🌱 Grower Today

Category: Tips & Guides

  • How Far Should Seedlings Be From Grow Light

    How Far Should Seedlings Be From Grow Light

    Light is one of the most crucial requirements for growing plants indoors. Positioning your grow light in the perfect area is important to ensure your plants get the appropriate grow light quantity. Now, when it comes to seedlings, we would like to know how far seedlings should be from grow light.

    Seedlings are fragile and require proper care as they develop. We will be discussing how far should your seedlings be from grow light so they can grow appropriately.

    Get To Know How Far Grow Light Should Be From Seedlings

    Although a couple of seed varieties require darkness to grow, some plant seedlings do require light for seedlings’ development. The seedling phase is a very fragile phase and they usually require less light intensity. Thus, the distance from your grow light to seedlings should be far enough to reduce light intensity.

    Some may think that supplying optimal light to your plants will increase plant growth and yields. This is true, but have in mind that this applies to only matured plants. Your seedlings will be too delicate during this stage, so they will require tender care. When your plants are established, you can go ahead and feed them with optimal light intensity.

    Let’s take a look at various types of grow light and how far you should place them from your plants.

    LED Grow Seedling Light & Wattage

    Generally, you should position your LED to grow light around 24 to 36 inches above the canopy seedlings.

    Also, how far you should position your grow lights towards your seedlings will solely depend on the power or wattage of the light bulb. A bulb that is bright and far away from the plant could supply a similar light intensity with a dimmer or low light bulb closer to the plant.

    Grow light with lower wattage of around 200 should be positioned between 12 to 20 inches above the plants’ canopy. On the other hand, grow light with higher wattage should be placed 34 to 46 inches from the plants’ canopy.

    LED lights release mostly red and blue wavelength, thus there are appropriate for plants early stage such as seedlings. They are also great for the flowering phase and fruiting phase as these stages require more intensive light for optimal yield.

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    Fluorescent Grow Light

    Fluorescent growth light comes in 3 types namely T5, T12, and compact fluorescent lamps. The added advantage of using fluorescent grow light is that it rarely causes light burn. This is because it does not produce too much heat. Notwithstanding, ensure you keep a close eye on the light heat and intensity.

    Fluorescent growth light should be positioned between 6 to 12 inches for seedlings. For the vegetative and flowering phase, position your grow light between 12 to 16 inches for maximum production.

    Other Plant Stages Grow Light Distance

    Let’s take a look at other plant stages to grow light distance requirements:

    • Vegetative Phase: the LED grow light distance for the vegetative phase of a plant is between 12 to 24 inches above the plants’ canopy. The light position is closer to the plant because optimal light is required during photosynthesis for rapid plant growth. The light intensity will also help in the development of stronger and healthier stems and roots.
    Other Plant Stages Grow Light Distance - Vegetative Phase
    • Flowering Phase: when the vegetative stage is complete and the plant advances into the flowering phase, the light intensity requirements diminish. The distance from the top of the plant to the grow light should be between 18 to 24 inches. In the flowering phase, plants start to grow in height and develop fruits. As your plants grow taller, you can decide to change or not change the distance of the grow light. Usually, if you don’t want your plant to grow too tall, you should leave the grow light distance the same.

    Disadvantages Of Too Much Light

    As we have pointed out earlier that light is one of the key factors to seedling development, we would also point out what too much light can cause your plants.

    If your seedlings receive too much light, it can cause stress to your plant. To know if your plant is taking in too much light, look for any sign of light burns, leave discoloration. Abnormal or stunted growth is another sign to look for.

    Once you see these signs, it’s a call for action. Adjust the distance of your grows light accordingly to fix the problem quickly.

    Disadvantages Of Too Much Light

    FAQ’s

    How close should I keep my seedlings to their grow lights?

     If you are in a spot with good sunlight, then you may be able to get away with having them closer. I would say that if they are on a tray, then you should be able to get away with putting them as close as the tray allows. As far as lighting goes, you will probably need a full spectrum LED grow light. I am not sure what kind you have, but I know that the HID bulbs are really only effective when there is no direct sunlight, otherwise it will not light up.

    I’d say at least 18″ apart for optimal growth. If you’re doing it right, you shouldn’t need much more than a 2-3 foot gap, depending on the height of the lights. If they’re too close together, you’ll be wasting energy and possibly burning your plants.

    Does the type of light matter in terms of the distance?

    Yes. You’ll need to figure out what the light spectrum is that you are growing for. If you’re trying to grow plants that are grown for eating then you will need to know how much of the spectrum they are best at consuming.

    Then you will need to calculate the amount of light that is needed to provide that amount of light to your plant. For example, if you are growing tomatoes, you would use a combination of red, blue and yellow lights to simulate sunlight. The more red light, the more heat, and the more yellow light, the more light but also more energy. You can get away with less red light if you have enough blue and yellow light. For example, if you had two 5500K fluorescent tubes, one blue and one yellow, it would be able to produce about 1.2 times as much light as a single fluorescent tube of similar wattage. If you had two of the same tubes but they were only 5500K then you could get around twice the amount of light. It’s best to figure out what the light spectrum for your plant is going to be before setting up the grow room. You don’t want to grow plants in the wrong light spectrum.

    Can they be too far apart?

    My understanding is that it’s not a problem to put the grow lights too far away from the seedlings. However, you may want to get closer so that the light is more diffused and even. It’s easier to keep a grow light in a plant than a human. You could also try to use LED grow lights. These are much more energy efficient, and will last a lot longer. 

    Conclusion: How Much Light Should Seedlings Get?

    How your grow light should be far from seedlings will depend on the type of grow light you’re using and the wattage or light intensity. With the information we have given above, we hope you have learned the right distance to place your grow light from your seedlings.

  • How To Harvest Leaf Lettuce

    How To Harvest Leaf Lettuce

    Are you ready to enjoy all-year-round fresh green salad lettuce? Let’s dive in. Lettuce leaves should be harvested the appropriate way so it keeps growing nonstop. If you’re wondering how to harvest lettuce leaf the right way, we will teach you how to go about it.

    Nothing is more pleasing when a gardener is able to grow and harvest fresh lettuce and get that non-stop or continuous harvest. Read on to discover how to harvest a cut and come again lettuce leaf.

    Planting Lettuce Leaf Right

    Some gardeners, especially newbies may think when you harvest lettuce leaf once you can’t come back for it again. But that’s mostly not true. If you cut your lettuce leaf the right way, you can always come again for another cut.

    The best lettuce variety that will allow you to cut and keep growing is the mesclun variety. This mesclun variety is loose-leaf lettuce rather than head lettuce and it offers great textures, flavor, and colors.

    Planting Lettuce Leaf Right

    This type of lettuce variety can be spaced a bit closer to each other. Every week or every other week, ensure you plant new crops so you can enjoy nonstop harvest leaf lettuce. If you wish to choose other lettuce varieties, they are also fine.

    Learn How to Harvest Green Leaf Lettuce

    You can start harvesting your lettuce leaf or baby lettuce when they attain about 4 inches long. The outer leaves are the best to pick so always aim to cut the outward leaves. These ones always taste amazing and you can prepare some lovely salad green with them. Be sure they always taste superior compared to the matured ones.

    Use a sharp tool like scissors or shears to cut them in singles or a bunch above the crown. Avoid cutting inwards or below the crown so your lettuce plant does not die off.

    A lettuce farm where you can continuously harvest will have several rows of growing lettuce. The lettuce leaves will continue to grow at various stages of maturity with some being a week or two older. As you continue this cycle, you are also slowing down the bolting process which is what we want.

    Every time you pick, ensure you pick from different rows so other rows that have been harvested before can have time to grow again. Each time you harvest, ensure you plant progressively so you can come for more crops after a week or two of harvesting. This is another way of ensuring the cut and come again experience.

    Always have in mind that after cutting a row, the new lettuce leaf will be ready to be harvested again in about two weeks.

    When To Harvest Leaf Lettuce

    You can check your seed pack for days of maturity to know when to harvest your lettuce leaves. Depending on the kind of variety your choose, lettuce can take up to 60 to 100 days to mature.

    From the size and shape of the lettuce head, you should be able to tell when it’s ready.

    However, you can harvest anytime, just ensure you always harvest your lettuce leaf before they go into bolting. They enter bolting at the end of their growing season and this is when you should discontinue harvest.

    Bolting is when they start to enter the flowering stage and this occurs during the hot season. Bolted lettuce leaf will result in a bitter taste which is what we do not want.

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    During the hot season, you can try and shield the lettuce leaf by covering each row. Use shade cloth or row covers to shield your lettuce. This will help in delaying the bolting process.

    However, you should avoid planting lettuce during hot climates. Hold on till the climate is cool around fall or spring and continue planting your lettuce.

    FAQ’s

    How do you harvest leaf lettuce so it keeps growing?

    Leaf lettuce is a popular salad green because of its crisp texture, but harvesting the leaves for salad can be laborious. The leaves are not very hardy, and when they are harvested they start to wilt and fall over. You could harvest the leaves as soon as they are ready.
    You don’t have to do anything special to keep the lettuce growing. If you’re harvesting for salad, just leave the whole plant in place and pick the leaves as needed. When you cut off the head, you’re only removing the top of the plant, and the lettuce will continue to grow.

    Will lettuce regrow after cutting?

    The stems of lettuce regrow when cut, and you can harvest the leaves again. In some cases, it takes a couple of days for the new growth to develop. If your lettuce is cut too close to the base of the plant, the roots will be damaged and the plants won’t regrow.

    How do I know when my leaf lettuce is ready to pick?

    Leaf lettuce comes in a wide range of varieties, each with its own growing season. Lettuce is a cool-season crop and requires at least 5 hours of daylight, and preferably 8 to 10 hours of sunlight per day. Most varieties will be harvested when the heads are full and have formed tight, compact heads. You can harvest lettuce when it is still slightly tender, but before the heads begin to develop cracks. As a general rule, you can tell when lettuce is ready to be picked by looking at the leaves. If they are large and dark green, then it’s probably ready. However, you should still pick them while they are still small, bright green and tender.

    How many times can you regrow lettuce?

    Lettuce is an annual plant. It will grow from seed, but it will not grow again until the next year. Lettuce is a cool-weather crop, and it can be difficult to grow in the hot weather of summer. But if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, you can keep growing lettuce all summer long.
    The first time you grow it will be more difficult because you don’t have an established root system, and you won’t know exactly where to place your seedlings. But once you have several plants growing at the same time, it gets easier.
    If you are growing it from seed, expect to start with a few seedlings and eventually get down to one plant per square foot (or two or three).

    How do you keep lettuce growing in the summer?

    You can grow lettuce year round, but it does take some extra attention and planning. The main thing is to start from seed in the spring and plant every two weeks until late fall, when temperatures are cooler. You don’t want to plant the seeds too early and then have them die over the winter. A good way to space your plants is to sow seeds a couple of inches apart and thin to one plant per hill.
    There are several types of lettuce that grow well in hotter climates. The ones with a red leaf are romaine lettuce. They will tolerate hot weather and do well if watered daily. You may also want to water it once a week at least. Romaine lettuce is a good choice for salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Other lettuces that will tolerate hot weather are butterhead, iceberg, and leaf lettuce. They will also do well if you water them daily.

    How To Pick Lettuce

    Always harvest the outer part of the lettuce leaf throughout their growing season and harvest at the right size. Ensure you plant more lettuce progressively as you harvest. If you do this always, you will enjoy continuous growth for many more seasons. Remember, lettuces will only grow well in cool weather conditions.

    Once you have harvested your lettuce leaf, you can store them by refrigerating them for a week or two.

    If you follow our tips on how to successfully plant and harvest leaf lettuce, you should be able to enjoy fresh and green salad all year round.

    We do hope this information has been helpful to your garden. Happy growing.

  • Are White LED Lights Good For Growing

    Are White LED Lights Good For Growing

    There have always been consistent debates about the effectiveness of various types of grow lights for indoor hydroponics. Among these various debates, let’s get to know if white LED lights are good options for growing.

    Grow lights such as LED mimics the work sunlight does on plants. They are an artificial source of light for enhancing the growth of indoor hydroponic plants. So, if it interests you to find out if grow lights such as white LED lights are good for growing, we will let you know in this post.

    White LED Lights Are Made Of

    Firstly, let’s get to know what a white light really is. In a clear sense, white LED lights are not actually white. They are combinations or packed diodes of different colors to give white color to human eyes.

    The combinations of colors that appear white to human eyes are many. One of them is an equal amount of red, blue, and green color combinations. Another combination is blue and yellow color combinations and many more. However, these lights are not a complete spectrum. Changing the amount or level of each color will result in color temperatures of light.

    White LED Lights Are Made Of

    Let’s Find Out If White Led Grow Lights Are Good For Burgeoning

    The short answer is yes, white LED lights are definitely good for growing. Even though most growers are used to purple grow lights and may think white LED lights don’t offer much value to plants’ growth: well, that’s not the case. Your indoor plants can also benefit from using white LED grow lights.

    • Regular White Light Led Grow Light (Full-conversion)

    Note that there we have regular white LED used in most homes, offices, etc. These types of white LED are standard fluorescent lights. They are actually made of ultraviolet light that is made of blue, green, and red.

    There is a powdered phosphor coating in the tube of this light that converts the ultraviolet light into green, red, and blue. However, they are seen as white to the human eyes. The ultraviolet light discharged by the LED is usually transformed into white light by the phosphor coating.

    This transformation or conversion is known as full-conversion white LED. Although this type of white LED will work for growing plants, the efficiency won’t be that great.

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    • White LED Lights (Partial-conversion)

    In today’s market, there is the introduction of a better type of white light which is a partial conversion LED used in an indoor garden. It makes use of blue light instead of ultraviolet light. The phosphor coating here changes part of the blue light into yellow light. This yellow light consists of red and green.

    This yellow light now merges with the rest of the blue light to form white light. Now, this type of white LED is very efficient for growing plants compared to the regular one.

    Today’s white LED spectrum light will supply a full light spectrum of various wavelengths.

    Wavelength Of White LED Light

    Various plants in their different growth phases require a certain type of light. This is where color temperature comes into play where specific wavelengths are required for different phases in a plant’s life cycle.

    The changes in the amount proportion of each color contained in the white LED will determine the color temperature. For instance, warm white light of color temperature 3000k has more red wavelengths. On the other hand, cool white light of color temperature 6500K has more blue wavelengths.

    Now when it comes to changing the color temperature for the white diode, all you need do is make use of a thicker phosphor layer. Then you can change the blue LED’s wavelength.

