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Category: Hydroponics

  • How To Make Rockwool Cubes

    How To Make Rockwool Cubes

    Rockwool is a great hydroponic grow media that offers excellent water retention as well as good air circulation. The rockwool cubes are used by hydroponic growers to start their seedlings and root their cuttings. So, if you’re wondering how to make rockwool cubes, we will enlighten you on this.

    It is one thing to buy ready-made rockwool plugs or starter cubes but do you know you can make some of these rockwool yourself? Making rockwool cubes will even cost lesser thereby saving you more. You also get more numbers of cubes at a lesser price.

    So, if you wish to learn how to make rockwool cubes for growing, read on to learn about this.

    Rockwool Cubes

    Rockwool is a natural product with a thick mat that comprises a long strand of natural fibers. They are formed by melting (at a very high temperature of 3000 degrees Fahrenheit) the combination of chalk and basalt rock to form lava. This lava is then tossed into a spinning chamber which forms the fibers that look like cotton candy.

    After spinning the fibers, a binding agent is used to mix and press them into bigger mats or slabs. It is these mats that are cut into different sizes and used as growing mediums in hydroponic systems.

    Rockwool Cubes

    So, because of this firing process, these rockwool cubes are biologically and chemically inert. This makes them a perfect growing medium for your hydroponics systems.

    Rockwool cubes are very efficient as grow medium because they will retain good moisture and also retain oxygen. This is essential for germinating seeds as well as cuttings for propagation. They are also used to grow various compact plants.

    Learn How To Make Rockwool Cubes

    Making your rockwool cube is a great idea to save up from excess cost. To make rockwool cubes, you need to obtain rockwool slabs. You can obtain them from large construction companies that buy in bulk and use them to your advantage as an indoor grower. You can also check any hydroponic supplies store for these slabs.

    Rockwool Growing Slabs

    Obtaining rockwool slabs will cost you lesser at the same time gives you plenty numbers of rockwool cubes to be used for planting. You can get almost 200 rockwool cubes from one rockwool slabs and they can be used for growing in rockwool slabs.

    So, after obtaining your rockwool slabs, pick one and make a cut along the middle length of the slab with a sharp knife or tool. Now that your slab has been cut into two, go ahead and cut them further into cubes. Cut the cubes according to the shapes you want.

    Learn How To Make Rockwool Cubes

    Once you’re done cutting the cubes, go ahead and soak and drain them in preparation of seed planting. You will need to make small holes or incision on the top of your rockwool grow cubes. This is to create the hole for your seed to be placed in. Then you go ahead and place your seeds into the holes for germination.

    Note: ensure you wear gloves and put a mask on while making or handling these slabs. Their dust or tiny fibers can become airborne and it’s important you prevent them from getting into your respiratory system.

    Benefits Of Using Rockwool Cubes

    There are many benefits to suing rockwool and they include:

    • Water Retention & Draining: Rockwool cubes are well-draining and overwatering issue is less likely to occur. At the same time, they will retain a good amount of water for your plant growing needs.
    • Air Circulation: they also allow adequate air to circulate thereby oxygenating the plant roots.
    • Reusable: Because they are derived from rock, they are less likely to degrade. Therefore, you can use them many times.
    • Sterile & Safe: They are very sterile and contain no pests or pathogens and they are free of weeds. They are also safe to use as they don’t contain any harmful chemicals.

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    How To Prepare Rockwool Cubes

    Rockwool cubes preparation is an important step to take when using these cubes. Because of the manner in which they are made or manufactured, unprepared rockwool cubes have a very high pH. There is presence of lime in abundance in the rockwool fibers which increases the pH and the pH is usually around 8.

    With this high pH, if used in your hydroponic system unprepared, they can cause nutrient lockout thereby causing a nutrient deficiency. Plants majorly do well in slightly acidic mediums. Therefore, lowering the pH of your rockwool cube is required.

    Rockwool Grow Preparations

    A good way of preparing rockwool cubes for the purpose of lowering their pH is by soaking them in acidic water. This acidic water will dissolve the lime present in the rockwool fibers thereby lowering the pH to an appropriate range.

    Distilled water will do just fine because of its purity. However, you can also make use of tap water if that’s what you have available.

    When reducing the pH of your rockwool, ensure you do it slowly while testing the Ph level at the same time. You want to attain a pH level of 5.5 and nothing lower than 5.0. Make sure the pH does not go down below 5.0. This is so you don’t destroy the rockwool fibers when it gets too acidic.

    The rockwool cube should be immersed in water and allowed to soak for up to 24 hours. Once you’re done soaking. Take them out of the water and gently place them into your hydroponics system. With the prepared rockwool in your system, let your hydroponics system run without any plants.

    Do this and wait until the pH of your hydroponic system reaches 5.0 to 6.0 ranges. This shows that the rockwool cube is stable and are ready for planting.

    FAQ’s

    What is rockwool for plants made of?

    Rockwool is a natural, organic material that is formed when water seeps into the cracks in stone. Over time, these stones turn into hard, porous rock with the consistency of cheese. The rockwool is collected from the quarry and processed to remove impurities. What is rockwool used for? Rockwool is one of the most popular growing media because it provides many benefits for plants.

    It’s a great choice for high-light and low-light environments, and it can be used indoors or out. Rockwool also provides air and moisture circulation, as well as good drainage. It’s an ideal growing medium for houseplants because it absorbs water, helps prevent soil from drying out, and is perfect for retaining water.

    Rockwool comes in several different shapes, sizes, and textures. The best types for houseplants are pebble, granule, and cube. 

    How do you prepare composting with rock wool cubes?

    The following is how to prepare rockwool cubes to help you get your compost started.

    Step 1: Collect your material

    If you want to use rockwool cubes to start your compost, you will need to collect a wide range of materials. This includes organic waste that you normally throw out, such as food scraps, paper, leaves, grass clippings, and weeds. It also includes animal manure that you have collected, such as chicken, horse, cow, or rabbit manure.

    Step 2:Remove the packaging

    If you are using rockwool cubes to start your compost, you should remove the packaging before placing it in the pile. This includes removing any labels that might say “do not compost” or “biodegradable only.” It also includes removing any plastic wrapping that you might have put around the rockwool cubes. You should remove this wrapping before putting the cubes into the pile.

    Step 3: Place the cubes in the pile

    If you want to use rockwool cubes to start your compost, you will need to place the cubes in the pile. When you are ready to do this, first make sure that the material that you collected is dry enough to make a good compost. Then, simply place the rockwool cubes into the pile and cover them with an additional layer of the material that you collected.

    Step 4: Start turning the pile

    If you want to use rockwool cubes to start your compost, you will need to start turning the pile. This means that you will need to periodically turn the pile by lifting the material and turning it over. This will help to expose more of the rockswool cubes to air and light. You should keep turning the pile until the material is completely dry.

    Step 5: Water Your Composting

    Compost can be water-logged if there is too much moisture in it, which can lead to problems like mold or rotting. To prevent this from happening, you need to keep your compost moist. This means that you should add water when you add the materials. You should then water the pile regularly. This will help to keep the compost healthy. When you want to use a compost bin, you can start using one right away.

    Final Say On How To Make Rockwool Cube

    Rockwool cubes are one favorite grow medium amongst hydroponic growers and they are available in different sizes and shapes. They are safe to use and they will provide your seeds or plants the basic features to grow optimally.

  • Adding Nutrients To Aquaponics

    Adding Nutrients To Aquaponics

    Aquaponics combines raising fish and growing crops in a system and the fish waste serves as the plant’s nutrient. The plants also filter the water for the fish. However, sometimes the fish waste that serves as a plant’s nutrient may not be enough, and adding nutrients to your aquaponics system may be required.

    This is why it is important you test your nutrient solution often to know if any nutrient addition will be necessary. This will help you prevent nutrient deficiencies in your aquaponics system. Adding nutrients to your aquaponics system when necessary will also boost the yield of your plants.

    So, continue reading to learn about adding nutrients to your aquaponics system.

    Aquaponics Nutrients

    Nutrients are essential for plants growth and as we said earlier, the fish in your aquaponics provides these nutrients. The fish food you feed your fish usually contains all the appropriate nutrients required by your plants and it’s been supplied to your plants from the fish waste.

    However, this fish waste may not contain the required nutrient quantity needed by your plants to grow efficiently. This is why supplemental nutrients may be required. So, adding nutrients to your aquaponics system is for the purpose of balancing the low level or low amount of nutrients provided by the fish food.

    Aquaponics Nutrients

    Testing

    Before we look into adding nutrients to your aquaponics, the first thing to do is to test your nutrient solutions. This will help determine which nutrients are deficient and if they need nutrient supplements. Also, you will be testing for temperatures, pH range, and electrical conductivity. All these parameters need to be tested in your aquaponics system for nutrients to be absorbed appropriately.  There are different testing kits available for you to be able to do all this required testing.

    • PH Range

    It is important for the pH level of your nutrient solution must be in range. This is required for optimal nutrient uptake by your plant and also for your fish survival.

    If the pH level is out of range, plants will be unable to absorb nutrients appropriately. This is in turn causes the water to be polluted as this prevents the ammonia from converting to nitrates. It can also expose your fish to diseases.

    • Temperatures

    When the temperature of your fish surrounding is too low or too high, it will cause your fish to become stressed. At the same time, it will affect your plants’ growth.

    Inappropriate temperatures range can as well cause harm to the beneficial bacteria responsible for the conversion of ammonia to nitrates. When this happens, it can be quite detrimental to your aquaponics system.

    • Electrical Conductivity

    Inappropriate electrical conductivity can slow the growth of your plants. Thus, decreasing the quality of your plant’s growth. It can also make the growth of your plant very fast which may be bad for some plants that will enter into the bolting phase quickly.

    Electrical Conductivity

    Aquaponics Nutrient Supplements: Adding Nutrients To Aquaponics

    The most common nutrient deficiency that usually occurs in an aquaponic system is calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. These are part of the most essential elements required in your aquaponics system.

    So, depending on the nutrient element missing, here are the following ways of adding nutrients to your aquaponics system:

    1. Calcium

    The calcium deficiency can be solved effectively by spraying calcium solution over your plants. Mix calcium chloride with water and start with 4 teaspoons per gallon. Afterward, you can up the dose if need be. Ensure you spray once every week.

    1. Phosphorus

    Using rock phosphate is one of the most easiest and common methods of adding phosphorous to your plants. Adding this supplement directly to your plant beds will allow for instant absorption. However, ensure you protect your plant bed from direct sunlight to get a successful result.

    Adding shellfish bones to your fish tanks can also increase the supply of phosphorous as well as calcium.

    1. Potassium

    Spraying and food additives are two ways of adding potassium to your aquaponics system. Spray potassium chloride onto your plants and repeat this process at least once a week. For food additives, add kelp meal concentrate to feed your fish. This will serve as a source of potassium.

