🌱 Grower Today

Author: Brian

Where To Buy Hydroponics Nutrient Solution
Are you looking for where to buy hydroponics nutrient solutions for your garden? We will let you know in this post.
Obtaining a standard hydroponic nutrient solution that will supply plants with all necessary nutrients is the goal of all growers. There are various places you can buy hydroponic nutrient solutions and we will you know in this post. So, read on to find out.
What Is Hydroponic Nutrient Solution?
The hydroponic nutrient solution is an essential constituent in the process of growing plants in hydroponics. It is a liquid composition that contains all the essential nutrients part required for the growth of plants.
With hydroponic, it is easier to calculate or estimate the precise quantity of nutrients solution required for plant growth compared to soil.
Where To Buy Hydroponics Nutrient Solution
1. Hydroponic Nutrient Sellers Available Locally: If you ask and look around your area, you should be able to find hydroponic nutrient sellers. You can also check at any hydroponic supplies stores.
2. Reliable Online Store: You can also purchase a hydroponic nutrient solution from reputable online stores. Online store such as Amazon is a great place to begin your search as they contain various options from various manufacturers. They will deliver your hydroponic nutrient to your doorstep without the hassle of going out to search for one.
3. Independent Garden Or Nursery Centers: You can as well extend your search towards independent garden centers or nursery stores near you.
4. Big Box Stores: Another place you can buy hydroponic nutrient solutions is the big box stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc.
Types Of Nutrients For Hydroponics Solution To Buy: Buying Criteria
1. Liquid Or Powder Hydroponics Nutrient
Hydroponic nutrients can come in either liquid form or powder form. Newbies and hobbyists usually prefer liquid nutrient solutions because they are already premixed. However, the liquid type is a bit expensive.
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The powder type of hydroponic nutrient is the dry form and they are affordable. Their shelf life is also longer. Used by most commercial growers. This is because they are affordable and needed in bigger quantities. However, you need to be experienced when using this powdered form. This is because you will have to prepare the powder for each mineral. But if you want easy-to-use fertilizer, there are some pre-mixed powdered hydroponic nutrients you can purchase. Simply mix into water and use.
1. Organic Or Synthetic Hydroponic Nutrient
Even though most growers prefer everything organic, most hydroponic nutrients aren’t sold as organic. The only way to get organic hydroponic nutrients is to obtain the organic ingredients yourself such as fishbone, feather meal, blood meal, etc.
Some hydroponic nutrient products might even term them organic but in the real sense, they aren’t 100% organic. So, synthetic hydroponic nutrient products are not such a bad idea. They have been used for growing all types of plants successfully.
1. Multipurpose Made Or Only Made For Hydroponic
You might have come across a nutrient termed multipurpose or all purpose-made. They claim they can be used for either soil or hydroponic garden. We won’t really recommend you go for such. You should go for products that are specially designed for hydroponic purposes if you want top-notch results.
Applying Hydroponics Nutrients Solution
Most manufacturers will instruct you to use the whole nutrient solution that comes with it. This is so you can run out of it and buy more. Try to avoid this and ensure you apply gradually.
Start by applying about 50% or 70% portion then continue adjusting or adding more portion as required. Also, you should consider the stages of growth (vegetative, flowering, or fruiting stage). Supply your plants according to the stages they are.
When you are done applying the hydroponic nutrient, ensure you measure the pH of the solution. They must fall in the appropriate hydroponic nutrient range which is 5.5 to 6.5. Also, keep an eye on any symptoms your plants show.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between a fertilizer and a nutrient?
Fertilizers contain nutrients, but they also have a large amount of inert material. This material doesn’t contain any nutrients, so it doesn’t help your plants grow. The best way to use a fertilizer is to use it to top off a nutrient-rich soil, then water it in. After that, the fertilizer will slowly break down and release its nutrients into the soil over time.
How do I know what type of nutrient solution to use?
The first thing to do is determine if you want to use a liquid or solid nutrient solution. Liquid nutrients are much easier to use because they can be applied at the root level. For example, you could put a few tablespoons of a liquid fertilizer in a bucket, then apply it to the roots using a watering can.
You can grow hydroponically with any nutrient solution. The main difference between hydroponics and soil gardening is the lack of contact between the roots and the soil. Soil contains nutrients that are drawn up into the roots through osmosis. This is what plants need to survive. In a hydroponic setup, the roots are not in contact with soil. Instead they have their own separate solution which is pumped in under pressure.
This ensures that the roots receive the same amount of nutrients as they would in soil.
Where can I find nutrients for hydroponics?
You can find a large number of different nutrient solutions. You can find them in any good hydroponics store, as well as on the internet. In general you want a very concentrated nutrient solution that contains all the nutrients you need to grow plants. There are two types of nutrients, “macronutrients” and “micronutrients”. Macronutrients are the main components of the plant – like nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.
These are the nutrients that plants need in order to grow. They must be mixed with water, which is pumped through the system. The nutrient solution is filtered before it flows into the growing tray. This is where your plants will absorb the nutrients that they need to grow.
What is the best nutrient solution for hydroponic growth?
When you’re growing plants in a soil-less environment, there are some things you need to know about nutrition. The first thing that comes to mind is the pH. The pH of your nutrient solution should be adjusted to 6.0 or slightly lower. This is because plants have a slightly acidic environment inside their cells. The second thing you need to know is that plants are carnivorous.
You should also consider the different typed of solutions there are. For instance, some are designed for foliar feeding, while others are designed to be used with hydroponic systems. Foliar feeding refers to using nutrients directly on the leaves of a plant. This type of feeding is important if you want to grow your plants without any form of fertilizer. There are a few different types of foliar nutrients available. Each type is designed to be used by itself or with other types of nutrients.
Hydroponic Nutrient Composition Requirements
you can look to our suggested outlets on where to buy hydroponics nutrient solution. The general hydroponic nutrient solution must contain both micronutrients and macronutrients as they are necessary for plant growth. So, ensure you purchase the right type of hydroponic nutrient composition.
June 6, 2021
Can A Regular Light Bulb Help Plants Grow
Lights are essential requirements for successful indoor hydroponics farming. If you’re wondering if a regular light bulb can help plants grow, we will let you know in this article.
Compared to standard grow lights, regular grow lights are affordable and easily accessible. But do they have the same effect as the standard grow lights? Let’s find out.
Can A Regular Light Bulb Help Plants Grow?
The answer is yes, a regular light bulb can help plants grow, but in some cases, we would say no.
Although regular light bulbs for plants do not produce a full light spectrum, they can still help supply light for indoor plant growth.
A regular light bulb can help plants grown in small-scale gardens or houseplants. They are especially ideal for starting just a couple of plants.

The most important thing when using a regular light bulb is ensuring your plants get enough light for growth. There are some signs that your plants will show if they are not receiving adequate light.
Signs your plants will show include tall plants with weak stems, the green coloration of leaves may become lighter, and growth may be slow. If you notice these signs, it’s an indication that you need to provide your plants additional light or more substantial light.
However, if you’re growing regular houseplants, any regular light bulb is fine.
1. Regular Incandescent Light
Incandescent bulbs have been around for ages and were the first designs to be invented. They work by the passage of light through their small strand of metal that lights up as electricity passes through them.
Incandescent bulbs are regular light seen in most homes. Their power consumption is high, and the heat they emit is usually a large quantity of heat. This makes them inappropriate for fragile seedlings and, generally, most plants.
Can You Use Daylight LED Bulbs For Plants?
The sun is the primary source of light for plants. They need this light for photosynthesis. Sometimes, there may not be sufficient light, especially for indoor-grown plants in places such as greenhouses. Anywhere between 35 and 55% of light can get lost and not utilized by the plants. So the best growers of plants know that even the sun could use some help.
If insufficient light gets to the plants, they will get stunted and not grow optimally. Daylight LED bulbs for plants are the best way to supplement this light loss. Here are some of the added advantages of using daylight LED bulbs for plants:
- Producing bigger plants
The added light intensity from the LED light will do a lot to boost photosynthesis, which will lead to bigger plants.
- Healthier plants
You can shape or direct the growth of your plants using LED lights. This means that you will not have to worry about hormones or chemical alterations. You will also not need to worry about using pesticides as the LED lights will naturally make your plants healthier.
- Environmental benefits
Because LED lights produce less heat, indoor plants grown under LED lights use less water than those grown under conventional lights. This is good for water saving. The reduced need for pesticides due to the production of healthy plants will also positively impact the environment.
Which Color Light Bulb Should Be Used to Support The Best Growth in Most Plants?
Plants primarily use light from the red and blue spectra, readily available from the sun. They use the red light spectrum for budding and the blue for growing foliage. Full-spectrum growth lights are designed to provide this entire light spectrum, but you can purchase light bulbs with more specific light spectra.
Regular fluorescent light bulbs provide light in the blue spectrum, and incandescent lights mainly provide the red light spectrum. Depending on your plants’ growth stage, you can select the appropriate color light bulb to best support your plants.
2. Regular Halogen Bulb
The regular halogen bulbs are a close match with the incandescent bulb. However, they differ in the passage of their electrical current which is passed through a tungsten filament.
They work by emitting more heat for less energy. However, they can’t produce efficient light for plants’ growth. They would have required about 29 watts (less than 11 of an incandescent bulb) to be more efficient for plants growing needs.
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09/10/2025 02:04 pm GMT
3. Regular Fluorescence Light Bulb For Plants
Fluorescent light works with the passage of electricity along with mercury particles and is filtered by an outer bulb coating.
The fluorescent light is one of the most appropriate regular lights that can be used to grow plants. They are affordable and more efficient. Unlike incandescent lamps, they do not consume too much power. Thus, they will reduce your cost. The heat they produce is also moderate for your plant’s growth.
The regular fluorescent light bulb is found in most home,s and they will offer your plants the required light. All you need do is ensure the bulb’s color temperature is ideal for your plant’s growth. This is because plants require various color temperatures (measured in Kelvin) for various plant stages.
However, to save yourself the stress of determining color temperatures, you can simply use a specialized fluorescent bulb for plant growing needs. This type of fluorescent bulb contains the required color temperatures your plants will need for their growth life cycle.
Also, your regular fluorescent light bulbs are great for germinating seedlings. With fluorescent light bulbs, there’s no need to invest in extra growing light fixtures for your growing seedlings. Your growing seedlings require about 16 to 18 hours of light daily.
Can You Use Daylight LED Bulbs For Plants?
The sun is the primary source of light for plants. They need this light for photosynthesis. Sometimes, especially for indoor-grown plants in places such as greenhouses, there may not be sufficient light. Anywhere between 35 and 55% of light can get lost and not get utilized by the plants. So the best growers of plants know that even the sun could use some help.
If there is insufficient light getting to the plants, they will get stunted and not grow optimally. Daylight LED bulbs for plants are the best way to supplement this loss of light. Here are some of the added advantages of using daylight LED bulbs for plants:
- Producing bigger plants
The added light intensity from the LED light will do a lot to boost photosynthesis, which will lead to bigger plants.
- Healthier plants
You can shape or direct the growth of your plants using LED lights. This means that you will not have to worry about hormones or chemical alterations. You will also not need to worry about using pesticides as the LED lights will naturally make your plants healthier.
- Environmental benefits
Because LED lights produce less heat, indoor plants grown under LED lights use less water than those grown under conventional lights. This is good for water saving. The reduced need for pesticides due to healthy plants being produced will also have positive impacts on the environment.
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02/10/2026 07:03 pm GMT
How Do You Make a Heat Lamp For Plants?
Heat lamps are one of the best inventions for gardeners out there. A heat lamp allows gardeners to grow and produce their plants indoors without starving them of the needed light.
Heat lamps typically give plants the right light spectra to support growth and stimulate photosynthesis.
Using heat lamps allows gardeners to produce fruits and vegetables year-round without having to worry about the season. It also has the advantage of helping gardens produce plants for seeds to plant in the following seasons.
There are two different ways of making a heat lamp for your plants if you are interested. The cheap and easy way to do it is with a grow bulb and some kind of a light fixture to install it.
The other way is to get a fixture. This will work better than the bulb method, providing a broader spectrum of light over a large space.
Which Color Light Bulb Should Be Used to Support The Best Growth in Most Plants?
Plants primarily use light from the red and blue spectra, readily available from the sun. They use the red light spectrum for budding and the blue for growing foliage. Full-spectrum growth lights are designed to provide this entire light spectrum, but you can purchase light bulbs with more specific light spectra.
Regular fluorescent light bulbs provide light in the blue spectrum, and incandescent lights mainly give the red light spectrum. Depending on your plant’s growth stage, you can select the color light bulb to best support your plants.
Final words – Will A Regular Light Bulb Grow Plants?
We can now see that a regular light bulb may help plants grow depending on the type used. Can a regular light bulb help plants grow? Sure but you should ensure you take note of your plants’ progress whenever you use these regular lights. The signs they indicate will tell you if you need to replace them or add a stronger grow light.
FAQ’s
Can plants photosynthesize with regular light bulbs?
The answer is yes. Many examples of photosynthetic organisms, including plants, can use regular incandescent light bulbs and grow just fine. The main reason why these organisms can do so is because they have evolved to be able to use the spectrum of light that the bulb emits.
Some microorganisms can even absorb some light from the bulbs. However, most organisms cannot use the light from the bulb and must instead absorb the energy from sunlight.
Is it important to choose the right light?
Yes! There are many different types of grow lights available. They are designed for specific purposes, such as growing flowering plants or producing vegetables, and can come in various shapes and sizes. Some grow lights are designed to be mounted directly onto the sides of a house or greenhouse and can be installed inside or outside. Some are designed to fit inside the ceiling of a building and are often known as “under-ceiling” lights.
You can also find grow lights that you hang from the ceiling or that you hang on the side of your house. Some grow lights have a single light bulb, while others have multiple bulbs. The size of the grow light will determine how much light is needed to grow a plant.
What is the difference between a grow light and a regular light bulb?
Light bulbs illuminate areas of the home, office, or garden. Grow lights are used to light up plants. Grow lights are available in both incandescent and LED varieties. These lights are generally available in either grow light kits or grow lights. A grow light kit contains all the equipment needed to start a plant, while a grow light is an additional piece of equipment that helps with your plant’s growth.
