Grower Today

Everything about Plant Nutrients and Pest Control for Plants

Category: Tips & Guides

  • Grow Room Equipment Checklist

    Grow Room Equipment Checklist

    Cultivation in an indoor space is becoming most growers’ favorite as it offers lots of advantages. To commence grow room indoor garden, there are some supplies required to set up each grows room stage. This is why we have created a grow room equipment checklist for the success of your indoor farming.

    It is pretty easy to set up your indoor grow room with the right knowledge. The demand for indoor grow rooms continue to rise and so is the demand for grow room supplies. So, read on to discover which grow room supplies you need when it comes to choosing a complete grow room equipment checklist.

    Indoor Grow Room Supplies Checklist

    So, let’s look at the equipment you will require to starting your indoor farm.

    1.    Grow Space Or Room

    The first thing on your checklist is growing space. Ensure you have an area where you can conveniently cultivate your crops and allow them to spread as they grow. You can make use of a grow tent or simply build a grow room or convert any space in your house into a grow room.

    Also, make sure you put things in place for other equipment to fit in. Things such as drilling holes to hang your grow lights and also integrate ventilation in your grow room.  Reflective materials should also be integrated into the walls unless you’re making use of a grow tent.

    Grow Space Or Room

    2.    Grow Lights

    Whichever type of grow light you wish to use (such as LED, HID, CMH, T5, etc), grow light is one important supply for the success of your garden. Ensure you use quality grow lights that will the most efficient work on your plants.

    3.    Air Circulation

    Air circulation needs to be incorporated in your grow room. Normally, grow tents should have two holes: one for fresh air inlet and the other for air out for stale air.

    There should be continuous replenishment of air i.e. fresh air must circulate from time to time. Avoid stale air as this can diminish the growth of your plants. Air circulation will also help in temperature controls. You can as well mount an oscillating fan for adequate airflow.

    4.    Seed Starter For Seed Sowing

    I’m sure you are aware that a successful way of starting cultivation is by germinating seeds and transplanting them into a bigger growing medium when it has sprouted. You can start from the soil but most growers prefer to use seed starter plugs or grow cubes.

    5.    Grow Media & Container

    Choose the appropriate grow media for your cultivation and accompany it with a growing container. Generally, there are two types of growing containers designed for two purposes: seedlings and bigger plants. The growing container has permeable walls for water passage and also to allow the soil to breathe.

    JERIA 12-Pack 3 Gallon, Vegetable/Flower/Plant Grow Bags, Aeration Fabric Pots with Handles

    71X%2Bt0iNy1L. AC SX679
    Check Price on Amazon

    6.    Nutrients Solution

    You can obtain nutrients solutions designed for indoor growing needs and ensure they are in the right proportion. We recommend you start with using half or 70% portion of the suggested portion of use.

    7.    PH Meter & PPM (Measuring Supplies)

    It is crucial you monitor the pH of your nutrient solution. Nutrients are taken up by plants at different pH range. Generally, the ideal pH for the soilless system is 5.5 to 6.5. Ensure you also have some pH up and pH down handy in case there’s a fluctuation in the recommended pH range.

    PPM will measure the concentration of minerals in your nutrient solution so you don’t overfeed or underfeed your plants. Nutrient overfeeding can cause nutrient burn and we want to avoid such.

    8.    Timer

    All your system does not have to run at all times as some will need rest. For example, grow light should not be on 24 hours because plants require light and dark phases. When grow lights are off, your plants get to rest.

    This is why you need a timer to always keep them in check because it’s not every time you will be available to always turn off or on the switch.

    9.    Pruners & Harvesting

    Trim your plants with clean and sharp tools at the right time. You can also harvest and prune at the same time.

    Pruners & Harvesting - Grow Room Equipment

    10. Cost Of Electricity

    The cost of electricity is another thing you should consider putting your checklist. The electricity cost mainly depends on the wattage of your grow lights and how long you leave your equipment running. High output fans and other running equipment also add to the cost of electricity.

    Generally, take note of the entire plugged-in device to determine the total cost of electricity.

    FAQ’s

    What equipment is needed for indoor grow?