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    1. Iron

    To supply iron to your plants, a type of iron that can be easily absorbed by your plant should be used. You can use chelated iron and one excellent type we recommend is the Fe-DTPA. When using this, ensure your pH range is 7.5 or lower.

    Aquaponics Nutrient Deficiencies: Symptoms

    The most common deficiencies that may occur in your aquaponics systems are that of potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, and magnesium. So, here are their symptoms:

    • Potassium Deficiency: the symptoms include wrinkled and cupped leaves and this is usually noticed in older leaves.

    • Phosphorous Deficiency: you may begin to notice the leaves’ veins turning purple color. Brown spotting on leaves and spindly growth may be another sign of phosphorous deficiency. Stunted growth especially during the early stage of plant growth can be another symptom of phosphorous deficiency.

    • Calcium Deficiency: deficiency in calcium will result in stunted growth and brown spotting on the young stem and on the leaves. You may also notice the leaves cupping and interveinal chlorosis. The plant that is a fruiting variety will exhibit blossom end rot.

    • Magnesium Deficiency: the symptom of magnesium deficiency is interveinal chlorosis that will begin from the older leaves. You may also notice some white to brown necrotic spots.

    • Iron Deficiency: deficiency of iron is very easy to discover. You will notice interveinal chlorosis on all the young growth of your plant. The severity of the interveinal chlorosis can be so obvious that it displays an almost white appearance in the affected plant area.

    FAQ’s

    Can you add nutrients to an aquaponics system?

    Aquaponics combines the two technologies of aquaculture and hydroponics. Aquaculture is a form of farming that relies on the capture and rearing of aquatic animals for food, while hydroponics uses the nutrient-rich water in which plants are grown to nourish them. In the past, aquaponics has been mostly used by small scale farmers to produce organic vegetables, but now it can be used in commercial settings as well. With its high efficiency, low maintenance, and high yield, aquaponics has become a viable option for urban dwellers who want to live green and healthy lives. If you want to add nutrients to your aquaponics system, you can.

    How do I add nitrogen to my aquaponics system?

    Nitrogen is added to the water in an aquaponic system, either through the use of fertilizers or by adding air that contains nitrogen. Adding a fertilizer with nitrogen can be done at any time during the growing season. The amount of fertilizer added will depend on how much of the crop you are planning to grow and how much fish you are planning to raise. Air containing nitrogen is typically available at all times but you may need to add it more often during the summer months.

    What type of fertilizers can I use in an aquaponic system? There are many different types of fertilizers for an aquaponic system. The most common ones are: Organic Fertilizers These fertilizers are usually derived from plant materials and are usually free of harmful chemicals and other substances. There are many different organic fertilizers available depending on what you are planning to grow and the crops you are raising.

    What plant deficiencies are common in aquaponics?

    Aquaponics is a fascinating and fun way to grow food. But it’s also a complex and high-maintenance hobby that requires some understanding of the basic science behind it, as well as knowledge about plants and nutrition. There are many different ways to use aquaponics, from small urban systems that can fit on a balcony or rooftop to large commercial systems that can be installed in a warehouse or even a factory.
    The key to successful aquaponics is finding the right balance between water and fish. The water needs to be shallow enough to keep the fish from drowning. But you also don’t want to let the fish out of their tanks so that they will be able to eat the plants. You should be able to see the bottom of the tank at all times, so that you know exactly what’s going on in there. You also need to be sure that your water supply is clean. This means that you shouldn’t use tap water. It should be treated with chemicals to kill any bacteria that may be in it.
     

    Conclusion

    The most common nutrient deficiency in aquaponics is iron. Adding nutrients to the aquaponics system is mostly required in large-scale operations. This is because most aquaponics systems will do well on their own without requiring supplemental nutrients.

    Always monitor the pH levels of your nutrient solutions so your plants can absorb nutrients appropriately.

  • What Size Net Pots To Use

    What Size Net Pots To Use

    What size of net pots to use in your hydroponic system may be one question bothering your mind. Not too worry because we’ve got the answer for you here.

    Growing with net pot is one crucial part in your hydroponics. Net pots will help support your plant as well as keeping the grow medium from clogging your system.

    Net pots come in different sizes which means not all of them are made the same way. For this reason, it is important you select the appropriate size that will suit your plant’s growing needs. So, this is why we will be answering what size of net pots to use for your hydroponic system.

    What Are Net Pots?

    Net pots are mini plastic pots made to have a net framework and they are mostly used in hydroponic systems. They are used to support the different plants in a hydroponic system and they are made from a firm plastic mesh. They will also help with drainage and good airflow in your hydroponics system.

    You can use net pots with or without growing media. With growing media, you can use rockwool, Hydroton pebbles, coco peat, and even soil.

    Net pots will allow you to move or relocate your plants comfortably without causing any damages. These net pots are mostly reusable and can be used to grow different plants in a hydroponic system.

    What Are Net Pots

    What Size Net Pots To Use For Hydroponics

    The size of your net pot matters in hydroponics. if you get the wrong net pot size, it can hinder the growth of your plants. Various net pot sizes are available for purchase with different shapes and sizes.

    The major sizes you may come across are 2, 3, 3.75, 5, and 6 inches net pot size. In order to choose the accurate net pot size, the first and most important thing is to consider the size of the plant you will be growing. Also, take account of how the plants’ full size and weight will be when they reach harvest time.

    Small plants and leafy greens will fit into small net pots. While bigger or heavier plants will fit bigger net pots and the bigger net pot will provide a bigger base to support your plants. Bigger net pots will as well hold your grow medium.

    The net pot size for some plants such as pepper and squash is 4 to 6 inches net cup. While the net pot size for lettuce is 2 inch net cup. If you can obtain a 1 and a half inch net cup for lettuce, that will be great. Other small herbs can also use 2 inch net cups.

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    Use Narrow Net Pot Sizes

    You should choose net pot size that the holes are narrow rather than wide. This is so your grow medium does not slip through any of these holes and into your system. If too much grow medium slips through the holes, they start to reduce and your plant does not get enough anchor that can hold them steady.

    Therefore, choosing a narrow net pot cracks will not only hold your grow medium better, but it will also provide adequate base support to hold your plant steady.

    Use Net Pot With More Lips

    Some net pot comes with a couple of lips while others come with many lips. Always purchase net pots that have more lips or cracks. This will help hold your plants upright (especially heavy plants).

    If you make use of a net pot with few lips, when your plants become heavy they are more likely to tip over into your system.

    The root ball of your plants will sit at the base of your net pots: while the roots will come out at the lips on the sides of your net pots. The net pots are usually hanged into the nutrient solution or they simply get misted by the water solution.

    Use Net Pot With More Lips

    However, if you’re using a NFT system where water will have to flow and pass the root, then your root should come out below the net cups. This is important for your plant to thrive when using the NFT system.

    Net Pot Lids

    When shopping for net pots, you should also add net pot lids to your list. Net pot lids are also important because they will help shield light from entering into your grow medium. Net pot lids are safe to use and they will not block light from reaching your plants.

    If light enters your grow medium that is already moist from nutrient solution, it can cause algae growth. So, to prevent this, use net pot lids.

    If you’re gardening outdoor, net pot lids will as well prevent debris and rain from entering your hydroponics system.

    How To Use Net Pot

    Using net pot is really easy. Follow this procedure to use your net pot to grow your plants:

    • First, you select the plant or seedling you wish to grow and choose the appropriate net pot size for them.
    • Next, you fill the bottom of the net cup with your preferred growing medium. You can fill the grow medium halfway or just a little halfway.
    • Then you can fit in your rockwool cube with the plant. Ensure your grow medium surrounds the plant so your plant can sit upright and prevent light from entering the sides.
    • Put your net pots inside your hydroponic system and watch your plant grow. As the root grows, they will grow out the net potholes.

    FAQ’s

    What size net pots do I need?

    Net pots are generally used for growing seedlings and small plants. They are the same size as the planting tray they are placed in. Most seedlings require a net pot that is no more than two inches deep. The deeper the pot, the better it will be able to support the root system of the plant. 

    When the seedling has reached about 6-8 inches tall, the net pot can be removed.

    Most garden centres sell plastic net pots. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colours, and they’re cheap

    How do you plant net pots?

    Planting a net pot is much easier than planting a regular container. The only thing you need to do is cut the pot in half lengthwise. Plant the halves in a hole in the ground and fill with soil. If you are not going to plant your net pots directly into the ground, you can use a special potting soil called “potting mix” or “soil mix”. You can find these in garden stores.
    Net pots work best when they are planted deep enough to hold a large amount of soil. This way, your roots won’t be able to go into the air and get tangled up with other plants’ roots. If you don’t plant your net pots deep enough, it’s possible that weeds could grow up through the holes in the bottom. In this case, try to put holes in the bottom of the net pots or place them on top of some sort of weed barrier.
    When using potting soil, make sure it’s a good quality soil.

    The soil should be moist but not soggy. If they dry out too much, it’ll cause root rot.

    Why net pots are used?

    Net pots have a very specific purpose, which is to create a micro-climate around the plants. Plants require specific conditions for their survival and growth. These conditions include temperature, moisture, light, humidity, air circulation, and air movement. When you have a large amount of plants inside your home or office, it is impossible to provide all these conditions at once. For this reason, it is necessary to use pots with a lid.

    These lids act as a container to keep the moisture in place and prevent evaporation. There are many different types of pots available on the market, but it is important to understand that not all pots work the same way. We will take a look at some of the most popular types of pots and how they work.

    How do net pots work?

    The first thing that you should know about net pots is that they are very similar to greenhouses. They are both used to create a controlled environment for the plants. However, the main difference is that net pots have a lid. The lid acts like a greenhouse, keeping the humidity and heat in place. The temperature inside the pot will be affected by the air conditioner and heating system. When the temperature rises, the moisture in the pot evaporates and escapes through the holes in the lid. This allows you to control the temperature and humidity around the plant. The lids are made of glass or plastic, which means that they can be placed in direct sunlight. However, the lids also have holes in them.

    What Size Net Pots To Use: Final Say

    What size of net pot to use in your hydroponic garden matters a lot. Ensure you always select the best quality net pots so they can last you for a long time as they can be reused.

    With that said, we hope you’re now able to decide how to choose the best net pot size for your various hydroponic plants.

  • Easiest Plants To Grow Hydroponically

    Easiest Plants To Grow Hydroponically

    Are you looking for the easiest plants to grow hydroponically? We’ve got the right answer for you here! We have listed 10 plants you can grow hydroponically, so read through to know your best pick.

    Growing hydroponically gives you the benefit of enjoying fresh crops and lovely house plants all year round. No matter your location or the season you’re in, you and your family can enjoy fresh yield from hydroponic indoor gardening.

    There are different varieties of plants that can be grown hydroponically, and they include vegetables, herbs, flowers, succulents, houseplants, and so on. So, go through our list of the easiest plants to grow hydroponically.