    Below are some color temperatures for various stages of a plant’s growth:

    • Vegetative Phase: Red light is ideal for the vegetative phase of a plant and this falls in the 5000K range.
    • Flowering Phase: Cooler temperatures are ideal for the flowering phase. Thus, you should go for the 2700K to 3000K scale. 2700K is specifically for the flowering stage; however, if you wish to make use of your light for all growth stages, then 3000K is the ideal number.
    • Generally For Plants: for growing plants generally both 5000K and 6500K are perfect. However, if you plan on indulging in just veggies 6500K will work fine.

    FAQ’s

    Can you use a white LED light to grow plants?

    Yes, you can use a white LED light to grow plants. There are many different ways to use an LED light for growing plants. You can use a cool white or warm white LED light. You can also use the red and blue LED lights. It’s not a good idea to use a white LED light for any other purpose. However, the best way to do this is to use an LED grow light that has been specifically designed for growing plants. The reason being that LEDs produce a specific wavelength of light, and these are what plants need to grow. Using any other type of lighting would not be the best option for growing plants.

    When should you use white LED as opposed to flourescent?

    You can use an LED light to grow plants, but it’s not the same as a fluorescent bulb. While fluorescent lights are made of tubes that contain mercury vapor, LEDs don’t have any mercury. They also emit a different wavelength of light than conventional fluorescent lights, and their spectrum is more like sunlight.

    The LED light is much more efficient than a conventional fluorescent bulb, so it will last longer and cost less to run. It won’t heat up the room as much as a fluorescent bulb, so your house won’t be hotter in the summer. And since LEDs don’t contain mercury or have any other hazardous chemicals inside them, you can put them in an area where children and pets play.

    LED lights are great for growing herbs, veggies, fruits, and flowers. But if you’re looking to grow houseplants or succulents, you should use a fluorescent light instead. Fluorescent bulbs emit the same spectrum of light as sunlight, which is great for plants that like bright sunlight.

    Can any LED light be used as a grow light?

    Yes. The only restriction is that the spectrum of the light must be within the tolerance range of the plants’ requirements, which is typically a range of 400 to 700nm for most plants. The higher the wavelength, the more blue light, and the lower the wavelength, the more red light. The light is typically measured in lumens. A typical fluorescent bulb emits about 100 lumens, so one lumen is equal to one lumen per watt.

    How do I change the color of my LED grow light?

    You can adjust the color of your LED lights by using the colored filters that are available from most LED lighting manufacturers. The colored filters come in a variety of colors such as red, yellow, blue, and green. The colored filters are usually designed to match the spectrum of light emitted by the bulbs. Some colored filters have their own special name and are labeled accordingly. For example, “G-Red” is a red filter, “G-Green” is a green filter, etc. The filters can be purchased individually, or they can be bought as a set.

    Conclusion About White Led Spectrum

    So, we have concluded that white LED lights are indeed is good for growing indoor plants. It will offer your plant efficient growth and stronger results.

  • Grow Room Size Per Plant

    Grow Room Size Per Plant

    One of the first points to put in mind when commencing indoor hydroponic farming is the size of your grow room. This is important so you can determine the right grow room size per plant and carefully plan and work on your grow space to maximize yield.

    Let’s take a look at how to choose the right grow room size that will suit your plants’ size.

    Requirements To Consider

    Before we dive into grow room size per plant, let’s get to know the requirements. Some factors will determine how to choose the grow room size per plant. Let’s take a look at some of these factors:

    • Plant Size: Now, when it comes to plants, knowing the plant size is another factor to consider when growing in a particular room space. We have small plants, medium-sized plants, bigger plants, and bushier plants. You can get the plant size information on the packet of your seed pack. You may also find the plant’s growing height and perhaps seed spacing requirements in the seed pack.
    Requirements To Consider - Plant Size
    • Spacing: Another factor is spacing requirements. While there are plants that require give planting space and failure to do so can cause poor growth and health of the plant. However, there are a few plants that can allow planting them close to each other. For example, plants that need to be pollinated by other plants will need their pollinating plants to be close to them.

    Grow Space Room Size Per Plant

    Talking about the recommended grow room size per plant, let’s take a look at this using a grow room of size 10 x 10 (i.e 10 feet by 10). A 10 x 10 room size equals 100 square foot room.

    The number of plants that will fit a 100 square foot room will be less than 2000 small-sized plants. For medium-sized plants, it can fit about 200 to 450 plants. While for bigger or bushier plants, you can fit 25 to 100 plants for a 100 square foot grow size room.

    Always have in mind that the space and size of plants will determine the number of plants you can fit in a grow room.

    Read more about Leaving Grow Lights On 24 Hours

    Using Grow Tent To Determine The Grow Room Size For Plants

    Many hydroponic growers especially newbies usually wish to plan the number of plants they want to grow and select the appropriate grow tent size for it. This is a very good plan. Just ensure you have the required space where you can set up your grow tent in your home.

    So, here are some various grow size tents and how many plants you can fit in them:

    • 2 x 2 Grow Tent: let’s see how many plants we can fit in a 2 x 2 grow tent. Usually, a single plant is ideal for a 2 x 2 grow tent together with a 3 or 5-gallon container. However, you can still fit in 4 smaller plants in this grow tent size.
    • 2 x 4 Grow Tent: 7 to 8 small sized-plants can fit in this grow tent size.
    • 3 x 3 Grow Tent:  this size can allow you to grow 9 small plants or more.
    • 4 x 4 Grow Tent:  you can comfortably plant about 4 regular-sized plants with this size.
    • 4 x 8 Grow Tent:  two large plants can fit into this size. About 8 medium-sized and 32 or more small plant sized can fit in this grow room space.
    • 5 x 5 Grow Tent:  you can easily grow up to 25 plants with this grow room size.

    Importance Of Determining The Appropriate Grow Room Size

    Determining the appropriate grow room size per plant is very crucial when it comes to indoor hydroponics. Doing this will accurately guide you to calculating the capacity in which you can plant. This way, you can enhance the quality and results of the harvest.

    However, if you choose an undersized or wrong grow room, there are serious consequences to this. It can result in overheating of your plants and your garden will be overcrowded. Now overcrowding will result in low-quality yield which is totally the opposite of what any gardener wants.

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    Also, oversized grow room has its own issue. Oversized grow room will cost you a lot because there will be an increase in total operating cost. It will require extra costs such as more electricity consumption, constant temperature regulation to an accommodating level for plants, etc.

    Find out the Cheapest Hydroponic Growing Medium

    FAQ’s

    How many plants should be in a grow room?

    The table below shows how many plants you would need to grow for different wattage requirements.

    How many plants can you grow in a 10×10 tent?

    There are a lot of different things to consider when you’re looking to start your own garden. From what to plant, to how much space you have to work with, and what kind of space you have to work with.
    A 10’x10′ tent could handle about 32 plants, if they were medium size. You would have to be careful with your watering though, you wouldn’t want it getting too wet.

    How big is a 4×4 grow tent?

    A 4×4 grow tent can hold as many as four plants, but it’s usually just two or three.

    Most growers purchase a 4×4 tent. They are able to grow a wide variety of plants in these tents. A 4×4 tent has four walls, which means that there are four sides to the tent. These walls are usually made out of either metal or plastic. The tent comes with a door at one end, which leads to the inside of the grow tent. A 4×4 tent is an excellent choice if you want to grow as many different types of plants as possible. There are a few advantages of having a 4×4 tent. For one, it gives you the room that you need to grow a lot of plants. It also provides you with more space for lights and for growing.

    Do you need a carbon filter for a grow tent?

    arbon filters are used in conjunction with air purifiers to filter out particles, dust and odors from the air. Carbon has a high surface area which allows it to attract airborne particles.

    This is why they are used in conjunction with air purifiers. The most common carbon filters that I have come across in my research are the carbon block filters. There are a couple of problems with using a carbon filter in a grow tent. The first is that the carbon needs to be maintained to keep its effectiveness. This means you need to clean it regularly. It’s not as hard as it sounds.

    There are a few ways you can do this. You can use a vacuum cleaner and run it over the carbon or if you want to be more hands on you can wash it in water and soap. Either way, you need to get rid of the sooty build up that is inevitable when using a carbon filter. The second problem with using a carbon filter is that there is a limit to how much air can pass through them. You only need to look at the dimensions of the carbon to see how big of an issue this could be. If you have a 10 ft x 10 ft grow tent, then you need to use a carbon filter that is about 4 inches thick. This will allow for the air to flow through the carbon. If you are growing in a larger tent, then you will need a bigger carbon filter. A final issue with using a carbon filter is that it does not absorb odors. If you are growing in a tent and you are using an air purifier, then you won’t need to worry about this as the purifier will take care of it.

    Final Say

    With that said, we hope you have picked one or two things on how to choose the right grow room size for your hydroponic indoor garden. Happy growing!

  • Leaving Grow Lights On 24 Hours

    Leaving Grow Lights On 24 Hours

    The impact of grow lights in hydroponics gardening is very essential as it mimics the work done by natural sunlight. There’s is no disputing that leaving grow light on for long will result in faster growth. However, the question is: is leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours ideal? Let’s look into this.

    Leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours will sure supply your plants more light and if you notice they aren’t getting adequate light, increasing the number of light supply is fine. However, this is usually not the ideal way out and we will let you know why.

    Can You Leave Grow Lights On 24 Hours A Day: Ideal Or Not?

    It is not the best idea to leave your grow light on for 24 hours even if your plants are not getting enough light supply. The best solution is to obtain more light installations or switch to a stronger grow light. Thus, it’s not ideal to leave your grow light on all day and we will give you more reasons.

    Reasons Why Leaving Grow Lights On For 24 Hours Isn’t Ideal

    Let’s take a look at some reasons why leaving your grow lights on 24 hours is not recommended:

    1. No Resting Time For Plants: when you run your grow light all day, your plants will have no time to rest. Just like a human being needs rest, plants also require a resting stage. Have in mind that the natural sun does not go up all day. We have the night time which is the dark cycle of the plants. Allow your indoor hydroponics plants to also have this dark cycle. During the dark cycle which is the resting stage, it is believed plants use this period to convey nutrients into the most distant part of the plants.
    2. Not Ideal For The Flowering Phase: 24 hours lighting duration is not ideal for plants that need to enter the flowering phase. Your plants won’t transition into the flowering phase unless you decrease the hours of lightening. Now if your plants are already in their flowering phase and you up the light duration to 24 hours, doing that can be quite catastrophic. This can cause your plant to go back to the vegetative phase and it might even take a long time to return to its flowering phase.
    3. Additional Cost: An additional cost is another reason. More electricity will be used and it might require you to change the bulb frequently.
    4. Additional Heat: more heat is will be emitted when you leave the grow lights all day. It will require you to also run more fans as well as other cooling instruments to control the excess heat.
    5. Puts Stress On Equipment: additional stress is put on your equipment as they are working all day without rest. This can reduce the lifespan of your equipment.

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    Leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours long has just one advantage. Your plant receives more light and it will result in rapid growth. This is usually ideal for plants that require only the vegetative phase. So, plants like veggies may benefit from this. Nevertheless, the disadvantages of leaving your grow lights on for 24 hours outweigh the advantages.

    How To Determine Light Duration: Factors To Consider For 24 Hours Of Light

    Put these factors into consideration when deciding the duration to leave grow lights on:

    1. Type Of Plants: there are different types of plants namely low-light, medium-light, and high-light plants. Always determine the type you are growing.
    2. Type Of Grow Light: the types of grow light we have are LED, compact fluorescents, regular bulbs, metal halide, and high-intensity discharge lights. All these grow light supply different capacities of light so you can choose one whichever that suits your growing needs.
    3. Growing Phase: vegetative type of plants may benefit from 24 hours light duration. But flowering and fruiting plants will require a dark phase. The cloning or seedling germination phase is critical so they require both light and dark phases. You can supply them with 12 to 16 hours of light and 8 hours of the dark phase.
    How To Determine Light Duration: Factors To Consider For 24 Hours Of Light

    What Are The Ideal Hours For Running Grow Light?

    It is required to supply your hydroponics plants with at least 12 hours of light and at most 18 hours of light daily. However, if you notice your plants aren’t receiving optimal light you can replace the fixtures or switch to a more powerful light.

    Light Output Plants Require

    All flowering plants and fruit-bearing plants require 20 to 40 moles of light daily. 18 hours grow light duration can supply 20 moles of light if you make use of LED grow light that has 308 micro-moles of light.

    For a 12 hours light duration to produce 20 moles of light, your grow light must be able to supply about 462 micro-moles of light.

    FAQs

    What happens if you leave grow lights on all the time?

    You’re probably wondering what happens when you leave grow lights on all the time. After all, you’re growing plants and there’s no doubt that they will need to use a lot of energy to do so. If you have ever looked at grow lights before, you may be surprised to find out how much power they actually use.

    This is a very interesting question. I’ve had a lot of experience with grow lights and what I do know is that I don’t leave my lights on all the time. I only turn them on when I need them. The first thing that comes to mind is the light spectrum. If you leave your lights on all the time, the spectrum will be different than it would be if you were to turn them on at a specific time. This will affect the quality of the plants, and it could also cause other problems.

    Another thing that I’ve noticed is that my lights tend to stay warmer. When I first started using them, they were so bright that I thought they were burning the plants. But as time went on, I discovered that they actually helped the plants by increasing the temperature, which allowed them to grow faster. Now I know this might sound weird to some people, but for me, turning the lights off for a few hours has worked out well. It doesn’t seem to affect the plants much at all.

    Why shouldn’t I leave my grow lights on all the time?

    You risk burning your plants. This is probably the biggest reason why you shouldn’t leave your grow lights on for 24 hours.

    The fact is that when you leave grow lights on for 24 hours, it creates an environment where your plants can use up all of their energy reserves and grow to a point where they can no longer recover. This can result in stunted growth, and even death.

    You also risk wasting electricity. It’s true, if you’re using LED grow lights, then you’re going to be using a lot of electricity over the course of 24 hours. If you’re using a 10-watt grow light for 24 hours, then you’re going to be using up 1,000 watts of electricity.

    Can seedlings get 24 hours of light?

    You may think that this is a time when it would make the most sense to keep them showered in light non-stop, b ut the truth of the matter is that just like mature plants, seeds need to rest after a certain period of time.

    What should I consider when it comes to light duration?

    Light duration is one of the most important factors to determine the quality of a light. This is because it affects the plants growth, flowering and fruiting cycles. It also affects the light spectrum. You can have a very bright but short light duration. Or you can have a very weak but long light duration.

