Grower Today

Everything about Plant Nutrients and Pest Control for Plants

Author: Eunice

  • Why Is My Lettuce Bitter?

    Why Is My Lettuce Bitter?

    Why is my lettuce bitter? This is one frequently asked question by different lettuce growers especially newbie that experience a bad tasting lettuce at the end of their harvest. We’ve got the answer for you here and possible solutions and prevention to go about bitter lettuce.

    The crispy juicy lettuce is a very easy plant to grow. However, the leave turning bitter is one common issue any growers may encounter. The good thing is there are definitely things you can do to avoid them turning bitter and we will enlighten you on this.

    So, let’s dive in to see why your lettuce is better and what to do to solve the problems.

    Bitter Lettuce

    The bittern lettuce is usually experienced with its leaves. There’s no denying that the lettuce leaves’ appearance always looks inviting and all: well, you may become disappointed when you have a bite from a lettuce salad or a wrap.

    Bitter Lettuce

    Why Is Lettuce Bitter?

    Heat is the most common reason for bitter lettuce but there are many other conditions that can predispose your lettuce to turn bitter. When you understand the reasons why lettuce may turn bitter, then you can make plans to prevent future occurrences.

    1.    Heat Stress

    Lettuce is a cool-season crop, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t grow them outside the cool season. Heat is one of the most common and leading causes why your lettuce is turning bitter. As the temperatures rise, the lettuce plant begins to mature and start producing flowers and seeds rather than leaves.

    This process is called bolting and it’s a natural unstoppable process that occurs when the temperature rises.

    2.    Water

    Lettuce leaves are water-loving plants which is why they are full of water! Those huge and succulent leaves require water to remain rigid, full, and tasty. Therefore, if your lettuce plants are watered less often, they can become bitter. When you begin to notice brown leaf edges, then that’s a sign of water deprivation.

    So, ensure you water your lettuce plants often and avoid their soil becoming too dry.

    Why Is Lettuce Bitter - Water

    3.    Nutrition

    Lettuce needs adequate nutrition to grow well.  The plant is a very fast-growing plant. Thus, it will require all the resources to grow smoothly and any slight deficiency will make the plant bolt. So, lack of nutrition will retard the growth of lettuce and make your lettuce leaves turn bad-tasting.

    Ensure you feed your lettuce plant with regular nutrition. However, don’t overdo it because too much fertilizer, especially excess nitrogen can also cause bitter tasting lettuce.

    4.    Bad Soil

    Another cause for bitter-tasting lettuce is bad soil. Lettuce plants need optimum draining soil and loose soil. This is because of the shallow and thin roots lettuce has. If the soil does not suit the lettuce plant, they will become stressed and begin to bolt.

    5.    Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Disease

    Aster yellows are one common lettuce disease that can cause lettuce to turn bitter. The lettuce inner leaves will begin to lose color and the outer leaves will look stunted. This can cause the entire lettuce plant to become weak and not useful.

    Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Disease

    6.    Lettuce Variety

    Lettuce plants belong to a wide range of species and there are over 100s of lettuce varieties and types. They have over 20, 000 other family members.

    We have many other lettuce varieties that are not used in homes and cannot find their way in our domestic lives. This type of lettuce variety is from the Lactuca virosa.

    The variety we consume is the Lactuca sativa. This type ranges from mild to sweet taste. However, their bitterness can still be activated if they are predisposed to conditions that will make them turn bitter.

    Bitter Lettuce Prevention

    Here are the following things you can do to prevent a bad-tasting lettuce:

    • Grow in Semi-Shade: Simply grow them in a semi-shade area and ensure you always keep them cool during hot seasons. You can also plant your lettuce under taller plants that will cover or shade your lettuce plants. You can plant them under tomatoes or crops that are trellised.
    • Healthy Soil: Maintain healthy soil and feed the soil with the appropriate nutrient. Add and cover the soil with some mulch to your soil especially hot season and during winter.

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    • Use Containers: when you grow your lettuce using containers, it allows you the comfort of simply moving them to a shaded place when needed.
    • Shade Cloth: you can purchase shade cloths and create some shade around your garden to block some sun.
    • Water Regularly: never deprive your lettuce plants of water as they will need all the moisture they can get. This is important especially during hot seasons.
    • Grow in Cooler Months: even though it’s possible to grow lettuce outside cooler months, growing them during cooler months will make your crop last longer.

    Bitter Lettuce: What To Do With It?

    If at the end of it all you end up with a bad tasting lettuce, here are some things you can do to relief the bitterness:

    • Run your lettuce leaves under cool water and put the head in a crisper immediately. Keep it in the crisper for 48 hours and bring it out rinse in cold water again. Then take away the outer leaves and cut the root and tips. The bitter taste should be gone and you can serve right away.
    • You can also cook your lettuce to get rid of the bitter taste and mix it with something sweet such as spinach or silverbeet.

    Note that lettuce leaves cannot be frozen or dried as they must be used immediately.

    So, rather than letting that bitter lettuce go to waste, you can simply revive it by following the above tips.

    FAQ’s

    Why does my lettuce plant taste bitter?

    There are a number of reasons your lettuce could be bitter.

    First, it may be too much or too little water. If you are not watering it daily, the plant needs more water. It may also be that the plant has not been getting enough light. If you are in a basement, you will need to provide additional light by using a light box, fluorescent lights, or other means. If you find that you are not able to get adequate light in your basement, you may want to consider relocating your lettuce plant outside, where you can provide adequate sunlight.

    How do you fix bitter lettuce?

    It’s one of the most common problems that crops face in our backyard, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably tried many different things to help with it. My usual method is to cut off the worst parts, but then I often end up throwing them out.

    You can add vinegar. I don’t mean just any old vinegary taste. I mean the kind of vinegar that makes a salad pop with flavor.

    Why is my hydroponic lettuce bitter?

    I’d bet that it’s because of something in the water. I think you may be looking for a chlorine filter or a carbon filter. Chlorine kills bacteria and will kill off the bacteria in the water.