    10 Easiest Plants To Grow Hydroponically

    Most hydroponic growers especially beginners are usually interested in growing easy plants in their hydroponic garden so they can experience some early success. It’s a good thing to have a successful starting point when it comes to growing hydroponically. This will usually boost one’s interest and confidence.

    10 Easiest Plants To Grow Hydroponically

    So, here are the lists of some of the best hydroponics plants you can grow:

    1.    Hydroponic Lettuce

    One of the most popular and easiest plants that can be grown hydroponically is lettuce. They grow very rapidly and are they are so easy to care for. Lettuce loves water and requires less light, so it’s no surprise they are one of the most loved among hydroponic growers.

    2.    Spinach

    Spinach is another easy plant you can grow in your hydroponic garden. They are healthy leafy green veggies and they love cool conditions which makes hydroponic settings suitable for them.

    3.    Cucumbers

    Cucumbers are not left out on the easiest plants to grow hydroponically. Cucumber plants will grow in different hydroponic varieties such as ebb and flow, bubble buckets, and Dutch buckets. They can even grow well in a tower system. They can be grown by hobbyists and commercial growers.

    Cucumber plants are excellent vining crops and water-loving. Vining cucumbers require support as they grow and you can use a trellis. The vine variety will as well require room, especially vertical space.

    Growing Cucumbers Hydroponically

    However, if you don’t have enough space, you can go for the bushy variety. Also, you should choose a cucumber variety that is resistant to mildew as cucumbers are pretty vulnerable to the disease.

    4.    Tomatoes

    Tomatoes are another great option and they are grown at home and in a commercial greenhouse. Just ensure you supply support as your tomatoes begin to fruit and weigh more. They will grow well in drip systems and hydroponic buckets (also called bubble buckets).

    5.    Peppers

    Just like tomatoes and cucumbers, growing peppers is easy with hydroponics. all you need do is to ensure they receive adequate sunlight or supply them with good grow light.

    6.    Strawberries

    One of the most common fruits grown hydroponically is the strawberries fruits. They can be grown in a small garden and in a large-scale commercial hydroponic farm. Strawberries grow very rapidly giving you plenty of yield at a better quality rate. They are also less likely to give you any pest issues.

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    7.    Basil

    Basil herb will also grow easily in hydroponics. The fastest and easiest method of getting started with basil is to purchase basil seedlings and you can get them at any garden center around you. Then you go ahead to transplant the seedlings into your hydroponic system. Ensure you rinse off the soil carefully and thoroughly before transplanting.

    8.    Beans

    Beans will grow rapidly and require less maintenance to grow at the same time giving you abundant yield. You can grow either the bushy or viny variety. If you are concerned about space and the stress of adding support as they grow, then you should stick with the bushy variety.

    9. Carnation

    A common flower that can be grown hydroponically is the carnation flower. They can be grown in homes or in a commercial way. Their floral arrangement is so inviting and growing plenty of them in your hydroponics garden can be pretty lucrative.

    Growing Carnation Hydroponically

    10.    Watercress

    From the name, we can tell this plant is a water-loving plant. It is commonly known to be vegetables; however, their flowers are quite edible. If you want your watercress plant to transition into the flowering phase, you will require changing the nutrient to a flowering nutrient solution. Do this when the plant has grown halfway into its vegetative phase.

    Tips For Growing The Best Plants For Hydroponics

    Once you have decided the appropriate plants to grow hydroponically, you can follow these tips to guide you to grow appropriately:

      • Grow and supply your plants with good lightning.

      • The pH level of your nutrient solutions should be at the appropriate range so nutrients can be absorbed appropriately for plants growth.

      • Plants that have the same needs can be grouped and grown together. Plants such as tomatoes and tomatoes together or spinach and lettuce.

      • Always support heavy viny plants with trellis as their weight gets overwhelmed.

      • If you’re growing for cooking purposes, have in mind that a hydroponic system will produce a lot. So, ensure you plant only a couple of plants so the yield won’t be so excessive and there is minimal waste.

      • Ensure you carefully and thoroughly rinse off any soil to transplant any young plants or seedlings.

    •  

    FAQ’s

    What is the easiest plants to grow in hydroponics?

    When it comes to growing plants in hydroponics, you have a lot of choices. You can grow your plants with soil, rockwool or vermiculite. If you are just starting out and want to grow your first plant in hydroponics, you should consider growing tomatoes. They are easy to grow and there are many varieties of tomato plants that can grow well in hydroponics.

    1. Sweet Potatoes – grows quickly and requires no soil at all.
    2. Radishes – I think radishes will grow anywhere. They’re cheap to buy.
    3. Lettuce – You can get a small bag of lettuce seeds .for less than $
    4. Kale – grows like crazy.
    5. Peppers – I bought some peppers for $.99 each at Wal-Mart. I think they would be good in a hydroponic system.
    6. Parsley has been grown hydroponically for decades and is easy to grow. It is a hardy perennial that can be harvested all year long. Parsley can be grown as a cut flower or an annual vegetable.

    What plants cannot be grown hydroponically?

    It’s not easy to grow plants without soil. And, it’s even harder to grow them in a way that doesn’t require you to use potting soil or some kind of nutrient solution.
    Hydroponic gardening is a great way to grow plants in an environment that is more like the natural environment. If you have access to a greenhouse, or even a garage with a lot of sun and air circulation, you can use this method to grow a large number of plants. There are certain plants that cannot be grown hydroponically. The reason is that the roots will rot and die if the roots are not getting adequate water and oxygen.
    For starters, there are a few plants that simply don’t like the conditions inside a plastic or glass container. These include cucumbers, lettuce, and eggplants.

    Can tomatoes grow hydroponically?

    Tomatoes are very easy to grow and can be grown in most any type of container including plastic pots, so you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get started. There are several ways to start your own garden. You can buy a ready-made kit from a local nursery or you can build a grow box yourself. If you decide to build your own grow box, you can use a simple plastic bucket with a lid and some growing medium to start your tomato plants. The next step is to add the soil that your tomato plants will grow in. If you plan on growing several different types of tomatoes, then you may want to purchase a large container for your growing medium. This will allow you to grow a wide variety of tomatoes. Once your grow box is complete, you can plant your seedlings into it. You should water your seedlings after planting them in your hydroponic grow box.

    Final Say On Easiest Plants To Grow Hydroponically

    We have so many options of good plants for hydroponics. However, starting with the easiest plants will make things easier especially if you’re new to the world of hydroponics. This is because some plants require technical skills and knowledge while others are pretty easy.

    Once you have learned and perfected growing some easy plants with your hydroponics system, you can then proceed to expand and work on new plants.

    All in all, ensure you have fun while growing hydroponically because growing the hydroponic way is a fun thing to do.

  • 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.

  • How To Pick Basil

    How To Pick Basil

    Did you know there’s a right way to harvest basil to ensure they flourish and you get to enjoy continuous yield?  That’s right! So, learning how to pick basil the right way is important and we will teach you how.

    The sweet aromatic and tasteful basil is one popular herb loved by many. It is a culinary herb that any kitchen lover can use for various dishes. The tasteful basil herb is even more distinguishable when grown and used fresh from the garden. Therefore, you would agree that it’s a must-have in every garden.

    When growing basil plants, how you pick them matters and we will enlighten you on this. So continue reading to find out.

    Growing Basil Plants

    There are different varieties of basil to grow, but sweet basil is the most common type of basil grown. Other types of basil include Thai basil, cinnamon basil, purple basil, lemon basil, etc.

    Basil plants can be grown both hydroponically and in an outdoor garden. However, it will only grow outdoors during summer when the soil is warm. But with hydroponics, you can grow them all year round.

    Growing Basil Plants

    Planting Basil

    To commence basil planting, get your seeds and plant them. You can plant them indoors if you wish. Preferably, you should plant them 6 weeks before the last spring frost. They are pretty frost sensitive so ensure you insulate them during freezing temperatures or bring them indoors if you’re growing with a container.

    Once the seedlings have begun yielding their first 6 leaves, trim them to the top of their second set of leaves. This will stimulate your basil plant to start branching. Thus, this will encourage the multiplication of leaves for an abundant harvest.

    Pinch off the middle shoot once it’s 6 weeks as this will prevent early flowering. And if you notice any flowers growing, simply cut them off so that the vegetative process will keep ongoing.

    Basil can be grown in flower beds or containers. For outdoors planting, ensure the soil has warmed up to about 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial because heat is necessary for the growth of your basil. Choose a sunny location to plant your basil and target 6 to 8 hours full or partial sun daily.

    Read more about How Many Basil Plants Per Pot?

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    Moisture is another important factor in planting basil. Basil plant loves moisture so ensure the soil is well moist but not soggy and ensure the soil should be well-draining.

    Avoid using pesticides on your basil if they’re meant for cooking as this can produce unhealthy basil leaves to be consumed. Also, avoid planting them close to a driveway or busy streets to prevent exhaust from settling on your plants.

    Once, the freezing temperature approaches, harvest your basil plants because your plants will be destroyed during this period.

    Best Way To Harvest Basil

    The following guidelines will teach you how to pick basil correctly so read on to learn.

    Best Time For Picking Basil

    It’s fine to pick basil any time of the day. However, morning is the best time to harvest basil but that does not stop you from harvesting them at period.

    Learning How To Pick Basil

    When you harvest your basil plants the appropriate way, you’re encouraging a fuller and bountiful subsequent harvest.

    Once your basil plant attains the length of 6 inches, that’s the right time to harvest: ensure your basil plant does not exceed 8 inches.

    Pick your basil from stem to stem and avoid cutting off the stem.  Be gentle as you pinch off the leaves from the stem they are attached to. Avoid using sharp tools to cut the leaves only if you will be careful enough from injuring the stem.

    Ensure you always pick the leaves from time to time to enhance more growth. However, you should avoid picking the basil leaves from the bottom stem to prevent your plant from being thin and tall as this will not encourage a healthy production.

    Don’t stop harvesting even if you don’t need the basil leaves so as to encourage continuous growth. You can pick and store the basil leaves for later use. Pinch off or remove any flower bud or flower so your basil plant can grow more leaves rather than flowers.

    Best Time For Picking Basil

    When their growing season has ended, (this is before the first frost) you can cut the stem off the ground. Harvest all your basil and bring them indoors for cooking. The excess basil leaves should be preserved for later use.

    Read more about Transferring Soil Plants to Hydroponic

    Storing Basil Leaves

    It is important you also learn how to store basil correctly. This is because it’s likely you pick the leaves regularly and excess basil might remain and you won’t want to just throw the excess basil away. So here are the two ways you can store your basil leaves:

    • Freezing: To store your basil leaves appropriately, you will need to freeze them. When you freeze them, they remain fresh and most of their tasty flavor is kept intact. You will need to pack them in a resalable airtight plastic bag to store them. Then you proceed to place them in the freezer.