    There are a few things you need to take into consideration.
    1. Air quality This is the biggest thing for your indoor grow. You want to make sure that you have good air circulation and don’t have any stagnant areas.
    2. Lighting You should have at least two lighting setups, one for vegetative growth and one for flowering.
    3. Temperature You need to make sure that you keep your temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t, then you will have a lot of issues with mold.
    4. Humidity You want to make sure that your humidity is around 50% and that it’s not too high or too low.
    5. Watering You should be able to water your plants every other day, but you don’t want to overwater because then you will end up having issues with algae.
    6. Hydroponics If you are growing hydroponically, you need to make sure that you have a good nutrient solution and also a good ventilation system.
    7. Fertilizers You need to make sure that you use the correct fertilizer. There are some that can be used for indoor grows as well as others that are better for outdoor grows.
    8. CO2 If you are growing indoors, you will need to make sure that you have good air circulation.

    What do I all need for a grow tent?

    The following equipment will be required for a successful grow:
    1. A greenhouse or other enclosure.
    2. A ventilation system.
    3. A power supply and inverter (to charge batteries).
    4. A water source.
    5. An air circulation system.
    6. A light source.
    7. Some type of soil.
    8. Seeds.
    9. Watering equipment.
    10. A grow room.

    How do you put a ventilation in a grow room?

    I would suggest you consider a larger exhaust fan. That will keep the room from becoming too hot and humid. You may want to consider installing a fan that can be turned off and on.

    Do you need fresh air in a sealed grow room?

    The answer is YES! I use an aquarium pump to bring air into my grow room, and I have two window fans that pull fresh air in through the windows. The window fans work great.

    What’s the best temperature for a grow room?

    There are some things to consider before you set your ideal temperature though. If you choose to go with a traditional air conditioner for your grow room, you should know that most air conditioners are designed to cool a space down to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
    That may seem like a great temperature for a house, but it is not ideal for plants. You want your grow space to be around 80 degrees to 90 degrees, depending on how much light the grow space receives. If you do have the option of choosing a more efficient HVAC system, you should definitely choose one that is designed to run at a lower temperature. For instance, if you can get a heat pump that will run at 70 degrees F and a fan that can cool the room to 60 degrees, that will work great.

    Growroom Supplies Final Say

    So, that’s it on grow room equipment checklist. By now you should know what to look for and how to start your indoor growing farm. Happy growing!

  • How Long For Clones To Root

    How Long For Clones To Root

    How long does it take for clones to root is the question we’re answering today. Cloned plants successfully taking root is every grower’s wish and anticipating your clones taking root can be quite tense.

    Plant cloning is the fastest method of propagating plants effectively. Cloning permits growers to reproduce desirable features of various plants even on a large or extensive growing scale rapidly. However, getting to know how long your clones to root is important for a successful growing outcome.

    If your clone refuses to root at the appropriate time, it is crucial to correct them on time and do the necessary things for a smooth cloning process. So, if you would like to know how long clones will take to root, read on to know the answer.

    Know-How To Take Clones To Root

    It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 days for your clone to begin rooting. However, there are some plant varieties that may take time to root while some may not take that long.

    When you notice your clones have taken root and have adapted to temperature and humidity, they are now ready to enter the next phase which is a vegetative phase. You can now transplant your clones into any medium you wish and give them a low concentration of vegetative fertilizer.

    Know-How To Take Clones To Root

    How To Check If Clones Have Rooted

    The following ways are how you can check if your cloned plants have taken root:

    • Tugging: this is the most easiest and straightforward method of getting to know if your clones have taken root. Tugging involves carefully pulling the plants with little force in an upward movement. Always make sure this is done gently especially in the early period because we don’t want the root to be injured.
    • New growth: another way to check if your clones are taking root is to notice new growth. Therefore, you have to wait for your plants to root and develop fresh growth. This method is much safer than the tugging method which is tricky and risky. Note however that rooting can take anywhere from 7 to 14 days depending on the plant variety. Thus, it can take this duration to notice fresh or new growth.

    Why Roots May Not Be Rooting: How To Maximize Rooting Of Clones

    The goal for all growers is for their clones to rot successfully. However, a clone may not root if some things are not properly done in the process of cloning.

