HI Satinhooks, Yes there is definitely a more sutainable material than styrofoam. The foam is for exterior insulation an not intended for real contact with the plants. Although the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) by DOW Styrofoam the temperature of the foam needs to hit 160 degrees before leaching and heating is the only way it will off gas, but I still think its a good idea to separate the green from the foam. New materials and model coming soon. be sure to check back for the new model.
Is there another, more sustainable material to use besides styrofoam. Styrofoam leaches out toxins that effect human health, especially reproductive health. it's probably not a good idea to have plant roots next a big chunk of it despite having the sheet of root barrier between the roots and said foam. The toxins will definitely seep into the grow medium via the nutrient water.
Good question Ali. The grow media is not actually soil, but rather pumice and fiber so it is very light weight unlike traditional soil. When it becomes wet it expands. In combination with the pinching metal brads and root barrier the soil sticks to the surfaces before lifting vertical. So far no grow media has leaked out the bottom, but the roots have expanded.
HI Satinhooks, Yes there is definitely a more sutainable material than styrofoam. The foam is for exterior insulation an not intended for real contact with the plants. Although the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) by DOW Styrofoam the temperature of the foam needs to hit 160 degrees before leaching and heating is the only way it will off gas, but I still think its a good idea to separate the green from the foam. New materials and model coming soon. be sure to check back for the new model.
jeffbarrettdesign 2 months ago
Is there another, more sustainable material to use besides styrofoam. Styrofoam leaches out toxins that effect human health, especially reproductive health. it's probably not a good idea to have plant roots next a big chunk of it despite having the sheet of root barrier between the roots and said foam. The toxins will definitely seep into the grow medium via the nutrient water.
what do you think?
satinhooks 2 months ago
Good question Ali. The grow media is not actually soil, but rather pumice and fiber so it is very light weight unlike traditional soil. When it becomes wet it expands. In combination with the pinching metal brads and root barrier the soil sticks to the surfaces before lifting vertical. So far no grow media has leaked out the bottom, but the roots have expanded.
jeffbarrettdesign 8 months ago
Nice work! Can I have a strawberry? Just wondering, how does the soil stay in place? From the tight cover? Or do you glue it down?
alilyon1 8 months ago