    • Drying: Drying is another method of storing your excess basil leaves. However, some flavor will be lost in this process. You can dry your basil by spreading them in a shady area for 3 or 4 days. If you have done this after 3 or 4 days and they aren’t dried completely, you can finish drying them in the oven. Simply turn your oven to the lowest heat and leave the door slightly open. Turn them regularly for an even drying till you achieve all your basil leaves all dried. When they are done drying, put them in a dry paper bag and keep them in a warm place like your kitchen cupboard.

    • Storing Fresh Basil In Water: If you wish to cut the stem of your basil, you can place them inside a glass jar. Keep them out of direct sunlight and they will last you up to two weeks.

    Storing Basil Leaves

    FAQ’s

    How do you pick basil so it keeps growing?

    The secret to success is to pick basil when it’s at its best, and then leave it alone. But you don’t have to wait until you see a whole bunch of leaves to pick your basil. You can harvest a few leaves off the stems every few days to keep the plant healthy. And if you have a big pot, you can harvest as many leaves as you want from the center of the plant.

    How do you keep basil from getting too big?

    There are several ways to keep basil plants from getting too big. You can pinch off the side shoots as they appear. Or you can cut off the top of the plant when it reaches 6 inches tall. Or you can wait until the plant gets bigger and then use pruning shears to remove the center stems.

    Do you pick fresh basil from the top or bottom?

    The best and freshest basil is picked from the top of the plant. In other words, it is picked at the stem end.

    How do you pick basil without killing it?

    The most common way to select a bunch of basil for your cooking is to look for the greenest leaves. If they are not quite as dark green as the leaves of a leek, or if the leaves have started to yellow, they are probably ready to be picked. The other method is to smell the leaves. If the scent is sweet, like that of oregano, they are ready to use.

    When can I pick basil leaves?

    The plant itself doesn’t have an ‘exact’ time when it will be ready to harvest. In general, as long as the leaves are still green (unripe), you can harvest them.
    You can start harvesting basil as soon as the weather is warm enough to grow it outside. As long as it’s not too hot or cold, you should be able to get some good leaves from your plants.

    How do I know if my basil plant needs to be watered?

    Basil doesn’t like hot and dry weather.
    When the air is hot and dry, your basil may wilt and look sickly. You can help your plant by giving it a drink of water. If you see that your plant looks pale or droopy, give it another drink of water.

    How do I keep basil from getting moldy?

    Basil plants can get moldy in the summer months when the weather is very hot and humid. You can prevent this problem by keeping your basil in a place where the temperature stays cool, like a basement or a garage. You should also make sure your basil has plenty of moisture by watering it regularly.

    How To Pick Basil: Conclusion

    As we can see there are great benefits to picking your basil the appropriate way. Follow our guidelines on how to pick basil and enjoy a continuous harvest of the tasteful basil herb.

  • Are COB LEDs Better

    Are COB LEDs Better

    Are you wondering if COB (Chip On Board) LEDs are better for growing plants than other types of LED? You’ve probably heard of different talks on how COB LED grow lights are one of the best in the market. But is this really true?

    Well, it is true that COB LED lights offer some great advantages to growing plants. COB LED lights are definitely better than normal LED and some other types of LED because they offer more diodes and better lumen.

    Let’s take a look at some information on COB LED light, their features, and many more. So keep reading to learn more info.

    What Is A COB LED?

    The manner in which LED diodes are packed together is generally known as a chip on board (COB). They are the new LED technology and are packed together to form a single and powerful light source.

    A lot of tiny LEDs are arranged side by side of each other on a substrate to form one single module. Thus, they are packed together to give a single and highly powerful light source.

    Generally, there are two types of LED lights and they are chip on board, COB, and the surface mount diode, SMD. Just like COB LED lights are great for growing, SMD LED lights are also fine. Both devices have their benefits. But let’s find out if COB LEDs are better than other types of LED.

    What Is SMD Light?

    Before we look into if COB LEDs are better, let’s take a look at the surface mount device. Surface mount device SMD is the most common type of LED light sold in the market. The LED chips are merged to form a print circuit board (PCB) which is established on a flat object that is rectangular in shape.

    SMD has the ability to accommodate 3 diodes on the same chip and it can work with up to 6 contacts. It can also work with different colors and can create any color by adjusting the output level from each diode on the chip.

    Are COB LEDs Better? Advantages Of LED COB

    Here are some benefits you stand to gain growing with COB LED lights:

    • Highly Efficient: Using COB LED lights to grow for your indoor growing plants are better because they offer more input power. Thus, you get better efficient input with lesser power consumption.
    • Excellent Light Spectrum For Plants: They are available in different colors. Thus, they will offer your plants the right spectrum for your plants‘ growing needs.
    • Deep Plant Canopy Penetration: COB penetration goes very deep and will even penetrate far beneath your plants’ canopy. This is thanks to their large LED chip that is more powerful compared to a single diode.

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    • Better Light Density: Their tightly packed small diodes allow them to offer much better and higher light density.
    • Higher Light Speed: Unlike other smaller light fixtures that need to spreads out from a central point, COB will cover the plants more evenly. This is because COB lights are arranged apart on a large fixture thereby encouraging better light speed that will cover your plants evenly.
    • Minimal Heat: COB lights are known to emit lower heat making them safe to be placed close to plants.

    Disadvantages Of COB LED Light

    The disadvantages of using COB LED light are not so much. So let’s look at their disadvantages:

    One major disadvantage of using COB LED lights is that if one of the lights fails or spoils, you would have lost that particular or entire fixture. Now, if you were making use of the only COB LED lights for your entire to grow space, one failed COB light means a large portion of light has been lost. This is because it will affect a large part of your light.

    Are COB LEDs Better: COD Vs. SMD LED Light

    Both COB and SMD LED lights are great. However, let’s look at how both advantages over the other:

    • More Diode: Both COB and SMD LED lights have multiple diodes. However, COB chips have up to 9 or more diodes while SMD has 3 diodes on a single chip. Thus COB lights will offer more light intensity, thereby making them more effective.
    • Efficiency: The efficiency of these two LEDs works at various rates and that’s because they are built with different features. Talking about SMD, the efficiency is not so great but it will still get the job done. COB on the other hand will offer your garden optimal productivity. Thus, making them an excellent option for plant growing requirements.
    Efficiency
    • Color Temperature: The color temperature in SMD is more flexible as there is a possibility of changing colors. It offers varieties of colors because of the primary color used in SMD. COB on the other hand does not offer color change flexibility. They are built to adhere to a single color temperature.
    • Affordability: Generally, LED lights are cost-effective and are more durable. LED lights also consume minimal energy, thus saving you on the energy bill. Thus, both SMD and COB are affordable. However, if we want to look at it from the manufacturing cost, SMD will be more costly than COB. The material cost for SMD is around 15%, while COB material cost about 10% of the manufacturing cost.
    • Brightness: The lumen generated by the chips will greatly depend on the brightness. SMD LED makes use of about 50 to 100 lumen per watt. COB works with a higher lumen and the least value is 80 lumen per watt. Thus COB LED lights give more brightness.

    FAQ’s

    What are the problems with COB LED’s?

    Some people feel that COB LED lights are one of the worst types of light for growing plants.

    The problem with COB LED lights is that they only emit light in one direction. This means that all of the light that is emitted is right at your plants.

    In fact, it is possible that every single ray of light that comes out of your COB LED light will be hitting your plant. This means that all of the light energy that comes out of the COB LED light is wasted. One way to look at this is that it is like trying to grow plants in an aquarium. It is impossible to get enough light into the aquarium because all of the light that is coming in is hitting the glass. If you were to move the plants out of the aquarium then you could see the full effect of the light. You would see that the plants were getting more light than they ever did in the aquarium. There are many other disadvantages to COB LED lights. They do not emit enough light to grow plants. They are expensive and they use a lot of energy. COB LED lights are also very loud.

    How do you choose between COB LED lighting and traditional incandescent or halogen lights?

    Well, that’s where it gets tricky. So if you’re looking for an LED light to replace your old light, here are some things to consider: Does it need to be bright? You don’t want a super bright light, because the cost is just going to be astronomical. If you can get away with a 50W or 75W light, that will usually be the best bet.

    How long do COB LEDs last?

    The lifespan of a COB LED is typically measured in years, not months. For example, the Cree XP-E2 is rated for 5,000 hours. It is also designed to have a very high lumen output (2700 lumens) with an average CRI of over 90. However, the lifespan is more than likely going to be shorter than what is stated on the product label.

    Are COB LEDs Better: Final Thoughts

    On our final thoughts on if COB LEDs are better; we would say both COB and SMD LED lights are great for growing. This is because LED lights are generally superior compared to other types of light.

    However, we have seen that COB stands out in terms of its brightness and other great features they offer.

  • Aerating Water For Plants

    Aerating Water For Plants

    Do you know if aerating water for your plants is necessary? Well, definitely yes! Have you ever wondered how plants can sit a long time in a hydroponic system without drowning? The trick is the air supplied. If you don’t provide your hydroponic plants with adequate oxygen, they will drown or suffocate.

    The root of plants must be supplied with air for optimal growth so aerating water for plants is important. So, plants require oxygen to breathe or respire.

    In this post, we will be talking about how to aerate your plants, the importance of aerating your plants, and more. So, read on to learn about this.

    How To Aerate Water For Plants

    When you aerate your water for hydroponic plants, you’re introducing dissolved oxygen (DO) to the system. The dissolved oxygen is usually ready to be assimilated by the plant roots. So, we can aerate our hydroponic system in the following ways:

    1.    Airstone With Air Pump

    One of the easiest ways of aerating water for plants is by using air stone connected to an air pump. They are very affordable and easily accessible. Air stones also come in different sizes and shapes, thus you will always find one that is suitable for your hydroponic system.

    Airstone With Air Pump

    So, air stone provides oxygenation by pushing the air pump through the stones. Because the air stone is quite porous, the air is split into a large bunch of bubbles. However, this large bubble may not be so efficient. This is because large bubbles tend to rise rapidly and they may end up not reaching plant roots.

    The good news is that the air stones we find in the market now generate smaller bubbles. Thus, this makes their job done more efficiently.

    2.    Automatic Siphon System

    The automatic siphon mechanism provides air to the plants by exposing the plant root system. This process is common in the ebb and flow system whereby the grow bed is drained and the plant root system is exposed to air.

    The automatic siphon system comes in various forms. They include loop, bell, and U shape and all of these mechanisms work on the same principle.

    The mechanism of action works this way: when the water level in the grow bed moves up and rises, it gets to a point it begins to go down. The water levels go down a tube called the standpipe. As the standpipe fills up, there is a suction created with a vacuum that pulls the water away from the grow bed.

    So the plant root is exposed to air for a while and the water goes up again and the process repeats on and on.

