Grower Today

Everything about Plant Nutrients and Pest Control for Plants

Category: Tips & Guides

  • What Is An Action Spectrum

    What Is An Action Spectrum

    If you are wondering what an action spectrum is, we’ve got you covered here. Getting to know about the action spectrum in various plants will give you an idea of how plants make use of different lights for their development.

    The lights we see consist of various wavelengths and light has a comprehensive relationship with plants. Plants will either absorb or reflect the different colors of the light spectrum. This absorption or reflection affects the process of photosynthesis that will determine how your plants process their food.

    Now, let’s have a discussion about the role of the light absorption spectrum, light action spectrum, and how they are connected to photosynthesis. We will also talk about various plant pigments, their functions and, many more. So, let’s begin.

    Absorption And Action Spectrum

    Both absorption spectrum and action spectrum play a significant role in the plant process of photosynthesis. Let’s go further by looking at what these two entails and discuss more details on them.

    What Is An Action Spectrum?

    Firstly, let’s define what the action spectrum is. An action spectrum is an illustration (usually showed in a graph) that reveals the rate of photosynthesis at various light wavelengths. Thus, it illustrates the wavelength that propels photosynthesis.

    Action spectrum was first discovered and titled by T.W. Engelmann when he was researching on algae Cladophora. The action spectrum gives an insight into the nature of the photoreceptor involved. It also helps us understand the differences between the absorption spectrum of a known pigment. Action spectrum will illustrate the usefulness or effectiveness of light in photosynthesis.

    Maximum photosynthesis usually takes place in the red and blue light spectrum. Next, let’s take a look at what the action spectrum of photosynthesis is.

    Photosynthesis Action Spectrum

    The action spectrum of photosynthesis in any given plant will indicate high light absorption for red or violet and orange or red color spectrum. It will also show maximum light absorption in the blue region. However, it will indicate a low absorption rate for the green or yellow color spectrum.

    The colors blue and violet on the light spectrum have the shortest wavelength and the highest energy. On the other hand, red has the longest wavelength and has the least amount of energy.

    Absorption Spectrum

    The absorption spectrum will indicate all the colors of light absorbed by a given plant. It describes the electromagnetic radiation range of plant absorption. It relies on the cellular and molecular structure of a plant. So, it varies depending on the plant species.

    Absorption And Action Spectrum

    Pigments

    The pigment is a common name used for a molecule that takes in or absorbs light with color. Also, we can term pigment as any chemical compound that assimilates visible radiation between 380 nm (which is violet) and 760 nm (which is red).

    These pigments assimilate light rays from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum known as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).

    Now, any type of colored substance generated by a plant is known as plant pigment. There are different pigments contained in plants and they result in the different colors we see. These plant pigments give rise to leaves’ color, flowers, as well as fruits. Now the most crucial function this pigment offers is control over the photosynthesis process with plants’ growth and development.

    Plant pigments will only absorb the wavelength of light ranging from 700 nm to 400 nm. Now, this is the ideal PAR range for plants.

    Below are the 3 major plant pigments that determine plant color:

    Chlorophyll

    This pigment is one of the most important in plants because it is directly involved in the plants’ photosynthesis. Their absorbing wavelength spectrum is 429 nm and 659 nm. They are also responsible for the violet-blue and orange-red colors.

    EZORKAS 9 Dimmable Levels Grow Light with 3 Modes Timing Function for Indoor Plants

    71Bi1KCH88L. AC SX522
    Check Price on Amazon

    Carotenoid

    They are accessory pigments. Involved indirectly in photosynthesis. Even though plants can’t photosynthesize with carotenoids, this pigment can still transfer the light energy they get down to chlorophyll.

    Carotenoid pigments are photo-receptive agents that prevent harmful reactions. They are also responsible for the orange, bright yellow, and red colors in various plants, vegetables, and fruits.

    Anthocyanins

    This pigment plays a crucial role in the reproduction of plants. It as well helps by attracting pollinators and seed disperses. They are, however, not directly involved in the photosynthesis process. But just like carotenoids, they also help shield plants from harmful rays.

    Absorption Spectrum Of Chlorophyll

    Chlorophyll is a type of pigment and in nature, we have 6 types of chlorophyll. However, in plants, there are 2 major types of chlorophyll which are chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B. The region of the spectrum that plant chlorophyll absorbs differs for both chlorophylls A and B.

    Chlorophyll A and B have different roles they play in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll A is the main pigment that is involved in photosynthesis. On the other hand, chlorophyll B is a supplementary pigment that receives light energy which it will pass to chlorophyll a.

    Absorption Spectrum Of Chlorophyll

    The color spectrum that chlorophyll A absorbs is violet and orange. On the other hand, the color spectrum that chlorophyll B absorbs is blue and yellow. Both chlorophyll a and b hardly absorb the green spectrum. The green light is reflected rather than being absorbed. So, this results in the green color of most plants.

    FAQ’s

    What does action spectrum of photosynthesis indicate?

    Photosynthesis is the process that provides the energy necessary for growth and development of plants and algae. The primary role of photosynthesis is to fix atmospheric CO~2~ into organic molecules, such as sugar or starch. Carbon is stored in plant tissues during the day and it is released at night to fuel respiration. Photosynthesis uses solar energy (in the form of photons) to create chemical energy from water and carbon dioxide.

    Photosynthetic organisms absorb light energy from the environment in order to convert it into chemical energy. In plants, this is realized by the light-harvesting complex (LHC) II and the reaction center (RC). The RC is the part of LHCII that contains the primary quinone electron acceptor Q~A~.

    The action spectrum is the distribution of photons that excite a biological reaction or process. The spectrum of the light that reaches the Earth’s surface is called the solar spectrum, and its shape is modified by absorption and scattering in the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface .

    What action spectrum indicates is the rate of photosynthesis.

    How does the light spectrum affect plant growth?