    1.To determine the light duration, you need to know the following factors:

    The intensity of the light source

    The spectrum of the light

    The amount of light emitted at any time

    The color temperature of the light source

    The size of the plant container

    The light source

  • Growing With Compact Fluorescents

    Growing With Compact Fluorescents

    Growing your indoor hydroponics plants with compact fluorescents is by far the easiest and low-cost grow lights to use. Compact fluorescents are the most common type of light you can find in most houses and it’s been available for over 2 decades.

    Amongst the various types of grow lights we know, compact fluorescent is the easiest to find and they’re great options for newbies. They’re also cheap, and they will do a fine job when it comes to growing various types of plants.

    Let’s dive in and discuss growing with compact fluorescents for the best results in your hydroponics garden.

    What Are Compact Fluorescents Lights (CFL)?

    Compact fluorescents light is an excellent light source to supply to your plants. They are great in giving a great spectrum of light for your growing plant needs.

    Compact fluorescent light CFL came about as a replacement for the classic incandescent lamp. Although incandescent lamps were great, they just burn hotter and waste too much electricity.

    Contrarily, compact fluorescent light gives out less heat and consumes less energy. At the same time, they supply an efficient and similar amount of light as the incandescent lamp, thus making them a better choice.

    What Are Compact Fluorescents Lights (CFL)

    Why Use Compact Fluorescents For Growing?

    Compared to the more expensive grow lights such as metal halide, LED grow light, and high-pressure sodium, compact fluorescents will offer almost the same function as others with lesser cost. They will also make use of lesser electricity, thus making them cost-effective.

    Another added advantage is that they can be customized as they come in various shapes and sizes. They also come in various ranges of wattage. They are easy to install and you can fix them close to your plants for optimal results.

    Types Of Compact Fluorescents For Growing

    Most compact fluorescents don’t come in full-spectrum, they usually come in two colors namely warm and daylight colors. Kelvin scale is used to measure or determine the colors of light the bulb emits.

    Here are the types of compact fluorescents you may find in the market:

    • Warm Colors: measured 2000k/2700k on the Kelvin scale. The warm colors emit red and yellowish spectrum. This type is ideal for the flowering phase and blooming.
    • Daylight: measured 5500k/6500k on the Kelvin scale. The daylight emits cool and blueish colors. It is ideal for all growing phases and great for the vegetative phase.

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    Other types you may find are the dual spectrum which has been customized to emit yellow colors and a mix of blue colors.

    How Much Bulbs Or Watts Is Needed For Growing

    The amount of light required for growing will vary solely on the type of plants because some plants require more or fewer watts.

    For a general guideline, you can supply your plants with about 80 to 100 watts per square foot of growing area. Some vegetables require about 50 to 70 watts. For example, indoor lettuce plants don’t require much light because they are fast growers. However, other plants such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc, require more lights or watts.

    How Many CFLs Per Plant

    You should be able to deduce if any of your plants require more light by accessing the growth rate of all the areas of your garden. If some parts are booming well and some parts are struggling to pick up, then that’s a situation of not covering all the plants’ angles with light. Adjust accordingly and continue to monitor the growth rate of all plant areas.

    How Many CFLs Per Plant

    How To Use Compact Fluorescents For Growing Plants

    We admire the fact that one can plug compact fluorescent into regular light sockets. You can arrange them as you please because they come in different sizes and shapes and they are highly customizable.

    Where To Put Compact Fluorescents

    Place the light at least 4 to 6 inches away from your plants. Every angle of the bulb emits light so do your best for this light to point towards your plants’ directions.

    Usually, some light will point away from your plants. But to utilize most of the reflected light, make use of reflectors so most of the light emitted can point towards your plants.

    Apart from using reflectors, you can also make use of white paint, aluminum foil, or panda paper as substitutes.

    FAQ’s

    Can plants grow under compact fluorescent?

    It’s a question that has been hotly debated for years, and there are a lot of conflicting reports. The latest one comes from the journal Nature Plants, which reports on a study led by the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biosciences, in which researchers grew tomatoes, lettuce and other plants under compact fluorescent light.

    The results were mixed. For some plants, it had a significant effect; for others, not at all. Some were better able to convert CO2 to sugars, while others were less efficient. In all cases, however, the plants grew better than they did under traditional light. CFL bulbs are getting more and more popular as energy costs rise.

    The use of compact fluorescent bulbs is a boon for the environment, but some people are concerned about their effect on plant growth. Some plants will not tolerate the higher temperatures produced by compact fluorescents.

    What are the disadvantages of using compact fluorescent light bulbs?

    The first disadvantage is that they do not last as long as regular incandescent bulbs. Most compact fluorescent bulbs only last about 10 to 12 years and they start to dim after 4 to 5 years. The second disadvantage is that they consume more energy than regular incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs require approximately 60% more energy than regular incandescent bulbs, so if you have a lot of them, you will be paying more for electricity. They are not as bright as standard incandescent bulbs. They don’t last as long as incandescent bulbs. They have a tendency to dim too quickly after turning on. They also have a shorter lifespan than standard bulbs. Another disadvantage of CFL’s is that they can be difficult to get working. If you need to replace an existing fixture, there may be a problem getting it to work properly with a CFL. 

    Can plants live with only fluorescent light?

    In general, when the light intensity is the same, plants grown under fluorescent light do not grow as well as those grown under natural light. Fluorescent light is a type of artificial light that uses ultraviolet light to stimulate plant growth. It is made up of different wavelengths of visible and invisible light.

    In general, plants can tolerate fluorescent light at an intensity of around 25 foot candles (2.5 watts per square meter). At this level, plants grown in artificial light will have some yellowing of leaves. If you have plants in a small space, you may find it beneficial to increase the light intensity of your plant lights. If you are growing plants in the home, you should look for a combination of incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. These will produce the best balance of natural light and artificial light. The fluorescent light is used to stimulate plant growth.

    Closing Remark about CFL Grow Light

    It is pretty convenient growing with compact fluorescent light in your hydroponic garden. You enjoy a cost-effective technique to supply light to your plants while still enjoying great results.

    We have highlighted above some useful points to assist you in the use of compact fluorescent light, CFL. With that, we hope you are able to utilize some of these tips and come out with amazing results.

  • PH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    PH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    You might be interested in growing lettuce hydroponically. If you’re wondering what’s the best pH for hydroponic lettuce, we will let you know in this post.

    Leafy greens such as lettuce are some of the most common crops to grow in hydroponics. They are especially great for hydroponic newbies. Lettuce is pretty easy to grow and you will derive lots of healthy benefits from incorporating it into your diet.

    Now growing hydroponic lettuce has some requirements such as a balanced pH, nutrient solutions, accurate temperature range, etc. We will cover the best pH for hydroponic lettuce and other requirements you need to know. So, read on to learn.

    Lettuce Hydroponic System

    The lettuce hydroponic system is a method of growing lettuce without the use of soil. Water solutions dissolved in nutrients are used to grow lettuce plants.

    With a lettuce hydroponic system, you enjoy faster growth, higher yield, healthier crops, and many more benefits. You can commence lettuce hydroponic by purchasing a complete hydroponic system or go for a DIY unit.

    Required pH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    Constant monitoring of your lettuce nutrient solutions is paramount in maintaining a smooth and running system.

    The required pH for hydroponic lettuce ranges from 5.6 to 6.2. This pH range is acidic enough to reduce the activities of algae and at this pH range, plants can absorb nutrients adequately for their growth.

    The pH range for seedlings should be adjusted to 6.4 and as your plant matures, the pH should be adjusted to 6.0.

    However, if the pH goes high on the pH scale, it falls into the alkaline range which is not good for your plant. The alkaline range that’s too much or too high can cause a nutrient lockout. Nutrient lockout causes the inability of your hydroponic lettuce plants to absorb nutrients.

    When nutrient lockout occurs, your lettuce plants will start to show signs of nutrient deficiencies. Symptoms such as yellowing of leaves, wilting of plants, stunted growth, and so on will be seen.

    Required pH For Hydroponic Lettuce

    You may end up losing your lettuce plants if action is not taken fast. Hence, ensure you always monitor your pH levels at least once a day.

    You should also note that plants absorb nutrients at various pH ranges. Hence, the pH level is borne to change constantly. The only thing you can do is to make sure they fall in between the lettuce plant’s recommended pH range which is 5.6 to 6.2.

    Making use of pH up and pH down products are great to maintain a steady and balanced pH range.

    Hydroponics Nutrient Solution For Lettuce

    The recommended hydroponic nutrient solutions to successfully grow lettuce are those that contain majorly calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and they are needed in high quantities.

    Calcium is especially crucial for the growth of lettuce because a calcium deficiency can cause lettuce leaf tip burns. This issue is very common so ensure the levels of your calcium are accurate.

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    The nutrient solutions must provide all necessary key elements for maximum production at their vegetative stage. At the same time, these nutrient solutions must not push the lettuce into its flowering or bolting stage. Flowering only causes bitter lettuce and we want to avoid that.

    Although lettuce has different varieties and some are more or less sensitive to nitrogen: always ensure the nutrient solution that you are buying suits the type of lettuce variety you will be growing. Read the nutrient pack instructions for better directions and use.

    Other Requirements For Hydroponics Lettuce

    • Temperatures: The recommended temperatures should range from 68 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that all varieties of lettuce love cool temperatures. If the temperature is high, bolting or flowering will take place. We however want to prevent bolting from occurring because it always gives rise to bitter lettuce leaves. Temperatures that exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit will cause bolting.

    • Light Requirements: Lettuce plants do not require much light. Light duration from 10 to 15 hours daily is enough. They can be supplied with moderate or low light.

    Other Requirements For Hydroponics Lettuce - Light

    • Aeration: Some lettuce varieties can tolerate low oxygen levels. However, we recommend you always maintain a well-aerated system as this will boost the healthy growth of roots. We recommend dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) to be around 8 ppm.

    • Growing media: Lettuce will do well in most growing media such as rock wool, coco coir, etc. However, the main growing medium is the nutrient solution. It is the nutrient solution that provides most of the support for lettuce growth.

    Can Vinegar Be Used to Lower pH in Hydroponics?

    Vinegar, also known as acetic acid is a weak acid that can be used to lower pH in hydroponics systems. It can however be used only as a temporary solution as it does not remain stable for long.

    The pH in hydroponics changes constantly so it would be better to use an acid with more stability, such as phosphoric acid.

    How Do You Use a Hydroponic pH Meter?

    A pH meter is a very important tool to have and use if you are running a hydroponics system. It is more important than it would be if you were growing plants in the soil. The reason for this is that pH fluctuates more in aquaponics than in a soil-based plant-growing medium. 

    Soil has what is referred to as a buffering capacity. What this means is that it can correct for pH changes to be the in the right pH range for the plants that you are growing. Soilless growth media such as those used in hydroponics systems lack this ability and advantage.

    To be able to manage the pH in your hydroponics system, a pH meter like this one is an absolute necessity. You will need to monitor the pH of our system daily to avoid any adverse consequences. The thing with unfavorable pH changes is that you want to catch them as early as possible before they cause any problems which may damage or even kill your fish. Here is how you use a hydroponic pH meter:

    • Using test strips

    Using test strips is by far the cheapest way to test your hydroponic pH. Test strips are covered with a pH-sensitive dye that will change color when dipped into the water. You will then compare this color to the color chart to determine the pH of your hydroponics solution

    • Liquid test kits

    This is another popular method used to test for pH. It is also more accurate than the test strip method, so if you are looking for more accuracy this may be the choice for you. These test kits are commercially available and can be purchased from various distributors. The way this work is that you put a few drops of pH-sensitive dye into a vial containing your water or nutrient solution. The color of the solution will change, and you will compare this color to a color chart to determine the pH, just as you would do with the test strips.

    • pH meter

    The best and most efficient way to test pH in your hydroponics system is with the use of a digital pH meter. They come in different types and price ranges. You can find one to suit your needs as well as your pocket. Digital pH meters are very easy to use, simply insert the electrode into the water and it will give you a pH reading. Remember to calibrate your meter regularly so that it will give you accurate readings. 

    Can You Use Hydrochloric Acid to Lower pH in Hydroponics?

    Hydrochloric acid can be used to lower pH in hydroponics. It can however be dangerous in high concentrations, as it can damage your plants. So you need to be careful if you use it, or use safer acids such as phosphoric acid which can even be beneficial to your plants by adding phosphates which are plant nutrients.

    Conclusion

    We hope that you have learned all you needed to know about the required pH for hydroponic lettuce. Remember to always monitor your hydroponic nutrient pH constantly and adjust when you notice any slight change.

    Happy growing!

    FAQ’s

    What is the best hydroponic fertilizer for lettuce?

    When grown in soil, lettuce does not need to be fertilized. As long as the plants are getting enough water, they can get their nutrients from the soil. If you are growing in a greenhouse, you should add fish emulsion or compost tea to the soil, which will provide the nutrients needed for your plants.
    Lettuce needs a lot of water to grow well. Keep the soil moist, but do not let it get soggy. Water thoroughly when the weather is warm and the soil is dry. A small amount of fertilizer can be applied at this time. Once temperatures cool down in fall, water less often. In order to grow the best-tasting lettuce, plant seeds about 3 weeks before the last frost date. The lettuce seeds will germinate once the temperature warms up in spring. After they have germinated, thin the seedlings so that there is only one or two plants per square foot. This will allow them to grow large and have plenty of room to spread out.

    Lettuce needs a slow-release fertilizer to grow, and it also needs high levels of nitrogen. The best time to fertilize lettuce is in the fall. The leaves should be dark green, shiny and crisp. If the lettuce leaves are yellow, they need more nitrogen.

    What pH should water be for hydroponics?

    The pH of the water is one of the most important factors in growing plants.

    There are many different ways to measure the pH of a solution, and there are many different theories as to how much the pH affects plant growth.  However, it is safe to say that a pH of around 5.0 is ideal for growing healthy plants. If you use distilled water, you can adjust the pH of the solution easily by adding more or less H2O. However, if you use tap water, you will need to buy some chemicals to make the pH of the water exactly what you want. pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic, and 14 being the most alkaline.

    What happens if pH is too low in hydroponics?

    There are a few things that can happen when pH is too low in a hydroponic system. Most of the time, you won’t even notice anything. Your plants will be fine, and you will have a healthy crop. If you’re growing in a soil based hydroponic system, you will need to change your water to ensure that it’s not too acidic. This is important because soil contains many beneficial microbes that are essential for plant growth.
    These microbes work with the roots of your plants to absorb nutrients, and they also help break down organic waste in the soil. If your pH is too low, these beneficial microbes will not be able to do their job. Instead, your plants will suffer from nutrient deficiencies and may even die. You can lower the pH of your hydroponic solution using a simple pH test kit. You’ll find that most of the time, the pH of your solution is fine.

