Grower Today

Category: Aquaponics

  • How To Do Vertical Farming At Home

    How To Do Vertical Farming At Home

    You can enjoy fresh veggies and other types of crops in the comfort of your home by venturing into vertical farming. This post will give you an easy guide on how to do vertical farming at home.

    Vertical farming is a type of farming system that involves growing crops in a stacked-up manner. So, if vertical farming interests you and you’re wondering how to do vertical farming at home, we will enlighten you in this post.

    What Is Vertical Farming System?

    A vertical farming system is a method of growing all types of crops in vertical layers. Plants are stacked up to save more space and this allows you to raise plants in a much closer space. It also encourages maximum utilization of very small space at the same time results in abundant yield.

    What Is Vertical Farming System

    How To Do Vertical Farming At Home

    How to do vertical farming at home is easy and we will put you through this. The first thing is to decide if you would be building a DIY system or if you’d purchase the complete supplies.

    However, there is a popular and easier vertical DIY system that will especially suit your home or kitchen. This type of vertical farming structure was designed by Belgian professor Willem Van Cottehem.

    This method makes use of transformed regular bottles into usable containers by stringing them together in a container rack. Also, all types of plants including young tree (will be transplanted after attaining optimal height) can be grown using this technique.

    The most interesting beneficial thing about this type of vertical system is that it doesn’t make use of electricity. Also, it is simply a low-cost, sturdy, and much simpler type of vertical farming.

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    Steps On Bottle Tower Vertical Home Farming

    Follow these steps to learn how to carefully set up the bottle tower garden and the materials required in building a bottle tower garden:

    Step 1

    So, obtain some plastic bottles of water. Stack up about 6 to 7 rows depending on your preference. Trim off the base of all the bottles resulting in two openings: the base and the funnel. Also, drill two holes close to the lid on the two sides. These holes will serve as drainage for draining excess water in the system.

    Step 2

    So, fill the bottle with a soil mix composed of local soil and compost or animal manure. Fill the bottle up and leave about an inch free at the base.

    Since the bottle will be stacked up line by line, the bottles at the bottom row of the vertical garden should have their lid or cover. A hole should be drilled into the cover. This bottle should stand at the bottom of the tower. So, the rest of the rows or layers should be stacked without the cover.

    Steps On Bottle Tower Vertical Home Farming

    Step 3

    All the bottles are attached to a wall or any kind of supporting structure. A binding wire is also used to hold or attach the bottles together.

    Then the upper part of the stacked bottle should be with a cover or lid. This will serve as a funnel for filling the bottle at the top of the tower. Water for example can be poured via the upper bottle and it will drip down into all the other bottles in the tower.

    Step 4

    Next, make a small window by cutting part of each bottle. You can decide to create two windows by cutting the upper and lower part of each bottle. So, it is through this window that seed, seedlings, or young plants are planted into.

    An extra tip to improve the dripping system from the funnel of the upper bottle put a little sand in the upper bottle funnel. Therefore, this sand in the upper funnel will serve as a filter as water goes down through the upper bottle funnel down other bottles.

    What To Grow In Vertical Indoor Farming at Home?

    There are various crops to be grown in vertical farming. You can grow all kinds of vegetables. However, you may be limited in growing bigger and taller plants as they may not accommodate them as they grow big. You can also grow various types of succulent plants.

    So, below are some examples of vegetables or fruits that can be grown in a vertical system:

    FAQ’s

    Is vertical farming worthwhile?

    Vertical farming is a growing trend in which plants are grown in a controlled environment that allows them to grow on a flat surface with little or no need for soil. As opposed to conventional, horizontal farming methods where crops are grown in rows and watered with sprinklers or drip irrigation, vertical farms use hydroponic systems and controlled lighting to provide all the nutrients required for optimal growth.

    While vertical farming has been around for decades, it’s only recently that more and more homes have adopted the concept. If you do it right, it is definitely worth the effort.