    Plants need a certain amount of energy in order to grow and thrive. This energy is provided by the sun. The energy that plants receive from the sun varies depending on how the light spectrum is. This means that plants grown under different light spectrums will have different growth rates. Sunlight is composed of different wavelengths of light. The spectrum of sunlight can be broken down into three main categories: red, green and blue. These wavelengths are all present in sunlight but are more or less prominent depending on the time of day and the season. In general, the more intense the wavelength, the greater the energy of the light. The spectrum of sunlight has an effect on the growth rate of plants in a variety of ways. For example, plants grown under a red spectrum of sunlight grow faster than those grown under a blue spectrum. Red light causes the plant’s photosynthetic pigments to absorb more of the light, which leads to increased plant growth. The opposite is true for blue light. Blue light inhibits the photosynthetic pigments of plants, which decreases plant growth.

    Additional Say On What Is An Action Spectrum

    We hope by now you have been enlightened on what an action spectrum is and you can see the role they play in a plant’s photosynthetic process and developments.

    Remember, the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll that determines photosynthesis lies in the blue and red regions. Also, light wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 700 nm are utilized by plants for photosynthesis and this is the ideal PAR range.

  • Too Much Potassium In Plants

    Too Much Potassium In Plants

    Supplying your plants the appropriate level of potassium is beneficial to their growth. A bit of extra potassium isn’t too bad; however, too much potassium in plants can be pretty detrimental to them.

    This is why you need to know the amount of potassium needed by plants. You also need to know how to reduce potassium in soil whenever there’s an issue of excess addition in order to save your plants.

    So, let’s dive in and talk about problems caused by too much potassium, how to solve excess potassium in the plants’ soil, the benefits of potassium in the soil, and more.

    Potassium Soil

    A soil that has a healthy amount of potassium will experience plant flourishing. It is an important nutrient component required for the optimal growth of plants. Potassium is a macronutrient and it is the third value in the NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium) ratio.

    Potassium helps with photosynthesis and will enhance the rigidity of plants and also helps with disease resistance. It will also help with the drought or stress that your plant may experience.

    Potassium should be supplied in the correct amount and a little extra amount may be fine. But when it gets too much, it will lead to issues that will cause nutrient deficiency.

    Generally, the right quantity of potassium level should range from 40 to 80 ppm.

    Too Much Potassium In Plants Soil

    When potassium in plants becomes too much, it interrupts the absorption of vital nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, nitrogen, and so on. This in turn will lead to a deficiency in nutrients which will be a risk to your plants’ development.

    The first signs you will notice when there is excess potassium present in the soil is:

    • The leave veins may begin to show a red color patch.
    • The older growth of the lower stem will start to experience yellowing of foliage and the rest of the leaves remain light green.

    To detect or confirm excess potassium in your plant soil, simply have your soil tested. This is the only accurate way of confirming excess potassium in plants. Garden testing kits can be used to test excess potassium in soil and they can be purchased at your local garden or nursery center.

    Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest® Soil Test Kit

    51Ftsdj9ZCL. SY445
    Check Price on Amazon

    How To Lower Potassium In Soil

    The following things can be done to relieve the presence of excess potassium in plant soil:

    • Dilute With Water Addition: Loosen the soil with a shovel and add water to dilute and remove excess potassium in the soil. After doing this, let the soil dry totally and repeat the flushing process two or three times more.
    • Use Low Potassium Fertilizer Contents: When you are purchasing your fertilizer, the products you’re buying have the main macronutrients listed out. These main macronutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). So, to decrease potassium in plant soil, go for products that contain a low amount or zero amount of potassium (K). Note that in this case, your plant will do well without potassium.
    • Plant Cover Crops: Cover crops of legumes can also help as they will increase nitrogen fixation. This will only boost the nitrogen level without increasing potassium or phosphorus level.
    • Use Organic Manure: The ratio of NPK in organic fertilizers is usually low. Chicken manure for example has an NPK of 4:3:3. The nutrients in manure also decompose slowly which can reduce potassium build-up.
    • Remove Rocks or Stones: Rocks contain minerals such as mica and feldspar rich in potassium. Therefore, separate and remove as many stones or rocks as possible to prevent them from releasing their minerals into the soil.
    • Mix Crushed Eggshells With Soil: If you are making use of a small area, mix and dig in mussel shells or broken eggshells into the soil. This can assist in balancing nutrients in the soil. Wood ash or soft phosphate can also be added to the soil to improve calcium rather than potassium.
    Potassium Soil

    Preventive Measure

    Constant monitoring or testing your soil can help detect early if there is any excess nutrient in the soil. If your soil tests enough or high potassium level, you should refrain from adding more fertilizers that may contain potassium.

    Another thing you can do if you already have enough potassium levels in your soil is to always choose nutrient products low in potassium.

    Benefits Of Potassium In Plants

    The macronutrient potassium (in the right quantity) is essential to plants in many ways and growers rely on potassium for healthy crop production. Below are the benefits of potassium in plants:

    • In plants, the movement of nutrients, water, and carbohydrates is connected with potassium.
    • Potassium will help enhance the size and quality of vegetables and fruits. Thus, it is essential for edible foods.
    • It is used as a regular fertilizer scheme in lawns, gardens, and orchards. It also enhances the blooming of roses and other flowering plants and enhances strong stems and developed flowers.
    • The plant cell that controls water is regulated by potassium. Potassium will as well aid some enzymes in a plant cell.
    • Deficiency in potassium will cause plants to be unable to convert nutrients into nutrients required by roots, leaves, and fruits.
    • Potassium will also assist plants in water usage and it will help with drought or stress experienced by your plants. Thus, saving your plants from diseases and heat stress.
    • Enzymes activation in plants requires potassium and it helps with the production of starch, protein, as well as ATP. ATP production helps regulate the rate of photosynthesis.
    Benefits Of Potassium In Plants

    FAQ’s

    What are the effects of too much potassium in plants?

    Potassium is a mineral, one of the most common minerals in the Earth’s crust. It is an essential part of plant life, and all living things need it to grow. Plants absorb it through their roots and use it to make plant cells function properly. Some plants take up potassium in quantities far greater than other plants, but they can’t store it in their cells like other plants. So what happens when these plants take up too much potassium?

    So what happens when these plants take up too much potassium? They grow more slowly, or not at all.