    Bitter taste is often associated with the presence of oxalic acid in the plant. It’s produced as a defense against bacteria and fungi that are feeding on the plant.
    This can be caused by either over-watering or by over-fertilizing. If you fertilize with nitrogen-rich materials, then it will increase the concentration of oxalic acid. Keep the soil moist but not soggy; too much moisture can lead to root rot. I have a few pots of lettuce that have been growing for 3 weeks and they have started to get bitter. I have had the same soil mix, same lighting, and same water source for all 3 plants. The soil was changed weekly and everything else has remained constant.

    How do I make my lettuce not bitter?

    Lettuce is naturally bitter, which is why we eat it with some sort of dressing. The bitterness comes from oxalic acid, which is very soluble in water. In general, the more the leaf has been dried, the less bitter it will be.
    Some types of lettuce are less bitter than others. You can also rinse the leaves in a bowl of water to remove some of the bitterness. If you’re concerned about the amount of salt you’ll be adding to your salad, it’s best to add some lemon or lime juice to cut the bitterness before adding the salt. We usually recommend rinsing the lettuce in cold water for 30 seconds to 1 minute before dressing. A quick rinse should get rid of most of the bitterness. You can also use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce after washing.

    Final Say On Why Is My Lettuce Bitter?

    So, there you have it on why your lettuce is turning bitter. Follow our tips on preventing your lettuce from turning bad so you can enjoy a better tasteful lettuce meal.

  • How Many T5 Lights Do I Need For Veg

    How Many T5 Lights Do I Need For Veg

    How many T5 lights do I need for veg is one question most growers ask themselves. Veg is the vegetative period in a plant’s growth and during this period, they require optimal light to flourish. If you’re making use of a T5 light, you may want to know how many light bulbs to use during the veg period.

    It is important you supply the right light intensity for your plants’ veg stage so they can result in abundant yield. This is why we will be discussing how many T5 lights do I need for veg growth. So, continue reading to learn about this.

    What Is Veg?

    Typically, all types of plants go through the vegetative stage, and during this stage, they require more blue light. For this reason, a veg bulb or grow light must provide cool white lights that have more blue wavelength. So the color temperature value on the Kelvin scale should be around 6000K to 6500k.

    Veg such as basil, lettuce, herbs, etc only goes through the vegetative period. However, some other plants transition to the flowering stage and eventually the fruiting stage. The fruiting stage usually requires the red color temperature with values of around 2700K to 3500K.

    What Is Veg

    T5 Veg Light

    T5 is a tube-shaped fluorescent light that has a diameter of 5/8 inch. It is one of the best grow lights you can use on any type of plant especially the veg plant. This is because they will go easy on your plants at the same time providing good light for your plants’ growing needs.

    Even though they are not as powerful or intense as other grow lights like LED, they are still very efficient. They are capable of carrying your plants where they need to go and offer even more benefits.

    T5 lights are generally a great choice for veg plants. They are also known to emit very little heat. Thus, T5 for veg grow light can also be used on fragile plants like on seedlings and clones. T5 lights are also low power consuming and very efficient, thereby allowing you to save cost on the electricity bill.

    How Many T5 Light Do I Need For Veg?

    How many T5 lights you need for veg will depend on a few things. We have different varieties and sizes of light fixtures. T5 grow light generally comes in two various lengths and it will come in 6 or more bulb configurations.

    The common lengths of T5 grow lights include 2 and 4 feet long. The bulb configurations also include 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 bulbs per fixture.

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    So, when we are talking about how many T5 lights are required for veg, we will be looking at the number of bulbs to use. If you wish to grow just a couple of plants, you can use 1 or 2 bulb set that has the height of 2 or 4 feet long.

    However, if you’re growing a lot of plants, using a bulb set up of 8 or 12 bulbs with a height of 4 feet long is recommended. This implies, the bigger the size of your plant mass, the more bulbs you will require for your veg.

    Also, you want to ensure color temperature for your bulb begins with a 6,500 Kelvin bulb for the vegetative stage growth.

    There are now T5 grow lights that have multiple spectrums which are great for your plant growing needs. They will boost the quality of your T5 harvests and even offer more benefits.

    Flowering With T5 Fluorescents

    The next growth stage of a plant after veg is the flowering stage. Not all plants enter the flowering stage. But the ones that do, will require a specific light spectrum to transition into the flowering phase. If you don’t provide your indoor plants with a specific spectrum for their flowering stage, they may not transition into the flowering stage.

    So, when using T5 fluorescent for your plant flowering stage, you will need to go with a 2700 Kelvin bulb. This will give you a white or yellowish spectrum light spectrum which will stimulate the growth of the flower.

    Beforehand, most growers will need to switch to HID or intensify the 2700 Kelvin lights on their plants to transition to or complete the flowering stage. But now, things are different because growers now have the option of choosing a single grow light to complete both the veg and flowering growth stage of plants.

    Manufacturers have now introduced different T5 that has different phosphorus coating that imitates certain wavelengths just like LED does! These special T5 fluorescent bulbs work just like LED does by providing wavelengths centered around 6400 (for veg) and 2700 (for flowering) Kelvin.

    T5 Fluorescent Placement

    T5 fluorescent grow lights are safe to be placed close to your plants because they are low heat emitting lights. You can position your T5 grow light around 1 to 12 inches depending on the light intensity your plant stage requires.

    Anything above 12 inches is not recommended because the T5 grow light will begin to lose its intensity. As your plant matures, you can now move the T5 grow light closer for better light intensity.

    You can as well use this fluorescent grow light for your fragile seedlings and clones. T5 grow light will go easy on your fragile seedlings and clones so they are safe for use. However, you should place them around 6 to 10 inches away from your tender plants. You can later increase the distance when they begin to mature.

    T5 Fluorescent Placement

    FAQ’s

    Can I use the T5 as a grow light? 

    Yes, you can use the T5 tubes in your grow light. They work just fine.  They’re very efficient and have some great benefits. The most obvious benefit is that they provide more consistent light output than an incandescent bulb or CFL. That means you don’t have to pay attention to the light level all the time. It’s also easier to adjust your light levels because you can adjust the amount of light you put out over a wider range. T5s are also pretty much guaranteed to last forever. A T5 will last 30 years or more if you take good care of them. 

    How much area does a T5 cover?

    The T5 covers a 2 feet by four feet area.