  • Types Of Rooting Hormones

    Types Of Rooting Hormones

    Let’s discuss types of rooting hormones. Plants cuttings are easy to propagate. However, for successful propagation, they require a key element known as rooting hormones. Rooting hormones are great to kick start your propagation and they will assist in accelerated root growth.

    If you’ve never tried rooting hormone for your cuttings then you’re missing a great deal. Rooting hormone will never have a negative impact on your propagation so there’s no harm in trying it.

    We will be looking at the various types of rooting hormones you can use for your cloning. So, let’s dive in and find out the various types of rooting hormones.

    What Is Rooting Hormone?

    Rooting hormones are gel stimulants which contain natural chemicals for plans and it’s used to signal root growth especially for cuttings. These rooting hormones are produced by plants naturally for root growth. Now scientists have generated a way of synthesizing this hormone in the lab for the use of plant cuttings.

    Plants naturally produce hormones for the development of roots and shoots. We have different types of these hormones such as cytokinins, auxins, and gibberellins. The hormone used for rooting is auxins. It is these auxins that stimulate and enhance rooting in plant cuttings.

    What Is Rooting Hormone

    Although auxins are produced by plants for root development, auxins are also synthesized in the lab. The synthesized auxins are the ones commercially available as rooting hormones and they are generated from plants.

    Apart from enhancing root growth, the rooting hormone also maintains a sterile surface for your cuttings. Thus, you also enjoy healthy overall growth.

    Plants cuttings rely on rooting hormones or they might not root properly. Hence, it is an essential key for cloning plants.

    Types Of Rooting Hormones

    There are 3 major types of rooting hormones namely: liquid rooting hormone, gel rooting hormone, and powder rooting hormone.

    1. Liquid

    The liquid rooting hormone is one of the most common types of rooting hormone. The liquid comes in two types: the concentrated and the standard strength (ready to use). The concentration requires diluting before application. The standard strength can be used right away. Note when making use of the ready-to-use liquid rooting hormone, pour the one to be used in a separate container. Do not insert your cuttings directly into the bottle. This is to prevent contamination. Once it’s in a separate container, dip the stem of your cuttings in the liquid rooting hormone. You can now put your cuttings in your growing medium.

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    2. Gel

    Out of the various types of rooting hormone, the gel is the most loved among growers. It is pre-mixed and convenient to use. Simply put the portion you wish to use in a container and insert your cuttings into the gel. The gel will comfortably stick to the cuttings giving the stem a thick coat that serves as protection and they won’t wash away easily. With that, your cuttings are ready to go into your growing medium.

    3. Powder

    Powder rooting hormone lasts longer as it offers more shelf life. You can make use of the powder for several growing seasons if stored in the right conditions. To use, pour the powder rooting hormone in a separate container to prevent contamination. You can insert the cuttings into the water to encourage the powder to stick to your cuttings. Now insert the wet cuttings into the powder rooting hormone and give it a little shake to take off excess powder. Then it’s ready to go into your growing medium.

    Homemade Rooting Hormones

    You may be surprised you may have a rooting hormone in your house. Honey is one perfect example of homemade rooting hormone. Although it may not produce quick results as a commercial rooting hormone. You just need to give it a little time to work.

    Honey has some naturally occurring rooting hormone. In addition, it offers anti fungi and antiseptic features to protect your cuttings from infection. The gel nature encourages a consistent steam coating that sticks.

    FAQ’s

    Which is the best rooting hormone?

    We are all aware that rooting is necessary in order to achieve a successful plant. But we often wonder what is the best rooting hormone to use. Rooting hormone is a compound that is added to the soil mix and helps the roots to grow and penetrate through the soil.

    It is important to understand that there are different types of rooting hormones and they are used in different ways. Rooting hormone is also known as root growth stimulator or root growth promoter. The most common type of rooting hormone is Ipomoea. This is a fast growing plant that can be easily grown indoors. It is not recommended to use Ipomoea when the plants are growing outdoors. You should use it when the plant is in the soil or pot. It is available in different types such as powder, gel and liquid. The powder and gel is available in different concentrations. You can easily dissolve them in water and apply on the root area. The liquid is available in different concentrations and it can be diluted with water and applied on the roots. The powder and gel are easy to use and can be used in both hydroponic and soil based growing systems.

    Are there different types of rooting hormone?

    There are many types of rooting hormones available on the market, and they all do a job for which they were designed. Rooting hormone has two basic functions. First, it promotes the uptake of nutrients into the root by loosening the soil around the roots. Second, it helps the roots to absorb water.

    In the past, the main type of rooting hormone was the so-called “growth hormone,” which was sold as a liquid, or in capsules. Today, most companies sell a combination of growth hormone and a form of calcium that has been shown to be just as effective. When purchasing rooting hormone, always look for one that contains both types of hormone. You can also buy a pre-made combination of growth hormone and calcium in a concentrated form that will dissolve when watered. If you are growing vegetables and flowers indoors, the best thing you can do is to use a product that contains calcium and growth hormone. These products are available from many garden centers and mail-order outlets.

    What is a natural rooting hormone?

    Rooting hormones, also known as root stimulants or growth stimulants, are chemicals used to promote root development in plants. Rooting hormones are often added to the soil around seedlings and plants to encourage root growth. These chemicals can be organic or synthetic.  Organic rooting hormones are made from natural materials, such as plant extracts, and are less toxic than their synthetic counterparts.

    Is banana a rooting hormone?

    Bananas aren’t really a rooting hormone. They are actually quite high in gibberellic acid (GA), a plant hormone that promotes growth. This is why bananas are often used as houseplants and why you see them in nurseries.

    Additional Note On Types Of Rooting Hormones

    Growers depend on rooting hormone for propagation cuttings and it has been showing great results ever since. Rooting hormone is a key element that will stimulate the growth of roots to give you a successful propagation and there are various types of rooting hormone to choose from.

    Apart from making use of rooting hormone for successful propagation, you should as well take some other important factors into consideration for great results. Things like selecting only cuttings from plants with good traits. Avoid infected plants or plants that have no good quality growth features. This will ensure your cloned plant gives excellent propagation at the end.

  • Raising Crappie In Tanks

    Raising Crappie In Tanks

    Raising crappie fish in tanks is possible so far you supply them with the right growing conditions. Even though crappie fish are mostly raised in an outdoor pond, raising crappie in tanks or aquariums is still achievable.

    Crappie is a freshwater fish and can be mostly found in North America. They are one of the most common loving fish in the United States because of their tasteful bite and it’s easy raising crappie fish in tanks.

    Guidelines To Raising Crappie In Tank

    You can achieve a smooth and easy-going fish tank if you follow our guidelines for raising crappie in your fish tanks. First, let’s take a look at the required stocking density for crappie fish.

    Guidelines To Raising Crappie In Tanks

    Recommended Crappie Stocking Density

    Crappie fish requires stocking them in a well-spaced environment, so you should always go for a larger tank. The recommended stocking density for 2 to 3 crappie fish is 80 gallons. Thus, your fish tank should be able to fill at least 80 gallons of water. However, if you wish to raise 4 or more crappie fish, you should go for larger tanks.

    Imitate Their Natural Habitat

    The next step is to imitate their natural habitat. This is crucial because they don’t like a bright environment so you need to set up an environment to suit their needs.

    • Substrate: so, for you to imitate the natural habitat, you can make use of neutral substrate such as sand or dark gravel for the base of the fish tank. Also, crappie fish have this common habit of hiding. The use of dark gravel or sand allows them to hide whichever way they want.
    • Driftwood: you can as well put in some obstacles such as large driftwood for them to hide. Put the driftwood on top of the substrate of your fish tank.
    Imitate Their Natural Habitat - Driftwood
    • Artificial Plants: putting some artificial plants is also a bright idea. Touch up your fish tank with 4 to 6 plants and mix them into small and big plants.
    • Rocks: you can also decorate your fish tank with some aquarium rocks that are neutral in color.

    Set up all these artificial obstacles in your fish tanks along with the substrates. Doing this encourages them to have enough room to hide as this is a regular behavior they love to do.

    Temperature & Water Requirements

    • Temperature Requirements: crappie fish are hardy and very tolerant; therefore they can do well in most temperatures. They usually prefer a temperature of around 55 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, they are fine with room temperature water.
    • Water Requirements: make use of clean tap water. When you transfer the water into the fish tank, treat it with a dechlorinator.
    • Canister Filter: crappie should be raised in a clean environment. You can fix a canister filter to assist in cleaning your fish tank.

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    Launch Your Crappie Into Fish Tank

    Before launching your crappie fish into the tank, ensure they have been kept in a tightly packed plastic bag. This plastic bag should be filled with actual lake or river water. The tightly packed plastic bag should now be allowed to float in the fish tank. This way, the crappie fish will have time to blend with the new temperature environment.

    After setting up everything listed above, your crappie is ready to be launched into your fish tank. You can now release your crappie fish into the fish tank.

    Read more about How to Raise Catfish in A Tank

    Crappie Fish Caring Requirements

    After you must have successfully set up your fish tank, you need to take care of your crappie fish so they can thrive and you can enjoy great results. Below are the ways for caring for crappie fish:

    • Feeding: crappie fish requires to be fed every 12 hours. You can feed them with smaller fish, crustaceans, insects, and minnows. You can as well feed them with fish pellets, commercially prepared striped bass, and the likes.

    • Cleaning Your Fish Tank: it will be a good idea if you can clean your fish tank every 2 weeks. Remove all the artificial plants and rocks and wash them with lukewarm water. If you notice any algae, clean and scrub off the tank walls. Ensure your water is clean and clear because crappie fish likes clear water and not muddy water. Note when cleaning the tank, take out the crappie fish with a net and put them in a big bucket of original tank water. You can also let the crappie fish remain in the fish tank while cleaning if you wish to.
    • pH Range: the required pH for crappie fish is 6.6 to 7.8. Sustain this pH range always and test regularly with pH testing equipment.

    FAQ’s

    How much space do they need?

    Crappie like a lot of other fish will do best if they have plenty of space to swim around. I have read that crappies need a lot of space. They can go into a 10-20 gallon tank as long as it has plenty of hiding places.

    If you plan on keeping them in a 20 gallon, then you will want to use a saltwater tank. Crappie are not well suited for freshwater tanks due to their sensitivity to low levels of dissolved oxygen. They require very clean water and good aeration.

    I have never kept any in a small tank but I would think it would be fine. 

    How clean do I need to keep the tank?

    They don’t seem to mind the water quality unless the water is really bad.

    At any rate the tank needs to be cleaned every few months. It’s important to clean the tank before adding new fish, because that way they don’t introduce any diseases from the tank into their system.

    Keep the aquarium with the fish out of direct sunlight, and keep it warm. This will prevent the fish from getting sunburned and/or dehydrated.

    Can you have multiple crappie in the same tank?

    It’s easy. If you have a large enough tank, you can have multiple fish in the same tank. You can do this by transferring the fish into a separate aquarium, and then put the aquarium with the fish in the tank.

    Do they need a lot of food?

    They don’t need as much food as other fish, so they can survive on a high quality diet such as frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp. Crappie are also pretty hardy.

     

  • Aquaponic Fish To Plant Ratio

    Aquaponic Fish To Plant Ratio

    Now, you might be wondering what the standard aquaponic fish to plant ratio is, we will let you know in this post.

    Aquaponics is an awesome approach to combining fish with plants to yield great results. Aquaponics fish to plant ratio is important to consider if you wish to maximize the end product in your aquaponics system. So let’s discuss what it is.

    Brief Into Aquaponics

    The fish in your aquaponics excretes their waste product as ammonia which is the fertilizer generator. This ammonia is transformed into nitrate by the beneficial bacteria for the use of your plants. The plant in turn purifies these wastes from the fish tank by absorbing them.

    So, the number of fish you are raising should produce adequate fish waste for your plants’ use. Also, the fish food used in feeding the fish should be enough to produce optimal nutrients for plant use.

    If this fish waste is not enough, your plants might be deficient in nutrients and might not grow well. This is why we need to get the aquaponics fish to plant ratio for a better yield.

    Brief Into Aquaponics

    Talking About The Fish To Plant Ratio In Aquaponic

    When we talk about fish to plant ratio in aquaponic, we will need to know the size of grow bed to know the plant ratio. That is, if you’re making use of a grow bed, the size of the grow bed will determine the capacity of the plant.

    It is recommended that the volume of the fish tank should be approximately equal to the grow bed volume. This implies that the ratio of the aquaponics fish tank to plant should be approximately 1:1. However, if we’re looking at it from a commercial structure, we can raise the ratio to 1:3 or 1:4 based on the density of fish and the rate of water flow.

    Let’s talk about the rate at which you feed your fish because it’s a direct factor to consider in the aquaponics ratio.

    Feeding Rate Factor

    You should note that the ratio of fish to plants also depends on how you feed your fish. This is because of the nutrient waste they will provide your plant. Normally, fish can make use of about 80% of food and expel 20% of nutrient waste materials.

    In a standard situation, the recommended grow bed size should be at least 12 inches deep and let’s assume you have 5 feet by 5 feet grow bed. Then the appropriate food to feed your fish will be around 20 to 40 grams per day square meters.

    Other Factors

    Other factors to consider that can influence the capacity of fish to plant are the volume of the grow bed and the density of the growing media used. Note that the growing media encourages good bacteria colony. So, in a standard condition, we can recommend 1 kilo of fish per 50 liters of grow bed.

    Another point to note is the ammonia and bacteria population. A good bacteria population quantity will enhance the conversion of ammonia to nitrate for the use of your plant. This implies if there’s a limit in the bacteria population, you will be limited to the number of fish you can have in your aquaponics system. This will limit you from getting enough fish production and reduce the nutrient that your plant is supposed to receive.

    Quality of Water

    Now, when it comes to the quality of water in aquaponics, you should understand why the fish to plant ratio is important as well as the bacteria population. For example, if the waste materials that serve as nutrients for the fish are not able to be absorbed by your plants, it can pollute the water quality.

    If there’s too many fish in the water and there are not enough bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrates, the bio-filtering plants will not able to absorb and purify all these wastes. This turns into toxic ammonia in the fish water tank and ammonia can be pretty harmful to your fish.

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    Although a couple of plants may grow, however, the issue of polluted fish water is not solved. This can reduce the growth and activities of the fish. A possible approach to this situation is to introduce enough helpful; bacteria that can convert ammonia to absorbable nitrate for plant use.

    It also helps if you can decrease the fish feed to reduce the fish waste products that are slowing the growth of your fish or simply reduce the biomass of your fish.