    What are the symptoms of potassium in plants?

    Potassium is a mineral that is necessary for plant growth, according to the University of Maryland Extension. Potassium helps control the size of the plant, maintain healthy and strong roots, increase resistance against stress, and create energy reserves. Keep Learning The level of potassium in the soil is the first thing that needs to be considered when planning to grow plants.

    Plants that are deficient in potassium will have leaf yellowing, wilting or other signs of illness. Potassium is also a component of chlorophyll, which is what makes plants green.

    How do you fix too much potassium in soil?

    The most common way to correct this is to apply a slow release fertilizer that will be available for a longer period of time. In the case of potassium, I use something like Potashite which is a slow release fertilizer that releases potassium at a rate of about 0.5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. over a 3 year period. Another option is to add wood ash to your soil.

    Wood ash contains potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorous. I would recommend adding a small amount at first until you see how much it grows, then add more if you need it. The amount that you need will depend on the size of the plant.

    Conclusion On Too Much Potassium In Plants

    There is no disputing the importance of potassium in the development of plants generally. However, you need to be aware of the right amount to supply your plant soil. Too much potassium in plant’s soil can be pretty detrimental to their growth.

    Ensure you always test your soil with the right testing tools especially when you want to apply your NPK fertilizer. When you notice you have a high level of potassium, you should make use of fertilizer with a low or zero potassium ratio.

  • Growing Spinach Indoors Hydroponics

    Growing Spinach Indoors Hydroponics

    Let’s talk about growing spinach indoors with hydroponics. The spinach veg is an excellent food loaded with many nutritional benefits. Therefore, it will be a great addition to your garden having these fresh leafy greens and they will grow so well in hydroponics.

    The spinach growing season is usually restricted to spring and fall. But with growing spinach hydroponically, you get to enjoy your spinach all year round.

    We are all about easy indoor gardening and we have outlined all you need to know about growing spinach indoors hydroponics.

    Spinach Hydroponics

    Growing spinach in hydroponics is very rewarding. You get to enjoy plucking your fresh leafy greens from your indoor garden rather than buying from the grocery stores.

    Here is a guide on how you can go about growing spinach in your hydroponics, so read on to learn more.

    Tips To Growing Spinach Indoors Hydroponics

    Let’s look at how you can germinate hydroponics spinach from seeds. So, the first thing is to germinate your seeds using rapid rooter plugs. Before germinating, always soak the seed plugs in water. Also, ensure you only put a couple of seeds into the plugs to get a successful result.

    You can sow about 4 or 5 seeds in each rapid rooter plug. To enjoy a continuous year-round harvest, you can continue to sow new seeds every couple of weeks.

    Spinach Hydroponics

    Unlike other leafy greens such as lettuce, basil, etc, it can take up to 3 weeks longer for your spinach seeds to germinate. The ideal temperature for your spinach seed to grow optimally is around 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, give them a light duration of about 12 to 14 hours per day.

    Avoid using a heating mat or pad because spinach is a cool-weather crop and raising their temperature can cause poor germination.

    You will need to pinch off the heads of several plants once the seedlings begin to sprout above the starter plugs. Ensure you pinch and not pull so you don’t disturb the root system. Only the healthiest or strongest seedlings should be left to continue their growing process.

    Once you notice the root emerging out of the starter cube, you can now transfer your spinach seedlings into your hydroponic system. Then you should begin your spinach growth on a one-quarter diluted solution before you increase the strength of your solution slowly.

    Hydroponic System For Growing Spinach

    We have various types of hydroponics systems and many of them can work for growing indoor hydroponics spinach.

    The best types of hydroponics to grow with spinach include nutrient film technique (NFT), raft, and deep water culture (DWC).

    iDOO Indoor Herb Garden Kit, 12 Pods Hydroponics Growing System with LED Grow Light

    817 zhu+feL. AC SX522
    Check Price on Amazon

    Spinach plants usually have shallow roots, therefore, your hydroponic systems do not need to be so deep. Nevertheless, one of the easiest ways to get started with growing spinach hydroponically is by using the deep water culture system (DWC).

    Light Duration For Hydroponic Spinach

    Spinach is a low to moderate light duration requiring plant and they don’t need too much intense light. You can supply your hydroponic spinach plant with about 10 to 14 hours of light a day.

    There are many different grow light options you can go for when it comes to growing spinach indoors with hydroponics. One great choice is the fluorescent grow light. This is because of its minimal heat emission, moderate power consumption, and affordability.

    Nutrient and PH Requirement For Spinach Hydroponic

    Clearly, we want our spinach to always grow bountifully in its vegetative stage. To achieve this, you need to provide your spinach plant with NPK nutrients with a high nitrogen ratio. This same nutrient scheme will encourage only the vegetative phase and it can be used up until the harvest period.

    Therefore, nutrients high in nitrogen, as well as phosphorous, will enhance the growth of your spinach. The appropriate pH range for spinach is around 5.5 to 6.5.

    Temperature Requirements For Spinach

    Spinach does not require too high a temperature as they are cool weather crops. The appropriate temperature range for spinach is around 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Temperature Requirements For Spinach

    Ensure your hydroponic spinach temperature does not 70 degrees. If it gets to 70 degrees, it may lead to plant bolting. Bolting is when your plant starts entering into the flowering stage which usually leads to bitter-tasting spinach.

    Hydroponic Spinach Spacing Requirement

    Because spinach is a shallow-rooted plant, it does not need a deep grow bed. So, you can give your spinach plant about 4 to 5 inches of space apart.

    Harvest Time Duration For Spinach Hydroponics

    Spinach plants should attain their full maturity around 35 to 40 days. Just like the lettuce cut and come again, you can simply harvest a small portion of your spinach. You can as well harvest the whole plant.

