coco, pref with ph'd water. Sometimes a lot of dust accumulates and also you want to start getting it phd from the beginning imo.
B - Charge the coco before planting or transplanting. this means ph'd water with a cal-mag supplement.
C - Feed every time. If you ph your water and have 20% runoff then wait until the plants are thirsty to feed again i find you have less ph flux. and i have not had any nute burn with this method. of course if you notice issues you can flush with ph'd water but for the most part give it nutes.
D - Find a what works for you in your situation. These tips helped me but you may find something that works better for your situation.

Hope this helps.

[purpleman]

Absolutely! Thanks for the info. I'll take all the tips I can get! I bought pre mixed 70-30 coco/perlite. I start my seedlings in little pint plastic pots and move to 1 gallon, then 5 gallon.