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    3.    Air Diffuser

    Using an air diffuser is another method of supplying aerated water to your plant root. Air diffusers comprise bendable tubes with holes in them that help emit air into water. Even though air stones are capable of distributing air evenly, air diffusers will supply smaller bubbles. Thus, most of these smaller bubbles usually get to the plant roots.

    This is the biggest advantage of air diffusers over air stones (bubbles size). However, various brands are now manufacturing sir stones with smaller bubbles because of the growing interest in hydroponics.

    4.    Oxygen Gap

    Some hydroponics system like Kratky method and NFT offers oxygen through an air gap. The nutrient solution should be placed in the grow bed. Allow the plant root to touch the nutrient solution and leave a gap for the rest of the plant body. There will always be enough air between the air gap created and the nutrient solution that will ensure the plant receives oxygen.

    5.    Root Hanging

    The last method we will be looking at for aerating water for plants is root hanging. Vertical and Aeroponic system often makes use of root hanging. Rather than allowing the root to sit in a nutrient solution, the nutrient solution can simply be splashed or pumped across the system and comes back to the reservoir. Vertical hydroponics makes use of pumping nutrients. On the other hand, the Aeroponic system makes use of spraying their nutrient solution.

    root hanging

    Importance Of Aerating Water For Plants

    Aerating your water for plants is very crucial when it comes to hydroponic gardening. So, let’s look at the importance of aerating the water in your plants for their optimal growth:

    • Nutrient Uptake: aerating your water for plants is important so that nutrients can be adequately absorbed by the plants’ roots. Thus, when your plants can absorb adequate nutrients, they will grow healthier and result in abundant yield.

    • Bacteria Build-up Is Reduced: with optimal dissolved oxygen, the roots are able to respire and there will be a drastic decrease in bacteria build-up. However, if the dissolved oxygen drops, it will cause anaerobic bacteria and fungi to build up. These bacteria build-up affects the plant root and restricts the roots from absorbing important nutrients. So, we definitely want to avoid such.

    • Respiration: just as animals and human beings respire, plants also respire. Oxygen is assimilated through the roots of the plants. This same oxygen is also absorbed through the plants’ stomata as well as their stem pores.

    Aerating Plants In The Soil

    Plants in the soil aren’t left out from dissolved oxygen (DO). They also assimilate important nutrients in the soil through oxygenation. Of course, the air present in the atmosphere provides these soil plants oxygen. Plants can also receive oxygen through air pockets in the soil.

    They can also obtain dissolved oxygen from nature through rainwater. Rainwater assimilates dissolved oxygen from the atmosphere before reaching the earth or soil.

    However, over-watering your plants can prevent the soil plant from accessing these air pockets thereby reducing dissolved oxygen. This will in turn cause your plant to drown or suffocate. So, ensure you don’t overwater your soil plants.

    FAQ’s

    What is aeration?

    Aeration is the process of adding oxygen to your aquarium or pond water. This is done by placing a sponge, air pump, or other air diffuser in the water and allowing the water to circulate. It is also possible to place an air stone directly into the water and allow it to bubble. Aeration is especially useful for aquariums or ponds that have very little movement in the water.

    The increased oxygen levels will encourage more fish, plants, and invertebrates to inhabit the tank or pond.

    What is a sponge?

    Sponges are made up of tiny pockets, called spicules, which are packed tightly together to form a strong and resilient structure. They are usually soft and absorbent, and can be found in both marine and freshwater environments. A marine sponge is often used as an underwater filter. Sponges are also used as filters on land, since they can absorb pollutants from the air as well as water.

    What is an air pump?

    Air pumps are small, portable devices that use compressed air to create bubbles that are dispersed through a diffuser. Air pumps are available in many different sizes and types. Most people use air pumps to aerate their aquariums, ponds, and water gardens.

    The air pump is one of the most essential tools for any aquarist. It is used to create bubbles, which helps oxygenate the water and remove ammonia and nitrates.

    What is an air stone?

    An air stone is a small device that creates bubbles. There are several different types of air stones available. Some of these air stones can be attached to a tank or pond for continuous bubbling. Others require manual operation, and are often used to aerate water when it is not being filtered or pumped.

    What is a bubble wort?

    A bubble wort is a piece of equipment that uses bubbles to aerate water. Bubble worts are typically used on a regular basis, so the bubbles will continue to disperse throughout the tank or pond. The bubbler must be used with the air pump to produce the bubbles.

    How important is considering the water for plant growth?

    Water is a very important part of your garden. It’s what keeps the plants alive and allows them to grow. If you water your plants too often, it will cause the soil to become dry and compacted. This will lead to slower plant growth and can even kill them! If you don’t aerate your soil every few months, it can actually cause your plants to be more susceptible to diseases.

    Aerating Water For Plants Final Thoughts

    There are lots of benefits to aerating water for your plants growing needs. Ensure you provide optimal air to your plants’ roots so they can flourish and give you abundant yields.

  • Growing With Household LED Bulbs

    Growing With Household LED Bulbs

    Are you wondering if growing with household LED bulbs will be great for your indoor growing needs? Well, let’s look into this.

    There is definitely a difference between regular household LED lights and LED grow lights. Regular household LED lights are the ones used in our homes while LED grows lights are designed especially for growing plants.

    The standard grow lights you find around you may be expensive and regular household lights are less expensive. For this reason, you may want to know if growing with household LED bulbs is ideal. Read on to find out the answer.

    Growing With Household LED Bulbs

    The straight-up answer is yes, growing with household LED bulbs is fine. In a few cases, you can grow your plants using household LED bulbs. However, you should note that these household bulbs are not designed for plant growing needs compared to the standard grow light bulbs designed for growing plants.

    Therefore, your plants may not grow efficiently as they should because they may not contain the appropriate full spectrum. Your plants require a complete spectrum of light containing all the colors of spectrum which are blue, red, violet, green, yellow, and orange.

    Also, some of these light spectrums are required by your plants to enter into their various stages such as vegetative stage, flowering stage, or fruiting stage.

    Household LED Bulbs for Growing Plants

    Growing with regular household LED bulbs may even cause you to always replace your bulbs because they don’t have a good lifespan compared to standard grow lights. Therefore, this might even cost you more. At the end of it all, regular household LED bulbs may end up prolonging your growing period. Also, the yield at the end of harvest may be small and of low quality.

    If you want to give growing with household LED bulbs a try, you can go ahead. Just make sure you keep a close watch on your plants’ response to these lights. Your plants’ response will tell you if they are fine with the light or not.

    Your plants may begin to exhibit some signs that they aren’t receiving good lights so this will help you determine their response. Some signs they will show when they are not getting optimal lights are as follows:

    Signs Caused By Inadequate Light

    • Leaves start to show lighter color and some parts of the leaves may begin to turn yellow,
    • Plants grow tall with weak stems,
    • Plants’ growth may be stunted.

    Once you notice these signs, it’s an indication you need to obtain some additional light bulbs. The best type of bulb usually contains both blue and red light wavelengths. The blue light is required for the vegetative stage and the red light for the flowering and fruiting stage.

    Signs Caused By Inadequate Light

    Types Of Plant Light Bulbs

    There are various types of daylight bulbs for plants you can use to grow your plants. However, if you require lights for just regular houseplants, you can go for light fixtures or lamps depending on your needs.

    Here are some plant light bulbs you can use for your indoor plants:

    1.    Incandescent Bulbs

    Incandescent bulbs are the light bulbs seen in most homes and they are one of the first options most people consider. They are one of the most common light bulbs to use and it is very affordable.

    Although incandescent bulbs emit much heat, which is why they should be set up at least two feet away from your plants. This will help avoid damage to plants caused by heat. Incandescent bulbs should be used for a small indoor garden. They will also consume a lot of power which can cost you extra.

    2.    Fluorescent Light Bulbs

    Fluorescent light bulbs are another popular type of light to use for your plants. They are ideal for small-scale gardens. With this light, you get a broader light spectrum that can be used for different purposes.

    Thus, you can use fluorescent lights for seed germination, vegetative stage, flowering stage, and fruiting stage. They are safer to be used on plants because they emit lesser heat and they are also budget-friendly. Fluorescent light bulbs will consume lesser power saving, thus, you get to save cost, and they last longer.

    3. High-intensity Discharge

    High-intensity discharge lights include high-pressure sodium (HPS), and metal halide (MH). These lights may be a bit expensive to obtain and use, however, they are still a great choice for your plant growing needs.

    The metal halide light contains blue light that will enhance vegetative growth. The high-pressure sodium light contains redder which promotes flowering. So, you can be sure of getting efficient lights for your plants with high-intensity discharge lights.

    However, with their efficiency, they are so powerful that they consume more power at the same time producing more heat. Also, they need an extra component called a ballast to complete them.

    4.    Light-emitting Diode (LED): Daylight & Soft White LED Bulbs For Plants

    LED lights are the most popular grow light used among growers. They are highly efficient and will release minimal heat while consuming less power. LED lights can produce both red and blue lights required for the vegetative and flowering stages of your plants.

    LED lights can be represented as daylight, bright white, and soft white. Talking about daylight, this is a very bright white-blue light that has a high value of color temperature range of 5000 to 6500K. On the other hand, soft white lights give rise to yellow tones with a lesser value of color temperature that ranges from 2700 to 3000.

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    FAQ’s

    Can I use regular LED lights to grow plants?

    If you are wondering whether you can use regular LED lights to grow your plants, the answer is yes. However, these lights are different from regular ones in a way that they emit far less heat. 

    Regular LED lights usually have a wavelength of around 620 nm and emit high amounts of blue light. If you are interested in growing plants indoors, you should look for LED lights that emit light in the range of 400-700 nm. You should also check if your LED light has a cooling fan. A fan will keep the lights cooler. In addition, you can also use fluorescent bulbs or CFL bulbs in your garden. These bulbs emit more light than regular LED bulbs.

    What color LED is best for plants?

    LEDs are the best light source for plants, and any LED that fits in the space you have available will work. The most important consideration is to make sure the LED is close enough to your plant that it is receiving the correct amount of light.
    The best color LEDs are the ones that most closely match the spectrum of sunlight, and this is the same for all plants.
    If you want to grow any plant in full sunlight, then you should use white LED lights.  What is the difference between red and yellow LEDs? The difference between red and yellow LEDs is that yellow ones have a slightly warmer color temperature than red ones. This means that they will emit slightly more blue light than red LEDs, but they also will emit more red light than red LEDs. They will not produce as much heat as red LEDs, and they will last longer.

    How far away should LED grow lights be from seedlings?

    The closer to the plant the better, and also the higher the light output is the better. As you said, the light should be at least 20 inches from the seedlings.

    This is pretty much the standard recommendation for starting seeds, unless your seedlings are large. You don’t want to be putting them under direct lighting for very long, but if you put them in the dark and keep them in there for too long they can actually die.

    Growing With Household LED Bulbs: Final Say

    Growing with household LED bulbs may be okay, but your plants won’t just grow healthily and efficiently as they should with a standard grow light. It’s best you go for grow lights that will provide your plants with the correct light spectrum for their growth.