    Benefits Of Growing Hydroponics Spinach

    When you grow spinach hydroponically, you enjoy lots of benefits, and below are some of these benefits:

    1. Loaded With Great Nutrients: The leafy spinach is an incredibly healthy food that can be added to your food recipes. It is loaded with iron, vitamins, and folate. It is also great nutrition for blood health and bones.
    2. Easy To Garden With: Growing spinach in hydroponics is one easy plant to garden with. Your plants will be less prone to soil-borne disease and have no stress of weeding.
    3. All-year-round Supply: Unlike when you grow spinach in an outdoor traditional garden, you may be restricted to growing spinach only during spring. But with growing spinach indoors hydroponics, you enjoy all year round freshly spinach supply.
    4. Rapid Growth: Growing spinach with hydroponics encourages faster growth and a healthy abundant yield.

    FAQ’s

    Can spinach be grown hydroponically?

    Yes. You will find that there are many different methods to choose from and you can even mix and match them to suit your needs. As long as there is adequate oxygen, water, nutrients and light, your plants will thrive.

    It is very easy to grow spinach in a hydroponic system. Most people use the soilless mix (hydroton) with rockwool or vermiculite for growing. The plants need a lot of light and need to be fertilized regularly. You should know the amount of water you are giving the plant by the size of the container. For example, a large pot will require more water than a smaller one. You can also check the potting soil for moisture content. If it is dry, you can add water.

    Can you grow spinach without fancy equipment?

    Yes, you can. The first time I tried it, I used a plastic pot with holes drilled in it, a plastic cup for water and a piece of cloth as a growing medium. It worked pretty well. Here’s what I did: I had a 10-inch pot with holes drilled in it, so I put two pots side by side, about 2 inches apart. I put the pot that was to grow spinach in the second one.

    I put the pot with the plastic cup on top of the spinach pot, and put the plastic cup right over the holes in the spinach pot. Then, I put a small plastic cup with water in it next to the spinach pot. The plastic cup was a bit bigger than the pot, so I could put a few seeds in it and put the pot right over them. I put a little bit of soil in the bottom of the plastic pot, so that the roots wouldn’t get dried out. Then, I put some seeds in the plastic cup, and put the pot right over the seeds. When the seeds germinate, they’ll grow up through the holes in the bottom of the spinach pot and into the water. You can use any kind of seed, but I found that spinach seeds germinated the fastest.

    In a couple days, the plants will be big enough to transplant into their permanent pots. I put the little seedlings in a bigger pot, and then planted them outside in my garden.

    Do all lettuces need the same amount of light in a hydroponic system?

    The amount of light needed for spinach varies quite a bit depending on the variety of spinach that’s being grown.

    This means that if you want to have the very best crop you should look into the best types of grow lights for the type of lettuce that you are growing.

    Final Say

    As we can see, there are awesome benefits to growing spinach indoors with hydroponics. Simply follow our tips on how to successfully grow your spinach in the comfort of your home and enjoy fresh green spinach.

    Remember; keep your spinach seed moist when germinating. Transplant them into your hydroponics when the roots have sprouted out of the germinating cubes. Start with moderate nutrients and gradually raise the nutrient strength as they develop. Also, supply spinach with low light intensity and a short duration of about 12 hours daily.

  • Three Way Meter PH/Light/Moisture

    Three Way Meter PH/Light/Moisture

    If you’re looking for a garden tool to measure the soil moisture content of your soil, light, and help control pH levels in the soil, then you’re talking about the three-way meter pH/light/moisture. It is a three different soil tester in one device, isn’t that awesome?

    You may come across this gardening tool being called various names such as 3-in-1 soil tester, 3-way soil meter, soil analyzer, multi-purpose soil meter, and so on. Whichever name you see, they are all the same.

    The three-way soil meter for plants allows you to easily monitor the conditions of your plants. Therefore, you get to give your plants the best care by using this gardening tool. In this article, we will be discussing more info on the three-way PH/light/moisture meter, how to use it, and more. So, let’s begin.

    More Info On The 3 Way Soil Meter

    The three-way meter PH/light/moisture is a piece of long metal equipment that is usually pushed into the soil. It is used to test measure moisture levels, soil pH, and light intensity.

    • Firstly, the three-way meter will help you monitor the pH range in the soil as they become acidic or alkaline. This way, you get to adjust the pH levels to the appropriate range that is required by the particular plant you are growing.
    • Secondly, the meter will help you test if your plants are receiving optimal sunlight for proper growth.
    • Then lastly, the meter will test for moisture level to let you know if your plants require more watering or less watering.
    More Info On The 3 Way Soil Meter

    Generally, this 3 in 1 meter is a great way of keeping in touch with the conditions of your growing plants. So, you get to offer your plants the appropriate care they need to grow strong and healthy.

    Let’s dive in further by looking at the 3 things this meter measures and their importance.

    • Importance Of Soil PH In Plants

    One crucial factor that can’t be ignored when growing different plants is the soil pH. The availability of various nutrients and how they are been absorbed by plants largely depend on soil pH.

    If the pH of your soil is out of range, your plants will not grow well and produce a good yield. They will end up looking stressed and if this is not resolved on time, your garden stands a chance of being futile.

    This is why you need to always monitor your soil pH and you can do this using the three-in-one soil pH meter.

    • Importance Of Sunlight

    Sunlight is a key factor in the growth of your plant as it is an important source of energy for all plants. Light gives off energy that is absorbed by plants which feed the process of photosynthesis. This process of photosynthesis where plants make their food is needed for the survival of your plant.

    The rays of sunlight give off different color spectrum needed by your plant in its various stages of growth.  The vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages, all require a specific spectrum to flourish. It’s crucial you give your plants the required light.

    Kensizer Soil Tester, 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Meter

    712vmaXJmyL. AC SL1500
    Check Price on Amazon

    So, with the three in one soil pH meter, you can as well test for light and always give your plant the right intensity for its growth.

    • Importance Of Moisture

    The third important measurement the three in one pH meter detects is moisture level.

    When you underwater your plant, it can cause wilting, brown tips of leaves, dryness of leaves, as well as leaf curling. This shows your soil is dry and requires moisture. Overwatering on the other hand can cause brown tips of leaves, yellowing of leaves, root rot, and wilting.

    Overwatering and under watering are both detrimental to your plants and the three-way meter pH/light/moisture can help you prevent this.