    Let’s take a look at what can affect clones not to take root and what you can do to maximize or make your cloned plants root faster:

    • Length Of Plant Cuts Chosen: If you don’t take plant cuttings of good length, your clones may end up getting blocked and unable to take root. Ensure you chose plant cuttings that are long for burying.

    • Cuttings Preparations: Another factor that may prevent your clones from rooting properly is preparations. Ensure you take out some leaves at the bottom of the stem and insert them in a good rooting hormone.

    • Maintenance: Maintenance such as watering or misting, temperatures, environment placed, etc can have an effect on how well your clone takes root. An important factor in the cloning process is moisture. Make sure you mist your clones adequately as inappropriate watering can reduce the chances of your clone taking root. Another factor is temperature; ensure you don’t pace them in extreme temperatures as too much heat or cold environment can damage their roots. The environment also needs to be kept humid always to enhance rooting. Also, when making use of a heating pad or mat, ensure you monitor the range or put a damp towel in between so the heat can be evenly distributed.

    • Grow Medium: The growing medium is another essential factor that will contribute to your clone taking root. Make use of grow medium that can retain moisture as such enhance the development of roots. Rockwool is one that loved to grow medium among growers. This is because of its moisture-holding capacity. Thus the stress of frequently watering your clones will be minimal and there’s no worry of your plants dying off from drought.

    Organic Expanded Clay Pebbles Grow Media for Orchids, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Aquaculture Garden

    71YrpOh5%2ByL. AC SX569
    Check Price on Amazon

    FAQ’s

    How long does it take to root clones in water?

    It depends on a lot of factors. the size of the clone (smaller will take less time) the thickness of the root A good rule of thumb is to leave them in the water for at least 1-2 weeks, but as much as a month is not uncommon.

    How long does it take in soil?

    It takes about 7 to 10 days for clones to establish roots in soil.

    The answer to this question depends on a lot of factors. For instance, the soil medium used, the seedling’s age, and the environment in which it grows will all affect when the plant will root and how long.

    Do not plant them too deep. You don’t want them to be too deep because then the roots won’t get enough air and they won’t grow well. I suggest planting them about 1/2 inch below the surface.

    How do I know when clones are ready for transplanting?

    If you are not sure, wait until the next day and then give them a good shake. The roots should be slightly moist and if you are lucky they will have a few leaves that are not too dry.

    Can I use root tabs or other rooting products to root my clones?

    Yes you can! We recommend using a root tab. Root tabs are very effective and are designed to be used on fresh clones.

    Are the roots healthy after being rooted in water?

    Yes!

    How many roots should a clone have before planting?

    I think there are many opinions on this. I am not a botanist or horticulturist but my experience is that it depends on the cultivar. Most of the rootstocks I have used have had from 2 to 5 roots when planted. If you do decide to plant your tree, I would say get at least 3-5 roots.

    How much water do clones need?

    There is no exact answer to this question, but there are some factors that play into it. The amount of water given to a clone at once will depend on how often it is fed, what its feeding schedule is, the type of food it is fed, and how much water it takes in naturally. The amount of water a clone requires varies greatly depending on its age. A 2 week old clone should be given between 50 and 150 ml of water per day. After 3 weeks of age, the amount of water needed increases to 100-250 ml per day. After 4 weeks of age, the amount of water needed increases to 200-350 ml per day. At 5 weeks of age, the amount of water needed is 300-500 ml per day. This amount of water should be given at least three times daily. The amount of water a clone needs is also affected by how well it is fed. A clone that is given a large quantity of food will require more water than one that is given a smaller quantity of food. If a clone is fed 1-2% of its body weight in food every day, then it will need more water than one that is fed 1% of its body weight.

    How Long Do Clones Take To Root Final Say

    How long your clone can take to root is about 8 to 142days or more depending on the type of plant chosen.

    Also, there are some things that can enhance your clone to take root and there are some things that can delay or prevent them from taking root. Thus, make sure you take all the necessary precautions to ensure a successful cloning process.

  • How Often Should I Give My Plants Nutrients

    How Often Should I Give My Plants Nutrients

    Nutrients are essential for the development of plants. If you’re wondering how often you should give your plants nutrients, we will let you know in this article.