    It is accomplished by stacking multiple layers of plastic over trays filled with hydroponic nutrient solution. The plant roots grow through holes in the plastic, which allows the plants to receive all the nutrients they need. In a vertical farm, the layers of plastic are stacked on top of one another, creating a series of growing chambers that can be used for different types of crops.

    What’s a great system for home-use?

    Let’s take a closer look at the Grow Tower and see what makes it so great.

    Advantages of the Grow Tower

    1.You don’t need to worry about temperature, light, or any other aspect of growing plants. The Grow Tower allows you to grow any plant from seeds.

    2. It’s eco-friendly There are many benefits to growing your own food, but one of the biggest is sustainability. Growing your own food doesn’t use up a lot of resources, and it doesn’t require a lot of land. The Grow Tower is also an eco-friendly system. This means you can grow food in any environment. You don’t need a greenhouse, and you don’t need to buy fertilizer.

    3. It’s cost-efficient One of the most important aspects of growing your own food is cost-efficiency. The Grow Tower is one of the most cost-effective systems for growing plants. It can be used in any location, whether indoors or outdoors, and it costs less than traditional methods.

    4. It’s portable If you want to grow plants outside, but don’t have the space, the Grow Tower is the perfect solution. It’s modular, so you can create the height you need. You can add more modules to increase the height, and you can remove them when you’re finished. The Grow Tower can be moved from one place to another, and you can even take it on vacation. You won’t have to worry about bringing seeds or soil with you.

    5. It’s convenient One of the biggest advantages of the Grow Tower is that it’s convenient. You can grow plants anywhere, whether it’s in your backyard or on a boat. You don’t have to worry about where to grow them, and you don’t have to use a greenhouse. The Grow Tower also has an automatic watering system, so you don’t have to worry about watering.

    6. It’s customizable You can customize the Grow Tower to fit your needs.

    7. It’s incredibly easy to grow plants using the Grow Tower One of the biggest advantages of the Grow Tower is that it’s easy to use. It doesn’t require much space, and it doesn’t require any technical knowledge. All you need to do is add soil to the base, place the seeds on top, and water.

    Why is vertical farming great over soil in small homes?

    The vertical farming system allows plants to grow in a container that is completely submerged under water. This eliminates the need to use soil and the use of nutrients makes it possible to grow plants on a much smaller scale. These systems also allow you to grow food year round, which is why they are becoming so popular. Vertical farming systems are great for growing herbs and vegetables that are low maintenance. They also allow you to grow food without spending a lot of money.

    Vertical farming systems are great for small farms and urban settings. The only problem with these systems is that they are expensive. However, there are ways to cut down on your costs. First, you can make your own grow beds. You can either use PVC pipes or concrete blocks to make your beds. When you grow plants in containers, you will need to fill the containers with potting mix. You will also need a system to keep the water level constant. This can be done with a reservoir, which can hold up to one thousand gallons. If you want to make your own grow beds, you can build them into a greenhouse. For example, if you have a two car garage, you can put your grow bed into the lower part of the garage. Make sure you have a system to keep the water from leaking out. If you are going to use a grow bed, it is best to do it outside. If you are going to do it inside, you will need to build a frame that will hold the container in place. You will also need to make sure that the container is waterproof.

    Home Vertical Farming Closing Remark

    We do hope this article has enlightened you on how to do vertical farming at home? So, get farming in a vertical manner and enjoy maximum crop yield in a managed space.

  • Plant Growth Under Different Colors Of Light

    Plant Growth Under Different Colors Of Light

    The effect of plant growth under different colors of the light spectrum plays a key role in how they flourish. As a grower, it is normal for you to want your plant to thrive beautifully, and supplying them with the appropriate colors of light is the way to go.

    This is why you need to know the impact different colors of light have on the growth of your plant. In this article, we will enlighten you on how the various colors of light affect the growth of plants. So, read on to find out.