    Are T5 lights full spectrum?

    The T5 is a light with 5 LEDs in one, which means it’s full spectrum. 

    How many T5 grow lights do I need?

    The number of T5 lights depends on your expected crop volume.
    If you’re planning on producing 100 lbs of tomatoes per square foot, then you need at least three T5s (one per each of the three rows). But if you’re only going to be producing 50 lbs of tomatoes per square foot, then you need two T5s (one per each row).

    How many watts is a T5 grow light?

    The T5 is a very popular light. It’s one of the most common lights you’ll find in any cannabis grower’s shop. The reason for its popularity is because it gives you a lot of power, but it’s not too powerful. A lot of people buy the T5 and then they use it with their older HPS or CFL lamps.
    It’s a good compromise between power and price. You can get an 18-watt T5 for around $60 on Amazon. A T5 is also used in many grow rooms that don’t have access to electricity. In this case, a T5 is mounted on a motorized ballast. When the ballast runs, the light turns on.

    How long do T5 grow lights last?

    There are several factors that can impact how long your T5 Grow Light will last. First, it depends on the quality of the bulb itself. If it’s a cheap Chinese lightbulb that is known for having a short lifespan, then it may only last about 3 months to 6 months. However, if you get a good quality lightbulb, it should last much longer.
    The second factor is the environment your bulbs are in. If they are exposed to dust, heat, and humidity, the lifespan will be reduced. The third factor is the power output of the bulb. Bulbs with higher wattages will typically last longer than those that have lower wattages. For example, an 800w lightbulb will last much longer than a 600w lightbulb. It’s also important to note that many of the high-quality brands of T5 grow lights also come with a warranty. This means if your bulb breaks or malfunctions within the first year of purchase, you can simply return it and receive a replacement.

    Final Say On How Many T5 Lights Do I Need For Veg

    How many T5 lights you will need for the veg stage will largely depend on the size of your plant. We hope the information we have listed above will guide you on how to use the right number of T5 bulbs for your plants to flourish.

  • LED Light Distance From Canopy

    LED Light Distance From Canopy

    If you’re into indoor gardening, you should know that using grow lights is one key to growing successfully. One of the best grow lights to use is the LED lights and another important criterion is the grow light hanging distance. So, if you’re wondering what LED light distance from the canopy is ideal, we’ve got the answer for you here.

    If you position some grow lights too low to your plants’ canopy, they might burn your plants. On the other hand, if you hang them too high, they will grow weak and get stretched because they aren’t receiving adequate light intensity.

    This is why you must be enlightened on the right hanging distance from your plants’ canopy. So, let’s get right into it.

    Grow Light Height

    We have various grow lights in the market and you need to know exactly the type you have and their features. We have light-emitting diodes (LED) lights, high-intensity discharge light (HID), fluorescent lights, and so on.

    Each of these lights has its different characteristics. Some emit more heat and some emit lesser heat. Also, some of these grow lights offer a better spectrum than the other, and so on. But generally, LED grow light is known to emit minimal heat. This doesn’t mean LED lights can be hung very close to your plants as their spectrum can be very overwhelming and may cause your plant to bleach.

    Each of these lights needs to be positioned at different heights from your plants’ canopy. So, let’s take a look at the LED light distance from your plants’ canopy.

    Grow Light Height

    Know The Right LED Light Distance From Your Plants’ Canopy

    Now, let’s look at how close your LED grow lights should be to your plants. It may be a little tricky deciding what distance your LED light should be from your plants’ canopy. This is because all the various LED light brands vary.

    However, you can look through and follow the manufacturers’ manual first to see how your plants fair. After trying the manufacturers’ LED light distance instruction and you feel there’s a need to readjust your light, you can go ahead and do so.

    But let’s take a look at some general tips and requirements you can use in deciding the LED light distance from your plants’ canopy:

    • A general rule advises you to position your LED grow light 12 to 30 inches from your plant canopy.
    • LED light distance also varies with your grow light wattage and how powerful the light source is. A higher light wattage that has a powerful light source should be hung far from the plants’ canopy and vice versa.
    • The type of plants (either low light or high light plant requirement) will determine the distance of your LED grow light. Low light requiring plants can have their light placed high above the canopy and high requiring plants can have their light placed close to the plant.
    • Another criterion to deciding how to hang your LED grow light is reflective walls. Using reflective walls will reflect the light back to your plants thus limiting light loss from placing the grow light high. Therefore, you can position your LED light higher and not worry about light loss because they will mostly be reflected back to within your grow room or tent.

    How Far Should LED Grow Lights Be From Plants In Each Growth Stage

    Again, you should have in mind that when it comes to LED light placements, there’s no general rule. Different LED lights have their style and manufacturers’ instruction which should be tried first. So, we can now go into how far LED lights placement should be for each growth stage.

    For various plant stages, LED light placement will differ as your plant transition. If you’re using dimmable LED lights, you can simply dim the intensity for different stages. However, if you’re not making use of a dimmable LED grow light, then you have to adjust the heights as your plant transitions to different stages.

    So here are the LED Light placements suggestions for your various plant stages:

    1.    LED Light Distance From Plants’ Canopy For Seedling Stage

    The seedling stage of a plant is its most fragile stage. Thus, they will require a gentler light approach. This implies they require a lesser light intensity at their early stage and should be placed higher from the seedlings canopy.

    We recommend you do a canopy distance of about 24 to 36 inches and this will depend on the strength of your LED grow light. As your seedlings begin to germinate, you can now move your grow light closer. This will be around 2 or 3 weeks after they have started sprouting.

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    2.    LED Light Placement For Vegetative Stage

    During the vegetative phase, your LED light should be placed closer to the plant canopy. They will require light for photosynthesis and plant maturation. Increasing their light intensity at this stage will encourage strong and healthy stems and roots.

    3.    LED Light Placement For Flowering Stage

    The final stage of the plant growth cycle is the flowering stage and this is where fruit production commences. At this stage, your plant will require the LED light should be at their highest intensity for them to harden off.

    However, as you increase the LED light intensity by bringing it close to your plant. You want to keep a close eye on them. Your plants’ response will always indicate their satisfaction or displeasure with light intensity. So, do the right adjustments immediately you notice any changes in your plants.

