Are clay balls the same as LECA?
Clay pebbles are also known as expanded clay, Hydroton or LECA: lightweight expanded clay aggregate. They’re strong and durable in moist conditions but lightweight at the same time, offering growers an excellent mixture of strength and flexibility. Media beds are the most common application for clay pebbles. They provide excellent root support and drainage, making them perfect for leafy greens, herbs, and small vegetables. Fill your grow tray with prepped clay pebbles. Plant seedlings directly into the pebbles.Pebbles on top are not a substitute for proper drainage at the bottom. If your pot doesn’t have a drainage hole, adding a layer of gravel and pebbles can trap moisture in the soil and make water buildup worse.
Which is better for plants, clay or plastic pots?
Gardeners with a heavy hand at watering tend to over-water; their plants will probably benefit from clay. Other gardeners who wait for the wilting signal from their plants are better off with plastic. Plants which demand a well-drained, dry soil like cacti also prefer clay pots. Terracotta Pots These pots are made of baked clay and are porous, meaning they allow air and moisture through them. This makes them an excellent choice for plants that don’t tolerate wet roots like cacti and succulents.
Why is clay not good for growing plants?
Clay soil: Clay has tiny particles that stick together, forming large clumps. While clay soil tends to be of higher fertility than other soil types, it is not optimal to garden in because its texture makes it very difficult for plant roots to work their way into it. Clay soil retains most nutrients very well because of its negative charge and high surface area, so clays usually are very fertile. In general, gardeners do not need to add fertilizer as frequently to clay soils as to coarser soil textures.Clay does have the disadvantage of drying quickly. This can be a problem for moisture loving plants such as ferns or when attempting to germinate seeds. Clay also has the tendency to form a white crusty layer on the outside of the pot.If the soil is too much clayey more amount of gypsum should be added. Add Organic Matter Gypsum might provide the base for your plants but it doesn’t provide any nutrients to the plant so an organic compost is a must for your clay soil. Prepare an organic compost by using wet organic garbage.