Products
Growstone manufactures breakthrough, high-performance hydroponic aggregate media and soil aerator made entirely from recycled glass. They are engineered for excellence in an eco-friendly exclusive process that requires no water. Our kiln runs environmentally on landfill gasses which were previously flared off.
Unlike perlite and Hydroton, the production of Growstones requires no destructive strip-mining or overseas shipping in energy guzzling tankers. They are an environmental and horticultural win-win from start to beautiful finish.
Growstones provides superior air and water retention for superior results. Whether you grow hydroponically or in soilless mixes, Growstones high porosity and irregular shape aggregates improve aeration and drainage of the root zone while maintaining good water holding capacity. Growstones are light weight and entirely made in the USA.
For growers who want beautiful results and are conscious about how the products they choose are made, Growstones are an ideal choice bringing inspired growers inspirational results.
How does Growstones compare with Other Substrates?
Growstones are engineered for a specific ratio between water holding capacity (WHC) and air filled porosity (AFP) at saturation. The large percentage of inner pores inside each individual aggregate assures good WHC (35%, v/v). The large spaces between each aggregate, promotes a high AFP (53%, v/v), enhancing drainage. This results in a growing media in which water holding capacity and air filled porosity are not mutually exclusive.
The specific combination of moisture retention and aeration characteristic of Growstones substrates, represent an enormous advantage over other substrates which maximize either water retention (rockwool and coco coir) or aeration (perlite, expanded clay, rice hulls).
Growstones have a higher air-filled porosity than rockwool, coco coir or perlite, and a better water retention than expanded clay or parboiled rice hulls. This characteristic is important for hydroponic and soil amendment applications.
- In hydroponics, the moisture to air ratio, represents an enormous advantage as it creates highly steer able substrate, enhances gas exchanges, and thus root growth and vigorous plant development for fast growing crops, like cucumbers and tomatoes.
- In blending mixes, soil amendment, and container gardening applications, Growstones increases aeration and can increase the water holding capacity of the mix. This characteristic distinguishes Growstones from perlite or rice hulls, currently used in mixes for increased aeration alone.
Higher oxygenation of roots than rockwool and better water retention capabilities than perlite, positions Growstones as a high performance and highly competitive substrate with the current industry standards.