July 13, 2102 journal

After only one month and one day after taking the cuttings to clone replacement tomato plants the new plants are being transplanted into AutoPots.

Both of the plants in the above photos have two trusses formed already, and the plant in the top photo has open blossoms.

Had I elected to start seeds, I would be just now seeing true leaves beginning to form.  

July 10, 2012

The blossom in the photo is a Dinner Plate Dahlia called Purple Gem.  This is the first dahlia we have grown from a tuber, and we were anxious to see what the blossom looked like, and how large it would be. 

The tuber was started in the greenhouse, in coir and perlite, sometime in March, and planted in the garden in mid May.

After noting some early earwig damage to the plant, I began placing boiled garlic cloves around the base of the plant to see if the garlic would deter the earwigs.  There has been no further damage to the plant, however, it is still to early to state that the garlic is definitely a deterrent.

Time will tell.

July 8, 2012 journal

The carnation seedlings that were started at the beginning of June were transplanted to larger pots today, though they hardly needed to be transplanted, as the root systems are still rather undeveloped.  As carnations are slow growing plants, I decided to give them as much light as possible, so I will move them from the tent indoors, to the greenhouse, giving them as much light as possible.

Courtesy of 2BSeeds, where I purchased the seeds, I have included some information on Carnations below:
 Dianthus - caryophullus
Throughout so many centuries of change, the popularity of the carnation has remained undiminished. The fact that the carnation continues to endure is a testament to its vast appeal. To this day, carnations remain a favorite flower choice for many different occasions. They are immediately recognizable flowers, and they possess a charm and allure that continues to captivate people around the globe. In fact, in many parts of the world, the popularity of carnations surpasses that of any other flower including roses. The powerful sentiments these flowers can express are a perfect compliment to their classic beauty and long-lasting freshness. By retaining its status as a floral mainstay for such a long time, the carnation has proven itself to be a lasting flower in more ways than one.

I am seriously thinking of growing more unusual flowers indoors this winter to add more challenge to indoor hydroponic gardening.

July 7, 2012 journal

Today I replaced the cucumbers in the greenhouse with new plants.  The first planting has been producing for some time now, and I find as as the plants age they lose some of their vigor. (sound familiar?)  I also potted replacement tomato plants for a late season crop for the same reason.   The cucumbers were started from seed on June 14, 2012, and cuttings were taken from the greenhouse plants and cloned on the same date.  Both the seeds and cuttings were grown indoors, under LED lighting, and today is the first time they have been outdoors.

Compare the size of the tomato plants with what you would expect a tomato planted from seed to look like three weeks after the seed was started.  Cloning is obviously the way to go, if you have a plant from which to take a cutting.

After only three weeks under the six band LED grow light, some of the cuttings are already forming buds. Anyone who still thinks LED technology is unproven, obviously has never tried it.

July 4, 2012 journal

The annuals are pretty much in full bloom, with the exception of only the Cosmos and Tri-Colored Daises.  The Cosmos plants are mammoth, and I thought they were dwarf plants.  I can't wait to see what they look like in full bloom.  A little effort, and a few dollars in seeds, will produce summer beauty for several years.  Ya gotta love!


Between the heat and intense sun for the last several days, growing conditions in the greenhouse have been very difficult.  Plants, even heat loving plants like tomatoes and cucumbers, slow down their growth when the temperature is above 85 degrees.  And, insect activity increases at that level.  Thankfully, I have not had much of a problem with bugs for several years.  Trying to manage the shading to control the heat, yet still give the plants the maximum amount of light, is a challenge indeed.  


I have seen posts on gardening forums asking whether it is possible to grow in a greenhouse all year round.  Many people who respond say it is not, however, I like to quality my answer by saying it is, only if you are dedicated, or slightly daft.