Journal August 2, 2012

A batch of Waldmann's dark green lettuce was planted today in one of the tents using a six band flower series LED.  

As seen in the photo, I have added a grid and screen to the bottom of the ebb and flow tub to prevent the roots from remaining in water.  I expect this to be a big improvement in the ebb and flow system.

For nutrients I used the following:
5 gallons of water
3 tablespoons of Walmart's Expert Gardener plant food.  (any commercial water soluble will do)
1 1/2 tablespoons of Epsom Salt.

As the pH was only 4.9 I added 2 teaspoons of baking soda, which raised the pH to a respectable 6.1.

When completed, the nutrients had an EC of 3.9, with the pH  at 6.1, which is high for lettuce, however, it will work.  I will adjust the amounts slightly when I refill the system in two weeks. 

The point is; that you don't have to buy expensive nutrients, or supplies, from hydroponic dealers. For example, the solution to adjust pH from General Hydroponics costs about a dollar an ounce, while baking soda, which works just as well, is dirt cheap.  The same holds true if you need to lower the pH.  Don't rush off to the hydroponic dealer, trundle on down to the grocery store and get a quart of white vinegar.  Your plants will never know the difference.

The author of one of my greenhouse growing books denigrates hydroponic gardening because he claims it requires expensive equipment and ties you to a hydroponic dealer.  Additionally, he thinks that the claimed results and advantages are mostly hype.  In my opinion, he obviously did not delve too deeply into the subject of hydroponic gardening.

August 1, 2012 journal

As the replacement tomato plants develop their second truss I have begun to remove the growing tips.  So far I have removed the tips of two plants, however, there are at least nine set buds on each plant.  

My intention is to force the plant's sugar production into developing fruit, not vegetation.  As the season winds down, and daylight hours fade, it is simply not practical to let the plants develop further.

Today I planted eight replacement cucumber seedlings, even though I did not feel they were quite ready for planting in the autopots.  Again, time is of the essence if I want to have a crop before the season ends.  


I lost almost an entire month of growing, as the plants I placed in the greenhouse on July 7, 2012 had to be destroyed.  The reason being, that in an effort to prevent powdery mildew, I sprayed the plants with a mixture that I found on the web that was supposed to prevent mildew from forming.


Although the garlic and water mixture was doing OK in controlling mildew, I thought I would try another natural preventive preparation.  The formula called for baking soda, cooking oil and dish washing detergent.  The mixture was prepared according to the directions given and applied to the plants, and, to my horror, the next morning every area sprayed with the mixture had turned white and was desiccated.


For the new crop I plan on using Bordeaux solution to control mildew, even though it is sort of messy.  The constant high temperatures and humidity this growing season are very conducive to the spread of powdery mildew.  In fact, this has been the most difficult year that I have had since I started the greenhouse, That said, I also learned more this year than any previous year.

 So, I guess there is a silver lining after all.

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.