    Final Say On Aquaponic Fish To Plant Ratio

    An efficient and productive aquaponics system is the goal of every farmer. Thus, sustaining the nutrient balance from the supply of your fish to your plants is crucial. This is why getting the right aquaponic plant fish to plant ratio in aquaponics is important.

  • Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    If you love prawns and you wish to raise some for yourself in your aquaponics, then waste no time in getting started. Raising prawns in your aquaponics can be an excellent way of adding a different touch of diversity to your system.

    It’s possible to raise prawns together with your tilapia fish or any other fish you may have in your system. We will enlighten you on how to introduce freshwater prawns into your aquaponics system. So let’s begin.

    Guidelines On Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    Raising prawns along with fish is pretty dynamic. Prawns are bottom feeders and they will feed on anything they find. This includes the fish waste that is not absorbed by your plants making them a reliable filtering animal. They can as well feed on snails and other organic matter so if you’re having issues with snails in your aquaponics, adding prawns might be a way out.

    The best type of aquaponics to use for raising prawns is a floating raft. To introduce prawns into your aquaponics, integrate them into your fish tank or under the floating raft. You can as well integrate them in both floating raft and fish tank. Let’s discuss this in detail.

    1. Floating Raft: under your floating raft, it’s usually a habit to have a handful of organic waste such as dead roots, leaves, etc. Prawns like to feed on organic waste so they can be helpful in this aspect. You might also be wondering if prawns will feed on your plants’ roots, the answer depends. In a standard situation, prawns won’t eat your root. However, when they become hungry or when you have too much prawn population, it’s possible they bite on your plant roots. For this reason, ensure you control their population. Take out some if they become too many in your system.
    2. Fish Tank: another possible way to incorporate prawns into your aquaponics is to put them in your fish tank. Prawns are bottom dwellers, so you don’t have to worry about them crawling up to your fish. They will as well feed on excess fish waste thereby maintaining a clean bottom tank.
    3. Both Fish Tank & Floating Raft: it is also possible to incorporate prawns in both your fish tank and floating raft. This is usually the best option as you get to maintain clean both a fish tank and floating raft.

    Precautions To Take When Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    Remember they both prawns and fish can be territorial so you need to keep both from each other.  There are some precautions you need to put in place so your prawns and fish do not attack each other or even meet each other.

    When prawns are in their juvenile stage, it’s possible for your fish to want to feed on them. So, it’s necessary you create a barrier to keep them away from each other. You can make use of a bird mesh with corner PVC trays by laying them in the bottom of your fish tank. This mesh will separate your prawns from your fish. The mesh is also permeable enough for the fish waste to move through the layers of the mesh to meet the prawns so they can feed on the fish waste.

    Precautions To Take When Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    Stocking Density

    The recommended stocking density for a single prawn should be about two square feet of tank space.

    Tank Size

    You should have at least 135 gallons or 500 liters of a tank for both fish and prawns. There should however be a barrier like the bird mesh we discussed earlier.

    Temperature Requirements

    Theideal temperature for prawns should fall between 57 degrees to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the standard temperature is around 78 degrees to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Feeding

    Prawns will feed on just about anything. You can however feed them with prawn pellets and planktons.

    PH Range

    Another requirement is pH range, therefore, you should ensure you monitor the pH with a quality pH matter. Prawns will do well with a recommended pH range between 7.8 to 8.5.

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    Final Say On Raising Prawns In Aquaponics

    We can see there are great benefits to raising prawns in your aquaponics. You can agree there’s nothing more amazing than having freshly harvested prawns together with fish from your aquaponics system. You get that fresh exclusive meaty taste compared to the regular frozen prawn sold in stores.

    This is what you get raising both prawns and fish and if you plan to sell them it will also be a great investment. Prawns attain market size in about 4 to 6 months, so you can always have a steady sale once they are matured.

  • How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    Let’s explore how to grow the flavorful basil hydroponically. Growing various plants hydroponically is becoming an interest to many growers as it offers great benefits such as healthy plants, greater yields, dirt-free process, and many more.

    Basil is one common herb you can grow hydroponically. It is one of people’s favorite and it’s pretty easy to grow. So, read on to discover how to grow basil hydroponically.

    Varieties Of Basil Plant

    Basil plant comes in different varieties and all varieties are suitable to grow hydroponically. These varieties differ in features such as flavor, resistance to disease, yield, and growth. Here are the various types of basil plants you can choose:

    1. Cinnamon basil
    2. Dark opal basil
    3. Lemon basil
    4. Holy basil
    5. Sweet basil
    6. Sweet Thai basil
    7. Purple ruffles basil
    8. Spicy bush basil
    9. Lime basil
    10. Christmas basil
    Varieties Of Basil Plant

    Before choosing the variety to grow, the first thing you should do is to pin down the most appropriate basil plant preferable for your hydroponics. Also, make some inquiries about the productive cultivation necessities.

    However, if we want us to recommend the type to go for, our favorite type is the bush and sweet basil variety. They are both great for growing in hydroponics.

    Get To Know How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    The first step to commencing how to grow basil hydroponically is to decide how you wish to start. You can commence by seed germination, cloning basil plants, or simply obtaining plants from garden stores near you and transplanting them.

    • Starting With Seed Germination: seed germination is pretty easy to commence basil plants. Just keep them at the appropriate temperature of about 75 degrees. You can make use of a rapid rooter plug for seed germination. You should start to notice germination around 3 to 10 days.
    • Germination From Cuttings: cloning is another way of starting basil germination. Simply get the right plants with healthy growth and great traits.
    • Buying And Transplanting Basil: you can as well buy basil plants from a garden store and transplant them into your hydroponics system.

    Planting Basil Hydroponically

    Most types of hydroponics systems will work with growing basil plants. However, there are a couple of hydroponics systems that will suit and work better compared to others.

    Remember to give your basil plants space of at least 6 to 12 inches to encourage aeration and avoid the growth of fungal.

    Also, trimming your basil plants whenever they are full is recommended. Aim to trim above the lateral buds to stimulate growth. Trimming will increase the yield of your basil plant as there will be more room to grow. Ensure you make use of sharp tools for trimming and avoid pinching.

    You can make use of the trimmed portions for your tasty meal.

    Basil Temperature Requirements

    The required temperature for hydroponics basil is around 65 to 80 degrees. They also require mild humidity for optimal growth.

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    Light Requirements

    The hydroponic basil plant will thrive under moderate light. For optimal growth, supply your basil plants 13 to 16 hours to light daily.

    PH Requirements

    Basil plant requires a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

    Nutrient Requirements

    The nutrient requirements for your hydroponics basil are pretty simple as the aim is for just its vegetative stage. Thus, what you need is a vegetative nutrient solution.

    You want to supply your basil plants with a nutrient scheme rich in nitrogen. Adding a bit of calcium and magnesium to your nutrient scheme is also fine.

    Harvesting

    The best part of planting is obviously the harvesting time. To harvest, you can harvest the entire basil plant or just take off some leaves.

    Harvesting Basil

    To store your harvested basil plants, keep them in a vented bag of about 55 to 60 degrees. This way, you can have a stable shelf life with 10 to 12 days duration. It is not recommended to store basil plants in a cooler. A better place is to store them in a jar of water in a cool room.

    FAQ’s

    Is it hard to grow basil hydroponically?

    Growing basil in a hydroponic system is easy. Basil is a very easy plant to grow. If you have the space and time, it is easy to grow from seed. The biggest problem you will have is finding the right type of nutrients and the right equipment to use.

    There are many different types of hydroponic systems available on the market. All you have to do is look for a hydroponic system that has the features that you want. The type of nutrient solution you use is also important. Some nutrients are better than others. You can use a commercial nutrient solution or you can make your own. Making your own is easier than buying one. There are different types of nutrient solutions available on the market. The most popular one is the water-soluble solution. This solution is made from a powder that dissolves in water.

    This method is used by farmers, food producers, and even by some home gardeners. It’s also the best way to grow herbs that have been bred to be hardy in areas where the soil is not suitable for traditional gardening. You can grow basil from seed, or buy transplants from your local garden center.

    How do I grow basil hydroponically?

    First, you will need a system to grow your plants. This could be as simple as a shallow plastic tray or it could be a more elaborate system using a reservoir. If you plan on growing large quantities of plants, you’ll want to buy a system that’s made for commercial use, since these systems have been engineered for high production.

    You’ll need to do is measure the area where you’ll be growing your herbs. The next step is to decide if you want to grow them indoors or outdoors.

    If you’re growing them indoors, you’ll want to figure out how much space you have available. You’ll need to purchase an inexpensive light fixture and set it up. You can purchase a small greenhouse that is made specifically for growing hydroponically, but it can cost as much as $

    If you’re growing your herbs in an outdoor garden, you will need to determine what size garden you need. Most garden centers will have information on how much square footage you need to grow your herbs, and you can use this to figure out how big your garden should be. Once you know how much space you have available, you can begin planning your hydroponic system.

    You can purchase a tray system or you can build your own. In either case, you’ll need to decide if you want to go with a shallow plastic tray or a reservoir. The most common type of system is the shallow tray system, which consists of a tray and a pump. The tray is filled with a solution and placed in the location where the plants will be growing.

    The nutrients are added directly to the tray as needed. With a shallow tray system, you’ll need to refill the tray periodically so that you don’t run out of nutrients. Some growers recommend adding a small amount of fertilizer every day. Others use the same nutrient solution for a week or more, and then change it out every two weeks. You’ll also need to monitor the pH of the solution, since it should be between 3.5 and 4. If the pH becomes too low, your plants won’t be able to utilize the nutrients properly. You’ll need to add an acidifier to keep the pH balanced.

    Once you’ve determined how you’ll grow your herbs, you’ll need to figure out what type of nutrients you want to use. You have several options, including organic fertilizers, compost, and manure. The most common nutrient solution is a 1:1 mixture of fish emulsion and water. You can add other ingredients, such as seaweed and kelp, to the solution to boost the nutritional value. The amount of fertilizer you add will depend on how much light the plants receive. Some growers recommend adding as little as one teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of solution. Other growers add as much as 2 teaspoons per gallon. If you’re growing your herbs in an outdoor garden, you may want to use compost instead of fish emulsion. Compost is made up of plant materials that have decomposed naturally, so it contains nutrients that your plants can use.

    What are some other concerns?

    If you live in a very humid area, you will need to make sure your nutrients don’t dry out. You’ll also want to provide a place for the excess water to drain off, so that the solution won’t get too saturated. 

    Conclusion On How To Grow Basil Hydroponically

    Growing basil plants hydroponically is easy, fun, and you will enjoy great benefits. No matter the variety you choose, you can be sure of a successful and productive basil growth in your hydroponic system.

    Follow the right steps and supply your basil plants with all the requirements we stated above and you can watch your plant grow bountifully.

    We hope this article has enlightened you on how to successfully grow basil plants hydroponically. Happy growing folks!

  • Best Plants For NFT System

    Best Plants For NFT System

    We will be discussing what plants are best for the NFT system. The versatile Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) is a type of hydroponic system basically used to cultivate leafy greens or vegetables. It is a hydroponics or aquaponics technique that is especially suited for commercial purposes.

    The nutrient film technique makes use of a thin film of hydroponic nutrient solution to run smoothly across the root of your plant. The thin flow of steady nutrient solution to the root of the plants’ channels is where the name of this technique was derived from. Read on to discover the best plants for the NFT system.

    Best Plants Grown In NFT System

    Nutrient film techniques are only fit for growing some particular types of plants. These types of plants include broccoli raab, certain herbs, spinach, salad or leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables.

    Let’s take a look at these plants in details:

    1. Certain Herbs: some certain herbs are ideal for the NFT system and they are the popular options grown in the NFT channel. An excellent type of herbs is basil because they are the simplest and popularly grown. Their root system is not large and they grow pretty fast. Other types of herbs suitable to grow in NFT include cilantro, parsley, Thai, lemon, Genovese, and so on.
    2. Salad or Leafy Greens: they include various types of spinach, lettuce, and arugula.
    3. Brassicaceae Family: also known as cruciferous vegetables include mustard greens and kale. However, the nutrient film technique is not ideal for the types that form heads like broccoli and cabbage because of the space limit. They grow big and have massive roots and their maturity period is lengthened thus, making them inappropriate plants for the NFT system.
    4. Certain Fruits & Flowers: certain flowers and fruits are not left out in the NFT system. Examples of fruits that can be grown in the NFT channel are strawberries. Strawberries are not big growing fruits and they can fit in a shallow system. Thus, making them ideal for NFT. Examples of flowers that can be grown in NFT channels include orchids, pansies, and nasturtiums.

    NFT system is basically for growing leafy greens with a growth period that is short. However, nutrient film techniques are not suitable for larger or taller plants like cabbage, trees or shrubs, and root crops. They are also not suitable for plants with larger root systems or plants that take longer to grow.

    Characteristics To Consider When Choosing Plants For NFT

    The nutrient film technique (NFT) is a narrow and limited channel that allows a thin flow of nutrient-filled solution below the plant roots. This thin channel allows the upper part of the plant to be subjected to air and also remain dry.

    Therefore, when choosing the plants to grow in your nutrient film system, you should consider the following characteristics.

    Characteristics To Consider When Choosing Plants For NFT
    1. The Root System Should Be Minimal: one crucial thing to consider is the root system. The root system should be minimal and accommodating enough to convey the nutrient solution for your plants’ growth. We don’t want a heavy root system as this can consume all the space available and clog up the nutrient film channel.
    2. Plants Should Be Lightweight: because the nutrient film system is narrow, you should only consider growing lightweight plants. Plants that are heavy and need supports like the heavy-hanging fruits are not ideal for the NFT system.
    3. Short Harvest Period: another thing to consider when choosing plants to be grown in your NFT system is the harvest period. The time to harvest should be short. We are talking about plants attaining maturity within 3 months starting from the seed sowing period. Leafy greens are mainly in this group. Some seed pack comes with the information of the harvest time.

    Planting With NFT System

    To commence planting in the NFT system, we normally start with seeds. Usually, most hydroponic growers prefer starting seeds in cubes and transplanting them into the hydroponic system.

    We recommend the same for NFT and as the seedlings attain a height of about 2 inches; they can be transplanted into the NFT channel. Supply the necessary nutrient solution into your NFT channel till your plant attains harvest size.

    When harvest time comes, harvest your crops by carefully lifting your plants out of the NFT channel.

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    FAQ’s

    What is a NFT system?

    NFT stands for Nutrient Film Technique. Most of the indoor growing enthusiasts are using NFT for growing plants. NFT is a very popular hydroponic method among growers. In fact, NFT has become a favorite among indoor growers.

