What is Professor’s Nutrients Starter Soak used for?
It’s a ready-to-use nutrient solution designed to pre-soak propagation media like rockwool cubes, coco plugs, jiffy pellets, and seed trays. It supports strong root development in seeds and cuttings by delivering a balanced, low-EC feed from day one.
Is Professor’s Starter Soak pre-mixed and pH-balanced?
Yes—Starter Soak is ready to use straight from the bottle. It’s pH-balanced and pre-mixed to 0.5 EC, making it safe for delicate seedlings and cuttings without extra measuring or adjustment.
What growing media is compatible with Professor’s Starter Soak?
It works with most propagation media, including rockwool, coco plugs, jiffys, peat pots, seed trays, and more. It’s suitable for soil, hydroponics, and early-stage propagation setups, but not for pure aeroponic cloners without media.
How do I soak propagation cubes with Professor’s Starter Soak?
Submerge plugs or cubes until fully saturated, then drain off excess. You want them moist but not dripping. A light squeeze is fine—just avoid crushing the structure. Discard soak solution if it becomes dirty or sits too long.
When should I switch from Starter Soak to a regular feeding schedule?
Once roots are established and new growth is visible, transition to your standard seedling or veg feed. Starter Soak is meant for the earliest propagation stage—not as a long-term nutrient plan.
Do I still need rooting gel with Professor’s Starter Soak?
Yes—Starter Soak feeds the cube or plug, while rooting gels support the cut end. They work well together, especially when paired with foliar sprays like Cloning Accelerator for full support during propagation.
Can I transplant plugs after soaking them with Starter Soak?
Yes—once the roots fill the plug and the plant is stable, you can transplant the entire cube or plug into your next growing medium. This helps reduce transplant shock and keeps root growth steady.
Is Professor’s Starter Soak safe for delicate seedlings and cuttings?
Absolutely. Its low EC and balanced nutrient profile make it ideal for early-stage propagation, even for sensitive vegetable seedlings or houseplant cuttings. Avoid adding extra nutrients too early.
Do I need a humidity dome or heat mat with Professor’s Starter Soak?
For most cuttings, yes. Starter Soak supports the root zone, but humidity domes and gentle bottom heat help prevent wilting and encourage faster root strike—especially in cooler rooms.
Can Starter Soak cause algae or attract fungus gnats?
Like any nutrient-rich solution, algae can grow if cube surfaces stay wet and exposed to light. Fungus gnats may appear if the media stays soggy. Improve airflow, drain trays, and reduce surface moisture to prevent both.
How should I store Professor’s Starter Soak?
Keep it sealed, cool, and out of direct sunlight. Don’t pour used solution back into the bottle. If the liquid smells off or shows contamination, it’s safer to discard it and use fresh.
Is Professor’s Starter Soak certified organic?
No—while it’s a premium chelated nutrient solution, it’s not marketed as certified organic. If you're running a certified-organic grow, check with your compliance requirements before using.
Can I use Professor’s Starter Soak on all plant types?
Yes—it’s formulated for wide use across vegetables, herbs, flowers, and houseplants at the propagation stage. Just follow the instructions and adjust your method based on plant type and environment.
What’s the biggest mistake with Professor’s Starter Soak?
Letting cubes or plugs sit in runoff water. Even though the solution is gentle, oversaturated media slows rooting by reducing oxygen to young roots. Soak thoroughly, but always drain properly.
What’s the simplest way to use Professor’s Starter Soak?
Soak your cubes or plugs until fully saturated → drain excess → insert seed or cutting → keep humidity and temperature steady → once roots are established, move to your normal nutrient plan.