The use of grow lights has grown tremendously over the past decade. They are often used as supplemental lighting for indoor gardening. While grow lights can be used for any plant, they benefit plants that grow in soil. Grow lights come in many shapes and sizes, so knowing which size you will need before purchasing is essential.
The shape of the grow light also affects how it will perform. Some grow lights have multiple lights, while others have just one or two. The number of lights also varies. Some grow lights have a built-in reflector, while others are without one. The reflector is needed to direct the light where it is required. The purpose of a grow light is to provide light for your plant. When choosing a grow light, it is essential to consider the type of plant you will be growing. You can choose between LED or incandescent.
May 29, 2021
Does Artificial Light Help Plants?
If you’re finding it difficult to get sunlight especially during winter or there’s not enough sunlight entering your home, then you can go for artificial light. But the question is does artificial light really help plants grow?
Light is essential for plants especially in the process of photosynthesis. Be it houseplants, indoor hydroponic garden, etc, various plants have various light intensity requirements as they all need light to grow.
So, let’s get to know if artificial light does help plants grow as lightening is an important criterion in the growth process of a plant.
Does Artificial Light Help Plants?
It is pretty possible to make use of artificial plants to help plants grow even throughout their growth stages. Even though sunlight is the best type of light because it supplies all the perfect balance of wavelength required for the development of your plants, artificial light can also be helpful.
Artificial lights are mainly helpful if most of the light directions in your home are low in natural lights. Except your plant is a low light requiring plants, you may need to make use of artificial light.
However, one needs to understand the concept behind color temperature. This is because plants will make use of various colors of light in various ways. Learn more on color temperature here.
Generally, plants will make use of blue light for the growth of leaves i.e. the vegetative phase. While for the flowering phase, plants will make use of a combination of blue and red light.
Advantages Of Using Artificial Light For Indoor Plants
The advantage your plants get to enjoy using artificial lights includes:
- All Year Round: light will be supplied to your plants all year round. You don’t have to worry about changes in the season because artificial light will always be available for your plants’ growing needs.
- Total Control: artificial lights offers you total control as to how much light you supply your plants. Depending on the type of plant and the amount of light intensity they require, you can modify or adjust the lighting to suit your plants’ needs. Thus, you have complete control over the growing process of your plants.
- Position Your Plant Anywhere: unlike when you’re searching for natural lights in your home to position your plants, with artificial lights, you can position them anywhere. So, there’s no limitation of where to put your plants.
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Types Of Artificial Lighting For Plants
Now, let’s take a look at some artificial lights that can help in the growing process of your plants.
If you’re fully into indoor gardening such s hydroponics, you will need to obtain hanging tube fixtures that can be positioned on top of your plants. To make things much easier, simply go for grow light kits designed for this function that will include fixtures and reflectors.
However, if you’re growing regular houseplants, simply make use of any type of light fixtures or lamps. Just ensure you select good bulbs and position these lights in a way that will help your plant grow.
Artificial Lights
So, here are some artificial lights you can find:
- Incandescent Light: this type of artificial light is affordable and easily accessible. However, it usually generates lots of heat thus it’s should be positioned far from your plants.
- Fluorescent Light: fluorescent light is one great artificial light you can find. It is affordable and appropriate for supplying light to various plants. Fluorescent light is especially great for houseplants and other plants. They emit moderate heat unlike incandescent light, thus they can be placed close to your plants without worrying about too much heat affecting them. Go for the cool white type as white light consists of a full wavelength spectrum.
- LED Lights: LED lights are one of the best artificial lights you can find. The lights they produce are energy efficient that will enhance the growth of your plants. Simply ensure your LED lights supply the red and blue lights required for the growth of plants.
- Horticulture Grows Lights: These types of artificial light are packed with a full wavelength spectrum. They are especially great for enhancing plants that need to bloom. They usually come in tubes of fluorescent fixtures.
FAQ’s
Do artificial lights help plants grow?
Plants use light for photosynthesis. Plants also use light for circadian rhythms and photoperiodism, which control their growth. There are two ways that artificial lighting can impact the growth of your plants. First, the light produced by a plant-growth lamp will cause them to grow more rapidly than they would if exposed to natural sunlight.
Second, the light produced by a plant-growth lamp will cause them to flower and set seed earlier than if they were exposed to natural sunlight.
Do plants grow better with artificial light or sunlight?
Natural lighting is better for plants than artificial.
Plants grow best when they have direct sunlight and indirect sunlight. They can also use fluorescent light,
The light spectrum is important as well. Indirect sunlight is a mixture of all types of light. It’s the only type of light that can be used for growing plants indoors. Sunlight is composed of two major parts: visible light and ultraviolet light.
It’s not harmful for plants to use fluorescent light, because plants absorb only the ultraviolet light and visible light components of the light spectrum. The infrared component of fluorescent light doesn’t affect plants.
What artificial lights are good for plants?
For indoor plants, artificial light is essential to a successful growing environment. Artificial lighting can provide the necessary light for photosynthesis, even when sunlight is too weak or absent to do so.
The types of artificial lights that you can use depend on the species of plant you’re growing. Artificial light is the type of lighting used in commercial greenhouses and indoor gardens, and in some cases in hydroponics. It differs from natural sunlight in many ways.
For example, it does not contain the ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight. This is important because plants require ultraviolet light in order to produce vitamin D, which helps them absorb calcium. It works by using an electric bulb to emit visible light that mimics the spectrum of sunlight. This light is then diffused by a white or yellow sheeting called a “grow dome.” This light is similar to the light that comes through your home windows. The grow dome also serves as a barrier to protect the plants from insects, birds, and other animals. The grow dome should be at least 3 feet tall and 6 feet across. The grow dome will also help you control the temperature. If you’re growing indoors, the temperature should be maintained between 65 degrees F and 75 degrees F.
Fluorescent lighting has become a popular option for growing indoor plants because it is low in cost, long lasting, and produces less heat than incandescent lighting. Incandescent bulbs emit a large amount of heat. This heat is detrimental to plants, especially if they are placed too close to the bulb. The heat causes the temperature of the bulb to rise, which can be harmful to the plant’s roots. In addition to the heat, incandescent bulbs do not produce any light that is beneficial to plants. In contrast to incandescent lighting, fluorescent bulbs emit light in a narrow range of the spectrum. Plants only need a narrow spectrum of light in order to grow normally. Fluorescent bulbs are also a good option for growing plants that require lower light intensity.
Plants And Artificial Light Conclusion
So we can see that artificial light does help plants with their growing needs. If you’re having issues with getting access o natural light in your home, artificial light can always save your plants.
May 29, 2021
Grow Room Equipment Checklist
Cultivation in an indoor space is becoming most growers’ favorite as it offers lots of advantages. To commence grow room indoor garden, there are some supplies required to set up each grows room stage. This is why we have created a grow room equipment checklist for the success of your indoor farming.
It is pretty easy to set up your indoor grow room with the right knowledge. The demand for indoor grow rooms continue to rise and so is the demand for grow room supplies. So, read on to discover which grow room supplies you need when it comes to choosing a complete grow room equipment checklist.
Indoor Grow Room Supplies Checklist
So, let’s look at the equipment you will require to starting your indoor farm.
1.    Grow Space Or Room
The first thing on your checklist is growing space. Ensure you have an area where you can conveniently cultivate your crops and allow them to spread as they grow. You can make use of a grow tent or simply build a grow room or convert any space in your house into a grow room.
Also, make sure you put things in place for other equipment to fit in. Things such as drilling holes to hang your grow lights and also integrate ventilation in your grow room. Reflective materials should also be integrated into the walls unless you’re making use of a grow tent.
2.    Grow Lights
Whichever type of grow light you wish to use (such as LED, HID, CMH, T5, etc), grow light is one important supply for the success of your garden. Ensure you use quality grow lights that will the most efficient work on your plants.
3.    Air Circulation
Air circulation needs to be incorporated in your grow room. Normally, grow tents should have two holes: one for fresh air inlet and the other for air out for stale air.
There should be continuous replenishment of air i.e. fresh air must circulate from time to time. Avoid stale air as this can diminish the growth of your plants. Air circulation will also help in temperature controls. You can as well mount an oscillating fan for adequate airflow.
4.    Seed Starter For Seed Sowing
I’m sure you are aware that a successful way of starting cultivation is by germinating seeds and transplanting them into a bigger growing medium when it has sprouted. You can start from the soil but most growers prefer to use seed starter plugs or grow cubes.
5.    Grow Media & Container
Choose the appropriate grow media for your cultivation and accompany it with a growing container. Generally, there are two types of growing containers designed for two purposes: seedlings and bigger plants. The growing container has permeable walls for water passage and also to allow the soil to breathe.
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6.    Nutrients Solution
You can obtain nutrients solutions designed for indoor growing needs and ensure they are in the right proportion. We recommend you start with using half or 70% portion of the suggested portion of use.
7.    PH Meter & PPM (Measuring Supplies)
It is crucial you monitor the pH of your nutrient solution. Nutrients are taken up by plants at different pH range. Generally, the ideal pH for the soilless system is 5.5 to 6.5. Ensure you also have some pH up and pH down handy in case there’s a fluctuation in the recommended pH range.
PPM will measure the concentration of minerals in your nutrient solution so you don’t overfeed or underfeed your plants. Nutrient overfeeding can cause nutrient burn and we want to avoid such.
8.    Timer
All your system does not have to run at all times as some will need rest. For example, grow light should not be on 24 hours because plants require light and dark phases. When grow lights are off, your plants get to rest.
This is why you need a timer to always keep them in check because it’s not every time you will be available to always turn off or on the switch.
9.    Pruners & Harvesting
Trim your plants with clean and sharp tools at the right time. You can also harvest and prune at the same time.
10. Cost Of Electricity
The cost of electricity is another thing you should consider putting your checklist. The electricity cost mainly depends on the wattage of your grow lights and how long you leave your equipment running. High output fans and other running equipment also add to the cost of electricity.
Generally, take note of the entire plugged-in device to determine the total cost of electricity.
FAQ’s
What equipment is needed for indoor grow?
There are a few things you need to take into consideration.
1. Air quality This is the biggest thing for your indoor grow. You want to make sure that you have good air circulation and don’t have any stagnant areas.
2. Lighting You should have at least two lighting setups, one for vegetative growth and one for flowering.
3. Temperature You need to make sure that you keep your temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t, then you will have a lot of issues with mold.
4. Humidity You want to make sure that your humidity is around 50% and that it’s not too high or too low.
5. Watering You should be able to water your plants every other day, but you don’t want to overwater because then you will end up having issues with algae.
6. Hydroponics If you are growing hydroponically, you need to make sure that you have a good nutrient solution and also a good ventilation system.
7. Fertilizers You need to make sure that you use the correct fertilizer. There are some that can be used for indoor grows as well as others that are better for outdoor grows.
8. CO2 If you are growing indoors, you will need to make sure that you have good air circulation.
What do I all need for a grow tent?
The following equipment will be required for a successful grow:
1. A greenhouse or other enclosure.
2. A ventilation system.
3. A power supply and inverter (to charge batteries).
4. A water source.
5. An air circulation system.
6. A light source.
7. Some type of soil.
8. Seeds.
9. Watering equipment.
10. A grow room.
How do you put a ventilation in a grow room?
I would suggest you consider a larger exhaust fan. That will keep the room from becoming too hot and humid. You may want to consider installing a fan that can be turned off and on.
Do you need fresh air in a sealed grow room?
The answer is YES! I use an aquarium pump to bring air into my grow room, and I have two window fans that pull fresh air in through the windows. The window fans work great.
What’s the best temperature for a grow room?
There are some things to consider before you set your ideal temperature though. If you choose to go with a traditional air conditioner for your grow room, you should know that most air conditioners are designed to cool a space down to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
That may seem like a great temperature for a house, but it is not ideal for plants. You want your grow space to be around 80 degrees to 90 degrees, depending on how much light the grow space receives. If you do have the option of choosing a more efficient HVAC system, you should definitely choose one that is designed to run at a lower temperature. For instance, if you can get a heat pump that will run at 70 degrees F and a fan that can cool the room to 60 degrees, that will work great.
Growroom Supplies Final Say
So, that’s it on grow room equipment checklist. By now you should know what to look for and how to start your indoor growing farm. Happy growing!
May 29, 2021
How Long For Clones To Root
How long does it take for clones to root is the question we’re answering today. Cloned plants successfully taking root is every grower’s wish and anticipating your clones taking root can be quite tense.
Plant cloning is the fastest method of propagating plants effectively. Cloning permits growers to reproduce desirable features of various plants even on a large or extensive growing scale rapidly. However, getting to know how long your clones to root is important for a successful growing outcome.
If your clone refuses to root at the appropriate time, it is crucial to correct them on time and do the necessary things for a smooth cloning process. So, if you would like to know how long clones will take to root, read on to know the answer.
Know-How To Take Clones To Root
It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 days for your clone to begin rooting. However, there are some plant varieties that may take time to root while some may not take that long.
When you notice your clones have taken root and have adapted to temperature and humidity, they are now ready to enter the next phase which is a vegetative phase. You can now transplant your clones into any medium you wish and give them a low concentration of vegetative fertilizer.
How To Check If Clones Have Rooted
The following ways are how you can check if your cloned plants have taken root:
- Tugging: this is the most easiest and straightforward method of getting to know if your clones have taken root. Tugging involves carefully pulling the plants with little force in an upward movement. Always make sure this is done gently especially in the early period because we don’t want the root to be injured.
- New growth: another way to check if your clones are taking root is to notice new growth. Therefore, you have to wait for your plants to root and develop fresh growth. This method is much safer than the tugging method which is tricky and risky. Note however that rooting can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days depending on the plant variety. Thus, it can take this duration to notice fresh or new growth.
Why Roots May Not Be Rooting: How To Maximize Rooting Of Clones
The goal for all growers is for their clones to rot successfully. However, a clone may not root if some things are not properly done in the process of cloning.
Let’s take a look at what can affect clones not to take root and what you can do to maximize or make your cloned plants root faster:
- Length Of Plant Cuts Chosen: If you don’t take plant cuttings of good length, your clones may end up getting blocked and unable to take root. Ensure you chose plant cuttings that are long for burying.
- Cuttings Preparations: Another factor that may prevent your clones from rooting properly is preparations. Ensure you take out some leaves at the bottom of the stem and insert them in a good rooting hormone.