    Plant Growth Under Different Colors Of Light

    The varying colors of light have a tangible implication on how rapidly or slow your plants will develop. All green plants require either natural sunlight or artificial light that will switch on the chlorophyll that prompts nutrient production. This is done through the process of photosynthesis.

    Light also plays a crucial part in the different growth stages of your plant’s life cycle. The energy from light is captured by the green pigment chlorophyll and this light is used to manufacture food for the use of plants.

    The production of this food enhances the growth of plants thereby generating more plant produce. Now, what we want to know is do all the different colors of light generate the same amount of yield for the growth of plants.

    Effect Of Plant Growth Under Different Colors Of Light

    The color of light has a different spectrum and plants will assimilate each color but in different amounts. The absorption rate will determine how plants will flourish under each color.

    Different colors of light come in different wavelengths and it is this wavelength that will determine how plants will take in colors of light. But have in mind that the more plants absorb light the more it boosts plants’ growth.

    Blue Light

    Blue light has a short wavelength and its energy potential is great. This light is known to enhance the growth of plants and it makes plants attain maturity more rapidly. It is particularly required during the early stage of the plant.

    Blue Light

    Blue light also assists in the manufacture of chlorophyll and it helps assimilates energy for the use of photosynthesis. They are great for germinating seeds or seedlings and young plants because plants will absorb a huge amount of blue light to grow. The blue light will also boost the growth of leaves, stems, and roots.

    How Does Red Light Affect Plant Growth?

    Red light has the longest wavelength when it comes to the color spectrum. It is great for plants’ growth but they are not so effective on their own.

    So, they need to be combined with other colors especially blue light to yield excellent results. Red light is required for flowering and the combination with blue is great for the vegetative phase. Red light also assists in the breakdown of chlorophyll thereby encouraging more light and energy assimilation for plant development.

    Far-Red Light

    We also have far-red light and it has a very low wavelength which is closer to the infrared wavelength. If you want abundant yield, far-red should be used. Far-red will help accelerate the growth process of the plant every time they go into the nighttime state.

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    Violet Or Purple Light

    Violet with its short wavelength and higher amount of energy boosts the flavor and color of vegetables and fruits. This color will also boost the number of antioxidants present in plants.

    How Does Yellow Light Affect Plant Growth?

    Yellow light does not have much effect on plant growth and no significant plant benefits have been seen with yellow light.

    Greenlight

    Because plants are already green, green light is usually reflected by plants and thus does not have much effect on them. However, plants can assimilate just a little portion of green light for their photosynthesis process.

    Ultraviolet Light

    Ultraviolet light has been known to be detrimental to life forms, especially in too much dose. Therefore, the high intensity of UV light is as well detrimental to plant growth.

    Ultraviolet Light

    What Hormone Causes Plants to Grow Towards Light?

    The hormone that ensures plant cells elongate and grows toward the sun is auxin. When light conditions are normal, auxins spread throughout the plant. When there’s more shade, auxins break down and move to the sunnier side.

    Which Plants Can Grow in Artificial Light?

    All plants can grow under artificial light. Sunlight has the perfect balance of wavelengths plants need to thrive, but this can be closely created with grow lights. Low-light plants do well under artificial light. If you have the right light, your plants will stay healthy!

    Which Color of Light Bulb Would Be Least Useful for Growing Plants Indoors?

    The least effective artificial light bulb is green. Plants are already green thanks to the chlorophyll pigment in their leaves. They need the light of different colors to help them achieve their growth goals.

    You should use violet-blue grow lights for the best results. This color encourages chlorophyll absorption, helping plants photosynthesis and grow. Flowers are more likely to bud and bloom if you use red light.

    How Do You Grow Plants With UV Light?

    Growing plants with UV lights can be beneficial. UV lights can speed up germination and strengthen plants. You can use UV lights by hanging them over your plants and placing them at the sides of your grow room or tent.

    How Long Should I Leave My Plants Under Grow Lights?

    Plants typically need 14 – 18 hours of artificial light daily, depending on what you grow. A good rule of thumb is to keep plants under this amount of UV light if they need 6 – 8 hours of sunlight daily.

