with rockwool cubes versus seed starter mixes

I have used both and feel the two are so different that they really can't be compared over all. For hydroponic growing rockwool obviously wins over mixes although there are better than rockwool hydro plugs available too..

But for growing on in soil (non-hydro), mixes are far superior IMO.

Compare germination percentages - only marginally better with mixes but when it comes to transplanting them for growing on, both root development and proper moisture level problems arise with the rockwool when it is surrounded by soil.

These problems can be adjusted for with some plants - those normally grown from transplants like tomatoes and peppers - but if you are also going to be growing things that are normally direct seeded and NOT transplanted - like beans, peas, spinach, cukes and such - then their growth in rockwool is only more stunted after transplanting than it would be if grown in mix.

Dave.

Thanks for the response. That answers my question.