    Nutrients are supplied to plants to enhance growth and maximize yield. You need to be aware of how often to give your plants nutrients the right way.  This way, you don’t predispose your plant to underfeeding or overfeeding which can both be detrimental to your plants’ health.

    So, read on to discover how often to feed your plants.

    Get To Know How Often To Add Nutes During Flowering

    How often you should give your plants nutrients will depend on many factors. Be it manure, worm casting, plant food, etc. fertilization of your plant does not have to be too complex.

    In a soil-based plant, if you begin your planting with soil that is already abundant in nutrients, there’s not much to be done in giving your plants more nutrients. This implies mainly for growing foliage such as lettuce and parsley.

    Get To Know How Often To Add Nutes During Flowering

    However, if you are planting for comprehensive stages such as flowering, maturing of fruits, etc. they will require some nutrient boost.

    How To Supply Plant With Nutrients

    Always apply fertilizer moderately from the start. The nutrient scheme that follows your nutrients can be followed from the start. Then monitor your plant closely and adjust or apply nutrients as required.

    We recommend you don’t totally go by the nutrient scheme given to you by the manufacturers. Some manufacturers may clearly want you to run out of nutrients so you can buy more. As such, their direction may usually be on the high side.

    You can begin with half portion or 70% portion that was recommended then continue adjusting or adding more portion as needed.

    Also, take note not to apply too much nutrient or fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen. Too much fertilizer which is rich in nitrogen can supply your plants plenty of foliage but minimal fruits or flowers.

    Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula – Big Bloom, Grow Big, Tiger Bloom Pint Size

    A1CDZgsVkXL. AC SL1500
    Check Price on Amazon

    Other Factors When Water Nutes

    Other factors to consider on how often you should give your plants nutrients are to consider the stages of their growth and grow medium used.

    • For the stages of growth, the younger will demand few nutrients. But as they mature into vegetative, flowering, etc, they will require more nutrients.
    • Most grow medium used are usually inert and does not contain nutrients. Thus, it is required to provide them with optimal nutrients.

    Can I Water & Apply Nutrient To My Plants?

    Watering your plant and applying nutrients to your plant will depend on some factors.

    For instance, the size of the container will tell how often you give your plants nutrients whenever you water. The watering requirement for a bigger container is not much. Watering can be done once weekly or once every other week. Therefore, nutrient feeding is required anytime you water.

    In a smaller container, watering several times weekly may be required. So, do you apply nutrients every time you water?

    It’s okay if you apply nutrients every time you water. All you need to do is to calculate how often you water every week. Then go ahead and portion the nutrients that will last every week you water. This way, each time you water, you supply your plants’ nutrients in the right amounts without overfeeding or underfeeding.

    Another alternative is to portion the nutrients into two watering. You have to water and apply nutrients the first two weeks and water only the subsequent week. This way, you give your plant a chance to rest from nutrient applications.

    FAQ’s

    Should I use nutrients when I water?

    Yes, the nutrients are only added when you water your plants. You should not water a plant with nutrients, then add them to the soil afterwards. They will just sit on top of the soil and do nothing. The nutrients are for your plants when they are actively growing. Soak your fertilizers in water before adding to the soil. Your plants will need nutrients at different times during the growing season.

    Your plants may need them every week, or once every two weeks. For example, if you plant tomatoes, you’ll want to fertilize with a tomato fertilizer. This will give your plants the nutrients they need when they are actively growing. If you have a lot of young plants, fertilizing every two weeks will be fine. If you have mature plants, you may want to fertilize once a month. The best time to fertilize is when your plants are actively growing. In the fall, it’s important to start thinking about fall cleanup. It is tempting to wait until the end of the season to deal with garden debris. That’s a mistake, as there are often a few weeks left in the season when fall cleanup can be done successfully. You can do it now, and avoid doing it later when it may be too late to save the season’s harvest. Soil moisture is also essential for healthy plants. If soil is dry, plants have to work harder to get water and nutrients.

    How often should I feed my plants?

    I’m here to tell you that it depends on what you want to achieve. To answer this question, we need to understand the difference between a plant and a tree. A plant needs to grow up into a tree, so it needs to be fed and watered regularly throughout its life.

    I’ve been told that it’s not necessary to feed every week, but it is recommended to feed at least once a week.