    How To Use Three-Way Meter PH/Light/Moisture

    Step 1- Soil PH Testing

    To test for soil pH, dip the pointed forks into the soil. The first reading you see should be the pH and it’s measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Reading from the first value 1 which means most acidic. So, the value 14 reading most alkaline and the number 7 means neutral.

    Most plants prefer a slightly acidic medium and will preferably grow between the 6 and 7.5 pH range. You can adjust the soil pH to suit your various plants by adding limestone to increase the pH and add sulfur to lower the pH range.

    Step 2- Moisture Testing

    For moisture readings, inset the pointed fork into the soil to be tested and press the button on the meter. Go ahead and see the moisture readings. The moisture content level can be read in a 10 percent increment and it will move from no moisture to total saturation.

    Usually, the majority of the soil will prefer mid-range moisture value. So, you can always detect if you are over watering or under watering. If you find yourself overwatering, you can simply add sand to your soil to improve drainage.

    Step 3- Light Testing

    To detect light, simply push the button on your 3 way meter till it falls on light testing. The light testing can calculate the intensity of light in foot candles from the range 0 to 2,000.

    The light intensity for different plants varies. Some plants prefer full sun, while some others prefer partial sun or shade. Therefore, be aware of the type of plant variety you have and their light requirements.

    However, the light requirement for average indoor lightning is about 100-foot candles.

    Note: After every use, ensure you wipe clean the forks of the tester using distilled water and a clean cloth. Always do this between every use. This is to ensure all your readings are not contaminated or affected and to get the correct readings.

    Importance Of Sunlight

    FAQ’s

    What is a three Way PH/Light/Moisture meter?

    This 3-in-1 meter is designed to measure the relative humidity (RH) and the soil/plant water potential in one unit. It is also able to measure pH.

    It usually has an LCD screen and a touch screen and is a very compact unit that’s easy to use, and a very handy tool to have in your garden.

    They work on the same principle as an analog thermometer (a little bit more expensive). You insert a probe into the soil, and the meter will indicate the current temperature of the soil, which is the same as the air temperature, minus the water vapor content in the air, plus the humidity in the air. If there is no water in the soil, then the meter will indicate that the soil is at the dew point. If there is water in the soil, then the meter will indicate the temperature of the water.

    What is the difference between a soil probe and a moisture meter?

    A soil probe measures the relative humidity of the air around the roots of plants. It has a tip that goes into the soil, and it measures the relative humidity of the soil. A moisture meter on the other hand, measures the water potential of the soil. It does this by measuring the pressure inside a sealed chamber which is connected to the soil.

    It is not as precise as the soil probe, but it is much faster. The soil probe will tell you how moist the soil is, and it will tell you how dry the soil is. The moisture meter will tell you how dry the soil is. Both are important, and knowing both can help you get the most out of your plants. A soil probe is the best way to measure the relative humidity of the air around your plants. It will tell you if there are any problems with the air around your plants. A moisture meter is great for measuring the water potential of the soil, and it will tell you how wet or dry the soil is. It is very useful to know what the water potential of the soil is, because it tells you how much water the plant needs.

    Is it costly?

    It is a very expensive tool, which isn’t surprising as many people even have trouble figuring out how to use all of its features. In part, you’re paying for the easiness with which it is to set up.

    Most people use it as a tool to determine when it is that they should add fertilizer to their lawn, vegetables and flowers.

    Conclusion On Three Way Meter PH/Light/Moisture

    We can see the three-way pH/light/moisture meter is a great way of closely monitoring the conditions of your garden. It can be used for both outdoor and indoor gardening. Therefore, this is a great tool to have in your garden.

  • How Often Should I Flood My Ebb And Flow

    How Often Should I Flood My Ebb And Flow

    Ebb and flow also known as flood and drain have some watering schedule rules to follow.  How often you should flood your ebb and flow system will depend on different factors. So, this is why we will be enlightening you on this.

    The important thing is to flood your plants before your grow media dries out. So, you flood your plant for a particular time and drain them after the flooding time has elapsed.

    Therefore, the watering schedule of your ebb and flow system will require adequate monitoring so your plants do not drown or dry out. So, let’s dive in to know how often you should flood your ebb and flow system.

    Ebb And Flow System

    Ebb and flow or flood and drain system is a type of hydroponic system that makes use of the intermittent supply of nutrient water solution which flows over the roots of the plants.

    The nutrient solution flows also across the inert grow medium used in the ebb and flow. This grow medium ensures to retain some water for the use of plants for some time until the system is flooded again.

    The idea behind this versatile hydroponic system involves the movement of water across the grow tray from time to time. This water is rich in nutrients required for plants growth. The system has a pump that pumps the nutrient-filled solution from the reservoir below.

    Gravity is used to return the nutrient-filled water back into the reservoir where it flows back up to be reused.

    As the nutrient solution is being pumped, it moves up reaching the grow tray or container. This nutrient solution now drenches the root of the plants until they reach the water limit.

    Usually, the ebb and flow makes use of a timer that controls the water flow which goes on or off. This way, the flooding schedule is monitored. As the timer goes on, it pumps nutrient-filled water above the plants and when the timer goes off, the pump is stopped.

    However, you still need to know how long the timer should be set to know how often you should flood your ebb and flow. So let’s look into this.

    How Often Should I Flood My Ebb And Flow?

    When we talk about how often you should flood your ebb and flow, what we mean is how many times should the nutrient water flow through the plants. This will depend on the factors we are going to be looking at and this will help you deduce how to plan your hydroponics system watering schedule.

    Then once you’ve observed your plants’ response to the watering schedule you give them, you can be sure of a perfect flood and draining cycles.

    When to Flood My Ebb And Flow

    Ebb & Flow Hydroponics Tips – Factors To Consider

    1.    Size Of Plant

    The size of your plant is one determinant of how often you should flood your ebb and flow hydroponic system. The bigger the plant size, the more frequency is required to flood your system. This is because bigger plants have more stomata they use to transpire or give off water into the atmosphere.

    Therefore, smaller plants will require less flooding. You should also increase the flooding frequency as your plants grow and get bigger.