    In all this, ensure the light you’re using for your indoor plants contains the correct color temperatures. so, invest in quality lights so your indoor plants can flourish.

  • Grow Lights Ballasts

    Grow Lights Ballasts

    Grow lights ballasts are required in traditional tube fluorescent bulbs as well as all high-intensity bulbs. Ballasts are needed for starting your bulbs and they will control the operations of your light.

    Now, when it comes to establishing your grow space and you plan on using high-intensity lamp discharge, then grow light ballast may be required in your setup. The absence of ballast in your indoor grow space will not make your grow light come on if you’re using high-intensity discharge (HID).

    So, we will enlighten you on what you need to know about grow light ballasts so you know their importance for your plants’ growing needs.

    What Is Grow Light Ballasts: What Do Grow Ballast Do?

    Grow lights ballasts control the current that flows into a grow lamp. They are required to power up or start certain bulbs.

    Generally, all gas discharge lamps such as compact fluorescent, HID, and linear fluorescent need ballast. Also, ceramic metal halide (CMH), high-pressure sodium (HPS), as well as the combination of HPS and MH all requires ballast. However, LED grow light does not require a ballast.

    Grow light ballast allows you to prolong your grow bulbs’ lifespan and enhance your grow light performance.

    What Is Grow Light Ballasts - What Do Grow Ballast Do

    How A Grow Lights Ballasts Operates

    In a standard situation, grow light needs high voltage to power up or start, and the ballast supplies this. Now, when power is pulled from a high voltage source by your grow light, this process can result in a current surge.

    This is why grow light ballast is required to control the current flow so the grow light can be prevented from such electrical spikes.

    Grow lights are low resistance and they make use of two mechanisms to light up which are electrical arc and gas. As you turn on a lamp, the bulb receives high voltage from the ballast which gets the electrical arch started.  When the arch receives power, the sodium is in a solid-state. However, it later changes by melting to vapor or gas.

    Now, when it’s in the gaseous state, the lamp resistance lessens. Thus, the grow light will need only less power to run. If the lamp lacks ballast that controls the current flow, there will be a perpetual increase in current and the bulb will eventually blow.

    Also, there will be a period when the HID bulb age and this will cause an increase in the demand for power for the light to keep running. So, when this happens, the ballast will increase the quantity of power to the bulb automatically.

    As the bulb attains a point of requiring too much power, the ballast will shut down automatically to prevent any hazard or accident. This implies you have to get a new bulb for power continuation.

    Types Of Fluorescent Grow Lights Ballasts: Electronic Vs. Magnetic Ballast

    We have two types of fluorescent ballasts namely electronic ballast and magnetic ballast. You can choose either type for your plants’ growing needs. Both electronic and magnetic ballasts have their pros and cons.

    Some growers prefer magnetic ballasts because of their affordable price. However, they emit too much heat and consume more power. On the other hand, other growers prefer electronic ballasts as they are more efficient and they emit lesser heat. They will offer you better output while using less power.

    How Electronic & Magnetic Ballast Works

    1. Magnetic Ballast

    Magnetic ballast makes use of a magnetic coil in form of a big spool of wire wound about sheets of steel. This setup supplies a huge quantity of voltage required to start up the bulb. The magnetic ballast is known to be old-fashioned. They are bulky built and emit too much heat.

    However, they are pretty durable and will last you a long time compared to electronic ballast. Thus, if you want long-term use, you can go for magnetic ballast.

    Another great importance is that magnetic ballasts are built to meet a satisfactory standard of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). They make sure both lamp and ballast operate together accurately.

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    1. Electronic Ballast

    Electronic ballast makes use of semiconductors and microchips to supply the required high voltage. It does not make use of a magnetic coil which makes magnetic ballast heavy. Thus, electronic ballast weighs lesser, looks smaller, and produces lesser heat.

    Another added advantage is that electronic ballast offers more light which can be up to 30% of what magnetic ballast offers. They also consume lesser power while supplying more light.

    However, the disadvantage we noticed is that they aren’t ANSI compactable with a metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps model that has 250+ watts. Thus, they are built in different ways resulting in bulb performance that is not consistent.

    For this reason, we recommend you purchase a complete lighting package. This way, you are sure the bulbs included are the right match for the ballast.

    Another plus is that electronic ballast can be switched which allows you to operate both HPS and MH without any problem. Also, the majority of electronic ballasts are dimmable therefore, you are allowed to run multiple bulb wattage.

    Growing Light Digital Ballast

    You may come across some ballast been labeled digital ballast. Have in mind that just a few of them are actually digital and they usually contain a microprocessor.

    These digital ballasts are very efficient and will do more of what electronic ballast will do. However, these types of ballasts are more expensive.

    Growing Light Digital Ballast

    Do LED Grow Lights Require Ballasts?

    LED grow lights do not require ballasts. This is because they can be easily plugged into a direct standard electrical outlet. They work in a totally different technique and they just require direct current.

    When you obtain LED light for your indoor growing needs, all which is required is right inside your package. So, no need for extra things like grow light ballast.

    FAQ’s

    What exactly is a ballast?

    A ballast is a device that is used to power a fluorescent light fixture.

    It can be thought of as an extension of the light fixture itself. The ballast is responsible for regulating the amount of electricity that goes into the light fixture. It also has the ability to limit the number of times the light fixture can be turned on and off.

    How do ballasts work?

    In order for a ballast to work, it must have two things: an input and an output. The input is the wire coming from the power supply. The output is the wire that goes to the fixture. For most ballasts, there are two wires going to the fixture: one for power and one for control.

    The ballast receives the power coming in from the power supply. It then regulates the amount of power that goes to the fixture. This regulation is based on how much light you want your fixture to produce. Some ballasts allow you to regulate the amount of light produced by the fixture.

    They do this by using a variable transformer, which adjusts the voltage to the fixture. Others are fixed at a certain level and can only be adjusted by changing the number of bulbs in the fixture.

    How are they powered?

    Ballasts are usually powered by AC mains power and operate on 240 VAC (United States) or 277 VAC (Canada).

    The ballast contains two main parts: the electronic circuitry and the transformer. The ballast’s electronic circuitry is designed to convert the AC power from the power source into DC power. This power is sent to the transformer, which transforms the DC power into a high-frequency AC power. This high-frequency AC power then gets to the fixture. A ballast can be either direct or alternating current (AC). A direct-current ballast converts the 120/240 volts of AC power from the electrical grid into 12- or 24-volt DC power, which is used to light the bulb. An alternating-current (AC) ballast converts the same power into a higher-frequency AC signal, which is sent to the lighting fixture.

    What are the different types of ballasts?

    There are three main types of ballasts: magnetic, electronic and ceramic. The magnetic ballast is the oldest type of ballast. It consists of a single transformer and has no electronic circuitry. The transformer receives the power from the power supply and sends it to the bulbs. The ballast regulates the amount of power going into the fixture. The electronic ballast is the most common type of ballast. It contains electronic circuitry that regulates the power going to the fixture.

    Conclusion for Growing Light Ballast

    All high-intensity bulbs and traditional tube fluorescents need a ballast to operate efficiently. But LED grow light does not require a ballast. So, you may decide to opt for LED grow lights to make things simpler.

    The good news is that ballasts are mostly included in your grow light package. Therefore, there’s no stress in searching for compactable ballast for your bulbs.

  • MarsHydro Led Grow Light

    MarsHydro Led Grow Light

    When setting up your indoor hydroponics garden, part of the process is choosing an effective grow light. LED light is one option to choose and there are different brands from various companies to purchase. If you decide to go for LED lights you can choose the MarsHydro LED grow light for your indoor growing needs.

    Even though many LED light options are available in the market to choose from with different awesome attributes such as technical specifications, pricing, etc, deciding the right pick may be confusing. But if you end up choosing the MarsHydro LED to grow lights, you can be sure of an effective result for your indoor garden.

    Some Info On Mars Hydro LED Grow Lights

    MarsHydro LED grow light is a type of LED light for indoor gardening which is made by a Chinese manufacturer. This company has been gradually embraced among indoor gardeners as they offer quality LED lights to indoor plants.

    These grow lights are affordable and easily accessible and this light is an excellent option for beginners. Also, the MarsHydro LED grow light is pretty adequate for both hobbyist growers and low-cost growers.

    712STTzYpUL. AC SX480 SY360

    These lights are of good quality especially the MarsHydro 300W which performs distinctively from its older version. The older version has issues with burnt diodes and this has been solved with the newer version.

    You can easily purchase them from the hydroponic store section, Amazon, and other reliable websites.

    Benefits Of Using Mars-Hydro LED Grow Light

    The MarsHydro LED grow light offers an impressive benefit which includes:

    • MarsHydro LED Offers a Full Spectrum: if you want to supply your plant with a full spectrum, then you should get your hands on the marsHydro LED grow lights. It offers full spectrum options for the vegetative stage, flowering stage, and fruiting stage. Thus, leafy greens or herbs, vegetables, fruits, and so on can be grow using this grow light.
    • It is Affordable and Accessible: another impressive benefit is its price offer as it is reasonably affordable and it’s easily accessible.
    • The Heat is in Moderation: the MarsHydro LED light does not produce too much heat. It has fans to disperse the heat emitted adequately to every part of the plants.
    • Durability: the grow light is pretty durable with a lifespan of around 50,000 hours. This means this grow light can last over 2,700 days if used 18 hours per day.
    • Warranty: there is also the benefit of a 3-year warranty. So, if there’s an issue of initial grow light failure you can be sure of warranty protection against that.

    Any Downsides From Using MarsHydro LED Grow Light?

    With the different benefits MarsHydro LED offers, we still notice a few downsides. Let’s take a look at them:

    • No Dimmer Switch: some of the brands that grow light lacks the switch options of light dimming. However, we believe it’s something you can work your way around. If the light is too bright, you can make use of protective wear for your eyes.
    • Absent of On/Off Switch: another downside of the MarsHydro grow light is that it lacks an on and off switch. You will always have to plug and unplug the grow light when making use of it.
    • Communication Gap: while this might not be much big of a deal, you may still have the communication gap of America-China a few times. However, they are getting better and one can’t resist the accessible, affordable, and nice quality of grow light they offer.

    Even with all these downsides, the overall importance is the good light quality this grow light offers to your indoor plants. So, it is definitely worth the purchase.

    Plants To Grow With Mars LED

    The great thing about MarsHydro LED grow light is that it offers a full light spectrum. Thus, most varieties of plants can be grown easily with this grow light and you get a tasty and bountiful yield.