    I don’t fertilize the soil, but I do fertilize my plants. I fertilize my plants once a month, usually with fish emulsion. It’s not a bad idea to fertilize once a month, though. A good way to find out if you need to fertilize more frequently is to look at your plants’ growth. If you see any wilting or yellowing, then you should fertilize more frequently. You can also look at the color of your leaves, and see if they are becoming duller. If they’re turning brown, then you should fertilize more frequently. I just use a small bucket with about an inch of fish emulsion in it, and add that to the soil.

    How long does it take for fertilizer to work on plants?

    Fertilizer should be applied as soon as the soil is ready to receive it. This is usually within a few days of planting but there are some crops that can tolerate waiting longer. There is no specific length of time that will work for all types of plants, it just depends on the type and age of the plant, its growth stage, the amount of fertilizer you’re using and how much water the soil is getting.

    Should I Use Nutrients Every Time I Water My Indoor & Outdoor Plants

    Indoor and outdoor plants’ nutrient requirements differ. Outdoor plants have the opportunity to dive in and search for nutrients in the soil even if the nutrient supply is limited. There is also the additional benefit of rainwater which contains some nutrients and also allows plants to take in nutrients optimally.

    However, for indoor plants, there’s no privilege of nutrient-filled rainwater and soil content is also restricted. The good thing about indoor plants is that they are less exposed to outdoor pests. There is also the advantage of not being disturbed by the forces of nature such as wind, scorching sun, etc.

    Now when it comes to how often you should give your indoor or outdoor plants nutrients, it will solely depend on how your plants are kept, i.e. their condition. But generally, you should always monitor your plant and decipher if they look like they require addition or boost of nutrients.

  • How To Fix Nutrient Burn

    How To Fix Nutrient Burn

    A couple of growers may face nutrient burn sometimes during the course of their growing period. The thing is do you know how to fix nutrient burn?

    Drying out leaves, curling of leaves, browning of leaves, etc are common issues seen among indoor growers and the most probable cause are nutrient burns. It is crucial you recognize the signs and act fast to save your plant from severe or irreversible damage.

    If you’re experiencing nutrient burn on your farm and you’re looking for how to fix or solution we will put you through this.

    Nutrient Burn During Flowering Info

    Nutrient burn is the over-fertilization or overfeeding of nutrients to your plants. When you supply your plants with their required nutrient in excess, they tend to absorb all of them thus resulting in nutrient burn. Plants are not equipped to handle over-fertilization therefore, they will simply absorb the entire nutrient you supply them.

    Causes Of Nutrient Burn

    Mostly, nutrient burn is caused when you feed your plant with too much nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the components in plants’ nutrients and it’s mostly used during plants’ vegetative phase. Nitrogen needs to be in the right proportion with other nutrients to avoid the presence of excess nitrogen.

    However, it’s not only excess nitrogen that can cause nutrient burns. Overfeeding of other nutrients can as well cause this.

    Nutrient Burn Leaves Signs

    The first step to fixing nutrient burn is identification. Be sure your plant is suffering from a nutrient burn by looking at the signs. Some early signs can point out if your plant is suffering from nutrient burns. They are:

    • Leaves will give a very deep green coloration.
    • You may notice the tip of your leaves bending at 90 degrees.
    • Yellowish or brownish coloration of the tips of the leaves.
    • The branch or stalk may start to turn purple or red.

    Advanced signs to look out for when it comes to nutrient burns:

    • The signs of the tip of leaves turning yellow will spread back and inwards throughout the leave until it dies off or withers away.
    • You may also notice leave twisting.
    • The edge of the leaves starts to curl. This curling of leaves usually indicates the presence of too much nitrogen.
    • Yellowish patches that separate themselves from the green-colored leaves.
    Nutrient Burn Leaves Signs

    Learn How To Fix Nutrient Burn

    Once you’ve identified that your plant is suffering from nutrient burns, it’s time to take action. The good thing is if you can detect nutrient burn early, it can be resolved before it gets any worse.