    2.    Grow Media

    There are various growing mediums that can be used in flood and drain hydroponic systems. We have Rockwool, coconut coir, vermiculite, expandable clay pebbles, and so on. But you should know that each of these grow media differs in terms of water intake and water retention.

    Grow media such as Rockwool can absorb and retain adequate moisture, thus requires minimal flood and drain cycles. However, grow media such as expandable clay pebbles requires more time to be flooded because of their slow water absorbing capacity.

    3.    Temperature

    The heat produced by sunlight or the type of grow light you have can hasten up evaporation. Domestic heating systems and some other factors may bring about a hot environment and can predispose your system to water loss. This will tell you how much to flood your ebb and flow hydroponic system.

    Also, as the season changes for outdoor ebb and flow, you will need to adjust the flooding times to suit seasonal variations.

    BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for Seed Germination

    71n290lSosL. AC SX522
    Check Price on Amazon

    4.    Hydroponic System Size

    The size of your hydroponic system is another factor to consider when deciding your system’s flood and drain cycles. A bigger and deeper system requires lesser flood and drain cycles. On the other hand, the shallow and smaller system requires more flood and drain cycles.

    5.    Type Of Plants

    Some plants are water-loving thus requires more watering schedule while some are less water requiring. This is why you need to learn about the type of plant you will be growing. Get to know how much watering they prefer.

    6.    Light

    Light plays a role in the transpiration rate of your plants. Just as we mentioned earlier, the type of grow light used in your flood and drain hydroponic garden will contribute to the watering schedule. Therefore, in order to evaluate the flood and drain timing, consider the grow light distance to plants, power of grow light, and light duration.

    A stronger light, longer light duration, as well as a closer light distance will require more flooding cycles. This will help cover up for the lost water through the stomata in the leaves.

    7.    Humidity

    Humid environments contain saturated moisture thus, your flood and drain cycles should be minimal. On the other hand, dry environments increase transpiration in plants more. Thus, you should flood and drain your system more often.

    Ebb & Flow Hydroponics Tips - Humidity

    FAQ’s

    How often should you flood and drain?

    If you plan on using 100 gallons, you will need to fill the tank and let it sit for at least 24 hours. I would recommend doing this once a week. You will need to refill the tank with fresh water at least every other day. If you live in a humid area, you may want to add a dehumidifier to help dry out your plants. For the most part, you don’t want to keep water sitting in the system for extended periods of time. This can cause nutrient depletion and algae growth.

    What plants can be grown in a Ebb and Flow system?

    With the Ebb and Flow system, you can grow a variety of plants from herbs to fruit and veggies.
    It is a great option for growing small fruits and veggies like lettuce, strawberries, and peppers. You can even grow tomatoes, kale and cucumbers in an Ebb and Flow.
    Ebb and Flow is a technique where the growing medium is moved around the plants in a controlled fashion, alternating between dry and wet. In this way the roots are kept moist and healthy and can grow to their full potential. The flow and ebb system is a very efficient way to water your garden without the use of soil.

    What is the best medium for flood and drain?

    The best medium for flood and drain is usually a sand-based mixture, such as: Cemented sand Diatomite Clay-based media. You can use clay pebbles as well:

    How fast does hydroponic water flow?

    The flow is controlled by your pump. You could have a 1GPM (gallon per minute) pump, and you can use a 0.5GPM (half gallon per minute) pump, too. If you’re going to use an air stone, it’s important that you don’t put too much pressure on the air stone. If you do, the stone will crack and you’ll have to replace it. If you put more than 1 psi (pounds per square inch) on the stone, it will crack. So use a reasonable amount of air pressure to get the most out of your pump. I wouldn’t use an air stone at all unless you are using a very high-powered pump like a 1HP (horsepower) or 2HP pump.

    How do you control water flow in hydroponics?

    There are several ways to control the amount of water that flows through your system. The easiest way is to use a pressure regulator, and set the flow rate accordingly. You can also attach a pump to the output of your main supply line, and turn it on or off. This is less convenient, but more reliable.

    Conclusion On How Often Should I Food My Ebb And Flow

    Deciding on the appropriate watering cycles for your flood and drain hydroponic system is an important point to know. The goal is to prevent your plants and grow media from drying out completely or drowning.

    You should follow our tips above to help you decide how often you should flood your ebb and flow hydroponics system.

  • 3 Tier Plant Stand With Grow Lights

    3 Tier Plant Stand With Grow Lights

    Using 3 tier plant stand with grow lights is a good way of growing plants in a vertical manner especially if you have issues with space. This will give you the access and advantage to growing more plants to give you more yields.

    Also, if your fragile seedlings or clones are not so ready to face the harsh outdoor conditions, you can simply use a suitable plant stand with grow lights.

    In this post, we will be talking about how you can use 3 tier plant stand with grow lights. We will also give you some recommend stand you can purchase for your growing plants. So, let’s begin.

    Using Grow Light Shelves

    Grow light stand will help you withholding your grow light as well as some other hydroponic equipment. They will basically help with the arrangement of your plants.

    When considering using grow light shelves for your indoor growing plants, ensure you have the right size of length that fits the shelves. Although, it’s not much of a big deal if you have the length a bit longer. This is just to allow your growth set up will look well arranged.

    Using Grow Light Shelves

    So, the horizontal length of your shelve should be almost the same length as the shelve. This means if you have your shelve to be 4 feet long, your grow light length should be within that range.

    Also, the compartments of your shelves should have holes where you can easily hang your grow light.

    How To Set Up Growing Shelf

    You can either purchase a complete tier plant shelf with grow lights or simply build a DIY grow shelf stand.

    To build your own setup, simply purchase the grow lights, grow trays, and the shelving unit. Then you go ahead to attaching the grow lights on each shelf tier.

    Depending on how many grow light tiers you have, go ahead and set them up with your grow lights. Also, depending on how much light intensity your plants require, you can set up one or even two grow lights for each stand.