- Maintenance: Maintenance such as watering or misting, temperatures, environment placed, etc can have an effect on how well your clone takes root. An important factor in the cloning process is moisture. Make sure you mist your clones adequately as inappropriate watering can reduce the chances of your clone taking root. Another factor is temperature; ensure you don’t pace them in extreme temperatures as too much heat or cold environment can damage their roots. The environment also needs to be kept humid always to enhance rooting. Also, when making use of a heating pad or mat, ensure you monitor the range or put a damp towel in between so the heat can be evenly distributed.
- Grow Medium: The growing medium is another essential factor that will contribute to your clone taking root. Make use of grow medium that can retain moisture as such enhance the development of roots. Rockwool is one that loved to grow medium among growers. This is because of its moisture-holding capacity. Thus the stress of frequently watering your clones will be minimal and there’s no worry of your plants dying off from drought.
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FAQ’s
How long does it take to root clones in water?
It depends on a lot of factors. the size of the clone (smaller will take less time) the thickness of the root A good rule of thumb is to leave them in the water for at least 1-2 weeks, but as much as a month is not uncommon.
How long does it take in soil?
It takes about 7 to 10 days for clones to establish roots in soil.
The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors. For instance, the soil medium used, the seedling’s age, and the environment in which it grows will all affect when the plant will root and how long.
Do not plant them too deep. You don’t want them to be too deep because then the roots won’t get enough air and they won’t grow well. I suggest planting them about 1/2 inch below the surface.
How do I know when clones are ready for transplanting?
If you are not sure, wait until the next day and then give them a good shake. The roots should be slightly moist and if you are lucky they will have a few leaves that are not too dry.
Can I use root tabs or other rooting products to root my clones?
Yes you can! We recommend using a root tab. Root tabs are very effective and are designed to be used on fresh clones.
Are the roots healthy after being rooted in water?
Yes!
How many roots should a clone have before planting?
I think there are many opinions on this. I am not a botanist or horticulturist but my experience is that it depends on the cultivar. Most of the rootstocks I have used have had from 2 to 5 roots when planted. If you do decide to plant your tree, I would say get at least 3-5 roots.
How much water do clones need?
There is no exact answer to this question, but there are some factors that play into it. The amount of water given to a clone at once will depend on how often it is fed, what its feeding schedule is, the type of food it is fed, and how much water it takes in naturally. The amount of water a clone requires varies greatly depending on its age. A 2 week old clone should be given between 50 and 150 ml of water per day. After 3 weeks of age, the amount of water needed increases to 100-250 ml per day. After 4 weeks of age, the amount of water needed increases to 200-350 ml per day. At 5 weeks of age, the amount of water needed is 300-500 ml per day. This amount of water should be given at least three times daily. The amount of water a clone needs is also affected by how well it is fed. A clone that is given a large quantity of food will require more water than one that is given a smaller quantity of food. If a clone is fed 1-2% of its body weight in food every day, then it will need more water than one that is fed 1% of its body weight.
How Long Do Clones Take To Root Final Say
How long your clone can take to root is about 8 to 142days or more depending on the type of plant chosen.
Also, there are some things that can enhance your clone to take root and there are some things that can delay or prevent them from taking root. Thus, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to ensure a successful cloning process.
May 28, 2021
How Often Should I Give My Plants Nutrients
Nutrients are essential for the development of plants. If you’re wondering how often you should give your plants nutrients, we will let you know in this article.
Nutrients are supplied to plants to enhance growth and maximize yield. You need to be aware of how often to give your plants nutrients the right way. This way, you don’t predispose your plant to underfeeding or overfeeding which can both be detrimental to your plants’ health.
So, read on to discover how often to feed your plants.
Get To Know How Often To Add Nutes During Flowering
How often you should give your plants nutrients will depend on many factors. Be it manure, worm casting, plant food, etc. fertilization of your plant does not have to be too complex.
In a soil-based plant, if you begin your planting with soil that is already abundant in nutrients, there’s not much to be done in giving your plants more nutrients. This implies mainly for growing foliage such as lettuce and parsley.
However, if you are planting for comprehensive stages such as flowering, maturing of fruits, etc. they will require some nutrient boost.
How To Supply Plant With Nutrients
Always apply fertilizer moderately from the start. The nutrient scheme that follows your nutrients can be followed from the start. Then monitor your plant closely and adjust or apply nutrients as required.
We recommend you don’t totally go by the nutrient scheme given to you by the manufacturers. Some manufacturers may clearly want you to run out of nutrients so you can buy more. As such, their direction may usually be on the high side.
You can begin with half portion or 70% portion that was recommended then continue adjusting or adding more portion as needed.
Also, take note not to apply too much nutrient or fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen. Too much fertilizer which is rich in nitrogen can supply your plants plenty of foliage but minimal fruits or flowers.
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Other Factors When Water Nutes
Other factors to consider on how often you should give your plants nutrients are to consider the stages of their growth and grow medium used.
- For the stages of growth, the younger will demand few nutrients. But as they mature into vegetative, flowering, etc, they will require more nutrients.
- Most grow medium used are usually inert and does not contain nutrients. Thus, it is required to provide them with optimal nutrients.
Can I Water & Apply Nutrient To My Plants?
Watering your plant and applying nutrients to your plant will depend on some factors.
For instance, the size of the container will tell how often you give your plants nutrients whenever you water. The watering requirement for a bigger container is not much. Watering can be done once weekly or once every other week. Therefore, nutrient feeding is required anytime you water.
In a smaller container, watering several times weekly may be required. So, do you apply nutrients every time you water?
It’s okay if you apply nutrients every time you water. All you need to do is to calculate how often you water every week. Then go ahead and portion the nutrients that will last every week you water. This way, each time you water, you supply your plants’ nutrients in the right amounts without overfeeding or underfeeding.
Another alternative is to portion the nutrients into two watering. You have to water and apply nutrients the first two weeks and water only the subsequent week. This way, you give your plant a chance to rest from nutrient applications.
FAQ’s
Should I use nutrients when I water?
Yes, the nutrients are only added when you water your plants. You should not water a plant with nutrients, then add them to the soil afterwards. They will just sit on top of the soil and do nothing. The nutrients are for your plants when they are actively growing. Soak your fertilizers in water before adding to the soil. Your plants will need nutrients at different times during the growing season.
Your plants may need them every week, or once every two weeks. For example, if you plant tomatoes, you’ll want to fertilize with a tomato fertilizer. This will give your plants the nutrients they need when they are actively growing. If you have a lot of young plants, fertilizing every two weeks will be fine. If you have mature plants, you may want to fertilize once a month. The best time to fertilize is when your plants are actively growing. In the fall, it’s important to start thinking about fall cleanup. It is tempting to wait until the end of the season to deal with garden debris. That’s a mistake, as there are often a few weeks left in the season when fall cleanup can be done successfully. You can do it now, and avoid doing it later when it may be too late to save the season’s harvest. Soil moisture is also essential for healthy plants. If soil is dry, plants have to work harder to get water and nutrients.
How often should I feed my plants?
I’m here to tell you that it depends on what you want to achieve. To answer this question, we need to understand the difference between a plant and a tree. A plant needs to grow up into a tree, so it needs to be fed and watered regularly throughout its life.
I’ve been told that it’s not necessary to feed every week, but it is recommended to feed at least once a week.
I don’t fertilize the soil, but I do fertilize my plants. I fertilize my plants once a month, usually with fish emulsion. It’s not a bad idea to fertilize once a month, though. A good way to find out if you need to fertilize more frequently is to look at your plants’ growth. If you see any wilting or yellowing, then you should fertilize more frequently. You can also look at the color of your leaves, and see if they are becoming duller. If they’re turning brown, then you should fertilize more frequently. I just use a small bucket with about an inch of fish emulsion in it, and add that to the soil.
How long does it take for fertilizer to work on plants?
Fertilizer should be applied as soon as the soil is ready to receive it. This is usually within a few days of planting but there are some crops that can tolerate waiting longer. There is no specific length of time that will work for all types of plants, it just depends on the type and age of the plant, its growth stage, the amount of fertilizer you’re using and how much water the soil is getting.
Should I Use Nutrients Every Time I Water My Indoor & Outdoor Plants
Indoor and outdoor plants’ nutrient requirements differ. Outdoor plants have the opportunity to dive in and search for nutrients in the soil even if the nutrient supply is limited. There is also the additional benefit of rainwater which contains some nutrients and also allows plants to take in nutrients optimally.
However, for indoor plants, there’s no privilege of nutrient-filled rainwater and soil content is also restricted. The good thing about indoor plants is that they are less exposed to outdoor pests. There is also the advantage of not being disturbed by the forces of nature such as wind, scorching sun, etc.
Now when it comes to how often you should give your indoor or outdoor plants nutrients, it will solely depend on how your plants are kept, i.e. their condition. But generally, you should always monitor your plant and decipher if they look like they require addition or boost of nutrients.
May 28, 2021
How To Fix Nutrient Burn
A couple of growers may face nutrient burn sometimes during the course of their growing period. The thing is do you know how to fix nutrient burn?
Drying out leaves, curling of leaves, browning of leaves, etc are common issues seen among indoor growers and the most probable cause are nutrient burns. It is crucial you recognize the signs and act fast to save your plant from severe or irreversible damage.
If you’re experiencing nutrient burn on your farm and you’re looking for how to fix or solution we will put you through this.
Nutrient Burn During Flowering Info
Nutrient burn is the over-fertilization or overfeeding of nutrients to your plants. When you supply your plants with their required nutrient in excess, they tend to absorb all of them thus resulting in nutrient burn. Plants are not equipped to handle over-fertilization therefore, they will simply absorb the entire nutrient you supply them.
Causes Of Nutrient Burn
Mostly, nutrient burn is caused when you feed your plant with too much nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the components in plants’ nutrients and it’s mostly used during plants’ vegetative phase. Nitrogen needs to be in the right proportion with other nutrients to avoid the presence of excess nitrogen.
However, it’s not only excess nitrogen that can cause nutrient burns. Overfeeding of other nutrients can as well cause this.
Nutrient Burn Leaves Signs
The first step to fixing nutrient burn is identification. Be sure your plant is suffering from a nutrient burn by looking at the signs. Some early signs can point out if your plant is suffering from nutrient burns. They are:
- Leaves will give a very deep green coloration.
- You may notice the tip of your leaves bending at 90 degrees.
- Yellowish or brownish coloration of the tips of the leaves.
- The branch or stalk may start to turn purple or red.
Advanced signs to look out for when it comes to nutrient burns:
- The signs of the tip of leaves turning yellow will spread back and inwards throughout the leave until it dies off or withers away.
- You may also notice leave twisting.
- The edge of the leaves starts to curl. This curling of leaves usually indicates the presence of too much nitrogen.
- Yellowish patches that separate themselves from the green-colored leaves.
Learn How To Fix Nutrient Burn
Once you’ve identified that your plant is suffering from nutrient burns, it’s time to take action. The good thing is if you can detect nutrient burn early, it can be resolved before it gets any worse.
Follow these guidelines to successfully fix your plant:
1. Remove Damaged Parts: The first step and fastest way to fixing nutrient burn is to do away with the damaged plant leaves, buds, flowers, etc. When your plant leaves have become yellow there’s nothing you can do to make them green. The only solution is to carefully remove the yellowed leaves or the entire affected part and allow them to regrow.
2. System Flushing: Next step is to flush the entire system so the excess built-up nutrient can be washed away. With a hydroponics system, wash your growing medium with clean and balanced pH water. To your hydroponic nutrient reservoir, pour out all the content and replace it with pH-balanced water. Use this balanced pH for about 24 hours in your hydroponic system. Then gradually introduce a small concentrated nutrient for about a week and balance it later when the plant is able to welcome the appropriate nutrient amount. In a soil-based system, simply water in the soil using pH-balanced water to flush out excess nutrients. Water your soil slowly and wait a bit to allow the water to assimilate between each watering plan.
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A nutrient burn may be minimal, gradual progress, or severe. In the case of very severe burns especially during the vegetative stage, it’s usually best to start over-planting. This is because recuperation may be unachievable or may take a longer time to recover and it will be better to just start over.
FAQ’s
Can plants recover from nutrient burn?
The short answer is no. Plants can’t recover from nutrient burn, because nutrients are not lost, they are just changed in their form. The longer answer is that it depends on the plant species and the amount of nutrients in the soil. There is some evidence that plants can recover from nutrient burn, but this is not always the case. In general, plants will not grow in nutrient-deficient soils, but if the soil is rich enough, the plants will grow fine.
What are the signs of nutrient burn?
Plants are more sensitive to nutrient deficiencies than we are. Plants respond to low nutrient levels by making a number of adjustments. These may include:
• Decreased growth rate
• Diminished photosynthetic capacity
• Decreased yield
• Less or no flowering
• Poor quality fruit
• Loss of vigor and death
How do you reverse plant nutrient burn?
Plant nutrients are essential for your plants to grow. However, when the nutrient level is too low, the plant will have a hard time growing. Too much of a good thing is not healthy either. You may see this as a condition that can be corrected by increasing the plant nutrient levels.
If you notice that your plants appear to be suffering from nutrient burn, the following actions should be taken:
• Evaluate the soil for nutrients and pH.
• Monitor the amount of fertilizer used. • Evaluate the irrigation schedule.
• Correct the deficiencies.
If you want to get your garden growing again, I recommend adding more organic matter (such as compost or manure) to the soil.
Does nutrient burn affect new growth?
Nutrient burn isn’t really good for anything. The only reason it is often mentioned is because the term nutrient burn is so often used by gardeners who are not very knowledgeable on the subject, and they don’t know any better. Nutrients are needed in the plant in order to grow, and when they are missing or are present at too high a concentration, they can cause serious damage to the plant. Plants that have been deprived of nutrients for a long period of time will often experience stunted growth and lower yields.
How do you fix fertilizer burn on plants?
There are a lot of ways to fix fertilizer burn. It depends on what the cause of the burn was and the severity of the burn. If it is a very deep burn, there are some treatments that will actually get rid of the burn. If it is just a slight discoloration, you can cover the plant with a plastic bag and keep it in place for a day or two. The light will help it heal.
