The Foundation of a Healthy Crop: Getting Substrate Saturation and Rooting-In Right with Jon Jirikovec | Ep 20
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04/02/25 • 54 min
In Episode 20 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones welcomes Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec for a deep dive into one of the most important (and often underestimated) parts of a successful grow: initial substrate saturation and rooting strategy. From troubleshooting dry-back issues to dialing in daily irrigations, Jon shares the foundational practices that help cultivators get the most from their Grodan blocks and slabs.
What if inconsistent rooting or poor substrate hydration are limiting your yields without you even realizing it? Jon breaks down proper saturation techniques that create uniform water distribution, why early irrigation decisions shape root structure, and how to avoid common mistakes like using low EC or skipping QC checks on block weights.
We also explore how to maintain capillarity during the rooting-in phase, why sensors should be placed strategically, and how overly wet or dry conditions can throw off nutrient balance in the root zone. Jon outlines a multiphase irrigation approach—refreshment, drain, and dry-back—that sets growers up for long-term consistency, crop steering, and improved plant health.
If you're building out a facility or looking to refine your early-stage irrigation protocols, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance grounded in real-world experience—and shows why so many top growers trust Grodan stone wool to set the foundation for success.
In Episode 20 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones welcomes Grodan Crop Specialist Jon Jirikovec for a deep dive into one of the most important (and often underestimated) parts of a successful grow: initial substrate saturation and rooting strategy. From troubleshooting dry-back issues to dialing in daily irrigations, Jon shares the foundational practices that help cultivators get the most from their Grodan blocks and slabs.
What if inconsistent rooting or poor substrate hydration are limiting your yields without you even realizing it? Jon breaks down proper saturation techniques that create uniform water distribution, why early irrigation decisions shape root structure, and how to avoid common mistakes like using low EC or skipping QC checks on block weights.
We also explore how to maintain capillarity during the rooting-in phase, why sensors should be placed strategically, and how overly wet or dry conditions can throw off nutrient balance in the root zone. Jon outlines a multiphase irrigation approach—refreshment, drain, and dry-back—that sets growers up for long-term consistency, crop steering, and improved plant health.
If you're building out a facility or looking to refine your early-stage irrigation protocols, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance grounded in real-world experience—and shows why so many top growers trust Grodan stone wool to set the foundation for success.
Previous Episode
Optimizing Cannabis Cultivation: Pheno-Hunting, Irrigation & Lighting with Plant Nerd | Ep 19
In episode 19 of the GroShow Podcast, host Riley Jones sits down with Jared Toogood of Plant Nerd to break down the techniques helping growers fine-tune their operations. From advanced lighting strategies to precision irrigation and pheno-hunting for elite genetics, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Jared shares how real-time data collection and a single-stage nutrient approach help streamline workflows and improve plant health. We also discuss how undercanopy lighting boosts flower production and why substrate selection with Grodan stone wool is key to optimizing irrigation efficiency.
Tune in to explore Michigan’s competitive cannabis market, the role of controlled environment agriculture, and how small refinements can lead to major gains in yield and quality.
Listen now!
The Grodan GroShow - The Foundation of a Healthy Crop: Getting Substrate Saturation and Rooting-In Right with Jon Jirikovec | Ep 20
Transcript
Step into the world of indoor cannabis cultivation with the Grow Dan Grow Show podcast , your reliable source of root zone management . Join host Riley Jones as he explores cutting-edge stonewool growing techniques and industry insights with experts and growing legends from around the world . Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out , the Grow Show is your go-to podcast for
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