    Plants To Grow With Mars LED

    Here are some examples of plants you can grow with the MarsHydro LED grow lights:

    • Peppers
    • Cucumbers
    • Tomatoes
    • Lettuce
    • Strawberries
    • Spinach
    • Melons and so on

    Some Recommended MarsHydro LED Grow Light

    Let’s take a look at MarsHydro to grow light you can go for:

    1.    MarsHydro LED Grow Light 300W Full Spectrum for Hydroponic Indoor Plants

    The MarsHydro LED 300W full spectrum is one of the MarsHydro brands you can go for to supply your indoor plants with lights. It is energy-saving as it only pulls in about 120W and it’s ideal for a coverage area of 2ft by 2ft or 4 square feet.

    It offers full-spectrum, thus, it’s ideal for vegetative and flowering phases. This grow light is safe to use on plants and we recommend positioning the grow light about 18 inches from your plants.

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    2.    MarsHydro Led Growing Lamps 600W Updated Led Grow Lights Full Spectrum

    This grows light is a 600W full spectrum ideal for the vegetative and flowering phase of your plants. It is energy-saving and will only pull 132W of electricity. It is perfect for a 3ft X 3.5ft coverage area.

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    3.    MARS HYDRO TS 3000W LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants 4×4 5×5 ft Commercial Grow Lighting

    This is one of the most recent MarsHydro grows lights for indoor plants. It’s been improved to have a dimmable full light spectrum for all your plant stages. It is ideal for commercial purposes. This grows light can cover a growing area of 5ft X 5ft vegetative stage and 4ft X 4ft bloom stage.

    It mimics the work done by sunlight and your plants will transition quickly from seed to flowering stage. Your grow life will be made comfortable as it is noise-free and easy to operate.

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    FAQ’s

    How many plants can a Mars Hydro TS 600 grow light?

    Many people are interested in growing hydroponics, but aren’t sure how many plants the Mars Hydro TS 600 grow light can support. This is important to know before you start growing hydroponically. If you are using a soil-based system, your plant count will be determined by the size of the container you use and how much soil is inside it. If you are growing in a tray, you have a different set of considerations.

    The Mars Hydro TS 600 is a medium output LED grow light that uses LED strips to create a high-quality, high-efficiency light source. It has a 4” x 24” footprint and can produce up to 7500 lumens. The unit is designed for indoor use only. While there are a number of factors that will affect the amount of light you get from a grow light, the most important is the power setting. A higher power setting will mean more lumens and therefore more light in your growing area.

    The Mars Hydro TS 600 has a default power setting of 35 watts.

    When you are ready to start adding more plants, you can increase the power setting by increments of 5 watts until you reach your desired output. For example, if you want to grow 6 plants with the Mars Hydro TS 600, you would start by setting the power setting to 40 watts and then increase it by 5 watts every time you add a new plant. Once you have all six plants, you can lower the power setting back down to 35 watts for the last plant and enjoy the rest of your growing season.

    The Mars Hydro TS 600 also has a maximum power setting of 60 watts. At this setting, you will get a lot of light, but you may be able to burn out your plants. You should always start by using the lowest power setting that you are comfortable with and then increase it as your plants grow. If you are having issues with light burnout, try increasing the power setting by 5 watts at a time until you find the right balance for you. The Mars Hydro TS 600 is an excellent grow light for indoor cannabis growers. It is designed for indoor use only and can produce up to 7500 lumens. It can be used in any orientation and can even be mounted on a ceiling.

    How far should Mars Hydro light be from plants?

    It really varies on the type of environment that we’re talking about, but as a general rule of thumb two feet should be fine.

    Is the HydroLED+ brighter than the HydroFLOWER?

    It is a much better investment. I have used the HydroLED+ for a couple of weeks, and it is an amazing light. It is more than 50% brighter than the HydroFLOWER. It is also cheaper. However, after using it for a week, the HydroLED+ was no longer available. The reason that it is not available anymore, is because they are too popular. The HydroLED+ sells out every day! So if you want to buy one, get one as soon as possible.

    How many watts is a Mars Hydro TS 1000?

    If the hydro is in an air conditioned environment, and the fan is set to blow at about 12 CFM, then you can expect a few hundred watts. I would check the power consumption on the unit itself, not on the inverter.

    Final Say

    We can see the MarsHydro LED grow light is one of the best budgets friendly lights you can go for. MarsHydro has been dedicated to supplying your plants’ professional LED grow light with minimal heat and little noise. It can also be used on all types of plants.

    Depending on the size of your indoor garden, you can use this quality grow light if you’re a newbie, have small gardens, or you just experimenting.  There are also brands available for large rooms or commercial setup.

  • How Many Plants In A 3×3 Grow Tent

    How Many Plants In A 3×3 Grow Tent

    If you’ve decided to grow your plants indoors and you’re wondering how many plants can fit in a 3×3 grow tent is, then this post is for you.

    One of the first important points to put into account before commencing an indoor garden is space. If you’re using a room, figure out how much space you have and if you’re using a grow tent, figure out how many plants can be grown successfully in your grow space.

    We will go through how many plants will fit a 3×3 grow tent size so you can plan your indoor garden set up appropriately. So continue reading to learn more on this.

    How Many Plants To Fit In A 3×3 Grow Tent?

    You can grow about 2 to 4 plants in a 3×3 grow tent size. However, the number of plants to be grown in a 3×3 grow tent will depend on how you train your plants.

    How you train your plant will be one major determinant of how many plants can fit in a 3×3 grow tent. Training is done to control the height and shape of your plants so they can accommodate your grow tent. Training your plants will not only control your plant size but will also maximize the yield of your crops.

    How Many Plants To Fit In A 3x3 Grow Tent

    When & How To Train Your Plant To Fit In 3×3 Grow Tent

    Let’s take a look at how and when you can train your plant so they can fit in your preferred grow tent size.

    Low-Stress Training Method

    One common way of training your plant is by the low-stress training method. It involves controlling and manipulating the shape of your plants for them to produce optimal yield. Low-stress training allows growers to make use of the available space and light adequately.

    Mostly, low-stress training allows your plant to grow horizontally and wide rather than vertically. It involves lowering a plant’s height at the same time producing multiple stems to maximize yield.

    A horizontal trellis net is usually used to control and guide the plant through the direction of the plant to follow as they grow. The trellis net is tied to each grow tent pole which allows the plants to grow horizontal and wide. You can also gently bend or tie down the ranch of your plant stem and branch with a soft rope so they grow outwards.

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    Training should be done in your plants’ vegetative stage. This is because at this stage your plant is still growing and producing more leaves. When your plants get to the flowering stage or they become established, it will be difficult to manipulate their growth direction. If you plan on making use of this method in your 3×3 grow tent, then you can grow up to 4 plants in a 3×3 grow tent.

    Check out How to Increase Humidity in Grow Tent

    Training By Pruning Method

    Another method of training your plant is by pruning or pinching. This method actually puts some stress on your plant because you have to make some cuttings.

    Pruning involves cutting some parts of the plants as they grow. This is done to change the growth pattern. This process also gives rise to optimal yield. You can grow about 2 plants in a 3×3 grow tent using the pruning training method.

    Sea Of Green Method

    The next method of training your plants to fit in your grow tent is the sea of green method.  This method involves pushing the plants to enter into their flowering stage ahead of their scheduled time. So, this is done by altering the lightning duration to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

    This is done so you can get early flowering, thus yielding to early harvesting. Therefore, this allows you to grow more plants or flowers per year. With the sea of green training method, you can grow about 5 to 7 plants in a 3×3 grow tent size.

    Sea Of Green Method

    Screen Of Green Method

    The fourth and last training method we will be discussing is the screen of the green method. This method takes the steps of low-stress plant training. This also makes use of the net trellis by pushing the plants’ direction horizontally rather than vertically. With the screen of the green training method, you can plant about 2 plants in a 3×3 grow tent.

    How Many Plants in a 3×3 Tent Final Thoughts

    We have shown that how many plants you can fit in a 3×3 grow tent size will majorly depend on how you train your plants as they grow.

    So, we hope this information has helped you know how to plan and manage space.

  • UVA/UVB Lights For Plants

    UVA/UVB Lights For Plants

    Even though most of our knowledge on ultraviolet light seems to be undesirable, a bit of ultraviolet light is still safe. UV light is divided into 3 groups according to their wavelengths and are UVA, UVB, and UVC. In this post, we will be discussing if UVA/UVB lights are good for plants.

    As a grower, you should have an idea of the exposure of ultraviolet light on your plants and how the growth of your plants. So, let’s dive in and explore how UVA/UVB lights affect the growth of your plants.

    Ultra Violet Lights & Their Types

    Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation which has radiation shorter than visible light and is present in the sun.

    There are 3 different types of ultraviolet lights and they include:

    1. UVA: the ultraviolet A wavelength ranges from 320 to 400nm. The natural light that passes through the earth is made up of 3% UVA light. UVA light makes up most of the entire amount of UV light on the earth. You should however know that UVA lights for plants do not cause DNA impairment.
    2. UVB: the wavelength of the ultraviolet B ranges from 290 to 320nm. It makes up about 0.15% of natural the entire sunlight. The UVB light rays are capable of causing damage to the DNA of cells and they can as well cause cancer in living cells. The good news is that nearly all of the sun’s UVB rays are obstructed by the Earth’s ozone layer.
    3. UVC: the wavelength of ultraviolet C ranges from 100 to 290nm. The UVC light is extremely energetic and it’s capable of killing living cells. It is even used for sterilization uses to kill harmful microorganisms. Fortunately, UVC light rays are filtered out entirely from the Earth’s surroundings.

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    Among these 3 ultraviolet lights, only UVA and UVB are used in little doses by plants. So, let’s take a look at how UVA and UVB play their roles in plants.

    Benefits Of UVA/UVB Lights For Plants

    Various plants respond in different ways when they are exposed to UVA/UVB lights. Below are some benefits UVA/UVB lights offer plants:

    • Antioxidant Production: Generally, it’s been shown that plants enjoy an increase in antioxidants or flavonoids production.
    • Enhance TCH & CBD: Also, both UVA and UVB in safe doses offer your plants that awesome flavor and smell from the oil they produce. The effect of UVA and UVB has been shown to enhance the production of THC and CBD in certain plants.
    • Trichomes Production: The same way humans make use of sunglasses or sunblock to protect from the rays of UV, plants as well produce their natural sunblock or sunscreen. The sunblock plants produce is known as trichomes and the more the trichome production, the more the THC and CBD range.

    • Enhance Germination: The germination process of indoor seeds that are just starting can be promoted by ultraviolet lights.
    • Reduces Plant Shock: When your plants are still indoors germinating, they are still fragile to high light intensity. If you transplant them from indoors to outdoor, they might go into shock. This is because the light intensity outdoor may be too high for them to adjust. But when you expose them to a few UV lights when they are indoors germinating in their early stage, shock from outdoor transplanting can be reduced drastically.

    UV Lights In Grow Lights

    Most of the grow light available contains the entire visible spectrum and a few ultraviolet lights. This way, this uva uvb grow lights duplicate the natural sunlight in a very close range. However, you should know not all grow light contains ultraviolet light.