    LED Light Distance From Plants’ Canopy For Clones

    For LED light distance for your clones, you will need to place them closer to your plants’ canopy. This is because clones require intense light for their development.

    You can position your LED grow light around 14 to 36 inches from your plants’ canopy. This distance will depend on the strength of your light and their maturity.

    LED Light Distance From Plants’ Canopy For Clones

     

    FAQ’s

    How close should my LED light be to my plants?

    It depends on your situation. There are many factors involved in growing plants. How much sunlight do you have? What kind of plants do you want to grow? What size do they need to be? Do you want to grow them in soil or hydroponics? Do you want them to grow tall or short? Some plants need lots of sun to get their nutrients, some need less.
    I would say to start small. You don’t want to get in over your head and end up in a situation where you have no idea what you’re doing. You can always add more later, if you find you need it. LED lights are generally used for indoor growing, as they are cheaper than natural lighting and can be controlled to adjust the amount of light that they give off. There are different kinds of LED lights, but the most common type is an LED strip light.

    I would say your lights should be at least 18 inches above the tops of the plants. You can adjust this as you see fit. However, this does not mean that you need to put the light exactly 18 inches up from the top of the plants, or even from the bottom of the pots. The more distance you have between the plant and the light, the better. It will also be a lot easier to move the lights around when they are further away from the plants. I would say your lights should be at least 18 inches above the tops of the plants. You can adjust this as you see fit. However, this does not mean that you need to put the light exactly 18 inches up from the top of the plants, or even from the bottom of the pots. The more distance you have between the plant and the light, the better. It will also be a lot easier to move the lights around when they are further away from the plants.

    How high should my lights be above my plants?

    Lights are an important part of the growing process. If you don’t have enough light, your plants will grow slowly and not develop their full potential. The light must be as close to the plant as possible.
    This means that if you are using a fluorescent or HID fixture, you want to raise the fixture at least 12 inches above the soil level. If you are using a T5 or T8 fluorescent, you want to raise the fixture at least 18 inches above the soil level. If you are using a metal halide or high-pressure sodium, you want to raise it at least 6 inches above the soil level.

    Do plants grow faster under 24 hours of light?

    No. The reason why they don’t grow faster is that plants have an internal clock, which regulates their growth and development according to the length of day. Plants are designed so that they can develop optimally with day lengths between 12 and 14 hours.A 24-hour day will prevent them from growing at their optimum speed. Plants have a circadian rhythm that regulates their growth and development according to the length of day.

    LED Light Distance From Canopy Final Thoughts

    The hanging distance for your LED light is crucial to your plants’ development. Ensure you get the correct LED light placement for your plants so they can flourish and won’t miss out on the best yield.

  • Grow Light Vs Regular Light

    Grow Light Vs Regular Light

    More people are indulging in indoor gardening and creating the ideal growing environment will enhance the growth of your indoor plants. Understanding the difference between grow light vs regular light is important so you can provide your indoor plants’ lights for their growing needs.

    Both lights will supply your plants with lights but the light intensity or efficiency they will supply your plants are dissimilar. So grow lights and regular lights are designed in a different manner.

    If you’ve ever wondered about what difference is there between grow light vs. regular light, we will enlighten you in this post. So, let’s begin.

    What Is A Grow Light?

    Before we look into grow light vs. regular light, let’s firstly discuss what a grow light is. A grow light is referred to as an electrical light specially designed to grow various plants. The primary function of grow light is to imitate the work done by sunlight which will ensure your indoor plants grow adequately.

    These grow lights emit specific colors that stimulate plants’ growth. However, not all lights are designed to produce the same light spectrum and they all have a different wavelength of light.

    So, some people may wonder if grow lights can be replaced with the regular lights we use at the home, office, etc. Well, the answer is yes, while in some cases it’s no.

    What Is A Grow Light

    What Are Regular Lights?

    We have a wide range of regular lights which are basically designed as an artificial light source for illuminating dark spaces. People make use of regular lights almost on a daily basis and they help us clearly in the dark.

    They are used to lighten up a room, office, etc as the sun begins to set and as the day goes dark. Regular lights are also used in the garage, the entrance of your door. Some are even used within your vehicles and so on.

    Grow Light vs. Regular Light

    It is possible to make use of both grow light and regular lights bulbs to grow your indoor plants. But what is the difference between grow light vs. regular light? Here are some comparisons between the two lights:

    1.    The Intensity Of Power Between Grow Lights Vs Regular Lights

    When it comes to power or light intensity, grow lights offer more power than a regular light bulb. You can find various grow lights with different light intensities in the market.

    Now, light intensity is needed to enhance the rate of photosynthesis. This guarantees that your plants have adequate light energy to grow. So it is paramount you provide your plants with the right dose of power intensity.

    The Intensity Of Power Between Grow Lights Vs Regular Lights

    2.    Spectrum Of Light

    Light comprises of different wavelength that makes up the spectrum of light. So, all types of light bulbs produce a certain wavelength. However, not all types of light bulbs will produce the appropriate wavelength that will mimic the sunlight which is required for plants’ growth.

    Most grow lights are specially designed to emit the right wavelength that will enhance almost all the growth stages of your plant. However, when it comes to a regular light bulb, they may only be efficient for certain growth stages of your plant.

    3.    Heat Dissipation

    Heat is an important factor to consider when deciding the type of grow light to use on your indoor plant. If the heat emitted is too much and placed close to your plant, it can cause harm to them. However, you can position your lights at a safe distance from your plants.

    The fact is most regular lights produce more heat compared to grow lights. So, if you’re using regular lights for growing, ensure you position them at a safe distance.

    4.    Durability

    The durability of grow light is usually shorter compared to regular light. This is because grow light tends to burn out quickly.

    5.    Energy Efficiency

    Most regular light bulbs are energy efficient. On the other hand, most grow light will consume a lot of energy. However, there are certain low energy consuming grow lights you can go for.

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    Different Grow Lights

    We have 3 main types of grow lights and they include:

    1. Fluorescent Grow Light

    Fluorescent grow light is one great light used to supply light energy spectrum to indoor plants. They are low emitting light, thus making them safe to be placed close to plants. The low emitting heat fluorescent light is also suitable for fragile seedlings and clones.