    Each tier of your shelf should open lines where you can attach your grow lights. Your grow light should have a chain or wire rack that you can use to hang over each tier and hook it up with your grow light. The hook will allow you to move your grow lights up and down.

    Moving your grow light up and down will allow you to set up the appropriate height of your grow and plant distance. You can always adjust the light anytime especially to suit the stage your plant is. Go ahead and put your growing tray on each tier and adjust your grow light appropriately.

    For starting seeds, your grow lights should be positioned close for about a week. For this reason, you should go with low emitting heat grow lights such as fluorescent lights.

    Some Recommended 3 Tier Plant Stand With Grow Lights

    Readymade grows light shelves will save you the stress of building your light shelving. So, here is some recommended 3 tier plant stand with grow lights:

    1.    Gardener’s Supply Company Indoor Grow Light, 3-Tier Stand Sunlite Light Garden

    The Gardener’s supply Sunlite garden 3 tier grow light stand features indoor grow light with plant trays for your plants. You can start your seeds and grow your plants with this 3 tier stand. It is pretty easy to assemble and it comes with clear instructions to guide you through the assembling.

    They offer a brighter light for your plant growing needs. You also get the pleasure of moving the grow light up and down for you to get the right grow light distance. The fixtures also come with a pull chain for easy height adjustments.

    Check Price on Amazon

    This 3 tier plant stand arrangement will look so decorative in your living room or anywhere indoors. You can grow your seeds with this stand as well as growing herbs and houseplants. You can also try other plants like orchids with this 3 tier grow light stand.

    Overall, this is a great 3 tier plant stand with grow lights that will serve as an excellent starting point for your seeds or plant propagation.

    2.    Gardener’s Supply Company LED Grow Light Stand, Heavy Duty 3-Tier

    The Gardner’s supply LED grow light stand is another nicely built 3 tier stand. It is made of heavy-duty steel which makes it durable. It is well painted and the holes are well lined up.

    This stand is also pretty easy to set up without the need for professional help all you need to do is just go through the instructions. It also comes with nice trays for growing plants and the shelves are water-tight.

    The LED grow light is a full spectrum that will assist your plants through different grow life cycles. The bulbs are long-lasting and can last up to 50,000 hours of use.

    You can grow various plants such as basil, lettuce, parsley, sweet peppers, etc under the stand grow light. They are also ideal for growing flowers and other plants.

    51heP8L1q1L. AC
    Check Price on Amazon

    It also has adjustable light features that allow you to raise or bring down the lights for your plants’ comfort. Their lights are also low emitting heat.

    This 3 tier stand also has a rolling caster that allows you to easily push or move anywhere around your home.

    However, this 3 tier plant stand with grow lights is at a high price but you can enjoy the price of the money spent.

    FAQ’s

    How beneficial are grow lights shelves?

    A grow light shelf is basically a box with a lid that you can place over your grow light. The box is made from either acrylic or metal and can be placed over your grow light. You can use a grow light shelf to help control the temperature of your plants, which means you can control the amount of light your plants receive. It will also help to keep the light on a constant level, which makes it easier to control. The grow light shelf will help to save space as you don’t need to put the grow light directly over your plants. If you don’t have a grow light shelf, your plants could end up receiving different amounts of light at different times.  You can use the grow light shelf to create a greenhouse effect.

    How do you make a plant shelf with lights?

    The following instructions are for hanging a plant shelf with light fixtures. This is an easy project that you can do yourself in about one day or less. Supplies: – 1 sheet of plywood cut to size – Drill bit – Screws – Wood glue – Paint – Plants Step 1: Cut two pieces of plywood of equal length. Step 2: Drill Holes for Screws Drill holes into each of the four corners of your plywood. The holes should be about 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the plywood. Step 3: Attach the Plywood to the Shelf Attach the plywood to the shelf using wood glue and screws. Make sure that the plywood is level when you are attaching it to the shelf. This is an important step because you will want to ensure that your lights will hang straight. Step 4: Drill holes in the light fixtures where the light bulbs will go. Step 5: Apply paint to your plant shelf and light fixtures. Step 6: Enjoy!

    How many grow lights per shelf?

    The total number of grow lights per shelf is determined by the length of the grow light fixture and the spacing between the grow lights. You can have 4 grow plants per shelf. Each grow light fixture can support up to 6 plants.

    What color grow light is best for seedlings?

    Greenhouse or cold frame seedlings should be grown under fluorescent lights. A grow light is a high-powered light bulb that has been specially designed to grow plants and seedlings. Grow lights are designed to mimic the natural light cycle of the sun, with wavelengths and intensities that are suitable for plant growth. There are two types of grow lights: metal halide and fluorescent.

    Final Say On 3 Tier Plant Stand With Grow Lights

    It’s really quite great having a 3 tier plant stand with grow lights because of its versatility. It offers you the benefit of growing in a vertical manner with a managed space.

    You also get to grow various plants including seedlings, clones, and other types of plants indoors.

  • Grow Light Height Above Plants

    Grow Light Height Above Plants

    The height of grow light above plants needs to be positioned appropriately for your plants to absorb adequate light and at the same time prevent plant burns. With the various types of grow light available in the market, each of them has a specific distance to be obeyed so your plants can flourish.

    All the stages of a plants’ life cycle, be it vegetative, flowering, fruiting, or even seedlings require the correct grow light distance to grow adequately. This shows the distance you give between your grow light and plants will have a say on the overall indoor garden yield. So, let’s get right into discussing grow height above plants.

    How Close Should Grow Lights Be To Plants?

    Even though determining the exact grow light height above plants cannot be specifically ascertained: we can still give a good starting point. What will help is to begin with trial and error. Then you gradually move the grow light closer to or farther away till you get the appropriate distance that suits your plant’s growing needs.

    Like we said, various grow lights have different hanging distances. So, each of this grow lights will determine the distance to your plants’ canopy. The wattage (which is one of the determinants of the strength of a grow light) of the grow light will as well decide how far or how close the distance will be.

