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Germinating seeds.
I've tried paper towels, peat pots, and soil trays. I prefer the "direct into soil" method, for the fastest germination and best success rate. Next time I will try small individual soil containers, as trying to dig germinated seeds out of the soil tray and not damage the tap root is a rather delicate operation.
Cloning.
I've tried rockwool, peat pots, but have yet to try direct into soil. I prefer the smallest size rockwool cubes, for overall ease of use, you can tell earlier on that they have definately rooted, and because rightly or wrongly, I consider them to be more sterile.
Growing plants.
I've tried various pre-mixed soils, and decided some were too acidic, some didn't have good drainage, and one I suspected had fungus gnat pupae; a plague just seemed to come from nowhere. I now make my own mix out of perlite/vermiculite/worm castings(organic), at a ratio of 3/2/2. I like this combo because the perlite gives excellent drainage and airation, the vermiculite helps retain nutrients and stops the soil drying out too quickly, and the worm castings is like pure fertilizer, but it doesn't burn the roots. This mix is pH neutral and organic. Supplementary feeding is important, I suspect this mix wont have all the levels of nutrients particularly micro-nutrients needed, especially for longer term grows, i.e more than 2-3 months (in this case repotting would be essential - as an indication after 2 months in a 10ltr pot, most of the worm castings will have been absorbed by a plant grown from a clone)
Important When mixing soils, and especially if you're using rockwool, perlite or vermiculite, use a face mask.
Going organic is just a personal thing. I eat as much organic food as possible as well.
I hope this is of some use, I guess everyone will have their own favourite, but its great to know what all the options are. Heck, I might even try the methods of some of the luminaries here. SS, I wasn't sure if you wanted ferts as well as the medium we use, if so I'll post that later.
SS, your a saint man, this FAQ is a big job you've taken on. Just so you know, there are people out there that really appreciate what you're doing.
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THE BLUNCH BLACK OF BLOTRE BLAME
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