How to Transplant From Rockwool to Soil

Few things can break a gardener’s heart as much as damping off. Caused by a fungus, damping off will destroy a seed’s tissue, sometimes before it has a chance to germinate. Wet, cool soil is usually the culprit. Soilless mixtures, such as peat moss, perlite and rockwool cubes, can help gardeners avoid fungal problems. Rockwool is made from molten rock and pressed into pallets that can then be planted with seeds. When the seeds germinate, and roots begin to grow from the bottom of the cube, it’s time to plant the seedlings into the soil.

Rockwool Vs. Soil

Rockwool's name is derived from the materials that create it. It's a fibrous mix of rock and sand. The slabs are often used for larger plants or rows of plants. Rockwool is lauded primarily for its retention of water and air. For the convenience rockwool affords, it's inconvenient to handle and dispose of. Additionally, the rock and sand fibers do not break down easily, which means all forms of rockwool negatively impact the environment. For example, adding vermiculite increases a soil's ability to retain water. Soil often gives insects a free invitation to munch on your plants.