    However, most fluorescent lights are not as intense as HPS or LED lights but they will do a fine job with your growing plants.

    1. Light-emitting Diodes (LED)

    Light-emitting diodes are one of the most efficient grow lights you can use for your indoor plants. They are more focused and will give your plants optimal light intensity. LED grow light will supply your plant with a wide range of light spectrum for them to grow adequately.

    The light can even be positioned a little far from plants and still give your plant good lightning.

    1. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)

    High-pressure sodium is also known as high-intensity discharge (HID) is another type of grow light you can use for your indoor plants. Although they will require much distance from plants because of their high emitting heat, they will still supply your plant with good lights for their growing needs.

    Other Types Of Grow Light

      • Incandescent Bulb: this type of light has been in existence for a long time. Incandescent bulbs are not so great because the light spectrum they produce is inefficient for plants’ growth. Thus, they aren’t appropriate for plants, especially during photosynthesis. However, they have been replaced with more efficient, durable, and safer options.

      • Halogen: halogen lights are not so great but they will still supply your plant what they need to grow.

    FAQ’s

    Can I Use a regular light as a grow light?

    Regular bulbs are fine for growing plants, but they’re not very efficient. The efficiency of the plant growth is directly related to the amount of light you put out and the length of time you expose the plants to that light. You can get a lot more bang per watt with an LED array or fluorescent tube. LEDs are a bit more expensive, but if you’re trying to save money (which is understandable) then LEDs will be your best bet. You’ll probably want to look for a fixture that mounts the light on a heat sink, so you can get a little extra cooling for your plants.

    Can any LED light be used as a grow light?

    In general, no. LEDs have a maximum current rating (for most), which means they cannot be operated at high power levels (which is the only way to get high light output). That said, you can certainly use LEDs in an environment that doesn’t require very high power, but they’re not really intended for that purpose.

    Is a grow light better than natural light?

    When you’re growing plants indoors, you don’t want to be dependent on the sun. There are a few options for indoor gardeners who need sunlight to help with their plant growth. A grow light is one of them. Grow lights are used to mimic the conditions found in nature, which makes it an ideal option for growing plants indoors. Grow lights allow you to use artificial lighting, which makes it a much more practical option than natural sunlight. This also means that you can have full control over when you turn your lights on and off. You can choose to turn your lights on during the day or at night, which gives you the best time to work with your plants. Grow lights also mimic the natural light cycle. Plants respond to changes in the natural light cycle by growing at different times of the day. By using grow lights, you can make sure that your plants get the right amount of light.

    Whats the difference between a grow light and a regular light?

    The big difference is that in a grow light, the spectrum of the light is tuned to the needs of a plant to stimulate photosynthesis. This means that the reds are higher, the blues lower, and the greens in between. It’s not the same as a regular light which has a continuous spectrum.
     The light spectrum for plants is more like that of the sun than a regular light. And the way that it works is that the blue part of the spectrum (which is the part of the light that plants need to grow) is stronger than the red part.

    Grow Light Vs. Regular Light: Conclusion

    Grow light and regular light are definitely two different lights that perform different functions.

    Grow lights are designed for plants needs while regular lights are meant for daily use in most homes. But regular lights can still provide a certain light spectrum for plants’ growth but they aren’t as efficient as grow light.

  • How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles

    How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles

    Hydroton clay pebbles are a great growing medium to use in your hydroponics systems. If you’re wondering how to use Hydroton clay pebbles in your hydroponic garden, we will let you know in this post.

    Hydroton clay pebbles are widely used by hydroponic and aquaponics growers as well as some soil gardeners. We have listed all you need to know about Hydroton clay pebbles as well as how to use them in your hydroponic garden. We also look at their benefits and downsides to using them. So, let’s get right into it.

    What is Clay Pebbles Hydroponics?

    Hydroton, also known as lightweight expanded clay aggregates or pellets. They are known by many names. You may come across these names in stores or other places under the names such as Hydroton pellets, clay balls, hydrocorn, leca clay, etc. These names are all the same thing from the same production standpoint.

    They are made from heating clay up to about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit until they pop (just like popcorn) and expands into a lightweight permeable growing medium.

    What is Clay Pebbles Hydroponics

    These clay pebbles may come in circular balls of different sizes and they will support your plant with good airflow and water. They are popularly used in the ebb and flow or flood and drain system, but they can be used in other types of hydroponic systems.

    How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles (For Hydroponics)

    1. Rinse Thoroughly

    The first thing you want to do is to rinse or wash your Hydroton clay pellets thoroughly. This step is very important because the clay balls have plenty of dust. This may cause the clay pebbles to rub against each other thereby accumulating dust and cause friction in your system of transport.

    1. Soak The Pebbles

    The next step is to soak your clay pellets for at least 6 hours and at most 24 hours. This will make water absorption easier for your plants as the clay balls would have already been filled with water.

    1. Plant

    Proceed to planting by spreading your seeds over the clay pebbles. Make use of small net pots halfway filled with pebbles and cover the seed with more clay pebbles. You can also transplant seedlings into your hydroponic system by using Rockwool to germinate your seeds.

    As your plants grow, you should remove them and rinse from once in a while. This will prevent toxic build-up that can clog your plants and prevent them from absorbing nutrients. If you notice any whitish residue at the top of your plants, that’s a sign you need to rinse your plant and clay pebbles.

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    1. Nutrient Application

    Once you’ve washed your clay pebbles, proceed to add your nutrient solution to your reservoir. Then your system is ready to go.

    How To Use Hydroton Pellets (For Soil)

    Hydroton clay pebbles are mostly used in soil gardening to attain excellent water retention and airflow. Let’s look at 3 ways Hydroton balls can be used in soil:

    1. Used Alone Or As Soil Mix: in soil gardening, Hydroton can be used alone or mixed in soil (in the ratio of 30% Hydroton and 70% soil). This will enhance the water holding capacity of your soil.
    2. Add To The Base Of Soil: another way to use Hydroton in your soil garden is to add them at the base of your growing container. It should be below the layer of your soil and this will increase its draining mechanism.
    3. Crush: you can also crush the clay pebbles and mix them with soil. This will help keep your plants hydrated as well as improve air circulation.