    If you are a newbie, then you must be wondering about what exactly is NFT hydroponic system. Well, NFT is a very simple technique which can be used for growing plants without any hassle. This is because NFT is a completely new and innovative concept of hydroponics. This technique helps the plants to absorb nutrients from the solution or water which is being used.

    In this method, a nutrient solution is continuously sprayed on the growing media which helps the plants to absorb nutrients through roots. NFT is a very effective way of growing plants. It is also a very cheap method. This technique is mostly used in the greenhouse.

    Is it affordable?

    Yes it is. It is very easy to maintain and requires very little space. It is also a very cheap method. One can easily buy the required equipment at low cost. Using NFT hydroponic system is eco-friendly as it does not use any pesticides, fertilizers or any harmful chemicals.

    What plants can grow in NFT system?

    There is no hard and fast rule, but here are some examples of plants that will grow well in NFTs. The list is not exhaustive, but it will give you an idea of what you can grow. Hydroponic gardeners can use a wide range of plants to grow, as long as they are adapted to low-nutrient, nutrient-poor media. These include herbs, salad greens, lettuce, and radishes, as well as fruits, vegetables, and flowers. 

    Also, sunflowers, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, herbs, bulbs. If you want to grow a lot of plants, it’s the best choice. I used NFTs for many years and they worked great.

    Can you grow strawberries in NFT hydroponics?

    The best way to grow strawberries is to use a strawberry grow kit. The benefits NFT hydroponics is an environmentally friendly, easy to use system that allows you to grow your strawberries without any soil or water.

    It’s a very simple system that takes only about an hour to set up, and there are no chemicals involved in growing your strawberries. This is a good system for beginners who are just starting to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

    The benefits of growing strawberries in NFT hydroponics are:

    Grow strawberries anywhere (even on a balcony)

    No need to buy soil or nutrients

    Grow strawberries year-round

    Get great looking plants

    Enjoy the benefits of growing your own food Save money (you don’t have to pay for soil or nutrients)

    Easy to grow (no need for expensive equipment)

    You can grow strawberries in a very small space (compared to traditional gardening methods) You can grow strawberries in areas where there isn’t much sunlight

    You don’t have to worry about pests and weeds The system is very simple to use You don’t need any chemicals You can grow your own food and save money The system is inexpensive to purchase and set up

    The system is very easy to use, and it doesn’t require any training.

    Conclusion

    We have concluded that the best plants for NFT systems are mainly leafy greens. The plants should also have minimal root systems, be lightweight, and have a short harvest time.

    If you can comprehend and follow these rules for planting in NFT systems, you can be sure of enjoying a smooth and productive harvest.

  • Transferring Soil Plants To Hydroponic

    Transferring Soil Plants To Hydroponic

    Transferring soil plants to hydroponic is quite possible if you follow the right steps. Rather than waiting on germinating seeds and growling seedlings, you can simply send them into the soil. So, when they reach about 3 to 4 inches long, they are set to be transferred into your hydroponics.

    However, you need to get the process of transferring soil plants to hydroponic correctly or they won’t come out successful.

    This is why we’ve put together this article to enlighten you on the steps to successfully transfer soil plants to your hydroponics system. So, read on to learn.

    Materials Needed For Transferring Soil To Hydroponic

    The following materials are required for transferring your soil plant into a hydroponic system:

    • A plant from dirt.
    • Water to wash off the root system.
    • Growing medium.
    • Net pots.
    • Hydroponic system.

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    Steps On Transferring Soil Into hydroponic

    Even though transplanting traditional soil plants into the hydroponics system looks pretty easy, it’s important you get the steps right. This way, common errors that some growers make are avoided and you get an accurate result at the end.

    Transferring soil plants to a hydroponic system is pretty easy. Just follow these steps to achieve a smooth transition:

    1. Use Matured Plants Only

    The first thing is to obtain your plant or seedlings and make sure they are fit enough for the transition. Use seedlings that are at least 3 inches tall.

    1. Remove Plants From Soil

    With care, remove the plant from the soil and ensure you don’t pull it out. Make sure the roots are safe and intact as you carefully take them out.

    Remove Plants From Soil
    1. Remove Soil And Clean The Plant

    Next, carefully give the root a little tap and remove the dirt around the plants still ensuring the root is safe. After doing this, go ahead and rinse the plant with water. Try to dip the whole root into the water and rinse carefully.

    If you notice any pests around your plant, rinsing them will take them out. However, you can make use of neem oil to further rid them off.

    1. Place In Hydroponic Net Pots

    Now, get your net pots and put a little growing medium. Gently spread the plant root into the net pot and fill it up with the growing medium of your choice.

    1. Add Appropriate Nutrients

    Supply your plants with the appropriate nutrients. Try not to overfeed or underfeed the nutrient.

    1. Leave Set Up In The Dark

    Allow the plant to adjust its new environment by leaving it in a dim light area for a couple of hours. The root does not really require light to develop.

     

    Additional Tips To Avoid Shock

    Plant shock when it comes to transferring soil plants to a hydroponic system is not unlikely, especially among beginners. If your transplant fails to develop after transplanting, you might be wondering what you did wrong. Just do a bit of check and try again carefully this time.

    Also, take note of the following tips so you can prevent plant shock as your plant transition into your hydroponics system:

    • Make sure the plant to be transplanted is healthy and matured enough.
    • Prepare your growing medium-well.
    • Sterilize the new environment your plants will be transitioning to. Remember they are vulnerable, so try to keep them healthy.
    • It helps to pick plants to be transplanted during their vegetative and seedlings periods. Never allow them to reach or near their flowering period before transplanting.
    • Make sure the temperature is maintained optimally. Nutrient water temperature should fall between the range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Try to select roots with more hairs or long hairs. This is so the roots are capable of reaching the nutrient reservoir and absorbing adequate nutrients for growth.
    • Try to balance the soil conditions and hydroponic conditions as your plant transition. For example, you need to supply your transplanted plant with the right nutrient for its healing and growth. If you can, it helps to measure the soil nutrient before transplanting so you can keep the same nutrient levels when you transplant.
    Additional Tips To Avoid Shock

    Plants That Has High Chance Of Smooth Transition

    You should know that not all types of plants will transition successfully. Some plants have a higher tendency for the smooth transition than others. Examples are Pepper, tomatoes, spinach, mint, spring onions, basil, parsley, cilantro, and so on.

    Conclusion

    The transition of soil plants into a hydroponic system needs to be done accurately to avoid plant shock. If you follow our guidelines, you can be sure of a successful transition.

  • What To Feed Tilapia In Aquaponics

    What To Feed Tilapia In Aquaponics

    If you’re into raising tilapia and you’re wondering what to feed your tilapia in aquaponics, we’ve got the right answer for you. One added reason, why most farmers love raising tilapia for their aquaponics, is that they feed on broad varieties of food.

    Tilapia feeds on food sources that are at the bottom of the food chain. However, the best type of food to feed your tilapia for your aquaponics system is to feed them with organic tilapia food. This organic fish food contains the right nutrient requirements for your tilapia and plants.

    Types Of Tilapia & Their Feeding

    First, let’s understand the different stages of tilapia feeding.

    • Newly hatched tilapia known as fry feed on organisms that float on water such as detritus and neuston. Their foods should be in smaller pieces.
    • The juvenile tilapias (fingerlings) are omnivores that is; they can feed on both plants and animals such as worms, insects, duckweed, etc.
    • The adult tilapias are herbivores, so they feed on plants such as algae, duckweed, bacteria, detritus, and other plants.
    Types Of Tilapia & Their Feeding

    What Should You Feed Your Aquaponics Tilapia?

    We mentioned earlier that tilapia can feed on a wide variety of food. In their wild habitat such as streams, lakes, etc, they usually feed on diatoms and a lot of blue-green algae.

    However, you should know to keep them far away from feeding on your algae. This is because algae are needed by your plants in the aquaponics system for nutrient recycling.

    Feeding With Pellets

    Adult tilapia can also be feed with pelleted food which comprises all important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins. You can as well feed the newly hatched fry with pellets, but they should be in smaller pieces.

    Organic Tilapia Feeding

    If you’re a fan of all organic, then everything that goes into your aquaponics should be organic. Examples of organic food to feed your tilapia fish includes cassava plants, lengko plants, duckweed, sweet potato plants, lettuces, cocoyam leaves, etc. Among all these plants, duckweed has the smallest food sizes and it will fit all stages or sizes of tilapia.

    You can combine these organic foods with commercial fish food to increase their proteins and for a more balanced filled nutrient.

    Other Types Of Tilapia Feed

    • Bran chaff feed such as white bran or wheat bran.
    • Pomace feed and cereal feed such as rice sprouts, malt, etc.
    • Oil cake feed such as rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, or soybean meal.
    • Animal feed such as blood meal, meat and bone meal, fish meal, etc.
    • Compound feeds are the pelleted feed and extruded feed.

    Common Varieties Of Tilapia: What They Feed On

    The common varieties of tilapia are the Nile tilapia, the Mozambique tilapia, and the Blue tilapia. Here is what they feed on:

    • Nile tilapia feeds on detritus and phytoplankton.
    • Mozambique tilapia feeds on vegetation and bottom algae.
    • Blue tilapia feeds on detritus and zooplankton.

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    Tilapia Nutrient Requirements

    Nutrient requirements in your aquaponics tilapia are crucial so your plants can have access to adequate nutrients.  Although various species of tilapia require various growth periods, thus, their nutrient demand will be a little different.

    Nile tilapia fingerlings for example require about 35% to 40% protein contents. While adult tilapia of about 45 to 50 grams requires 20% to 25% protein content.

    The blue tilapia fingerlings will require a protein content of about 36%. While for the adult blue tilapia, they will require about 26% to 36% protein content.

    Avoid Overfeeding

    You should avoid overfeeding your fish. If you supply your fish with an excess amount of food, these foods will end up in your floating system causing hindrance and water clog. You can scoop out uneaten food. Also, pay attention to how much they eat and readjust when next you feed them.

    You should always feed them twice a day and the food should be eaten within 30 minutes of feeding. However, if you feed them and you notice they aren’t hungry, scoop out the food and don’t feed them for a while.

    Avoid Overfeeding Tilapia

    FAQ’s

    What is the best food to feed tilapia?

    When choosing a tilapia food, you want one that is a good source of calcium and phosphorous, and contains other minerals and vitamins.You can feed them live or frozen. A combination of live and frozen is best, as they both have a more natural flavor. Fish Food – This is another good source of protein. You can purchase dry, freeze-dried, and canned fish food. Tilapia food is typically made from a mix of various ingredients.

    You can also buy foods that are specifically designed for tilapia. Some of these include: Aquarium Fish Food Tilapia – This is a specially formulated tilapia food. It has a high level of calcium, and other nutrients. Tilapia are omnivores, so they need a variety of foods, and this is a good way to ensure that they get all of the nutrients they need. The food will provide them with a more natural flavor, as well as more nutrients.

    Shrimp Food Tilapia – This is another great food for tilapia. It has a natural shrimp flavor, which is beneficial for the health of your fish. Feeding Tilapia Tilapia should be fed on a regular basis. Depending on the size of your tank, you should feed your fish once or twice a day.

    How can I make tilapia grow faster?

    The only thing I can think of is to reduce the size of his ration. If you are feeding him twice a day, he should eat roughly 1/2 of the amount you are feeding the rest of the fish. So if you are feeding 1/4oz. twice a day, then he should eat 1/8oz. of food twice a day. You can also try adding some live plants to the tank. This will increase his appetite.

    What do tilapia eat naturally?

    Tilapia are omnivorous fish that eat both plants and animals. They can be a vegetarian when fed a diet of algae.
    But like most fish, they need meat to survive. So, what’s the best way to feed them? Well, there are two ways to feed them: live food and dry food. Live food is a great option because it keeps your fish in good shape and allows them to grow quickly.

    Tilapia is a freshwater fish that is native to South America and Africa. It is one of the most common fish species in the world, with an estimated total production of about 25 million tons per year. Tilapia are generally kept as aquarium pets, and there are many varieties of them. There are two types of tilapia: the goldfish-like tilapia and the black carp-like tilapia. The goldfish-like tilapia is much smaller than the black carp-like tilapia. Both types of tilapia are commonly found in ponds and tanks in home aquariums. The fish is also known as cichlid or lake tilapia.

    Final Say

    Tilapia feeds on just a bit of everything. It’s why they are the most commonly reared fish in aquaponics. Feeding your tilapia fish the appropriate food will increase their growth in just about 240 days. So, get them eating well so you can have a heavy pound of fish at the same time healthy plants by the end of harvest time.

  • How To Raise Catfish In A Tank

    How To Raise Catfish In A Tank

    Let’s explore how to raise catfish in a tank. Catfish is one common fish that are raised among aquarium hobbyist in the United States. It is particularly raised for its delicious taste, healthy, and proteinous features.

    It is easy for anyone to breed or raise catfish in aquaponics, a pond, aquarium, or a fish tank. You don’t even need to be an expert to rear catfish. Continue reading if you would like to know how to raise catfish in a fish tank.

    Why Raise Catfish In A Tank – Features

    You stand to benefit a lot from choosing catfish as the fish to raise either as a hobby or commercial purpose. The following features will give you some good reason why choosing catfish in your fish tank or aquaponics will be of great benefit to you:

    • Catfish is very easy to raise even for beginners especially in aquaponics.
    • They grow and breed rapidly. So you will enjoy a quick harvest.
    • They are also very forgiving and can tolerate even the least oxygenated water environment.
    • With their resilient nature, they are resistant to most fish diseases and they don’t die easily. However, it’s good to give them good conditions so you can enjoy amazing yield.
    • Catfish will serve as a good source of protein for your family.
    • With the right knowledge, you can be sure of a well invested and profitable commercial produce when dealing with catfish.
    Why Raise Catfish In A Tank - Features

    Learn How To Raise Catfish In A Fish Tank

    Even though we mentioned earlier that catfish is pretty easy to raise. It still requires you to accurately pass through the right guidelines for successful catfish production.

    Catfish Per Gallon Of Water

    Before we go into the main steps on how to raise catfish in a fish tank, we need to first understand how many catfish per gallon of water should be stocked in a fish tank.

    The appropriate stocking density for catfish is one pound of fish (fully grown) per 8 gallons of water. This way, they can have more room to access oxygen thereby reducing stress. Also, catfish grow very fast, so they need to have adequate room to fully grow.

    Catfish Tanks

    One crucial point to note is that catfish will require a large tank to grow. The stocking density of 8 gallons per fish we pointed out alone shows that catfish will need a bigger tank.