    How Far Should LED Grow Light Be From Plants?

    How far a LED grow light should be from a plant depends on its wattage. It’s best to keep 200-watt lights at least 12 inches from the top of your plants. Lights with an even higher wattage should be a minimum of 35 inches from the top of your plants.

    Exposing your plants to too much UV light can harm them. Your plant cells will damage, resulting in bleached leaves. If overexposure continues, your plant could die.

    It’s important not to misuse grow lights. Do enough research to ensure you know how it’ll affect your plants and how to properly use it.

    How Much Are Grow Lights for Plants?

    You should use at least 20 watts of grow lights per square foot of plants. To determine how much you need, divide your bulb wattage between 20. How much this amount of light will cost you depends on several factors. The brand, size, and type of light are a few.

    You can expect to pay about $15 for white 100-watt grow bulbs. A 100-watt lamp can cost up to $40. Colored lights typically cost more. The price range for a 200-watt white, blue, and red panel light starts at $50.

    I suggest shopping around and talking to a sales consultant at local stores selling grow lights. This will give you a better idea of what you need.

    Conclusion On Does The Color Of Light Affect Plants Growth

    We can now conclude that red and blue light has the most significant effect on plant growth.

    With that said, we hope you now have an understanding of plant growth under different colors of light. Ensure you are enlightened on how light intensity affects plants’ growth and yield.

    FAQs

    How does different colored light affect plant growth?

    Different colored lights can be used to control the growth of plants. Different types of lights are used to stimulate plant growth. They can be used indoors or outdoors. The lights can be used to control the growth of plants in a greenhouse, indoor garden, or outdoor garden. Colored lights are used to improve the growth of plants. The lights may be used to control the growth of plants indoors or outdoors.

    The lights may be used to control the growth of plants indoors or outdoors. A white light is used to stimulate growth. The light stimulates photosynthesis. A white light is also used for colorizing the plants. Red light stimulates growth and promotes root development. It also improves the production of chlorophyll. It also reduces the growth of harmful bacteria. Blue light is used to promote flowering. It also helps to regulate circadian rhythms. Yellow light increases the production of sugar in the plants. It also improves the production of chlorophyll. It also stimulates the growth of root hairs. Green light is used to promote plant growth. It also controls the growth of weeds and pests. It also stimulates the formation of chlorophyll. Green light is used to control the growth of weeds and pests. Orange light is used to promote root growth. Orange light is also used to stimulate the production of chlorophyll.

    What color light produces the most flowers?

    Plants grown under red light grow and bloom more quickly than plants grown under blue or green light, which means that they produce more flowers. In addition, plants grown under red light have a greater number of leaves. Plants grown under blue light grow and bloom slower than those grown under red light, but they produce fewer flowers.

    What should I consider when choosing a color light for my plants?

    Here is a list of things to consider when deciding on a plant light:

    What color of light do you want? What kind of plants do you have? Do you have a limited budget? How much time do you have to spend on your plants? Are you able to access the sun at any time during the day? (Many indoor plants like to have some direct sunlight, and some indirect light.) If you can’t get direct sunlight, what kind of artificial lighting is available to you? Do you have a window that can be opened to allow in light? Do you have plants that require high levels of light? (This can mean that you will need to use high-intensity lamps). If you have a large number of plants, how much space do you have for lights? Is it easy to move your plants around, and would you like to be able to move the lights with the plants?

  • Does Artificial Light Help Plants?

    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.
    Types Of Artificial Lighting For Plants - Fluorescent Light
    • 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.

  • How Long For Clones To Root

    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.

    Know-How To Take Clones To Root

    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.

  • Are White LED Lights Good For Growing

    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.

    White LED Lights Are Made Of

    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.

  • Aquaponic Fish To Plant Ratio

    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.

    Brief Into Aquaponics

    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.

  • Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    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.

    Precautions To Take When Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    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.