    Follow these guidelines to successfully fix your plant:

    1. Remove Damaged Parts: The first step and fastest way to fixing nutrient burn is to do away with the damaged plant leaves, buds, flowers, etc. When your plant leaves have become yellow there’s nothing you can do to make them green. The only solution is to carefully remove the yellowed leaves or the entire affected part and allow them to regrow.
    2. System Flushing: Next step is to flush the entire system so the excess built-up nutrient can be washed away. With a hydroponics system, wash your growing medium with clean and balanced pH water. To your hydroponic nutrient reservoir, pour out all the content and replace it with pH-balanced water. Use this balanced pH for about 24 hours in your hydroponic system. Then gradually introduce a small concentrated nutrient for about a week and balance it later when the plant is able to welcome the appropriate nutrient amount. In a soil-based system, simply water in the soil using pH-balanced water to flush out excess nutrients. Water your soil slowly and wait a bit to allow the water to assimilate between each watering plan.

    General Hydroponics pH Control Kit for a Balanced Nutrient Solution

    81Pm5DEtpTL. AC SX569
    Check Price on Amazon

    A nutrient burn may be minimal, gradual progress, or severe. In the case of very severe burns especially during the vegetative stage, it’s usually best to start over-planting. This is because recuperation may be unachievable or may take a longer time to recover and it will be better to just start over.

    FAQ’s

    Can plants recover from nutrient burn?

    The short answer is no. Plants can’t recover from nutrient burn, because nutrients are not lost, they are just changed in their form. The longer answer is that it depends on the plant species and the amount of nutrients in the soil. There is some evidence that plants can recover from nutrient burn, but this is not always the case. In general, plants will not grow in nutrient-deficient soils, but if the soil is rich enough, the plants will grow fine.

    What are the signs of nutrient burn?

    Plants are more sensitive to nutrient deficiencies than we are. Plants respond to low nutrient levels by making a number of adjustments. These may include:

    • Decreased growth rate

    • Diminished photosynthetic capacity

    • Decreased yield

    • Less or no flowering

    • Poor quality fruit

    • Loss of vigor and death

    How do you reverse plant nutrient burn?

    Plant nutrients are essential for your plants to grow. However, when the nutrient level is too low, the plant will have a hard time growing. Too much of a good thing is not healthy either. You may see this as a condition that can be corrected by increasing the plant nutrient levels.

    If you notice that your plants appear to be suffering from nutrient burn, the following actions should be taken:

    • Evaluate the soil for nutrients and pH.

    • Monitor the amount of fertilizer used. • Evaluate the irrigation schedule.

    • Correct the deficiencies.

    If you want to get your garden growing again, I recommend adding more organic matter (such as compost or manure) to the soil.

    Does nutrient burn affect new growth?

    Nutrient burn isn’t really good for anything. The only reason it is often mentioned is because the term nutrient burn is so often used by gardeners who are not very knowledgeable on the subject, and they don’t know any better. Nutrients are needed in the plant in order to grow, and when they are missing or are present at too high a concentration, they can cause serious damage to the plant. Plants that have been deprived of nutrients for a long period of time will often experience stunted growth and lower yields.

    How do you fix fertilizer burn on plants?

    There are a lot of ways to fix fertilizer burn. It depends on what the cause of the burn was and the severity of the burn. If it is a very deep burn, there are some treatments that will actually get rid of the burn. If it is just a slight discoloration, you can cover the plant with a plastic bag and keep it in place for a day or two. The light will help it heal.

    If you use a bag, make sure it is the clear type so you can see what’s going on. If you want to get rid of the burn, you can do one of two things. You can either put the fertilizer on top of the soil (which will keep it in place until you want to remove it), or you can mix specialized burn fertilizer with water and apply it directly to the burned area. It will penetrate the burned area and help it heal. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on this, you can always add some liquid kelp to your fertilizer solution. That will help heal the burn. Liquid kelp is available at most garden centers.

    Nutrient Burn Recovery Prevention

    The best thing to save your plant is to prevent nutrient burns from happening in the first place. Do all you can to reduce the chances of nutrient burn from occurring. The excess nutrient can be catastrophic to your plants if not detected on time.

    Ensure you use the appropriate amount of nutrients in their correct proportion for each growth stage. You should also monitor the pH of your solution or soil with a good pH reader.