    Catfish Per Gallon Of Water

    Raising catfish in tanks is very accessible especially if you are unable to acquire a big land for a fish pond. Just ensure the width and depth of the tank is deep enough to provide spacing for your catfish.

    Water Quality

    Another important tip is to make sure your fish tank can generate a good flow of consistent water. Ensure the water quality is good as this will also boost their appetite encouraging them to eat more.  While low water quality will reduce their appetite and make them susceptible to infection thereby reducing catfish growth.

    Learn more about Where to Buy Fish for Aquaponics Systems and the Best Plants for Small Aquaponics

    Choosing The Type Of Catfish

    Once you’re done figuring the appropriate fish tank and water ratio, you can now proceed to choose the type of catfish you want to raise.

    There are different types of catfish to choose from. However, one of the best types is the channel catfish. Channel catfish are very tolerating and they will grow very fast. They can grow approximately at the rate of 3 pounds in just one year.

    You can start with juvenile catfish but make sure they are of good quality. Low-quality juvenile catfish may result in decreased growth or even death.

    To know a healthy juvenile catfish, they should be moving about actively. Also, make sure their body does not have any defects.

    Catfish Feeding

    Catfish can be feed with fish food pellets. We recommend you feed your catfish 2.5% of their body weight. You can do a rough estimation of their weight to determine this.

    Also, ensure you keep a close eye if there’s any uneaten excess food floating or settling at the bottom of the tank. If this is so, then you will need to adjust their feeding so your fish tank is not polluted.

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    FAQ’s

    Can catfish be raised in tanks?

    Yes, but they require a minimum of 4 gallons (1.5 liters) of water to thrive. Catfish are cold-blooded fish so they can’t survive without some sort of heat source. The tank heater is what they need to keep warm. If your tank is too small for the catfish, you’ll have to add a separate heat source. A: The filter should be changed about every two weeks. It is easy to do, but make sure that you use a good quality filter that is designed for aquarium use. A gravel filter is probably the easiest to maintain, but it also uses more water than other filters.

    There are different breeds of catfish, and each breed has different characteristics that make them more suited for certain types of environments than others.

    What are the different ways that you can raise catfish?

    There are different ways to raise catfish. Some people put them in ponds, some people use water tanks and some people use a system called “tournament style”. The problem with pond-raised catfish is that they are usually smaller than tournament-raised catfish. Also, they need a lot of space because you have to keep the water clean and clear for the fish to live.

    Water tanks are a great alternative but it is difficult to raise enough catfish to get good size. That’s why the tournament-style catfishing is so popular because you can catch a lot of big fish in a small area. Most tournament catfishing systems use large plastic water reservoirs that are designed to hold several hundred gallons of water. These systems are used by large commercial catfishermen and they require a lot of maintenance. They can cost thousands of dollars to buy and they can be very expensive to maintain. The best tournament-style catfish system is one that has a self-contained reservoir that does not require a pump or other equipment. This type of system is much less expensive to build and it’s easy to install and maintain. You can have a good tournament-style catfishing system for a fraction of the price of a commercial system.

    How do you raise catfish in a tank?

    It’s pretty easy to raise catfish in a tank, as long as you have the right equipment. You don’t need a fancy aquarium setup to raise catfish in a tank. Just make sure your tank is big enough. They require a lot of space, and they need lots of room to move around. You also need to have a filter and a heater that will keep it clean and warm. There are some other things that you’ll want to consider before you start raising catfish in a tank, however.

    They will eat fish food, but you have to feed them a special diet. It’s called a pellet diet, and you can buy it from your local pet store. 

    Can you have other fish in the tank?

    They don’t like to be kept in an aquarium with other fish, as they don’t get along well. They are very territorial, and won’t let other fish near them.

    Conclusion On How To Raise Catfish In A Tank

    Raising catfish in a tank is absolutely possible with the right knowledge. Simply follow our tips and enjoy great yields of catfish production.

    Remember not to overcrowd catfish in their fish tank so their growth is not hindered. They need enough spacing so they can develop well. One full-grown fish to 8 gallons of water is great.

  • How Much Is A Hydroponic System

    How Much Is A Hydroponic System

    How much a hydroponic system cost varies and will solely depend according to your preference. A hydroponic system can be cost-effective or require more if you put some things into consideration. However, you should know it will require an initial investment to get it up and running.

    Hydroponic farming involves the use of a soilless technique to grow plants and it makes use of a nutrient-filled solution for plants’ development. It is pretty easy to venture into with the right knowledge.

    Either you’re into hydroponic farming for business or a hobby; we will give you an idea of how much a hydroponic system cost.

    A Cost-Effective Hydroponic System

    You can get a hydroponics system for a very reasonable price because there are various types of hydroponics systems to choose from.

    Even with the cost-effective type, you can rest assured of enjoying amazing yield. Again, this cost-effective type of hydroponic does not limit you from growing just a few plants. You can grow as many plants as you can at a time with this moderate hydroponics budget like the compact NFT system.

    However, if you invest more money into hydroponics (about $250 to $500) it will offer you extra features and greater designs. It will also allow you to grow more plants and result in abundant yield.

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    Figuring Out How Much A Hydroponic System Will Cost

    A logic we recommend to knowing how much a hydroponics system will cost is to know the components involved with the system.

    You will be better off purchasing a complete hydroponic system rather than sourcing for the various parts as in DIY. Here are the components of a complete hydroponic garden:

    • A hydroponics system.
    • Hydroponic nutrient-filled solutions.
    • Inert media.
    • Light source.
    • Air pump and air stone.

    Types Of Hydroponics Systems

    1. Nutrient film techniques.
    2. Aeroponics.
    3. Deepwater Culture (reservoir method).
    4. Ebb and flow (flood and drain).
    5. Wicking.
    6. Drip system.

    There is also passive hydroponics known as the Kratky method. We can say this is the cheapest type of hydroponics system. It only requires some basic hydroponic components, a container reservoir, and a cover lid opening for plants.

    Types Of Hydroponics Systems

    Types Of Hydroponics Systems According To Cost

    Let’s distinguish the types of hydroponic system standard according to their cost:

    1. High Standard: this type of hydroponics system is of high standard technology that features a complete system control. Commercial growers that seek a high yield of crops for profit usually go for this type. This high-standard technology hydroponic system can cost tens of dollars in thousands. An example is the vertical farming hydroponic system.
    2. Semi-high Standard: this type of hydroponic system is also of standard technology. They are made of quality technology such as water flow control. It also comes with grow light and it has more features. This type of system is used both indoors and outdoors. The cost for this type of hydroponics system is around $350 to $1000.
    3. Moderate Quality/ Standard: this type of is of moderate technology. They are budget-friendly and can be obtained either as a unit or DIY. The cost is about $50 to $200 for both the unit and DIY construction.

    FAQ’s

    Is a hydroponic system worth it?

    The average gardener might look at the price of a hydroponic system and scoff, thinking, “Why would I spend so much money on something that isn’t going to work?”. But it doesn’t have to be this way! A hydroponic system can be installed for a fraction of the cost of an outdoor system. And the quality of your plants is going to be better.

    Here are some great reasons why you should consider a hydroponic system as an option. Hydroponics vs. Indoor Farming: Why You Should Consider a Hydroponic System

    It’s Easy

    If you’re looking to start growing in a new way, there’s nothing like having the freedom to grow whatever you want, whenever you want. This is the main reason why many people opt for hydroponic systems over indoor farming. With hydroponics, you can grow almost any type of plant with no soil or other restrictions. You’re free to grow the exact plant you want at any time of year, and you won’t need to spend a lot of time tending to your crops.

    It’s Safe

    Hydroponic gardening is much safer than growing crops in soil because it eliminates the risk of disease. In fact, you won’t even have to worry about pests, which means that you can plant a wide variety of fruits and vegetables without having to be concerned about insects.

    It’s Affordable

    You can buy a simple hydroponic system for a reasonable price. The systems you can find at your local garden center are usually only going to cost as little as a $100, and that’s a fraction of what it would cost to grow plants in soil, and it will still provide you with the ability to grow food all year long.

    It’s Eco-Friendly

    When you use a hydroponic system, you won’t need to use any pesticides or fertilizers. This is an important benefit because pesticides can have negative effects on the environment and can even be dangerous to humans. With hydroponics, you won’t have to worry about those things.

    In a hydroponic garden, you take the seedlings out of the ground, and you grow them in a nutrient solution that you mix with water. The nutrients are then absorbed by the roots of the plants, and the leaves will get all the water they need from the air.

    Why is hydroponic so expensive?

    There are many factors that go into the price of hydroponics, but the biggest factor is that it’s a new product. There’s no established market for hydroponics as there is for other products in agriculture, such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. But hydroponic growers are starting to see some of the same problems that traditional growers have seen with these other products.

    For example, hydroponic plants have been known to develop nutrient deficiencies because they don’t receive all of the nutrients that they need from the soil or nutrient solution. This is why many hydroponic growers use a combination of liquid fertilizer and soil amendments. The cost of growing food, which includes the cost of water, electricity and fertilizers can be quite great. 

    When you grow plants in a hydroponic system, you can control the water quality better than you could in a soil-based system.

    You are paying for the inputs and then charging a premium for the product. Hydroponics is a high maintenance hobby and it requires more equipment and labor. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done cheaply. You can still do a great job of growing plants in a container without spending a fortune.

    Can you save money hydroponics?

    It is possible to save money hydroponics but it is not easy. You will need to understand what your needs are and what you want to grow and then set out to buy the best equipment that meets those needs and meets your budget. You can save money hydroponics by growing less than you would otherwise, by growing in a less expensive environment, by using cheaper seeds and by growing your own supplies.

    Grow less, grow faster. This is one of the most important ways to save money hydroponics. If you do not have enough space for a full size hydroponic system, do not grow as much or as fast. In a small space, you can get away with only a few trays. You could even grow in a single tray if you wanted to. It is also possible to grow more on less space by using smaller pots or growing containers. The same is true for light. Do not use as much light as you would otherwise. A lot of people think that they need lots of light when they start a hydroponic garden. This is not true. You will be fine with as little as 1/3 of the light you would normally need.

    Other Cost To Consider

    There are additional things you should also consider when it comes to knowing how much a hydroponic system cost. There might be some additional materials you may need to purchase even with your complete hydroponic system.

    For a DIY construction, there will always be arising needs or expenses. You may need to invest in nutrient solutions, grow medium, grow light, etc.

    Other Cost To Consider - Hydroponic System

    However, already built hydroponics may also require extra. For instance, already made hydroponics may still require you to purchase a pH meter, grow medium, grow light, or even nutrient solutions. Just a grow light might cost $15 to $20.

    • Space: another factor to consider is space, ensure you have space for your hydroponic system. If not, that’s an extra and you might need to purchase or rent a farm space. You will have to decide if your space is for a horizontal or vertical system. However, space will solely depend on if you’re considering large-scale hydroponics farming.
    • Size: the size of your hydroponics system will also determine how much a hydroponics system will cost. A smaller hydroponics system used for a hobby will be less expensive. However, if you’re thinking of a higher yield, a larger hydroponics system will be required and it will be pretty expensive.

    Therefore, it’s crucial you consider all these factors so you can accurately sum up how much it will cost to build a complete hydroponics system.

  • Kratky Method For Strawberries

    Kratky Method For Strawberries

    can If you wish to learn about growing strawberries using the Kratky method, we will let you know in this post. A Kratky method is a form of passive hydroponic method and it is known as the simplest form of hydroponic system.

    This type of simple hydroponic technique is named after Bernard Kratky who’s a researcher at the University of Hawaii. You can grow various plants such as herbs, leafy greens, pepper, or tomatoes, as well as strawberries successfully using the Kratky technique.

    Kratky Method

    The Kratky method is another great way of growing various plants without the use of soil or dirt. The plants are suspended above a nutrient solution and it’s a clean and productive way of gardening.

    The only difference is Kratky technique does not make use of an air pump or aeration for air and water circulation. Therefore, no electricity is needed.

    How To Grow Strawberries With Kratky Method

    There are two ways you can grow strawberries from. You can grow strawberries from seeds or a young strawberry plant. However, we recommend you grow strawberries from young plants because growing them from seeds might take a while to get results.

    Growing Strawberries With Young Plant

    For growing strawberries using the Kratky method, you will need the following materials:

    • Container to serve as a reservoir for holding nutrients (most growers use 5-gallon bucket).
    • Net cups.
    • A cover lid or grow tray to insert the net cups.
    • Growing media (such as hydrotons balls, pebbles, rock wool, coco coir, etc).
    • Healthy young strawberry plants.

    To grow strawberries using young strawberry plants, you will need to obtain a healthy young plant either from the soil or from an existing hydroponic strawberry garden. Make sure you rinse off the roots if you are taking your strawberry plants from the soil.

    Next, get your net pots and slide the little plants into the net pots. Fill the net pots with your desired growing medium to support your strawberry plant. Try gently pull some roots of the young plants so that they can come out at the bottom of the net pots.

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    By doing this, you can perfectly set the roots to sit in the nutrient-filled water. Only the tips of the roots should touch the nutrient solution, we don’t want any part of the upper plant submerged in water. The gaps between the roots supply oxygen to the plants from inside the nutrient container.

    Kratky Nutrient Solution

    Now you can set them in your Kratky nutrient solution. Supply your set up with some grow lights if you’re growing indoors. However, if you’re growing outdoor, find a good sunny spot in your yard and you’re good to go. You should begin to see a new leaf and root growth in a couple of days. After about a month, you should notice some good growth with your strawberry plant with flowers and broad leaves. You should also begin to see some little strawberries growing.

    When the nutrient solution has almost been exhausted, your strawberry plant should have been ready for harvest. This means a single nutrient solution should be enough to go for a growing cycle and no need for replacement. However, if you notice the nutrients solutions are almost completely dried or used up, you should replace them.

    Strawberry Runners

    When strawberry plants get fully established, they will begin to shoot out runners. It will be a great thing if you can cut and replant or clone these runners to another setup so you can have some new strawberry plants. This will also help trim their edges so they don’t look too bushy.

    Strawberry Runners

    Recommended Temperature For Kratky Strawberry

    Temperature is one of the most crucial requirements for strawberry plants. Without the right temperatures, your plant will be slow in flower and fruit yield therefore, no production good growth and production.

    The appropriate temperature range for strawberries is around 60 to 70 degrees.

    Light Requirements

    Strawberry plants usually consume a lot of energy. Therefore, the appropriate light requirements we recommend for your strawberry plants will be 14 to 16 hours daily. This way, your strawberry plant will be well established and yield plenty of fruits.

    Harvesting

    After about 8 to 10 weeks of planting your strawberry, they should start showing their lovely bright red colors. This means they should be ready for picking.