    Benefits Of Using Hydroponic Pebbles

    Here are some benefits of using Hydroton clay pebbles:

    • Reusable & Cost-Effective: Hydroton clay pebbles can be used over and over again. Thus, making them durable and cost-effective.
    • Excellent Water Drainage: even with their top-notch water and nutrient retention, they also have excellent water draining capacity. The pores in the pebbles allow for space-enhancing which gives their drainage property. They also give room for optimal airflow.

    • Neutral pH: you need not worry about any reaction or impact by these clay balls because they are neutral to pH. You can use them in combination for your soil or hydroponic garden foundation.
    • Sterile: expanded clay pellets are a sterile growing medium that will help keep bacteria and insects at bay during plant growth. They are also environmentally friendly.
    • Non-sticky & Easy To Harvest: Hydroton clay balls are non-sticky. Thus, they are easy to pull out during harvest or when you want to rinse them.
    • Crushable: they can be easily crushed if you want to enhance water retention for your plants’ germination.

    Downsides To Hydroton Pebbles

    Even though Hydroton clay pebbles offer great benefits, there are still some downsides to them. They include:

    • Heavy: From our knowledge of clay, they are usually quite heavy. Therefore, Hydroton clay pebbles are also heavy especially when you use them in an ebb and flow system.
    • Dusty & Requires Rinsing: Clay balls are always dusty and it’s necessary for them to be washed before use. If you fail to wash them before use, the dust will clog your system and cause blockage which is a big issue.
    • Drainage: Even with Hydroton clay pebble top-notch draining mechanism, it can also be its con. Clay balls are capable of draining so well that they can actually dry out rapidly. But this is not a big if you always maintain a constant flow of water and nutrient.
    Downsides To Hydroton Pebbles

    FAQ’s

    How do you use clay pebbles?

    Clay pebbles are an excellent medium for growing a wide variety of plants. To grow a plant you need to have something to absorb nutrients, water and light. Clay pebbles provide all of these things. They are porous, allowing air, water, and light into the earth to reach the roots.
    If you mix sand with clay pebbles, it will be easier to work with. You can also use a mixture of gravel and clay pebbles. The clay pebbles are a great soil amendment. In addition to their ability to hold moisture and nutrients, they also add small particles of rock to the soil. This helps prevent erosion by holding down the soil and reduces the amount of runoff water. Clay pebbles are also very beneficial to the soil because they absorb nutrients. So, by adding clay pebbles you can improve the soil. If you are growing vegetables, you can use clay pebbles in a pot or tray as a medium. They are inexpensive and easy to use. If you are growing plants for a large space, clay pebbles are ideal because they are light and can be mixed together easily. You can also use clay pebbles in your garden beds. You can add them at the base of a plant or under it.

    Do I need to soak clay pebbles?

    Clay pebbles should be soaked in water for several days before being used in the garden. If you do not follow these steps, your plants will likely die because of lack of nutrients.
    Plant seeds in pebbles are very simple. You can plant your seeds in pebbles by putting the pebbles in a flat container or pot and covering the seeds with sand. Then fill the container or pot with soil. Water the pebbles and cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings start sprouting.

    Can you put clay pebbles on top of soil?

    Yes, you can.

    Can you reuse clay pebbles?

    Yes, you can. There are a few ways to reuse clay pebbles. The first method is by simply making more clay pebbles out of your existing ones.Or, simply sprinkle them in soil and let them sit.

    Gardeners have used natural materials like clay, pebbles, sand and gravel to make beautiful containers for plants for centuries.

    How do you sterilize pebbles?

    I use a solution of water, bleach and hydrogen peroxide. It’s a simple mixture that works for me.

    How To Use Hydroton Clay Pebbles: Final Say

    We can see there are many great benefits to using expandable Hydroton clay pebbles. They offer excellent drainage properties and good aeration. They are also long-lasting and reusable which makes them more cost-effective.

    So if you’re thinking of how to use Hydroton clay pebbles, look through our guide and enlighten yourself on all you need to know. Happy growing folks!

  • Hydroponic Medium Gravel

    Hydroponic Medium Gravel

    Hydroponic grow medium is important to support our plants and there are various options to choose from. Gravel is another nice medium to use so, giving hydroponic medium gravel a trial won’t hurt.

    Grow media helps hydroponic plants with good anchor, water draining and retention, regular transportation of air and nutrients, and a host of other great things.

    Gravel is a type of medium that is locally available and easily accessible to use as a growing medium in your hydroponic garden. It would interest you to know that they were one of the very first mediums to be used in hydroponic growing.

    In this guide, we will be discussing the benefits of using hydroponic medium gravel in your garden as well as a few downsides you may find using them. We will also be discussing hydroponic sand and more. So, let’s get right into it.

    Hydroponic Gravel

    There are different grow mediums to use in the hydroponic garden and these grow mediums must attain some specific satisfactory characteristics to make a great medium. These characteristics include chemically inert, offer adequate air circulation, and great water retention as well as good draining features.

    Hydroponic medium gravel offers most of these great features. Although there are a few downsides to them, they are just not so serious and you can work your way around them.

    Hydroponic Sand

    Even though our knowledge of hydroponics garden means a soil-free garden: however, sand is one type of grow medium that can be used.

    Sand is very cheap and easy to get because they occur in nature. However, sand is pretty heavy to use and it will require once in a while sterilization to prevent non-beneficial microorganisms from breeding. Also, the water retention of sand is not so great compared to other types of growing media. At the same time, the nutrient solution may not hold so well. This is greatly caused by their small size which has reduced their surface area.

    Both sand and gravel have similar properties, but most people end up going with gravel as they offer better function.

    Sand and gravel are so easy to come by and a lot of hydroponic growers may overlook these fine materials as a growing medium. They will both offer good benefits to your hydroponic garden and can be a starter media. However, they may not work for everyone in all situations.

    Advantages Of Gravel Hydroponics

    1.    Water Draining & Aeration

    Hydroponic medium gravel offers great features such as water draining and good air circulation which make them great to use in your hydroponic garden. It is nearly impossible to overwater with gravel because of its great draining properties.