If you use a bag, make sure it is the clear type so you can see what’s going on. If you want to get rid of the burn, you can do one of two things. You can either put the fertilizer on top of the soil (which will keep it in place until you want to remove it), or you can mix specialized burn fertilizer with water and apply it directly to the burned area. It will penetrate the burned area and help it heal. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on this, you can always add some liquid kelp to your fertilizer solution. That will help heal the burn. Liquid kelp is available at most garden centers.
Nutrient Burn Recovery Prevention
The best thing to save your plant is to prevent nutrient burns from happening in the first place. Do all you can to reduce the chances of nutrient burn from occurring. The excess nutrient can be catastrophic to your plants if not detected on time.
Ensure you use the appropriate amount of nutrients in their correct proportion for each growth stage. You should also monitor the pH of your solution or soil with a good pH reader.
May 28, 2021
Ceramic Metal Halide vs LED
Let’s discuss Ceramic Metal Halide vs LED. Is anyone better than the other? We will find out. In the world of hydroponics, grow light continues to advance. Various types of grow light such as ceramic metal halide and light-emitting diode (LED) are made available for the use of your hydroponic plants.
With the developments of grow lights in hydroponics, we are going to be comparing ceramic metal halide to LED. So let’s get into it.
About Ceramic Metal Halide
Ceramic metal halide is a type of grow light that that is a very close match to mimicking the work sunlight does on plants. It is one of the most efficient grow lights capable of producing high-standard light that can cover a large location or area of the hydroponic farm.
Ceramic metal halide supplies the biggest gram per watt. They are also capable of converting ultraviolet light to good ultraviolet wavelength which helps enhance plants’ growth. This type of UV spectrum is useful in repelling pathogens such as mildew and mold as well as some pests.
About LED Light
Light-emitting diode (LED) is another great type of grow light used in indoor hydroponics. They consist of hundreds of lights known as diodes. LED will supply their light in a specific and narrow wavelength.
The light-emitting diode will supply light that will usher them into their vegetative phase of the blue spectrum and flowering phase of the red spectrum.
CMH vs LED
We have taken a brief look into both ceramic metal halide and LED. Now let’s compare which is better between ceramic metal halide vs. LED.
- Healthy Plants: You get more healthy plants when you grow under ceramic metal halide rather than LED light. You also get better quality and higher yield when making use of ceramic metal halide grow light.
- Duration Of Cultivation: The duration length you wish to cultivate will determine which type to go for. If you wish to use your grow light for up to 5 years or more, it’s best you go for LED. This is so you can save cost over the long period of time you make use of this grow light. Also, a light-emitting diode bulb will last you up to 50,000 hours, unlike a ceramic metal halide which will only last about 30,000 hours.
- Grow Space: If your grow space is of the bigger and taller side, then it is ideal you go for ceramic metal halide. This is because your ceiling distance from plants will be increased thus encouraging better heat management. It will also encourage optimal light coverage for bigger and fuller plants as well as better aeration. On the other hand, LED grow little emits light heat and this heat supply must fit the appropriate grow room size of your plants. Take for instance during winter periods, ceramic metal halide will supply your plants adequate heat. Whereas when using LED grow light, you may need to obtain an extra heater to your grow room to help with cold periods.
- Beneficial Ultraviolet Spectrum: Ceramic metal halide will offer your plant a beneficial ultraviolet spectrum. This beneficial UV spectrum will help in stimulating considerable resin and terpene production. UV spectrum will also help wade off mildew and mold as well as any other pest.
- Vertical Growing Space: Ceramic metal halide is known to be very efficient in vertical growing plants. This is because of their high canopy penetration.
- Additional Cost: The major additional cost for metal halide is bulb replacements. The bulb needs to be replaced every 12 to 18 months of use. LED however doesn’t require replacing the bulb but LED may also require additional cost. For instance, if your grow space requires extra heat, you may have to invest in a heater to suit your growing needs. Ceramic on the other hand will generate adequate heat for your plants’ growing needs.
- Commercial Purposes: Ceramic metal halides are a great choice for commercial purposes. They are also great for hydroponic hobbyists with large space thereby providing a bigger yield. LED on the other hand is ideal for hydroponic growers with moderate grow space especially for growing space with lower ceilings. LED will also offer you bigger quality production.
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Ceramic Metal Halide vs. LED Final Say
In final thoughts, choosing the best option when it comes to ceramic metal halide vs LED will solely depend on your preference. Both LED and ceramic metal halide is great to grow lights that will offer you great results. Our comparison above should guide you in choosing which suits your growing needs.
May 28, 2021
How Far Should Seedlings Be From Grow Light
Light is one of the most crucial requirements for growing plants indoors. Positioning your grow light in the perfect area is important to ensure your plants get the appropriate grow light quantity. Now, when it comes to seedlings, we would like to know how far seedlings should be from grow light.
Seedlings are fragile and require proper care as they develop. We will be discussing how far should your seedlings be from grow light so they can grow appropriately.
Get To Know How Far Grow Light Should Be From Seedlings
Although a couple of seed varieties require darkness to grow, some plant seedlings do require light for seedlings’ development. The seedling phase is a very fragile phase and they usually require less light intensity. Thus, the distance from your grow light to seedlings should be far enough to reduce light intensity.
Some may think that supplying optimal light to your plants will increase plant growth and yields. This is true, but have in mind that this applies to only matured plants. Your seedlings will be too delicate during this stage, so they will require tender care. When your plants are established, you can go ahead and feed them with optimal light intensity.
Let’s take a look at various types of grow light and how far you should place them from your plants.
LED Grow Seedling Light & Wattage
Generally, you should position your LED to grow light around 24 to 36 inches above the canopy seedlings.
Also, how far you should position your grow lights towards your seedlings will solely depend on the power or wattage of the light bulb. A bulb that is bright and far away from the plant could supply a similar light intensity with a dimmer or low light bulb closer to the plant.
Grow light with lower wattage of around 200 should be positioned between 12 to 20 inches above the plants’ canopy. On the other hand, grow light with higher wattage should be placed 34 to 46 inches from the plants’ canopy.
LED lights release mostly red and blue wavelength, thus there are appropriate for plants early stage such as seedlings. They are also great for the flowering phase and fruiting phase as these stages require more intensive light for optimal yield.
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Fluorescent Grow Light
Fluorescent growth light comes in 3 types namely T5, T12, and compact fluorescent lamps. The added advantage of using fluorescent grow light is that it rarely causes light burn. This is because it does not produce too much heat. Notwithstanding, ensure you keep a close eye on the light heat and intensity.
Fluorescent growth light should be positioned between 6 to 12 inches for seedlings. For the vegetative and flowering phase, position your grow light between 12 to 16 inches for maximum production.
Other Plant Stages Grow Light Distance
Let’s take a look at other plant stages to grow light distance requirements:
- Vegetative Phase: the LED grow light distance for the vegetative phase of a plant is between 12 to 24 inches above the plants’ canopy. The light position is closer to the plant because optimal light is required during photosynthesis for rapid plant growth. The light intensity will also help in the development of stronger and healthier stems and roots.
- Flowering Phase: when the vegetative stage is complete and the plant advances into the flowering phase, the light intensity requirements diminish. The distance from the top of the plant to the grow light should be between 18 to 24 inches. In the flowering phase, plants start to grow in height and develop fruits. As your plants grow taller, you can decide to change or not change the distance of the grow light. Usually, if you don’t want your plant to grow too tall, you should leave the grow light distance the same.
Disadvantages Of Too Much Light
As we have pointed out earlier that light is one of the key factors to seedling development, we would also point out what too much light can cause your plants.
If your seedlings receive too much light, it can cause stress to your plant. To know if your plant is taking in too much light, look for any sign of light burns, leave discoloration. Abnormal or stunted growth is another sign to look for.
Once you see these signs, it’s a call for action. Adjust the distance of your grows light accordingly to fix the problem quickly.
FAQ’s
How close should I keep my seedlings to their grow lights?
If you are in a spot with good sunlight, then you may be able to get away with having them closer. I would say that if they are on a tray, then you should be able to get away with putting them as close as the tray allows. As far as lighting goes, you will probably need a full spectrum LED grow light. I am not sure what kind you have, but I know that the HID bulbs are really only effective when there is no direct sunlight, otherwise it will not light up.
I’d say at least 18″ apart for optimal growth. If you’re doing it right, you shouldn’t need much more than a 2-3 foot gap, depending on the height of the lights. If they’re too close together, you’ll be wasting energy and possibly burning your plants.
Does the type of light matter in terms of the distance?
Yes. You’ll need to figure out what the light spectrum is that you are growing for. If you’re trying to grow plants that are grown for eating then you will need to know how much of the spectrum they are best at consuming.
Then you will need to calculate the amount of light that is needed to provide that amount of light to your plant. For example, if you are growing tomatoes, you would use a combination of red, blue and yellow lights to simulate sunlight. The more red light, the more heat, and the more yellow light, the more light but also more energy. You can get away with less red light if you have enough blue and yellow light. For example, if you had two 5500K fluorescent tubes, one blue and one yellow, it would be able to produce about 1.2 times as much light as a single fluorescent tube of similar wattage. If you had two of the same tubes but they were only 5500K then you could get around twice the amount of light. It’s best to figure out what the light spectrum for your plant is going to be before setting up the grow room. You don’t want to grow plants in the wrong light spectrum.
Can they be too far apart?
My understanding is that it’s not a problem to put the grow lights too far away from the seedlings. However, you may want to get closer so that the light is more diffused and even. It’s easier to keep a grow light in a plant than a human. You could also try to use LED grow lights. These are much more energy efficient, and will last a lot longer.
Conclusion: How Much Light Should Seedlings Get?
How your grow light should be far from seedlings will depend on the type of grow light you’re using and the wattage or light intensity. With the information we have given above, we hope you have learned the right distance to place your grow light from your seedlings.
May 28, 2021
How To Harvest Leaf Lettuce
Are you ready to enjoy all-year-round fresh green salad lettuce? Let’s dive in. Lettuce leaves should be harvested the appropriate way so it keeps growing nonstop. If you’re wondering how to harvest lettuce leaf the right way, we will teach you how to go about it.
Nothing is more pleasing when a gardener is able to grow and harvest fresh lettuce and get that non-stop or continuous harvest. Read on to discover how to harvest a cut and come again lettuce leaf.
Planting Lettuce Leaf Right
Some gardeners, especially newbies may think when you harvest lettuce leaf once you can’t come back for it again. But that’s mostly not true. If you cut your lettuce leaf the right way, you can always come again for another cut.
The best lettuce variety that will allow you to cut and keep growing is the mesclun variety. This mesclun variety is loose-leaf lettuce rather than head lettuce and it offers great textures, flavor, and colors.
This type of lettuce variety can be spaced a bit closer to each other. Every week or every other week, ensure you plant new crops so you can enjoy nonstop harvest leaf lettuce. If you wish to choose other lettuce varieties, they are also fine.
Learn How to Harvest Green Leaf Lettuce
You can start harvesting your lettuce leaf or baby lettuce when they attain about 4 inches long. The outer leaves are the best to pick so always aim to cut the outward leaves. These ones always taste amazing and you can prepare some lovely salad green with them. Be sure they always taste superior compared to the matured ones.
Use a sharp tool like scissors or shears to cut them in singles or a bunch above the crown. Avoid cutting inwards or below the crown so your lettuce plant does not die off.
A lettuce farm where you can continuously harvest will have several rows of growing lettuce. The lettuce leaves will continue to grow at various stages of maturity with some being a week or two older. As you continue this cycle, you are also slowing down the bolting process which is what we want.
Every time you pick, ensure you pick from different rows so other rows that have been harvested before can have time to grow again. Each time you harvest, ensure you plant progressively so you can come for more crops after a week or two of harvesting. This is another way of ensuring the cut and come again experience.
Always have in mind that after cutting a row, the new lettuce leaf will be ready to be harvested again in about two weeks.
When To Harvest Leaf Lettuce
You can check your seed pack for days of maturity to know when to harvest your lettuce leaves. Depending on the kind of variety your choose, lettuce can take up to 60 to 100 days to mature.
From the size and shape of the lettuce head, you should be able to tell when it’s ready.
However, you can harvest anytime, just ensure you always harvest your lettuce leaf before they go into bolting. They enter bolting at the end of their growing season and this is when you should discontinue harvest.
Bolting is when they start to enter the flowering stage and this occurs during the hot season. Bolted lettuce leaf will result in a bitter taste which is what we do not want.
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During the hot season, you can try and shield the lettuce leaf by covering each row. Use shade cloth or row covers to shield your lettuce. This will help in delaying the bolting process.
However, you should avoid planting lettuce during hot climates. Hold on till the climate is cool around fall or spring and continue planting your lettuce.
FAQ’s
How do you harvest leaf lettuce so it keeps growing?
Leaf lettuce is a popular salad green because of its crisp texture, but harvesting the leaves for salad can be laborious. The leaves are not very hardy, and when they are harvested they start to wilt and fall over. You could harvest the leaves as soon as they are ready.
You don’t have to do anything special to keep the lettuce growing. If you’re harvesting for salad, just leave the whole plant in place and pick the leaves as needed. When you cut off the head, you’re only removing the top of the plant, and the lettuce will continue to grow.
Will lettuce regrow after cutting?
The stems of lettuce regrow when cut, and you can harvest the leaves again. In some cases, it takes a couple of days for the new growth to develop. If your lettuce is cut too close to the base of the plant, the roots will be damaged and the plants won’t regrow.
How do I know when my leaf lettuce is ready to pick?
Leaf lettuce comes in a wide range of varieties, each with its own growing season. Lettuce is a cool-season crop and requires at least 5 hours of daylight, and preferably 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. Most varieties will be harvested when the heads are full and have formed tight, compact heads. You can harvest lettuce when it is still slightly tender, but before the heads begin to develop cracks. As a general rule, you can tell when lettuce is ready to be picked by looking at the leaves. If they are large and dark green, then it’s probably ready. However, you should still pick them while they are still small, bright green and tender.
How many times can you regrow lettuce?
Lettuce is an annual plant. It will grow from seed, but it will not grow again until the next year. Lettuce is a cool-weather crop, and it can be difficult to grow in the hot weather of summer. But if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you can keep growing lettuce all summer long.
The first time you grow it will be more difficult because you don’t have an established root system, and you won’t know exactly where to place your seedlings. But once you have several plants growing at the same time, it gets easier.
