On 20/08/2011 16:09, Dave East wrote:
"stuart wrote in message
...
On 19/08/2011 15:04, Pam Moore wrote:
On Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:50:37 +0100, stuart noble
wrote:

On 19/08/2011 13:36, Dave East wrote:
Would like to try and create a clear jelly like growing medium, so we
can
watch the plant roots grow outwards.

My first thoughts are an edible type jelly dessert from the supermarket
with
plant food added to it.

Grateful for any advice on this project please.



Alan Tich has allegedly done this with wallpaper paste, although it
usually contains anti fungal stuff IIRC. The gel would probably be
clearer using deionised or rain water.
If the gel itself has to be edible, some kind of vegetable gum
(guar,locust bean, xanthan). Most only need 1-2% in water to create a
stiff gel, but dispersing them in water isn't easy

I used to use a gel made from wallpaper glue (non fungicide type) to
fluid-sow seeds like parsnips. I think it was GQT who used to
recommend it. Can you still buy allpaper paste powder without
fungicide? worth a try.

Pam in Bristol

If not, Pound Shop hair gel might be worth a try. IIRC that's a synthetic
product, but the gel may not be compatible with the plant foods

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Thanks to all. I didn't mean to say that the gel had to be edible, just
that edible jelly from the supermarket what the first kind of jelly i
thought of.

I suppose it doesnt have to be a jelly as long as its thick enough to
support it, but even then i suppose of good support the stems and have it
almost in a liquid. The key thing is to see the roots grow. Thanks for any
further thoughts.


Glycerin and gelatin spring to mind. Both cheap and freely available.
ISTR both are crystal clear, whereas I've a feeling wallpaper paste may
be cloudy