    Water Draining & Aeration

    However, they don’t have the ability to trap water because of their high draining feature. Thus, you will have to keep up with getting a good irrigation system that will deliver water to your plant root.

    2.    Accessible

    Gravel can be found in nature laying anywhere around you, thus making them very accessible.

    3.    Cost-effective

    Just as they are easily accessible, they are also cost-effective. Even if you don’t find them in nature anywhere around you, you can easily purchase them at a low cost. So, if you’re short of cash, gravel is a good option to go for.

    4.    Easy To Clean

    Cleaning your gravel before use is important and the good thing is that it’s very easy to clean.

    5.    Surface Area

    The surface area of gravel is great which creates contact with the roots. This encourages optimal water and nutrient absorption. However, you need to ensure the surface area is smooth with no sharp edges. This is to prevent injury to the root of your plants from friction especially when you move your container. Therefore, always go for the polished gravel rather than the sharp ones.

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    6.    Reusable

    Another good advantage of gravel is that it can be reused. Thus, you enjoy long-lasting use. All you need do is to take them out of your grow bed and spread out the gravel after each use for them to dry out. Also, wash and rinse them thoroughly and remove any dead roots and debris. Then you put them back into your grow bed as they are ready to be reused.

    Disadvantages Of Hydroponic Medium Gravel

    Below are some downsides to using hydroponic medium gravel in your hydroponic garden:

    • Weight Issues: The weight of gravel is one of their main drawbacks. Their weight might hinder you if like to move your growing plants. Also, your plant beds must be strong enough to hold their weight especially if they have to be raised above ground level.

    • Needs To Be Sashed: Pure gravel may come with a lot of dirt or particles. Thus, they need to be washed to prevent these particles from clogging your system.

    • PH Imbalance: Gravel may cause pH imbalance because it may react with the water solution. Depending on the type of parent material of your gravel, some of this gravel rock can increase the pH level. This may cause plants’ inability to take in nutrients because each nutrient requires a particular pH range for adequate nutrient uptake. Thus, this can cause a nutrient lockout. You will need to always monitor the pH and adjust accordingly to get on top of the situation.

    • Plant Root Drying Out: Because of their high draining properties, they have that much ability to hold water. Thus. Your plants may dry out quickly. You can resolve this by setting up a good irrigation system that will always keep your plant moist.

    pH imbalance

    FAQ’s

    Can you use gravel for hydroponics?

    Yes, gravel is a good substrate to grow in hydroponics, especially for houseplants.
    Gravel provides a lot of surface area for roots to grow on. In addition, the spaces between the rocks provide aeration and allow water to drain away. Gravel is not as good for growing tomatoes or other crops that require a lot of nutrients, but it is suitable for houseplants.
    Small rocks are often used as a substrate for growing hydroponically, and large rocks can also be used. As long as they are not too large, they will work just fine. You may need to add some type of fertilizer to the substrate. The best substrate for growing is a mixture of sand and pebbles. I have heard of people using gravel for their indoor gardens, but I don’t know if they use small stones or large ones.

    What rocks are used for hydroponics?

    For hydroponic growing, rocks of varying sizes are used. The size and shape of the rock affects the absorption of water by the rock. In general, smaller rocks absorb more water than larger ones, but that is not always the case. The most common types of rocks used are granite, slate, marble, and basalt. 

    It depends on the type of rock you use and what you are growing in the system. For example, the absorption rate of the rock will vary depending on its size.
    If you use a small rock for a hydroponic system, you should choose one that is dense enough to prevent the nutrients from leaking out. If you use a large rock, you should choose one that is porous enough to allow the nutrients to penetrate the rock. If you are using a hydroponic system in an aquarium or fish tank, then the rock should be fine, because the water level in the aquarium or tank is usually at or near the surface. However, if you are using a hydroponic system in a bucket or other vessel, then the rock should be large enough to prevent the nutrient solution from spilling over the top.

    Can I use river rocks in hydroponics?

    You can use river rock as a substrate for your plants. They may not be the best option, but it’s worth a try. If you don’t have enough space to grow your plants in a larger container, then river rock will do the job. You can use it to make a grow bed. A substrate is something that plants grow on and absorb nutrients from. The two main substrates are sand or peat moss.
    These two substrates are often used with hydroponics because they allow water to easily flow through. River rock is not a good substrate for hydroponic use. It has small holes and cracks, which could hold water. It could also cause problems with the nutrients flowing into the plant. Another issue is that if you use river rock, you might find that you need to change your pH level more often than you would with sand or peat moss.
    You should consider the following points when using river rock in a hydroponic garden: You should make sure that the river rock is not contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, as these can cause health problems. You should also make sure that the river rock has a good drainage system.

    Hydroponic Medium Gravel: Final Say

    We can see that using gravel as a medium in your hydroponics garden is not so bad. Even though gravel may not be one of the best grow mediums to use in your hydroponic garden, it can still serve some good purposes.

    Both sand and gravel can be used as a growing medium. However, most hydroponic growers will go with gravel as they are more reliable.

    So, that’s what we have on hydroponic medium gravel and we hope you’ve learned two or more things. Happy growing!

  • Stackable Gardening Containers

    Stackable Gardening Containers

    Vertical gardening is an interesting type of gardening, but do you know how to set them up from the scratch? This is where vertical stackable gardening containers come in. They are popular growing tools in the techniques of indoor vertical gardeners.

    Vertical gardening is a wonderful idea if you are short of grow space and you wish to maximize yield in a limited space. So, stackable gardening containers can help you achieve this and they come in different sizes and shapes to suit your plants.

    In this post, we will be looking at what you need to know about vertical stackable gardening and more. So, continue reading to gain some knowledge.

    What Are Stackable Garden Containers?

    Stackable gardening containers are ready-made containers used in creating or setting up a vertical garden from the scratch. They are easy to set up and can be obtained online or from any garden center.

    You can also make a DIY version using different materials such as woods, small plastic pots, grow bags, PVC tubes, etc. But to save yourself the stress, you should purchase a ready-made container as it will make your work easier and faster.