    How Close Should Grow Lights Be To Plants

    For example, grow lights that generate more heat will require them to be hung a bit far from the plants’ canopy to avoid plant burns. At the same time, some grow light generates powerful spectrum that requires them to be hung a bit far from plants’ canopy to prevent bleaching. (I.e. leaves turning white)

    Let’s take a look at the grow light height above plants for LED, HID, and T5 fluorescent lights. We will also look at how far your grow light should be during various plant stages such as seedlings, vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stage.

    1.    HID Grow Light Height Above Plants

    HID grow lights are known to generate more heat. Thus, they should be positioned at least 12 inches from your plants’ canopy. Also, if your grow light is powerful say for instance 1000 watt, it should be hanged at least 15 inches away. Lesser HID wattage lights of 400 or 600 watts can be hanged around 20 to 25 inches respectively. This grow light distance is ideal for all plants stage.

    2.    LED Grow Light Height Above Plants

    Even though LED lights don’t emit too much heat, their light spectrums are very powerful. They can be too overwhelming on some types of plants that they may suffer bleaching if positioned too close.

    Grow light of 900 watts and above should be positioned 26 to 42 inches away from plants’ canopy. Then 600 to 850 wattage of LED light should be positioned 24 to 26 inches away. 450 to 550 watts LED grow light should be hung 20 to 30 inches away from plants. And 240 to 400 watts needs 16 to 30 inches LED grow light distance.

    While this LED grow light height above plants is obeyed, it is necessary for LED lights to be moved closer to the plant during the flowering phase. This is because they will require more light intensity during this stage.

    3.    Fluorescent Grow Light Height Above Plants

    Fluorescent grow lights are one of the most efficient lights to use as they offer smooth blended energy and spectrum. They are low generating heat which makes them safe to be placed close to plants’ canopy. Placing them too far from the plants will reduce their light intensity thus; reducing the energy the plants receive.

    Although fluorescent light comes in various shapes and sizes, we will generally recommend a distance of at least 12 inches away from your plants. Ensure the height does not exceed 12 inches as this can reduce the light energy your plants receive.

    2-Pack T5 HO Grow Light – 1 Bulb Light System – Fluorescent Hydroponic

    61CoQuvOHjL. AC SX679
    Check Price on Amazon

    However, you can do a trial by starting at a grow light distance of 5 inches. If you notice any discomfort symptoms shown by your plants you can move the grow light a bit higher. Do this until you find the perfect spot that will suit your plants.

    You can use the stated grow light distance using fluorescent light for all plant stages.

    Grow Light Distance Seedlings

    Seedlings are known to be pretty fragile. So this is why we need to know the appropriate grow light hanging distance to these seedlings. However, seedlings also need to be supplied with a good amount of light so they can grow efficiently. Depriving seedlings of adequate light will cause slow development and leggy growth.

    For LED grow lights, you can do a distance of 8 to 12 inches away from your seedlings. While for T5 fluorescent grow lights, you can do a distance of 5 to 6 inches away from your seedlings.

    How Much Light For Seedlings

    Let’s determine the amount of light seedlings require using PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation). We will be looking at achieving 120 to 150 micromoles per second per meter square of PAR delivered to your seedlings. Also, you can supply your seedlings light for 12 to 18 hours per day.

    How Much Light For Seedlings

    FAQ’s 

    Do Grow lights have to be above plants?

    Grow lights can be placed above the plants.
    Grow lights can be placed at any height from ground level to 15 feet or more. I would recommend that you do not place your grow light directly on the soil as this will cause your plant to burn and eventually die. The best way to position a grow light is to have it over a pot so that the roots are just barely touching the sides of the pot and the rest of the plant is in shade.
    This will keep the plant healthy and happy. You can also hang a hanging plant holder with a light bulb in it over a pot.
    Any wattage will do as long as it produces enough light to promote growth. A good wattage light would depend on what type of plants you are growing, how much space you have and your budget. There is no “best” wattage light. It depends on your own personal preference and budget. Grow lights are available in a wide variety of wattages, from 1 watt to 50 watts. The higher the wattage, the more light is emitted.

    How do you tell if grow light is too close?

    There are many ways to tell if a grow light is too close to the plants.
    You’ll want to consider the distance from the light fixture to the plant, and the height of the light fixture. If the light fixture is high enough, it will not be visible above the top of the pot or growing substrate. This can be a problem with fluorescent lights, which are very high. If the fixture is too low, you’ll see shadows cast by the light fixture on the plants.
    You can measure the amount of light your plants get by measuring how far the light has to be moved to get the same amount of light on the plants.
    The first thing to look for is light color. If the light is very yellow, then it is too close. If the light is blue, then it is too far away. This is because red light penetrates deeper into the plant and makes it grow faster, while blue light makes the plants more spindly.
    Another way to tell if the grow light is too close is to look at the reflection on the leaves. If there are little lights reflected on the leaf, then it is too close. If you see a lot of refl

    Can grow lights be too bright?

    Grow lights can be an important part of growing indoor plants. However, some growers have noticed that their plants seem to grow a bit more slowly when the lights are on, and they also grow a bit larger. Growers sometimes use light intensity to control the size and shape of their plants.
    Your choice will depend on how much light you need, the type of light you want to use, and your budget. The three main types of lights are fluorescents, metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps. Fluorescents are the cheapest, but have a very narrow color spectrum, which can cause problems if you’re using plants that require more than one color of light. Metal halide is the most expensive, but has a broad color spectrum, and produces a lot of heat,. High-pressure sodium lamps are the least expensive of the three, and they have a broad color spectrum, they produce less heat, and the spectrum is similar to natural sunlight.

    Final Note On Grow Light Height Above Plants

    Determining the appropriate grow light height above plants is not so difficult to tell if you have the right knowledge. Different grow lights are built differently and they have their various hanging distance that must be followed. Follow our guidelines on the right distance to hang your grow light.

    Also, some of these grow lights have the manufacturers’ recommended hanging distance stated on the grow light package. You can also start with that and later adjust your grow light until you get the appropriate distance.

    Note that once you purchase a new grow light, it is recommended you keep a close eye on your garden to see how your plants receive this new light. This way, you can quickly notice any slight change in your plants’ response to the light and make the right adjustments accordingly.