If you are growing it from seed, expect to start with a few seedlings and eventually get down to one plant per square foot (or two or three).
How do you keep lettuce growing in the summer?
You can grow lettuce year round, but it does take some extra attention and planning. The main thing is to start from seed in the spring and plant every two weeks until late fall, when temperatures are cooler. You don’t want to plant the seeds too early and then have them die over the winter. A good way to space your plants is to sow seeds a couple of inches apart and thin to one plant per hill.
There are several types of lettuce that grow well in hotter climates. The ones with a red leaf are romaine lettuce. They will tolerate hot weather and do well if watered daily. You may also want to water it once a week at least. Romaine lettuce is a good choice for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Other lettuces that will tolerate hot weather are butterhead, iceberg, and leaf lettuce. They will also do well if you water them daily.
How To Pick Lettuce
Always harvest the outer part of the lettuce leaf throughout their growing season and harvest at the right size. Ensure you plant more lettuce progressively as you harvest. If you do this always, you will enjoy continuous growth for many more seasons. Remember, lettuces will only grow well in cool weather conditions.
Once you have harvested your lettuce leaf, you can store them by refrigerating them for a week or two.
If you follow our tips on how to successfully plant and harvest leaf lettuce, you should be able to enjoy fresh and green salad all year round.
We do hope this information has been helpful to your garden. Happy growing.
May 28, 2021
Are White LED Lights Good For Growing
There have always been consistent debates about the effectiveness of various types of grow lights for indoor hydroponics. Among these various debates, let’s get to know if white LED lights are good options for growing.
Grow lights such as LED mimics the work sunlight does on plants. They are an artificial source of light for enhancing the growth of indoor hydroponic plants. So, if it interests you to find out if grow lights such as white LED lights are good for growing, we will let you know in this post.
White LED Lights Are Made Of
Firstly, let’s get to know what a white light really is. In a clear sense, white LED lights are not actually white. They are combinations or packed diodes of different colors to give white color to human eyes.
The combinations of colors that appear white to human eyes are many. One of them is an equal amount of red, blue, and green color combinations. Another combination is blue and yellow color combinations and many more. However, these lights are not a complete spectrum. Changing the amount or level of each color will result in color temperatures of light.
Let’s Find Out If White Led Grow Lights Are Good For Burgeoning
The short answer is yes, white LED lights are definitely good for growing. Even though most growers are used to purple grow lights and may think white LED lights don’t offer much value to plants’ growth: well, that’s not the case. Your indoor plants can also benefit from using white LED grow lights.
- Regular White Light Led Grow Light (Full-conversion)
Note that there we have regular white LED used in most homes, offices, etc. These types of white LED are standard fluorescent lights. They are actually made of ultraviolet light that is made of blue, green, and red.
There is a powdered phosphor coating in the tube of this light that converts the ultraviolet light into green, red, and blue. However, they are seen as white to the human eyes. The ultraviolet light discharged by the LED is usually transformed into white light by the phosphor coating.
This transformation or conversion is known as full-conversion white LED. Although this type of white LED will work for growing plants, the efficiency won’t be that great.
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- White LED Lights (Partial-conversion)
In today’s market, there is the introduction of a better type of white light which is a partial conversion LED used in an indoor garden. It makes use of blue light instead of ultraviolet light. The phosphor coating here changes part of the blue light into yellow light. This yellow light consists of red and green.
This yellow light now merges with the rest of the blue light to form white light. Now, this type of white LED is very efficient for growing plants compared to the regular one.
Today’s white LED spectrum light will supply a full light spectrum of various wavelengths.
Wavelength Of White LED Light
Various plants in their different growth phases require a certain type of light. This is where color temperature comes into play where specific wavelengths are required for different phases in a plant’s life cycle.
The changes in the amount proportion of each color contained in the white LED will determine the color temperature. For instance, warm white light of color temperature 3000k has more red wavelengths. On the other hand, cool white light of color temperature 6500K has more blue wavelengths.
Now when it comes to changing the color temperature for the white diode, all you need do is make use of a thicker phosphor layer. Then you can change the blue LED’s wavelength.
Below are some color temperatures for various stages of a plant’s growth:
- Vegetative Phase: Red light is ideal for the vegetative phase of a plant and this falls in the 5000K range.
- Flowering Phase: Cooler temperatures are ideal for the flowering phase. Thus, you should go for the 2700K to 3000K scale. 2700K is specifically for the flowering stage; however, if you wish to make use of your light for all growth stages, then 3000K is the ideal number.
- Generally For Plants: for growing plants generally both 5000K and 6500K are perfect. However, if you plan on indulging in just veggies 6500K will work fine.
FAQ’s
Can you use a white LED light to grow plants?
Yes, you can use a white LED light to grow plants. There are many different ways to use an LED light for growing plants. You can use a cool white or warm white LED light. You can also use the red and blue LED lights. It’s not a good idea to use a white LED light for any other purpose. However, the best way to do this is to use an LED grow light that has been specifically designed for growing plants. The reason being that LEDs produce a specific wavelength of light, and these are what plants need to grow. Using any other type of lighting would not be the best option for growing plants.
When should you use white LED as opposed to flourescent?
You can use an LED light to grow plants, but it’s not the same as a fluorescent bulb. While fluorescent lights are made of tubes that contain mercury vapor, LEDs don’t have any mercury. They also emit a different wavelength of light than conventional fluorescent lights, and their spectrum is more like sunlight.
The LED light is much more efficient than a conventional fluorescent bulb, so it will last longer and cost less to run. It won’t heat up the room as much as a fluorescent bulb, so your house won’t be hotter in the summer. And since LEDs don’t contain mercury or have any other hazardous chemicals inside them, you can put them in an area where children and pets play.
LED lights are great for growing herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers. But if you’re looking to grow houseplants or succulents, you should use a fluorescent light instead. Fluorescent bulbs emit the same spectrum of light as sunlight, which is great for plants that like bright sunlight.
Can any LED light be used as a grow light?
Yes. The only restriction is that the spectrum of the light must be within the tolerance range of the plants’ requirements, which is typically a range of 400 to 700nm for most plants. The higher the wavelength, the more blue light, and the lower the wavelength, the more red light. The light is typically measured in lumens. A typical fluorescent bulb emits about 100 lumens, so one lumen is equal to one lumen per watt.
How do I change the color of my LED grow light?
You can adjust the color of your LED lights by using the colored filters that are available from most LED lighting manufacturers. The colored filters come in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, blue, and green. The colored filters are usually designed to match the spectrum of light emitted by the bulbs. Some colored filters have their own special name and are labeled accordingly. For example, “G-Red” is a red filter, “G-Green” is a green filter, etc. The filters can be purchased individually, or they can be bought as a set.
Conclusion About White Led Spectrum
So, we have concluded that white LED lights are indeed is good for growing indoor plants. It will offer your plant efficient growth and stronger results.
May 18, 2021
Grow Room Size Per Plant
One of the first points to put in mind when commencing indoor hydroponic farming is the size of your grow room. This is important so you can determine the right grow room size per plant and carefully plan and work on your grow space to maximize yield.
Let’s take a look at how to choose the right grow room size that will suit your plants’ size.
Requirements To Consider
Before we dive into grow room size per plant, let’s get to know the requirements. Some factors will determine how to choose the grow room size per plant. Let’s take a look at some of these factors:
- Plant Size: Now, when it comes to plants, knowing the plant size is another factor to consider when growing in a particular room space. We have small plants, medium-sized plants, bigger plants, and bushier plants. You can get the plant size information on the packet of your seed pack. You may also find the plant’s growing height and perhaps seed spacing requirements in the seed pack.
- Spacing: Another factor is spacing requirements. While there are plants that require give planting space and failure to do so can cause poor growth and health of the plant. However, there are a few plants that can allow planting them close to each other. For example, plants that need to be pollinated by other plants will need their pollinating plants to be close to them.
Grow Space Room Size Per Plant
Talking about the recommended grow room size per plant, let’s take a look at this using a grow room of size 10 x 10 (i.e 10 feet by 10). A 10 x 10 room size equals 100 square foot room.
The number of plants that will fit a 100 square foot room will be less than 2000 small-sized plants. For medium-sized plants, it can fit about 200 to 450 plants. While for bigger or bushier plants, you can fit 25 to 100 plants for a 100 square foot grow size room.
Always have in mind that the space and size of plants will determine the number of plants you can fit in a grow room.
Read more about Leaving Grow Lights On 24 Hours
Using Grow Tent To Determine The Grow Room Size For Plants
Many hydroponic growers especially newbies usually wish to plan the number of plants they want to grow and select the appropriate grow tent size for it. This is a very good plan. Just ensure you have the required space where you can set up your grow tent in your home.
So, here are some various grow size tents and how many plants you can fit in them:
- 2 x 2 Grow Tent: let’s see how many plants we can fit in a 2 x 2 grow tent. Usually, a single plant is ideal for a 2 x 2 grow tent together with a 3 or 5-gallon container. However, you can still fit in 4 smaller plants in this grow tent size.
- 2 x 4 Grow Tent: 7 to 8 small sized-plants can fit in this grow tent size.
- 3 x 3 Grow Tent: this size can allow you to grow 9 small plants or more.
- 4 x 4 Grow Tent: you can comfortably plant about 4 regular-sized plants with this size.
- 4 x 8 Grow Tent: two large plants can fit into this size. About 8 medium-sized and 32 or more small plant sized can fit in this grow room space.
- 5 x 5 Grow Tent: you can easily grow up to 25 plants with this grow room size.
Importance Of Determining The Appropriate Grow Room Size
Determining the appropriate grow room size per plant is very crucial when it comes to indoor hydroponics. Doing this will accurately guide you to calculating the capacity in which you can plant. This way, you can enhance the quality and results of the harvest.
However, if you choose an undersized or wrong grow room, there are serious consequences to this. It can result in overheating of your plants and your garden will be overcrowded. Now overcrowding will result in low-quality yield which is totally the opposite of what any gardener wants.
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Also, oversized grow room has its own issue. Oversized grow room will cost you a lot because there will be an increase in total operating cost. It will require extra costs such as more electricity consumption, constant temperature regulation to an accommodating level for plants, etc.
Find out the Cheapest Hydroponic Growing Medium
FAQ’s
How many plants should be in a grow room?
The table below shows how many plants you would need to grow for different wattage requirements.
How many plants can you grow in a 10×10 tent?
There are a lot of different things to consider when you’re looking to start your own garden. From what to plant, to how much space you have to work with, and what kind of space you have to work with.
A 10’x10′ tent could handle about 32 plants, if they were medium size. You would have to be careful with your watering though, you wouldn’t want it getting too wet.
How big is a 4×4 grow tent?
A 4×4 grow tent can hold as many as four plants, but it’s usually just two or three.
Most growers purchase a 4×4 tent. They are able to grow a wide variety of plants in these tents. A 4×4 tent has four walls, which means that there are four sides to the tent. These walls are usually made out of either metal or plastic. The tent comes with a door at one end, which leads to the inside of the grow tent. A 4×4 tent is an excellent choice if you want to grow as many different types of plants as possible. There are a few advantages of having a 4×4 tent. For one, it gives you the room that you need to grow a lot of plants. It also provides you with more space for lights and for growing.
Do you need a carbon filter for a grow tent?
arbon filters are used in conjunction with air purifiers to filter out particles, dust and odors from the air. Carbon has a high surface area which allows it to attract airborne particles.
This is why they are used in conjunction with air purifiers. The most common carbon filters that I have come across in my research are the carbon block filters. There are a couple of problems with using a carbon filter in a grow tent. The first is that the carbon needs to be maintained to keep its effectiveness. This means you need to clean it regularly. It’s not as hard as it sounds.
There are a few ways you can do this. You can use a vacuum cleaner and run it over the carbon or if you want to be more hands on you can wash it in water and soap. Either way, you need to get rid of the sooty build up that is inevitable when using a carbon filter. The second problem with using a carbon filter is that there is a limit to how much air can pass through them. You only need to look at the dimensions of the carbon to see how big of an issue this could be. If you have a 10 ft x 10 ft grow tent, then you need to use a carbon filter that is about 4 inches thick. This will allow for the air to flow through the carbon. If you are growing in a larger tent, then you will need a bigger carbon filter. A final issue with using a carbon filter is that it does not absorb odors. If you are growing in a tent and you are using an air purifier, then you won’t need to worry about this as the purifier will take care of it.
Final Say
With that said, we hope you have picked one or two things on how to choose the right grow room size for your hydroponic indoor garden. Happy growing!
May 18, 2021
Leaving Grow Lights On 24 Hours
The impact of grow lights in hydroponics gardening is very essential as it mimics the work done by natural sunlight. There’s is no disputing that leaving grow light on for long will result in faster growth. However, the question is: is leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours ideal? Let’s look into this.
Leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours will sure supply your plants more light and if you notice they aren’t getting adequate light, increasing the number of light supply is fine. However, this is usually not the ideal way out and we will let you know why.
Can You Leave Grow Lights On 24 Hours A Day: Ideal Or Not?
It is not the best idea to leave your grow light on for 24 hours even if your plants are not getting enough light supply. The best solution is to obtain more light installations or switch to a stronger grow light. Thus, it’s not ideal to leave your grow light on all day and we will give you more reasons.
Reasons Why Leaving Grow Lights On For 24 Hours Isn’t Ideal
Let’s take a look at some reasons why leaving your grow lights on 24 hours is not recommended:
1. No Resting Time For Plants: when you run your grow light all day, your plants will have no time to rest. Just like a human being needs rest, plants also require a resting stage. Have in mind that the natural sun does not go up all day. We have the night time which is the dark cycle of the plants. Allow your indoor hydroponics plants to also have this dark cycle. During the dark cycle which is the resting stage, it is believed plants use this period to convey nutrients into the most distant part of the plants.
2. Not Ideal For The Flowering Phase: 24 hours lighting duration is not ideal for plants that need to enter the flowering phase. Your plants won’t transition into the flowering phase unless you decrease the hours of lightening. Now if your plants are already in their flowering phase and you up the light duration to 24 hours, doing that can be quite catastrophic. This can cause your plant to go back to the vegetative phase and it might even take a long time to return to its flowering phase.
3. Additional Cost: An additional cost is another reason. More electricity will be used and it might require you to change the bulb frequently.