    What Are Stackable Garden Containers

    Guidelines On Growing With Stackable Garden Planters

    For a better vertical growing experience, you need to plan and put some things into consideration before you purchase your stackable container.  Below are some guidelines you can follow on growing with and choosing your stackable container:

    1.    Sunlight Location & Space Availability

    Deciding the appropriate location for your plants to receive sunlight is one crucial factor to consider. This will determine the type of variety to grow in your vertical garden.  The space available will as well determine what type of plant variety to grow.

    Take for instance, when you set up your containers and your planters are too close to other vertical containers, there might be an issue with other lower container levels. The upper levels may receive more light than the lower levels which can cause the upper levels to flourish more than the lower levels. This same situation may also occur if your containers are too close to the tree or walls.

    The good thing is that this can be solved by planting low light requiring plants or plants that require partial shade for the lower levels. On the other hand, you should grow plants that need full sunlight on the upper-level containers.

    Plants such as vegetables and fruits will do well under full sunlight. Your plant’s label or seed packet label should contain the plant’s sun requirement. Thus, you can make a good decision with this information by matching the location you have with your planter.

    Sunlight Location & Space Availability

    2.    Potting Mix To Use

    The recommended potting mix to use in your vertical garden is a partially acidic garden or flowering potting mix. The potting soil mix should be abundant in organic matter and should be well-draining. It should also have good water retention and good air circulation.

    3.    Maximum Number Of Planter Levels

    The maximum number of planter levels fall between the ranges of 3 to 10. You can get some planters designs that will allow you to start with 3 to 5 levels and add up more levels with time if need be.

    However, there are some downsides to stacking these containers. They can tip over if they are not rigid to the ground. But you can introduce some form of additional support to hold them down. A central rod or bar can be used to hold the container still.

    Although, as the plant grows with time: the plants gain more stiffness and mass which spread across the root on each level. This may help hold the levels steady from the wind.

    4.    Number Of Containers Per Level

    We can have the number of containers for each level to be around 3 to 6 with 4 pots. However, this can differ.

    For bigger and strong plants such as strawberries, one plant per pot is recommended. But if you’re growing smaller plants such as pine berries, you can grow up to 3 or more plants in a single container. Thus, this will increase the number of plants for each container or level.

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    5.    Fertilizing

    The nutrient application will depend on the type of plant you have. Supply the right fertilizer quantity according to the plants’ actual needs. Also, if you notice any slight change in growth, adjust the fertilizer according to your plants’ need.

    Fertilizer application will encourage strong and healthy plant growth. To your potting soil mix, you can add humus or compost together with NPK fertilizer. Also, you we recommend adding mulch for soil protection and moisture retention. Mulch will as well help control soil pH.

    6.    Vertical Plant Watering

    Next, we look at how to water your vertical containers. Some of these vertical container models are made using the ‘flow-through design.’ This means all you need do is to water the upper level of the container and the water will flow through and reach other levels.

    You can be sure the upper level that receives most water is not totally submerged in water because the soil is well-draining. They will also ensure the soil retains moisture without the need for additional watering.

    However, with the flow-through method, ensure you monitor the lower or last level to see if water or moisture gets through to them. If they aren’t receiving moisture, this means you have to water them directly.

    FAQ’s

    What vegetables grow in stacked pots?

    You can grow a lot of different things in a stacked pot. A good rule of thumb is that if you can plant it in the ground, it can be grown in a stacked pot. Some plants like to grow tall, some prefer shorter growth, and some grow better with an open structure. But as long as they have enough growing space, you can grow them in a stacked pot.

    Stacking pots is great because it allows you to grow more than one plant at once, saving money and reducing space in your garden. It also allows you to grow more crops at once by using a vertical growing method.

    How do you use stacking pots?

    The first step when stacking pots is to remove all of the soil from the bottom of the pots. Remove any pots that are cracked or damaged, and make sure the potting mix is well drained. You can use a garden trowel to scrape out the mix from the bottom of the pot. Fill the bottom half of the pots with the same soil mixture as the top half. Then fill the pots with a new potting mix. For most plants, fill the pots up to two-thirds of the way with potting mix. Fill the last third with either vermiculite, peat moss, or perlite.

    When it comes to planting, you want to start filling the pots with your seeds, seedlings, and cuttings. Start with the seeds and seedlings first. If you have a tray of seeds, you can put them in the middle of the pots, filling the pots halfway. Then fill the rest of the pots with the same soil mixture as the top half of the pots.

    For the next step, you will need to transplant your seedlings. Take each plant out of its pot, and remove the roots from the potting mix. Place the plant into the new potting mix in the bottom half of the pot. Do not push the plant into the soil, but place the root ball gently into the new potting mix. Add some more potting mix on top of the roots until they are covered. Plants should be watered every day for the first week.

    How do you choose good containers for your plants?

    You can buy a variety of containers and see which ones you like. Small Medium Large

    You can also purchase containers made from materials such as: Wood Porcelain Glass Stainless steel Aluminum Polyethylene Plastic

    There are several things to consider when choosing a container. The first is how much space you have available.

    You will want to make sure that the container you choose has enough room for your seeds to grow. If you need to grow many different varieties, you will want to look for a large container. Next, you will want to look at what type of container you would like to use. Are you planning on growing vegetables? Do you want to grow herbs? Or do you just want a container to hold some flowers? In general, you can choose between a glass, ceramic, or plastic container. Glass containers are the most common, and they are usually fairly inexpensive. Ceramic containers are also popular because they are durable and heat resistant. Plastic containers are also quite durable, but they may not be as heat resistant. You will also want to look at how much space you have available.

    You should make sure that your containers have drainage holes in them, so that if there is a water problem, it will drain out instead of staying in the soil.

    Conclusion On Stackable Gardening Containers

    There’s no disputing that vertical gardening is a fun way of gardening and stackable gardening planters can help you achieve this. They come in different sizes and shapes which offer you the options of choosing the ones that will suit your growing plants’ needs.

    Even if you live in a small spaced apartment or have just a small outdoor garden space, vertical gardening will offer you the chance of growing in any small space. So, take advantage of that small space you have in your home or garden and grow any type of crops with stackable gardening containers.