    Harvesting

    FAQ’s

    What can you grow with the Kratky method?

    The Kratky method is a simple way to create a vegetable garden in an urban setting. It’s an easy-to-grow and versatile system, requiring little space and only the time and effort it takes to plant your seeds and water them every few days. It’s also a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables right from the garden.

    Here are some of the most common vegetables you can grow with the Kratky method. Arugula Arugula is one of the easiest plants to grow in the Kratky method. This cool-weather herb is a great addition to any salad or pasta dish. If you want a quick harvest, you can start arugula seeds indoors a month or two before planting out. In cooler climates, wait until the last week of March or first week of April to plant outside. Asparagus Asparagus is another favorite.

    It’s not only delicious, it’s one of the earliest vegetables to mature. You can start asparagus indoors in late February or early March and transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. If you grow in a warm climate, you can expect your asparagus to be ready for harvest in about six weeks. I recommend growing your own because they are much fresher than what you can find at a store. Celery can be planted in May in cooler climates and in July in warmer climates. It will produce for about two months. Chives Chives, carrots and cauliflower are another great plant to grow with the Kratky method.

    Can you grow strawberries using Kratky method?

    You can certainly grow strawberries using the Kratky method. The only thing to keep in mind is that it will take a while for the strawberries to mature. You can start with seeds or transplants (which are called “strawberries” in nurseries).
    Using Kratky Method Kratky Method is a way of growing strawberries in a small area. It’s an old method that was used by people in the past. You can still find it being used today for growing strawberries. The Kratky method is simple and requires very little equipment. You can do this all by yourself.

    There are many ways to grow strawberries using the Kratky method. You can grow them in pots or planters, but a good place for growing strawberries is a sunny spot in your garden. If you have a lot of room in your garden, you can also plant them in rows. You will need to get started with your strawberries by planting them. You can either buy them from a store or you can start them from seed.
    The seeds are tiny and very fragile, so it’s best to buy them already planted. They should be planted right away because they take a long time to grow. Once you have your plants, you will need to keep them watered. If they dry out, the leaves will wilt and the fruit will be damaged. You will need to water them at least once every day for about 10 days after planting. After that, they will need to be watered every other day.

    How do you start the Kratky seed?

    If you start the Kratky seed, then you need to wait until it has germinated. You can do this by placing the seed in a paper cup, with a plastic wrap and water on top of the cup. Check the cup every day and make sure that there is enough water. If you don’t want to use the paper cup, you can use an old, clean coffee cup or even a flowerpot.

    You can start to plant your seedlings as soon as they are about 5cm tall. As long as you plant them in a sunny spot, you should be fine.

    Final Say On Kratky Method Strawberries

    Growing strawberries using the Kratky method is pretty easy and beneficial. It is a soil-free method that will result in abundant fruit production all year round. You also, get to enjoy the fresh and juicy fruits at the comfort of your home.

  • What Is A Bulkhead Fitting For Aquaponics

    What Is A Bulkhead Fitting For Aquaponics

    The question we’re going to be answering today is: what is a bulkhead fitting? A bulkhead fitting is a point of attachment for connecting pipes to tanks or reservoirs.

    Bulkhead fitting helps secure your piping connections thereby preventing leakage. It also helps give the right direction to where water is required to flow through.

    Bulkhead fittings are especially used in hydroponics or aquaponics plumbing connections. These fittings are used to fill water or drain water easily from your hydroponics or aquaponics system.

    Let’s discuss further the key components of bulkhead fittings, how to install a bulkhead fitting, and their uses.

    Main Parts Of Bulkhead Fitting

    Bulkhead fitting materials are usually made of fortified and long-lasting components such as PVC, brass, plastic, and other quality materials. Most parts you will find in bulkhead fittings consist mainly of 3 parts.

    • Body of Bulkhead: the first part of the bulkhead is the body which is the exterior and interior threads.
    • Gasket: the next part of the bulkhead is the gasket. It might come in one or two. The gasket will fit onto the body of the bulkhead.
    • Nut: the third and last part is the nut or locknut. The nut is attached to the exterior thread. It will thread into the place of the bulkhead fittings seating up against the gasket thereby creating a tightly sealed water tank.

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    Let’s move forward by learning how to install the bulkhead fittings.

    How To Install A Bulkhead Fitting

    Below are the steps to installing bulkhead fittings:

    1. Hole Drilling: a bulkhead fitting is installed by first cutting or drilling a hole by the bottom of the tank or reservoir to which the pipes can be connected. Make sure you measure and determine the size of the bulkhead exterior so you know the size of the hole to drill.

    2. Bulkhead Fitting: after drilling the hole, you can now insert the bulkhead fitting with the threads inside or outside the tank or reservoir (whichever way you want it to fit your connections).

    3. Gasket and Locknut Fittings: then fit the gasket into place. If you have two gaskets, use each one on either side of the walls. Now thread the locknut down by tightening it with your hand to apply pressure to the gasket. The locknut will then provide a good tight liquid seal with no leaks. But make sure not to over-tighten too much so you don’t break or distort the gasket thereby causing a leak.

    Having fixed all that, you can now go-ahead to connect any type of pipes or PVC fittings.

    Benefits Of Using Bulkhead Fittings

    • Bulkhead fitting will create a perfectly tight liquid sealed connection.
    • They are great for hydroponics or aquaponics plumbing connections.
    • They allow for easy flow of water through the tanks or reservoir.
    • There’s no problem with water leakage with bulkhead fittings.

    Other Uses of Bulkhead Pipe Fitting

    • They are used in hot water pipe systems especially the brass bulkhead fittings.
    • Bulkhead fittings are used in hydroponic and aquaponic systems for connecting pipes to allow easy drainage along with the water tank or reservoir.
    • They are also used in ponds for installing water to connect pipes that enable easy drainage. This makes changing water easier rather than scooping water out of the bucket.
    • The kitchen sink also makes use of several bulkhead fittings for easy flow of water.
    • Generally used in transporting liquid containers.
    • They are as well used in any type of mechanism that requires large drums or barrels that needs to be filled with water.
    Other Uses of Bulkhead Fittings

    What To Consider When Purchasing Bulkhead Fittings

    Anytime you purchase a bulkhead fitting, always consider the type of liquid that will flow through your fittings. If it is a hot liquid you should go for the strong type such as the brass bulkhead fittings. If you will be working with cool water you can go for the regular type.

    Also, put into consideration the speed or pressure at which your water will be flowing. For instance, high speed or pressure will need a strong fitting and vice versa.

    All these considerations are to make sure you don’t end up with a distorted or cracked gasket due to pressure. The goal is to prevent any leakage.

    Find out the 5 Top Feed Drip System Hydroponics and 5 Best Hydroponic Kits You Can Find

    FAQ’s

    What is a bulkhead fitting?

    The most common bulkhead fitting for aquaponics is the standard 1-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ copper pipe. This is an ideal fit for a single tank setup, where you have one sump and one fish tank. However, the 1-1/4″ diameter of the pipe is also too large to be easily used in multiple tanks (more on that later). 

    It is a good choice for any aquaponic system where there is only one fish tank or sump, but it is not suitable for multiple tanks. It is also not recommended for systems where water must pass through a filter. Most standard 1-1/4″ x 1-1/2″ copper pipes are made with 1/8″ thick walls, which is not strong enough for more than one tank. If you have more than one tank in your system, you will need to upgrade to a stronger bulkhead fitting. If you are planning to put your aquaponics in multiple tanks, you should use a bulkhead fitting that has at least 3/8″ thick walls.

    How do you install a bulkhead fitting?

    The standard method is to use a drill and a 1/4″ bit. If you don’t have a drill, then you can use a 1/4″ drill bit. Attach the bulkhead fitting to the edge of the wall with a screw. Drill a hole through the bulkhead fitting and into the stud. Insert a washer (or two) into the hole.

    Attach the screw into the bulkhead fitting, and the washer will hold it in place.

    How do I stop bulkhead fitting from leaking?

    There are many reasons why you might have a leak. First, I would check your system for leaks in the main tank or other components. If you find any, they will need to be repaired before anything else. Second, I would take a good look at the fitting and see if you can identify what is causing the leak. Some leaks occur because of manufacturing defects. Others occur because of damage to the fitting. You may have to disassemble the bulkhead to get a better view.

    Third, you may need to look at the valve that controls the flow of water. If the valve is damaged, it could be leaking as well.

    How do you replace a bulkhead?

    The best thing to do would be to remove the old one and then install the new one. If it is a solid piece of material, it may be difficult to remove without destroying it, but if you can cut it off with a hacksaw or similar tool, it shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to do so. 

    Once the old one is removed, install the new one

    How do you seal a bulkhead fitting?

    If your bulkhead is a simple pipe fitting that has no special features (eg, a threaded nut), then there is no need for a seal. The pipe will be pressed tightly against the wall of the tank, so there won’t be any leakage. If your pipe fitting has a threaded nut, then you’ll need to use an appropriate sealant to prevent leakage.

    Conclusion

    With that said, we do hope you have grabbed one or two things about what a bulkhead fitting is. If you have any questions feel free to drop a comment and we will respond.

  • Can You Transplant Hydroponic Plants To Soil

    Can You Transplant Hydroponic Plants To Soil

    Are you wondering if you can transplant your hydroponic plants to the soil? The straight-up answer is yes! You can definitely transplant your hydroponic plants into the dirt and we will teach you how to go about it successfully. So, read on to learn.

    Transplanting hydroponics into the dirt is not a straightforward process to venture into. You have to consider and follow some fundamental processes for a smooth transition so your plant does not go into shock. Following the right procedure, will allow you to achieve a better performing and healthy plant.

    Transplanting Hydroponic Plants To Soil

    Transplanting your hydroponic plants into the soil can be done from cuttings or seedlings. Small Rockwool starter plugs or rapid rooter plugs can as well be used in cuttings and seedlings and transplanting them into the soil.

    Steps On Transplanting Hydroponic Plants To Soil

    To transplant your hydroponic into the soil, you first transplant it into a potting container. When they have grown and mastered the changes between indoors and outdoors, you can now transplant them into your outdoor garden.

    Before you begin handling your hydroponic plants you wish to transplant, ensure you have all your materials available and set especially for fragile seedlings. This way, you don’t leave your fragile plants to linger and you can start right away. Also, the tender plant root can venture and transit seamlessly into the dirt.

    Steps on Transplanting Hydroponic Plants to Soil

    Another thing before you transplant is to allow the water level in your hydroponic garden to drop and stay low for a few days. Also, don’t put or feed your hydroponic plant with direct LED light but put it close to the light and allow it to search for light.

    Do this for a week or two. This way, the plant starts to adjust and harden off preparing for the outdoor experience.

    Materials required for transplanting your hydroponic plants into soil include:

    Step 1

    Get the growing pot you want to use to transplant. Obtain a pot size that fits the size of your plant. If you are planting a big plant, you should obtain a big pot and the pot should be wide and deep. This way, there is adequate room for growth and there’s space for the root which is important for your plant transition. Give your transplanted plant about 4 to 6 inches of space deep to allow them to grow. If your plants are grown and sticks together, carefully separate by breaking them up. Be careful because the plant can be prone to shock.

    Step 2

    Add your growing medium into the pot. Use a growing medium that has a buffer. You can make use of a potting soil mix that contains compost manure and some perlite. Spread or dig up a hole in your soil and put the hydroponic plant into the growing container and fit it through. Surround it with additional soil and adjust the plant until it’s fixed and sturdy.

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    Step 3

    The next important step is to water immediately. Always keep the soil moist because hydroponic plants are used to regular water.

    Step 4

    The next step is the feed them with sunlight. Take note to give them only some duration of sunlight. Do not keep them outdoors for long. They need to adjust to sunlight intensity and go through the stage of hardening. This way, they can get accustomed to sunlight and last in outdoor temperatures.

    Plant Shock

    If you followed the right procedure, your plant should come out well. However, your transplanted plant may suffer from shock and it’s not a rare thing to occur. Not too worry. It’s most likely the hydroponic plant transplanted is going through some recovery process as it enters shock.

    You may start to notice the leaves getting soft or falling off. All you need to do is to give it some time. As the plant drops most of its leaves, new leaves will emerge as the plant recovers from shock in a couple of weeks. Always maintain a moist soil and allow the root to adjust and let it look for nutrients from the soil. This way, your plant will start to come back.

    When your plants have fully recovered and are now resilient, they can now be placed outdoors.

    FAQ’s

    Can you repot hydroponic plants to soil?

    You can, but it’s not easy. You’d have to be able to find the roots and then remove them from the pot, then replant them into a new pot of soil, preferably with some compost mixed in as well.

    It’s a good idea to start with a small plant, and then build up the amount of potting mix. You should use as much potting mix as you need for the size of the plant you are growing. It’s a good idea to make a couple of small pots to test out your plants first. You can put the plants in the soil, but it will take them some time to adjust.

    How do you transplant hydroponic seedlings?

    Before you start transplanting your hydroponic plants into soil you need to decide whether you want to transplant the whole plant or just the roots. If you are just starting out in hydroponics I recommend that you just transplant the roots.
    You can do this by using a large pot and filling it with a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Once the pot is full of the mixture you can take the hydroponic plant and place it in the center of the pot. Then take your knife and cut a hole in the bottom of the pot about two inches in diameter.
    Next take your roots and place them into the hole. Now fill the rest of the pot with more of the peat moss mixture. After you have put in all of the roots fill the rest of the pot with soil and water the plant.
    The most important rule to remember is that you must keep the roots wet. If the roots are dry they will die and you will lose your whole hydroponic garden.

    The best way to transplant seedlings is to use a flat. I have a 5 gallon container with a lid that has a hole in the bottom, and I put my seedlings in there and then cover them with plastic wrap. The plastic will keep the soil moist while they are growing. Then when they are big enough, I take out the plastic and put them in bigger pots.

    Can you use any seeds for hydroponics?

    Yes, you can.
    For seeds, I’d suggest starting out with the best quality seeds. You could buy them from a reputable grow shop, or you can try to get them for free. The main thing to look for is good germination rates.

    What vegetables can be planted using a hydroponic system?

    You can grow any vegetable in a hydroponic system, as long as you provide the correct nutrients and lighting for the specific plant.

    What is the most profitable hydroponic crop to grow?

    Lettuce is the crops that do best in hydroponics.

    Transplanting Hydroponic Plants

    Transplanting hydroponic plants into the soil is really a practical process carried out by most growers. It might be somewhat tough to achieve especially for beginners, however, it’s worth the try.

    But if in the end, it does not work out, you have the choice of carrying on with your hydroponic system.