For decades, vermiculite has been a reliable aid in germination, protecting seeds from drying out or receiving too much light. Yet its granular nature could pose some challenges: particles disperse easily, clogging irrigation systems, filters and transplanting machines, while also creating slippery, potentially hazardous conditions on greenhouse floors.
In today’s high-tech, large-scale and increasingly automated propagation, efficiency and cleanliness are more important than ever. Grodan’s new patented vermiculite-free Funnel M plugs for tomatoes and peppers and the vermiculite-free block for cucumbers remove these barriers – delivering results equal to conventional working methods, but without the drawbacks. By removing vermiculite, propagators benefit from a cleaner and safer work environment. It also reduces time and costs linked to cleaning and maintenance, while helping ensure strong, homogeneous crop development right from the start.
Grodan’s Funnel M plugs have been designed for compatibility with most modern sowing machines, supporting quick and accurate sowing at scale. Their optimized seed holes enable easy visual checks of seed placement, while no foil cover is required after sowing – saving both time and materials.
Next to the Funnel M plug, early trials with cucumber growers confirm that the new vermiculite-free block delivers excellent plant development, with strong stem stability, robust biomass and high germination success.
“These vermiculite-free solutions are rooted in science and designed to grow. Building on our proven Funnel S solution, which has already gained wide adoption among leading seed companies, the new Funnel M plug and vermiculite-free block open the door for tomato, pepper and cucumber propagators to transition confidently towards cleaner and more sustainable propagation,” adds Joost.