4. Additional Heat: more heat is will be emitted when you leave the grow lights all day. It will require you to also run more fans as well as other cooling instruments to control the excess heat.
5. Puts Stress On Equipment: additional stress is put on your equipment as they are working all day without rest. This can reduce the lifespan of your equipment.
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Leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours long has just one advantage. Your plant receives more light and it will result in rapid growth. This is usually ideal for plants that require only the vegetative phase. So, plants like veggies may benefit from this. Nevertheless, the disadvantages of leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours outweigh the advantages.
How To Determine Light Duration: Factors To Consider For 24 Hours Of Light
Put these factors into consideration when deciding the duration to leave grow lights on:
1. Type Of Plants: there are different types of plants namely low-light, medium-light, and high-light plants. Always determine the type you are growing.
2. Type Of Grow Light: the types of grow light we have are LED, compact fluorescents, regular bulbs, metal halide, and high-intensity discharge lights. All these grow light supply different capacities of light so you can choose one whichever that suits your growing needs.
3. Growing Phase: vegetative type of plants may benefit from 24 hours light duration. But flowering and fruiting plants will require a dark phase. The cloning or seedling germination phase is critical so they require both light and dark phases. You can supply them with 12 to 16 hours of light and 8 hours of the dark phase.
What Are The Ideal Hours For Running Grow Light?
It is required to supply your hydroponics plants with at least 12 hours of light and at most 18 hours of light daily. However, if you notice your plants aren’t receiving optimal light you can replace the fixtures or switch to a more powerful light.
Light Output Plants Require
All flowering plants and fruit-bearing plants require 20 to 40 moles of light daily. 18 hours grow light duration can supply 20 moles of light if you make use of LED grow light that has 308 micro-moles of light.
For a 12 hours light duration to produce 20 moles of light, your grow light must be able to supply about 462 micro-moles of light.
FAQs
What happens if you leave grow lights on all the time?
You’re probably wondering what happens when you leave grow lights on all the time. After all, you’re growing plants and there’s no doubt that they will need to use a lot of energy to do so. If you have ever looked at grow lights before, you may be surprised to find out how much power they actually use.
This is a very interesting question. I’ve had a lot of experience with grow lights and what I do know is that I don’t leave my lights on all the time. I only turn them on when I need them. The first thing that comes to mind is the light spectrum. If you leave your lights on all the time, the spectrum will be different than it would be if you were to turn them on at a specific time. This will affect the quality of the plants, and it could also cause other problems.
Another thing that I’ve noticed is that my lights tend to stay warmer. When I first started using them, they were so bright that I thought they were burning the plants. But as time went on, I discovered that they actually helped the plants by increasing the temperature, which allowed them to grow faster. Now I know this might sound weird to some people, but for me, turning the lights off for a few hours has worked out well. It doesn’t seem to affect the plants much at all.
Why shouldn’t I leave my grow lights on all the time?
You risk burning your plants. This is probably the biggest reason why you shouldn’t leave your grow lights on for 24 hours.
The fact is that when you leave grow lights on for 24 hours, it creates an environment where your plants can use up all of their energy reserves and grow to a point where they can no longer recover. This can result in stunted growth, and even death.
You also risk wasting electricity. It’s true, if you’re using LED grow lights, then you’re going to be using a lot of electricity over the course of 24 hours. If you’re using a 10-watt grow light for 24 hours, then you’re going to be using up 1,000 watts of electricity.
Can seedlings get 24 hours of light?
You may think that this is a time when it would make the most sense to keep them showered in light non-stop, b ut the truth of the matter is that just like mature plants, seeds need to rest after a certain period of time.
What should I consider when it comes to light duration?
Light duration is one of the most important factors to determine the quality of a light. This is because it affects the plants growth, flowering and fruiting cycles. It also affects the light spectrum. You can have a very bright but short light duration. Or you can have a very weak but long light duration.
1.To determine the light duration, you need to know the following factors:
The intensity of the light source
The spectrum of the light
The amount of light emitted at any time
The color temperature of the light source
The size of the plant container
The light source
May 15, 2021
Growing With Compact Fluorescents
Growing your indoor hydroponics plants with compact fluorescents is by far the easiest and low-cost grow lights to use. Compact fluorescents are the most common type of light you can find in most houses and it’s been available for over 2 decades.
Amongst the various types of grow lights we know, compact fluorescent is the easiest to find and they’re great options for newbies. They’re also cheap, and they will do a fine job when it comes to growing various types of plants.
Let’s dive in and discuss growing with compact fluorescents for the best results in your hydroponics garden.
What Are Compact Fluorescents Lights (CFL)?
Compact fluorescents light is an excellent light source to supply to your plants. They are great in giving a great spectrum of light for your growing plant needs.
Compact fluorescent light CFL came about as a replacement for the classic incandescent lamp. Although incandescent lamps were great, they just burn hotter and waste too much electricity.
Contrarily, compact fluorescent light gives out less heat and consumes less energy. At the same time, they supply an efficient and similar amount of light as the incandescent lamp, thus making them a better choice.
Why Use Compact Fluorescents For Growing?
Compared to the more expensive grow lights such as metal halide, LED grow light, and high-pressure sodium, compact fluorescents will offer almost the same function as others with lesser cost. They will also make use of lesser electricity, thus making them cost-effective.
Another added advantage is that they can be customized as they come in various shapes and sizes. They also come in various ranges of wattage. They are easy to install and you can fix them close to your plants for optimal results.
Types Of Compact Fluorescents For Growing
Most compact fluorescents don’t come in full-spectrum, they usually come in two colors namely warm and daylight colors. Kelvin scale is used to measure or determine the colors of light the bulb emits.
Here are the types of compact fluorescents you may find in the market:
- Warm Colors: measured 2000k/2700k on the Kelvin scale. The warm colors emit red and yellowish spectrum. This type is ideal for the flowering phase and blooming.
- Daylight: measured 5500k/6500k on the Kelvin scale. The daylight emits cool and blueish colors. It is ideal for all growing phases and great for the vegetative phase.
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Other types you may find are the dual spectrum which has been customized to emit yellow colors and a mix of blue colors.
How Much Bulbs Or Watts Is Needed For Growing
The amount of light required for growing will vary solely on the type of plants because some plants require more or fewer watts.
For a general guideline, you can supply your plants with about 80 to 100 watts per square foot of growing area. Some vegetables require about 50 to 70 watts. For example, indoor lettuce plants don’t require much light because they are fast growers. However, other plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc, require more lights or watts.
How Many CFLs Per Plant
You should be able to deduce if any of your plants require more light by accessing the growth rate of all the areas of your garden. If some parts are booming well and some parts are struggling to pick up, then that’s a situation of not covering all the plants’ angles with light. Adjust accordingly and continue to monitor the growth rate of all plant areas.
How To Use Compact Fluorescents For Growing Plants
We admire the fact that one can plug compact fluorescent into regular light sockets. You can arrange them as you please because they come in different sizes and shapes and they are highly customizable.
Where To Put Compact Fluorescents
Place the light at least 4 to 6 inches away from your plants. Every angle of the bulb emits light so do your best for this light to point towards your plants’ directions.
Usually, some light will point away from your plants. But to utilize most of the reflected light, make use of reflectors so most of the light emitted can point towards your plants.
Apart from using reflectors, you can also make use of white paint, aluminum foil, or panda paper as substitutes.
FAQ’s
Can plants grow under compact fluorescent?
It’s a question that has been hotly debated for years, and there are a lot of conflicting reports. The latest one comes from the journal Nature Plants, which reports on a study led by the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biosciences, in which researchers grew tomatoes, lettuce and other plants under compact fluorescent light.
The results were mixed. For some plants, it had a significant effect; for others, not at all. Some were better able to convert CO2 to sugars, while others were less efficient. In all cases, however, the plants grew better than they did under traditional light. CFL bulbs are getting more and more popular as energy costs rise.
The use of compact fluorescent bulbs is a boon for the environment, but some people are concerned about their effect on plant growth. Some plants will not tolerate the higher temperatures produced by compact fluorescents.
What are the disadvantages of using compact fluorescent light bulbs?
The first disadvantage is that they do not last as long as regular incandescent bulbs. Most compact fluorescent bulbs only last about 10 to 12 years and they start to dim after 4 to 5 years. The second disadvantage is that they consume more energy than regular incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs require approximately 60% more energy than regular incandescent bulbs, so if you have a lot of them, you will be paying more for electricity. They are not as bright as standard incandescent bulbs. They don’t last as long as incandescent bulbs. They have a tendency to dim too quickly after turning on. They also have a shorter lifespan than standard bulbs. Another disadvantage of CFL’s is that they can be difficult to get working. If you need to replace an existing fixture, there may be a problem getting it to work properly with a CFL.
Can plants live with only fluorescent light?
In general, when the light intensity is the same, plants grown under fluorescent light do not grow as well as those grown under natural light. Fluorescent light is a type of artificial light that uses ultraviolet light to stimulate plant growth. It is made up of different wavelengths of visible and invisible light.
In general, plants can tolerate fluorescent light at an intensity of around 25 foot candles (2.5 watts per square meter). At this level, plants grown in artificial light will have some yellowing of leaves. If you have plants in a small space, you may find it beneficial to increase the light intensity of your plant lights. If you are growing plants in the home, you should look for a combination of incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. These will produce the best balance of natural light and artificial light. The fluorescent light is used to stimulate plant growth.
Closing Remark about CFL Grow Light
It is pretty convenient growing with compact fluorescent light in your hydroponic garden. You enjoy a cost-effective technique to supply light to your plants while still enjoying great results.
We have highlighted above some useful points to assist you in the use of compact fluorescent light, CFL. With that, we hope you are able to utilize some of these tips and come out with amazing results.
May 15, 2021
PH For Hydroponic Lettuce
You might be interested in growing lettuce hydroponically. If you’re wondering what’s the best pH for hydroponic lettuce, we will let you know in this post.
Leafy greens such as lettuce are some of the most common crops to grow in hydroponics. They are especially great for hydroponic newbies. Lettuce is pretty easy to grow and you will derive lots of healthy benefits from incorporating it into your diet.
Now growing hydroponic lettuce has some requirements such as a balanced pH, nutrient solutions, accurate temperature range, etc. We will cover the best pH for hydroponic lettuce and other requirements you need to know. So, read on to learn.
Lettuce Hydroponic System
The lettuce hydroponic system is a method of growing lettuce without the use of soil. Water solutions dissolved in nutrients are used to grow lettuce plants.
With a lettuce hydroponic system, you enjoy faster growth, higher yield, healthier crops, and many more benefits. You can commence lettuce hydroponic by purchasing a complete hydroponic system or go for a DIY unit.
Required pH For Hydroponic Lettuce
Constant monitoring of your lettuce nutrient solutions is paramount in maintaining a smooth and running system.
The required pH for hydroponic lettuce ranges from 5.6 to 6.2. This pH range is acidic enough to reduce the activities of algae and at this pH range, plants can absorb nutrients adequately for their growth.
The pH range for seedlings should be adjusted to 6.4 and as your plant matures, the pH should be adjusted to 6.0.
However, if the pH goes high on the pH scale, it falls into the alkaline range which is not good for your plant. The alkaline range that’s too much or too high can cause a nutrient lockout. Nutrient lockout causes the inability of your hydroponic lettuce plants to absorb nutrients.
When nutrient lockout occurs, your lettuce plants will start to show signs of nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, wilting of plants, stunted growth, and so on will be seen.
You may end up losing your lettuce plants if action is not taken fast. Hence, ensure you always monitor your pH levels at least once a day.
You should also note that plants absorb nutrients at various pH ranges. Hence, the pH level is borne to change constantly. The only thing you can do is to make sure they fall in between the lettuce plant’s recommended pH range which is 5.6 to 6.2.
Making use of pH up and pH down products are great to maintain a steady and balanced pH range.
Hydroponics Nutrient Solution For Lettuce
The recommended hydroponic nutrient solutions to successfully grow lettuce are those that contain majorly calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and they are needed in high quantities.
Calcium is especially crucial for the growth of lettuce because a calcium deficiency can cause lettuce leaf tip burns. This issue is very common so ensure the levels of your calcium are accurate.
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The nutrient solutions must provide all necessary key elements for maximum production at their vegetative stage. At the same time, these nutrient solutions must not push the lettuce into its flowering or bolting stage. Flowering only causes bitter lettuce and we want to avoid that.
Although lettuce has different varieties and some are more or less sensitive to nitrogen: always ensure the nutrient solution that you are buying suits the type of lettuce variety you will be growing. Read the nutrient pack instructions for better directions and use.
Other Requirements For Hydroponics Lettuce
- Temperatures: The recommended temperatures should range from 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that all varieties of lettuce love cool temperatures. If the temperature is high, bolting or flowering will take place. We however want to prevent bolting from occurring because it always gives rise to bitter lettuce leaves. Temperatures that exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit will cause bolting.
- Light Requirements: Lettuce plants do not require much light. Light duration from 10 to 15 hours daily is enough. They can be supplied with moderate or low light.
- Aeration: Some lettuce varieties can tolerate low oxygen levels. However, we recommend you always maintain a well-aerated system as this will boost the healthy growth of roots. We recommend dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) to be around 8 ppm.
- Growing media: Lettuce will do well in most growing media such as rock wool, coco coir, etc. However, the main growing medium is the nutrient solution. It is the nutrient solution that provides most of the support for lettuce growth.
Can Vinegar Be Used to Lower pH in Hydroponics?
Vinegar, also known as acetic acid is a weak acid that can be used to lower pH in hydroponics systems. It can however be used only as a temporary solution as it does not remain stable for long.
The pH in hydroponics changes constantly so it would be better to use an acid with more stability, such as phosphoric acid.
How Do You Use a Hydroponic pH Meter?
A pH meter is a very important tool to have and use if you are running a hydroponics system. It is more important than it would be if you were growing plants in the soil. The reason for this is that pH fluctuates more in aquaponics than in a soil-based plant-growing medium.
Soil has what is referred to as a buffering capacity. What this means is that it can correct for pH changes to be the in the right pH range for the plants that you are growing. Soilless growth media such as those used in hydroponics systems lack this ability and advantage.