    Too Much UVA/UVB Light For Plants

    As we have said in a low dose, ultraviolet lights are safe for plants. However, when they become too much, they will cause harm to your plants.

    Ensure your indoor plants are kept safe from the rays of outdoor lights. Ultraviolet lights can penetrate through your glass windows and cause harm to your plants if they are not positioned properly. So, ensure you keep your fragile plants far from the reach of the light rays. You can as well obtain some dark thick curtains to block out the ultraviolet rays.

    Too Much UVA-UVB Light For Plants

    FAQ’s

    Do plants need UVA and UVB light?

    The answer to this question is yes. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum is divided into two parts: ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB). Plants use both of these parts of the spectrum for different purposes. UVA is a part of the visible light spectrum that we see as white or yellowish light. It is a component of sunlight and is not filtered by clouds or the atmosphere.

    UVA is used by plants for photosynthesis and other cellular functions. UVB is the part of the spectrum that is filtered out by the atmosphere and clouds. Plants cannot use this portion of the spectrum for photosynthesis or other biological functions. UVB is important to plants because it causes plant tissue to darken. This causes damage to plant cells and can result in sunburns, which can be painful and cause skin damage if the exposure is too long. UVA radiation (wavelengths 400 nm to 320 nm) penetrates the atmosphere and can reach the surface of the earth. This penetration is dependent upon the amount of ozone and the wavelength of the UVA light. The UVB radiation (wavelengths 320 nm to 280 nm) penetrates the atmosphere and does not penetrate the stratosphere. This penetration is dependent upon the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.

    The UVB part of the spectrum is filtered out of sunlight by the atmosphere. As a result, the UVB radiation we receive at ground level is relatively small.

    What plant needs both of these?

    The only plants that I know that require both UVA and UVB are the blueberry. The blueberry needs a lot of UVA and UVB to flower and fruit. It can’t flower or fruit if it doesn’t get enough UVA and UVB.

    Do grow lights have UVA and UVB?

    Yes, grow lights have both ultraviolet (UV) A and ultraviolet (UV) B wavelengths. UV-B is the most harmful of these wavelengths, and can cause a sunburn on your plants, but UV-A is actually beneficial to plants. It causes plants to open their stomata, or pores, which allows air and carbon dioxide in and water out. Without this, the plant would be suffocating.

    Do LED grow lights produce UVB?

    There is a myth in the cannabis community that LED grow lights do not produce ultraviolet B (UVB) light. This is false. It is one of the most common questions we get asked by people who are new to growing cannabis indoors. UVB is known as the “sunlight” of the plant world, and it’s essential for flowering. UVB light is produced by plants in sunlight.

    Conclusion On UVA/UVB Lights For Plants

    So, we have concluded that ultraviolet lights are safe in minimal doses for plant growth. Both UVA and UVB in safe doses can offer your plants good benefits.

  • 1000w Grow Light Cost Per Month

    1000w Grow Light Cost Per Month

    Having an idea of the wattage used by your grow lights will tell you the grow light power consumption. This is important for you to determine the cost of operations. For example, you may be wondering how much 1000w grow light will cost per month. We will let you know in this post.

    Almost every grower’s wish is to minimize cost and optimize yield. One of the deciding profit decisions when it comes to indoor gardening centers around the appropriate method of sun substitution. This is why it’s essential you know the wattage consumption so you can plan your running cost.

    So, in this article, we will be looking at how much 1000w grow light will cost per month.

    Wattage

    Before we go into the power consumption of grow light, let’s look at what wattage (w) is. Wattage will determine the amount of power your grow light consumes. When the light wattage goes higher, it consumes more energy for electricity. Thus, you can have an idea of the running cost per month with wattage.

    The amount of wattage consumption on your grow light will majorly depend on the type of grow light used. There are some grow lights made of high-pressure sodium (HPS) while some are made of light-emitting diode (LED). Note that HPS grow light will consume more power than LED grow lights.

    Most grow light these days are made to replace the HPS consuming power light. So, a grow light labeled 1000w may not actually be consuming 1000w. It is only replacing a 1000w HPS bulb and thus will consume less wattage.

    1000w Grow Light Cost Per Month

    To determine the cost per month of 1000w LED grow light, you need to put some things into considerations. So, let’s take a look at them.

    Things To Consider When Calculating How Much Do Grow Lights Cost

    • How many hours per day will you be running your grow lights?
    • What stage in the plant cycle does your plant fall? Is it in the seedlings stage, vegetative stage, flowering stage, or fruiting stage? Seedlings will require about 14 to 16 hours of grow light. For the Vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stage, we can say roughly 12 to 18 hours per day.
    • What is the actual number of wattage your grow light draws from the wall? For example, if you have a 3000w grow light, the light may only draw about 700w from the wall. Also, the wattage the grow light emits is totally different from the wattage it will pull from the wall or consume.

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    • The number of weeks each growth stage will take. For example, seedlings can take 1 to 2 weeks. The vegetative and flowering stages can take weeks. But in this article, we will be doing 4 weeks, which is one month.
    • Electricity cost per kWh (kilowatt-hour). In the United States, the average cost of kWh is around 13 cents. However, this energy rate can differ widely depending on the states you live in. It could be cheaper or more expensive.

    Here You Can Find Out A List of Quality but Cheapest LED Grow Lights Online

    Calculating 1000w Grow Light Price Per Month

    So for example, you run your 1000w LED grow light for 15 hours per day. Remember we said you need to find out the actual number of wattage consumed. Dig and read through your grow light label to find out the actual wattage specs.

    For example, let’s say a grow light labeled 1000w actual wattage consumption number is 200w; we will have our total grow light cost per month to be $1170. This is calculated using 1kWh for 13 cents. This implies that the number of wattages consumed per day is 3kWh. While the number of wattage used per month equals 27kWh from running 15 hours grow light per day.

    Calculating 1000w Grow Light Price Per Month

    This is just an estimate of running 15 hours grow light daily with an actual wattage consumption of 200w. This may vary depending on some things such as the actual wattage values or the number of hours you run your grow light.

    However, if your light is actually consuming a 1000w and you’re running your grow light for 15 hours, the cost per month will be $5850. This is calculated using 1kWh for 13 cents. This shows that the number of wattages consumed per day is 15kWh. While the wattage number used per month is 105kWh from running 15 hours grow light per day.

    You can use this grow light calculator by inputting your values here to get your monthly cost estimation.

    FAQ’s

    How many watts does a 1000 watt LED grow light use?

    LED grow lights do not use any wattage. They are a type of light emitting diode, but they don’t have any filament or other heating element. They use an electric current to produce light, and they are designed to be used in conjunction with a fan to move air through them. The amount of light output is determined by the color temperature. Cooler light will provide more red/blue spectrum light and more plants will grow.

    A 1000 watt Led grow light equals 900 watts of HPS light.

    How many plants can a 1000 watt LED grow?

    In general, 4 plants.

    In general, 4 plants.

    LED lights are the future of lighting. They’re incredibly energy-efficient and can last for years, even decades. If you’re considering purchasing some, you might be wondering how much they cost to run each month. You can find this information by simply dividing the cost of the light bulb by its expected lifetime, which is typically 20 years or more.

    Do LED lights take a lot of electricity?

    LEDs are very efficient, so it is unlikely that they use much more energy than incandescent bulbs. They do use a lot less power.

    What are the disadvantages of LED lights?

    LED lights are not only energy efficient, but they also last much longer than traditional bulbs. However, there are some disadvantages to using LED lights that you should be aware of before you buy. LEDs are extremely durable. They can last anywhere from 15-20 years, depending on the type and quality of bulb you purchase.

    LEDs are more expensive than other lighting options, such as incandescent bulbs. For example, an average LED light bulb can cost around $40-$50, whereas a typical incandescent light bulb can cost under $1. Another disadvantage of LEDs is that they can be difficult to install. They require a very specific installation and cannot be used in many existing fixtures. If you have an existing fixture, you will have to remove it before installing the LED lights. What types of LEDs are there? There are three main types of LEDs: white, amber, and blue. White and amber lights are more common and are great for lighting up a space. They also tend to have more energy efficient bulbs, so they are perfect for home use.

    Do LED lights get hot?

    How many watts does a 1000 watt LED grow light use?

    LED grow lights do not use any wattage. They are a type of light emitting diode, but they don’t have any filament or other heating element. They use an electric current to produce light, and they are designed to be used in conjunction with a fan to move air through them. The amount of light output is determined by the color temperature. Cooler light will provide more red/blue spectrum light and more plants will grow.

    A 1000 watt Led grow light equals 900 of HPS light.

    How many plants can a 1000 watt LED grow?

    In general, 4 plants.

    How much do LED lights cost per month?
    LED lights are the future of lighting. They’re incredibly energy-efficient and can last for years, even decades. If you’re considering purchasing some, you might be wondering how much they cost to run each month. You can find this information by simply dividing the cost of the light bulb by its expected lifetime, which is typically 20 years or more.

    Do LED lights take a lot of electricity?
    LEDs are very efficient, so it is unlikely that they use much more energy than incandescent bulbs. They do use a lot less power.

    What are the disadvantages of LED lights?
    LED lights are not only energy efficient, but they also last much longer than traditional bulbs. However, there are some disadvantages to using LED lights that you should be aware of before you buy. LEDs are extremely durable. They can last anywhere from 15-20 years, depending on the type and quality of bulb you purchase.
    LEDs are more expensive than other lighting options, such as incandescent bulbs. For example, an average LED light bulb can cost around $40-$50, whereas a typical incandescent light bulb can cost under $1. Another disadvantage of LEDs is that they can be difficult to install. They require a very specific installation and cannot be used in many existing fixtures. If you have an existing fixture, you will have to remove it before installing the LED lights. What types of LEDs are there? There are three main types of LEDs: white, amber, and blue. White and amber lights are more common and are great for lighting up a space. They also tend to have more energy efficient bulbs, so they are perfect for home use.
    Do LED lights get hot?
    They get hot, but not as much as the regular incandescent bulb probably because they’re more efficient.

    Are LED brighter than halogen?

    When it comes to comparing a LED bulb with a traditional incandescent, halogen or fluorescent, the answer is yes. The average LED bulb can produce up to 90 percent of the light as a comparably sized traditional bulb. However, they’re also much smaller and have longer life spans. 

    An LED (light emitting diode) is a semiconductor-based light source that converts electricity into light, whereas a CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) is a type of compact fluorescent light that produces light using the same principle as an incandescent bulb. LED bulbs are generally much smaller and have longer life spans than CFL bulbs. They also produce more light per watt of energy used. In other words, a LED bulb is brighter than a CFL bulb.

    Led Grow Light Cost Per Month Final Word

    How much wattage your grow light consumes matters when it comes to the planning cost of electricity. But the wish of most growers is to use a grow light that consumes less power and offers maximum output for optimal yield. So, you can achieve this by choosing the appropriate grow light.