  • Ceramic Metal Halide vs LED

    Ceramic Metal Halide vs LED

    Let’s discuss Ceramic Metal Halide vs LED. Is anyone better than the other? We will find out. In the world of hydroponics, grow light continues to advance. Various types of grow light such as ceramic metal halide and light-emitting diode (LED) are made available for the use of your hydroponic plants.

    With the developments of grow lights in hydroponics, we are going to be comparing ceramic metal halide to LED. So let’s get into it.

    About Ceramic Metal Halide

    Ceramic metal halide is a type of grow light that that is a very close match to mimicking the work sunlight does on plants. It is one of the most efficient grow lights capable of producing high-standard light that can cover a large location or area of the hydroponic farm.

    Ceramic metal halide supplies the biggest gram per watt. They are also capable of converting ultraviolet light to good ultraviolet wavelength which helps enhance plants’ growth. This type of UV spectrum is useful in repelling pathogens such as mildew and mold as well as some pests.

    About LED Light

    Light-emitting diode (LED) is another great type of grow light used in indoor hydroponics. They consist of hundreds of lights known as diodes. LED will supply their light in a specific and narrow wavelength.

    The light-emitting diode will supply light that will usher them into their vegetative phase of the blue spectrum and flowering phase of the red spectrum.

    CMH vs LED

    We have taken a brief look into both ceramic metal halide and LED. Now let’s compare which is better between ceramic metal halide vs. LED.

    • Healthy Plants: You get more healthy plants when you grow under ceramic metal halide rather than LED light. You also get better quality and higher yield when making use of ceramic metal halide grow light.
    • Duration Of Cultivation: The duration length you wish to cultivate will determine which type to go for. If you wish to use your grow light for up to 5 years or more, it’s best you go for LED. This is so you can save cost over the long period of time you make use of this grow light. Also, a light-emitting diode bulb will last you up to 50,000 hours, unlike a ceramic metal halide which will only last about 30,000 hours.
    CMH vs LED - Duration of Cultivation
    • Grow Space: If your grow space is of the bigger and taller side, then it is ideal you go for ceramic metal halide. This is because your ceiling distance from plants will be increased thus encouraging better heat management. It will also encourage optimal light coverage for bigger and fuller plants as well as better aeration. On the other hand, LED grow little emits light heat and this heat supply must fit the appropriate grow room size of your plants. Take for instance during winter periods, ceramic metal halide will supply your plants adequate heat. Whereas when using LED grow light, you may need to obtain an extra heater to your grow room to help with cold periods.
    • Beneficial Ultraviolet Spectrum: Ceramic metal halide will offer your plant a beneficial ultraviolet spectrum. This beneficial UV spectrum will help in stimulating considerable resin and terpene production. UV spectrum will also help wade off mildew and mold as well as any other pest.
    • Vertical Growing Space: Ceramic metal halide is known to be very efficient in vertical growing plants. This is because of their high canopy penetration.
    • Additional Cost: The major additional cost for metal halide is bulb replacements. The bulb needs to be replaced every 12 to 18 months of use. LED however doesn’t require replacing the bulb but LED may also require additional cost. For instance, if your grow space requires extra heat, you may have to invest in a heater to suit your growing needs. Ceramic on the other hand will generate adequate heat for your plants’ growing needs.
    • Commercial Purposes: Ceramic metal halides are a great choice for commercial purposes. They are also great for hydroponic hobbyists with large space thereby providing a bigger yield. LED on the other hand is ideal for hydroponic growers with moderate grow space especially for growing space with lower ceilings. LED will also offer you bigger quality production.

    VIVOSUN 315W Ceramic Metal Halide CMH/CDM Grow Light Kit

    Ceramic Metal Halide vs. LED
    Check Price on Amazon

    Ceramic Metal Halide vs. LED Final Say

    In final thoughts, choosing the best option when it comes to ceramic metal halide vs LED will solely depend on your preference. Both LED and ceramic metal halide is great to grow lights that will offer you great results. Our comparison above should guide you in choosing which suits your growing needs.

  • 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.

    LED Grow Light, Roleadro 75W Grow Light for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum Plant Light for Seedling

    71Q382ioL7L. AC SX569
    Check Price on Amazon

    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.

    WYF Pruning Scissors, Professional Garden Shears

    61BW%2BeKVmWL. AC SX569
    Check Price on Amazon

    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.