To be able to manage the pH in your hydroponics system, a pH meter like this one is an absolute necessity. You will need to monitor the pH of our system daily to avoid any adverse consequences. The thing with unfavorable pH changes is that you want to catch them as early as possible before they cause any problems which may damage or even kill your fish. Here is how you use a hydroponic pH meter:
- Using test strips
Using test strips is by far the cheapest way to test your hydroponic pH. Test strips are covered with a pH-sensitive dye that will change color when dipped into the water. You will then compare this color to the color chart to determine the pH of your hydroponics solution
- Liquid test kits
This is another popular method used to test for pH. It is also more accurate than the test strip method, so if you are looking for more accuracy this may be the choice for you. These test kits are commercially available and can be purchased from various distributors. The way this work is that you put a few drops of pH-sensitive dye into a vial containing your water or nutrient solution. The color of the solution will change, and you will compare this color to a color chart to determine the pH, just as you would do with the test strips.
- pH meter
The best and most efficient way to test pH in your hydroponics system is with the use of a digital pH meter. They come in different types and price ranges. You can find one to suit your needs as well as your pocket. Digital pH meters are very easy to use, simply insert the electrode into the water and it will give you a pH reading. Remember to calibrate your meter regularly so that it will give you accurate readings.
Can You Use Hydrochloric Acid to Lower pH in Hydroponics?
Hydrochloric acid can be used to lower pH in hydroponics. It can however be dangerous in high concentrations, as it can damage your plants. So you need to be careful if you use it, or use safer acids such as phosphoric acid which can even be beneficial to your plants by adding phosphates which are plant nutrients.
Conclusion
We hope that you have learned all you needed to know about the required pH for hydroponic lettuce. Remember to always monitor your hydroponic nutrient pH constantly and adjust when you notice any slight change.
Happy growing!
FAQ’s
What is the best hydroponic fertilizer for lettuce?
When grown in soil, lettuce does not need to be fertilized. As long as the plants are getting enough water, they can get their nutrients from the soil. If you are growing in a greenhouse, you should add fish emulsion or compost tea to the soil, which will provide the nutrients needed for your plants.
Lettuce needs a lot of water to grow well. Keep the soil moist, but do not let it get soggy. Water thoroughly when the weather is warm and the soil is dry. A small amount of fertilizer can be applied at this time. Once temperatures cool down in fall, water less often. In order to grow the best-tasting lettuce, plant seeds about 3 weeks before the last frost date. The lettuce seeds will germinate once the temperature warms up in spring. After they have germinated, thin the seedlings so that there is only one or two plants per square foot. This will allow them to grow large and have plenty of room to spread out.
Lettuce needs a slow-release fertilizer to grow, and it also needs high levels of nitrogen. The best time to fertilize lettuce is in the fall. The leaves should be dark green, shiny and crisp. If the lettuce leaves are yellow, they need more nitrogen.
What pH should water be for hydroponics?
The pH of the water is one of the most important factors in growing plants.
There are many different ways to measure the pH of a solution, and there are many different theories as to how much the pH affects plant growth. However, it is safe to say that a pH of around 5.0 is ideal for growing healthy plants. If you use distilled water, you can adjust the pH of the solution easily by adding more or less H2O. However, if you use tap water, you will need to buy some chemicals to make the pH of the water exactly what you want. pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic, and 14 being the most alkaline.
What happens if pH is too low in hydroponics?
There are a few things that can happen when pH is too low in a hydroponic system. Most of the time, you won’t even notice anything. Your plants will be fine, and you will have a healthy crop. If you’re growing in a soil based hydroponic system, you will need to change your water to ensure that it’s not too acidic. This is important because soil contains many beneficial microbes that are essential for plant growth.
These microbes work with the roots of your plants to absorb nutrients, and they also help break down organic waste in the soil. If your pH is too low, these beneficial microbes will not be able to do their job. Instead, your plants will suffer from nutrient deficiencies and may even die. You can lower the pH of your hydroponic solution using a simple pH test kit. You’ll find that most of the time, the pH of your solution is fine.
May 11, 2021
Types Of Rooting Hormones
Let’s discuss types of rooting hormones. Plants cuttings are easy to propagate. However, for successful propagation, they require a key element known as rooting hormones. Rooting hormones are great to kick start your propagation and they will assist in accelerated root growth.
If you’ve never tried rooting hormone for your cuttings then you’re missing a great deal. Rooting hormone will never have a negative impact on your propagation so there’s no harm in trying it.
We will be looking at the various types of rooting hormones you can use for your cloning. So, let’s dive in and find out the various types of rooting hormones.
What Is Rooting Hormone?
Rooting hormones are gel stimulants which contain natural chemicals for plans and it’s used to signal root growth especially for cuttings. These rooting hormones are produced by plants naturally for root growth. Now scientists have generated a way of synthesizing this hormone in the lab for the use of plant cuttings.
Plants naturally produce hormones for the development of roots and shoots. We have different types of these hormones such as cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins. The hormone used for rooting is auxins. It is these auxins that stimulate and enhance rooting in plant cuttings.
Although auxins are produced by plants for root development, auxins are also synthesized in the lab. The synthesized auxins are the ones commercially available as rooting hormones and they are generated from plants.
Apart from enhancing root growth, the rooting hormone also maintains a sterile surface for your cuttings. Thus, you also enjoy healthy overall growth.
Plants cuttings rely on rooting hormones or they might not root properly. Hence, it is an essential key for cloning plants.
Types Of Rooting Hormones
There are 3 major types of rooting hormones namely: liquid rooting hormone, gel rooting hormone, and powder rooting hormone.
1. Liquid
The liquid rooting hormone is one of the most common types of rooting hormone. The liquid comes in two types: the concentrated and the standard strength (ready to use). The concentration requires diluting before application. The standard strength can be used right away. Note when making use of the ready-to-use liquid rooting hormone, pour the one to be used in a separate container. Do not insert your cuttings directly into the bottle. This is to prevent contamination. Once it’s in a separate container, dip the stem of your cuttings in the liquid rooting hormone. You can now put your cuttings in your growing medium.
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2. Gel
Out of the various types of rooting hormone, the gel is the most loved among growers. It is pre-mixed and convenient to use. Simply put the portion you wish to use in a container and insert your cuttings into the gel. The gel will comfortably stick to the cuttings giving the stem a thick coat that serves as protection and they won’t wash away easily. With that, your cuttings are ready to go into your growing medium.
3. Powder
Powder rooting hormone lasts longer as it offers more shelf life. You can make use of the powder for several growing seasons if stored in the right conditions. To use, pour the powder rooting hormone in a separate container to prevent contamination. You can insert the cuttings into the water to encourage the powder to stick to your cuttings. Now insert the wet cuttings into the powder rooting hormone and give it a little shake to take off excess powder. Then it’s ready to go into your growing medium.
Homemade Rooting Hormones
You may be surprised you may have a rooting hormone in your house. Honey is one perfect example of homemade rooting hormone. Although it may not produce quick results as a commercial rooting hormone. You just need to give it a little time to work.
Honey has some naturally occurring rooting hormone. In addition, it offers anti fungi and antiseptic features to protect your cuttings from infection. The gel nature encourages a consistent steam coating that sticks.
FAQ’s
Which is the best rooting hormone?
We are all aware that rooting is necessary in order to achieve a successful plant. But we often wonder what is the best rooting hormone to use. Rooting hormone is a compound that is added to the soil mix and helps the roots to grow and penetrate through the soil.
It is important to understand that there are different types of rooting hormones and they are used in different ways. Rooting hormone is also known as root growth stimulator or root growth promoter. The most common type of rooting hormone is Ipomoea. This is a fast growing plant that can be easily grown indoors. It is not recommended to use Ipomoea when the plants are growing outdoors. You should use it when the plant is in the soil or pot. It is available in different types such as powder, gel and liquid. The powder and gel is available in different concentrations. You can easily dissolve them in water and apply on the root area. The liquid is available in different concentrations and it can be diluted with water and applied on the roots. The powder and gel are easy to use and can be used in both hydroponic and soil based growing systems.
Are there different types of rooting hormone?
There are many types of rooting hormones available on the market, and they all do a job for which they were designed. Rooting hormone has two basic functions. First, it promotes the uptake of nutrients into the root by loosening the soil around the roots. Second, it helps the roots to absorb water.
In the past, the main type of rooting hormone was the so-called “growth hormone,” which was sold as a liquid, or in capsules. Today, most companies sell a combination of growth hormone and a form of calcium that has been shown to be just as effective. When purchasing rooting hormone, always look for one that contains both types of hormone. You can also buy a pre-made combination of growth hormone and calcium in a concentrated form that will dissolve when watered. If you are growing vegetables and flowers indoors, the best thing you can do is to use a product that contains calcium and growth hormone. These products are available from many garden centers and mail-order outlets.
What is a natural rooting hormone?
Rooting hormones, also known as root stimulants or growth stimulants, are chemicals used to promote root development in plants. Rooting hormones are often added to the soil around seedlings and plants to encourage root growth. These chemicals can be organic or synthetic. Organic rooting hormones are made from natural materials, such as plant extracts, and are less toxic than their synthetic counterparts.
Is banana a rooting hormone?
Bananas aren’t really a rooting hormone. They are actually quite high in gibberellic acid (GA), a plant hormone that promotes growth. This is why bananas are often used as houseplants and why you see them in nurseries.
Additional Note On Types Of Rooting Hormones
Growers depend on rooting hormone for propagation cuttings and it has been showing great results ever since. Rooting hormone is a key element that will stimulate the growth of roots to give you a successful propagation and there are various types of rooting hormone to choose from.
Apart from making use of rooting hormone for successful propagation, you should as well take some other important factors into consideration for great results. Things like selecting only cuttings from plants with good traits. Avoid infected plants or plants that have no good quality growth features. This will ensure your cloned plant gives excellent propagation at the end.
May 11, 2021
Raising Crappie In Tanks
Raising crappie fish in tanks is possible so far you supply them with the right growing conditions. Even though crappie fish are mostly raised in an outdoor pond, raising crappie in tanks or aquariums is still achievable.
Crappie is a freshwater fish and can be mostly found in North America. They are one of the most common loving fish in the United States because of their tasteful bite and it’s easy raising crappie fish in tanks.
Guidelines To Raising Crappie In Tank
You can achieve a smooth and easy-going fish tank if you follow our guidelines for raising crappie in your fish tanks. First, let’s take a look at the required stocking density for crappie fish.
Recommended Crappie Stocking Density
Crappie fish requires stocking them in a well-spaced environment, so you should always go for a larger tank. The recommended stocking density for 2 to 3 crappie fish is 80 gallons. Thus, your fish tank should be able to fill at least 80 gallons of water. However, if you wish to raise 4 or more crappie fish, you should go for larger tanks.
Imitate Their Natural Habitat
The next step is to imitate their natural habitat. This is crucial because they don’t like a bright environment so you need to set up an environment to suit their needs.
- Substrate: so, for you to imitate the natural habitat, you can make use of neutral substrate such as sand or dark gravel for the base of the fish tank. Also, crappie fish have this common habit of hiding. The use of dark gravel or sand allows them to hide whichever way they want.
- Driftwood: you can as well put in some obstacles such as large driftwood for them to hide. Put the driftwood on top of the substrate of your fish tank.
- Artificial Plants: putting some artificial plants is also a bright idea. Touch up your fish tank with 4 to 6 plants and mix them into small and big plants.
- Rocks: you can also decorate your fish tank with some aquarium rocks that are neutral in color.
Set up all these artificial obstacles in your fish tanks along with the substrates. Doing this encourages them to have enough room to hide as this is a regular behavior they love to do.
Temperature & Water Requirements
- Temperature Requirements: crappie fish are hardy and very tolerant; therefore they can do well in most temperatures. They usually prefer a temperature of around 55 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, they are fine with room temperature water.
- Water Requirements: make use of clean tap water. When you transfer the water into the fish tank, treat it with a dechlorinator.
- Canister Filter: crappie should be raised in a clean environment. You can fix a canister filter to assist in cleaning your fish tank.
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Launch Your Crappie Into Fish Tank
Before launching your crappie fish into the tank, ensure they have been kept in a tightly packed plastic bag. This plastic bag should be filled with actual lake or river water. The tightly packed plastic bag should now be allowed to float in the fish tank. This way, the crappie fish will have time to blend with the new temperature environment.
After setting up everything listed above, your crappie is ready to be launched into your fish tank. You can now release your crappie fish into the fish tank.
Read more about How to Raise Catfish in A Tank
Crappie Fish Caring Requirements
After you must have successfully set up your fish tank, you need to take care of your crappie fish so they can thrive and you can enjoy great results. Below are the ways for caring for crappie fish:
- Feeding: crappie fish requires to be fed every 12 hours. You can feed them with smaller fish, crustaceans, insects, and minnows. You can as well feed them with fish pellets, commercially prepared striped bass, and the likes.
- Cleaning Your Fish Tank: it will be a good idea if you can clean your fish tank every 2 weeks. Remove all the artificial plants and rocks and wash them with lukewarm water. If you notice any algae, clean and scrub off the tank walls. Ensure your water is clean and clear because crappie fish likes clear water and not muddy water. Note when cleaning the tank, take out the crappie fish with a net and put them in a big bucket of original tank water. You can also let the crappie fish remain in the fish tank while cleaning if you wish to.
- pH Range: the required pH for crappie fish is 6.6 to 7.8. Sustain this pH range always and test regularly with pH testing equipment.
FAQ’s
How much space do they need?
Crappie like a lot of other fish will do best if they have plenty of space to swim around. I have read that crappies need a lot of space. They can go into a 10-20 gallon tank as long as it has plenty of hiding places.
If you plan on keeping them in a 20 gallon, then you will want to use a saltwater tank. Crappie are not well suited for freshwater tanks due to their sensitivity to low levels of dissolved oxygen. They require very clean water and good aeration.
I have never kept any in a small tank but I would think it would be fine.
How clean do I need to keep the tank?
They don’t seem to mind the water quality unless the water is really bad.
At any rate the tank needs to be cleaned every few months. It’s important to clean the tank before adding new fish, because that way they don’t introduce any diseases from the tank into their system.
Keep the aquarium with the fish out of direct sunlight, and keep it warm. This will prevent the fish from getting sunburned and/or dehydrated.
Can you have multiple crappie in the same tank?
It’s easy. If you have a large enough tank, you can have multiple fish in the same tank. You can do this by transferring the fish into a separate aquarium, and then put the aquarium with the fish in the tank.
Do they need a lot of food?
They don’t need as much food as other fish, so they can survive on a high quality diet such as frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Crappie are also pretty hardy.
May 11, 2021
Aquaponic Fish To Plant Ratio
Now, you might be wondering what the standard aquaponic fish to plant ratio is, we will let you know in this post.
Aquaponics is an awesome approach to combining fish with plants to yield great results. Aquaponics fish to plant ratio is important to consider if you wish to maximize the end product in your aquaponics system. So let’s discuss what it is.
Brief Into Aquaponics
The fish in your aquaponics excretes their waste product as ammonia which is the fertilizer generator. This ammonia is transformed into nitrate by the beneficial bacteria for the use of your plants. The plant in turn purifies these wastes from the fish tank by absorbing them.
So, the number of fish you are raising should produce adequate fish waste for your plants’ use. Also, the fish food used in feeding the fish should be enough to produce optimal nutrients for plant use.
If this fish waste is not enough, your plants might be deficient in nutrients and might not grow well. This is why we need to get the aquaponics fish to plant ratio for a better yield.
Talking About The Fish To Plant Ratio In Aquaponic
When we talk about fish to plant ratio in aquaponic, we will need to know the size of grow bed to know the plant ratio. That is, if you’re making use of a grow bed, the size of the grow bed will determine the capacity of the plant.
It is recommended that the volume of the fish tank should be approximately equal to the grow bed volume. This implies that the ratio of the aquaponics fish tank to plant should be approximately 1:1. However, if we’re looking at it from a commercial structure, we can raise the ratio to 1:3 or 1:4 based on the density of fish and the rate of water flow.
Let’s talk about the rate at which you feed your fish because it’s a direct factor to consider in the aquaponics ratio.
Feeding Rate Factor
You should note that the ratio of fish to plants also depends on how you feed your fish. This is because of the nutrient waste they will provide your plant. Normally, fish can make use of about 80% of food and expel 20% of nutrient waste materials.
In a standard situation, the recommended grow bed size should be at least 12 inches deep and let’s assume you have 5 feet by 5 feet grow bed. Then the appropriate food to feed your fish will be around 20 to 40 grams per day square meters.
Other Factors
Other factors to consider that can influence the capacity of fish to plant are the volume of the grow bed and the density of the growing media used. Note that the growing media encourages good bacteria colony. So, in a standard condition, we can recommend 1 kilo of fish per 50 liters of grow bed.
Another point to note is the ammonia and bacteria population. A good bacteria population quantity will enhance the conversion of ammonia to nitrate for the use of your plant. This implies if there’s a limit in the bacteria population, you will be limited to the number of fish you can have in your aquaponics system. This will limit you from getting enough fish production and reduce the nutrient that your plant is supposed to receive.
Quality of Water
Now, when it comes to the quality of water in aquaponics, you should understand why the fish to plant ratio is important as well as the bacteria population. For example, if the waste materials that serve as nutrients for the fish are not able to be absorbed by your plants, it can pollute the water quality.
If there’s too many fish in the water and there are not enough bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrates, the bio-filtering plants will not able to absorb and purify all these wastes. This turns into toxic ammonia in the fish water tank and ammonia can be pretty harmful to your fish.
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Although a couple of plants may grow, however, the issue of polluted fish water is not solved. This can reduce the growth and activities of the fish. A possible approach to this situation is to introduce enough helpful; bacteria that can convert ammonia to absorbable nitrate for plant use.
It also helps if you can decrease the fish feed to reduce the fish waste products that are slowing the growth of your fish or simply reduce the biomass of your fish.
Final Say On Aquaponic Fish To Plant Ratio
An efficient and productive aquaponics system is the goal of every farmer. Thus, sustaining the nutrient balance from the supply of your fish to your plants is crucial. This is why getting the right aquaponic plant fish to plant ratio in aquaponics is important.
May 11, 2021
Raising Prawns In Aquaponics
If you love prawns and you wish to raise some for yourself in your aquaponics, then waste no time in getting started. Raising prawns in your aquaponics can be an excellent way of adding a different touch of diversity to your system.
It’s possible to raise prawns together with your tilapia fish or any other fish you may have in your system. We will enlighten you on how to introduce freshwater prawns into your aquaponics system. So let’s begin.
Guidelines On Raising Prawns In Aquaponics
Raising prawns along with fish is pretty dynamic. Prawns are bottom feeders and they will feed on anything they find. This includes the fish waste that is not absorbed by your plants making them a reliable filtering animal. They can as well feed on snails and other organic matter so if you’re having issues with snails in your aquaponics, adding prawns might be a way out.
The best type of aquaponics to use for raising prawns is a floating raft. To introduce prawns into your aquaponics, integrate them into your fish tank or under the floating raft. You can as well integrate them in both floating raft and fish tank. Let’s discuss this in detail.
1. Floating Raft: under your floating raft, it’s usually a habit to have a handful of organic waste such as dead roots, leaves, etc. Prawns like to feed on organic waste so they can be helpful in this aspect. You might also be wondering if prawns will feed on your plants’ roots, the answer depends. In a standard situation, prawns won’t eat your root. However, when they become hungry or when you have too much prawn population, it’s possible they bite on your plant roots. For this reason, ensure you control their population. Take out some if they become too many in your system.
2. Fish Tank: another possible way to incorporate prawns into your aquaponics is to put them in your fish tank. Prawns are bottom dwellers, so you don’t have to worry about them crawling up to your fish. They will as well feed on excess fish waste thereby maintaining a clean bottom tank.
3. Both Fish Tank & Floating Raft: it is also possible to incorporate prawns in both your fish tank and floating raft. This is usually the best option as you get to maintain clean both a fish tank and floating raft.
Precautions To Take When Raising Prawns In Aquaponics
Remember they both prawns and fish can be territorial so you need to keep both from each other. There are some precautions you need to put in place so your prawns and fish do not attack each other or even meet each other.
When prawns are in their juvenile stage, it’s possible for your fish to want to feed on them. So, it’s necessary you create a barrier to keep them away from each other. You can make use of a bird mesh with corner PVC trays by laying them in the bottom of your fish tank. This mesh will separate your prawns from your fish. The mesh is also permeable enough for the fish waste to move through the layers of the mesh to meet the prawns so they can feed on the fish waste.
Stocking Density
The recommended stocking density for a single prawn should be about two square feet of tank space.
Tank Size
You should have at least 135 gallons or 500 liters of a tank for both fish and prawns. There should however be a barrier like the bird mesh we discussed earlier.
Temperature Requirements
Theideal temperature for prawns should fall between 57 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the standard temperature is around 78 degrees to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feeding
Prawns will feed on just about anything. You can however feed them with prawn pellets and planktons.
PH Range
Another requirement is pH range, therefore, you should ensure you monitor the pH with a quality pH matter. Prawns will do well with a recommended pH range between 7.8 to 8.5.
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Final Say On Raising Prawns In Aquaponics
We can see there are great benefits to raising prawns in your aquaponics. You can agree there’s nothing more amazing than having freshly harvested prawns together with fish from your aquaponics system. You get that fresh exclusive meaty taste compared to the regular frozen prawn sold in stores.
This is what you get raising both prawns and fish and if you plan to sell them it will also be a great investment. Prawns attain market size in about 4 to 6 months, so you can always have a steady sale once they are matured.
May 10, 2021
How To Grow Basil Hydroponically
Let’s explore how to grow the flavorful basil hydroponically. Growing various plants hydroponically is becoming an interest to many growers as it offers great benefits such as healthy plants, greater yields, dirt-free process, and many more.
Basil is one common herb you can grow hydroponically. It is one of people’s favorite and it’s pretty easy to grow. So, read on to discover how to grow basil hydroponically.
Varieties Of Basil Plant
Basil plant comes in different varieties and all varieties are suitable to grow hydroponically. These varieties differ in features such as flavor, resistance to disease, yield, and growth. Here are the various types of basil plants you can choose:
1. Cinnamon basil
2. Dark opal basil
3. Lemon basil
4. Holy basil
5. Sweet basil
6. Sweet Thai basil
7. Purple ruffles basil
8. Spicy bush basil
9. Lime basil
10. Christmas basil
Before choosing the variety to grow, the first thing you should do is to pin down the most appropriate basil plant preferable for your hydroponics. Also, make some inquiries about the productive cultivation necessities.
However, if we want us to recommend the type to go for, our favorite type is the bush and sweet basil variety. They are both great for growing in hydroponics.
Get To Know How To Grow Basil Hydroponically
The first step to commencing how to grow basil hydroponically is to decide how you wish to start. You can commence by seed germination, cloning basil plants, or simply obtaining plants from garden stores near you and transplanting them.
- Starting With Seed Germination: seed germination is pretty easy to commence basil plants. Just keep them at the appropriate temperature of about 75 degrees. You can make use of a rapid rooter plug for seed germination. You should start to notice germination around 3 to 10 days.
- Germination From Cuttings: cloning is another way of starting basil germination. Simply get the right plants with healthy growth and great traits.
- Buying And Transplanting Basil: you can as well buy basil plants from a garden store and transplant them into your hydroponics system.
Planting Basil Hydroponically
Most types of hydroponics systems will work with growing basil plants. However, there are a couple of hydroponics systems that will suit and work better compared to others.
Remember to give your basil plants space of at least 6 to 12 inches to encourage aeration and avoid the growth of fungal.
Also, trimming your basil plants whenever they are full is recommended. Aim to trim above the lateral buds to stimulate growth. Trimming will increase the yield of your basil plant as there will be more room to grow. Ensure you make use of sharp tools for trimming and avoid pinching.
You can make use of the trimmed portions for your tasty meal.
Basil Temperature Requirements
The required temperature for hydroponics basil is around 65 to 80 degrees. They also require mild humidity for optimal growth.
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Light Requirements
The hydroponic basil plant will thrive under moderate light. For optimal growth, supply your basil plants 13 to 16 hours to light daily.
PH Requirements
Basil plant requires a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Nutrient Requirements
The nutrient requirements for your hydroponics basil are pretty simple as the aim is for just its vegetative stage. Thus, what you need is a vegetative nutrient solution.
You want to supply your basil plants with a nutrient scheme rich in nitrogen. Adding a bit of calcium and magnesium to your nutrient scheme is also fine.
Harvesting
The best part of planting is obviously the harvesting time. To harvest, you can harvest the entire basil plant or just take off some leaves.
To store your harvested basil plants, keep them in a vented bag of about 55 to 60 degrees. This way, you can have a stable shelf life with 10 to 12 days duration. It is not recommended to store basil plants in a cooler. A better place is to store them in a jar of water in a cool room.
FAQ’s
Is it hard to grow basil hydroponically?
Growing basil in a hydroponic system is easy. Basil is a very easy plant to grow. If you have the space and time, it is easy to grow from seed. The biggest problem you will have is finding the right type of nutrients and the right equipment to use.
There are many different types of hydroponic systems available on the market. All you have to do is look for a hydroponic system that has the features that you want. The type of nutrient solution you use is also important. Some nutrients are better than others. You can use a commercial nutrient solution or you can make your own. Making your own is easier than buying one. There are different types of nutrient solutions available on the market. The most popular one is the water-soluble solution. This solution is made from a powder that dissolves in water.
This method is used by farmers, food producers, and even by some home gardeners. It’s also the best way to grow herbs that have been bred to be hardy in areas where the soil is not suitable for traditional gardening. You can grow basil from seed, or buy transplants from your local garden center.
How do I grow basil hydroponically?
First, you will need a system to grow your plants. This could be as simple as a shallow plastic tray or it could be a more elaborate system using a reservoir. If you plan on growing large quantities of plants, you’ll want to buy a system that’s made for commercial use, since these systems have been engineered for high production.
You’ll need to do is measure the area where you’ll be growing your herbs. The next step is to decide if you want to grow them indoors or outdoors.
If you’re growing them indoors, you’ll want to figure out how much space you have available. You’ll need to purchase an inexpensive light fixture and set it up. You can purchase a small greenhouse that is made specifically for growing hydroponically, but it can cost as much as $
If you’re growing your herbs in an outdoor garden, you will need to determine what size garden you need. Most garden centers will have information on how much square footage you need to grow your herbs, and you can use this to figure out how big your garden should be. Once you know how much space you have available, you can begin planning your hydroponic system.
You can purchase a tray system or you can build your own. In either case, you’ll need to decide if you want to go with a shallow plastic tray or a reservoir. The most common type of system is the shallow tray system, which consists of a tray and a pump. The tray is filled with a solution and placed in the location where the plants will be growing.
The nutrients are added directly to the tray as needed. With a shallow tray system, you’ll need to refill the tray periodically so that you don’t run out of nutrients. Some growers recommend adding a small amount of fertilizer every day. Others use the same nutrient solution for a week or more, and then change it out every two weeks. You’ll also need to monitor the pH of the solution, since it should be between 3.5 and 4. If the pH becomes too low, your plants won’t be able to utilize the nutrients properly. You’ll need to add an acidifier to keep the pH balanced.
Once you’ve determined how you’ll grow your herbs, you’ll need to figure out what type of nutrients you want to use. You have several options, including organic fertilizers, compost, and manure. The most common nutrient solution is a 1:1 mixture of fish emulsion and water. You can add other ingredients, such as seaweed and kelp, to the solution to boost the nutritional value. The amount of fertilizer you add will depend on how much light the plants receive. Some growers recommend adding as little as one teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of solution. Other growers add as much as 2 teaspoons per gallon. If you’re growing your herbs in an outdoor garden, you may want to use compost instead of fish emulsion. Compost is made up of plant materials that have decomposed naturally, so it contains nutrients that your plants can use.
What are some other concerns?
If you live in a very humid area, you will need to make sure your nutrients don’t dry out. You’ll also want to provide a place for the excess water to drain off, so that the solution won’t get too saturated.
Conclusion On How To Grow Basil Hydroponically
Growing basil plants hydroponically is easy, fun, and you will enjoy great benefits. No matter the variety you choose, you can be sure of a successful and productive basil growth in your hydroponic system.
Follow the right steps and supply your basil plants with all the requirements we stated above and you can watch your plant grow bountifully.
We hope this article has enlightened you on how to successfully grow basil plants hydroponically. Happy growing folks!
May 9, 2021