re-calibrating

So the plants have been in the hydroponic ebb and flow system for a while, and seemed to be thriving. Then they started to turn yellowish. I moved the light up a bit, as I was concerned they might be getting 'burned' by the light. Finally called the store, and was asked what the pH was...told to check the pH every time I added nutrient. I had added nutrient last weekend. It checked a bit lower ppm than recommended. Yellow sounds like its lacking in nitrogen. Check the pH. When I checked the pH, it was 7. Recommendation is to be around 5.5. Got the pH up/down stuff. Added about an ounce and it came out to pH 5 to 6. right on. shifted the timer so the water would flow and the plants would get a dose of good juice. Now patience again to wait for the greening up of the plants.

moving into the system

Moved the first seedling plants into the system. Added the nutrient..its not quite to the concentration, but I'm concerned about overdoing it. and this is the first that the plants are getting nutrient, so want go slow.

The water is warmed to 68F or so. That will help them survive the cooler atmosphere of the basement.

Also put up the new light. large and powerful. will be interesting to watch the light over the system.

little ones

A couple weeks ago I started seeds. They are coming up strong, in the rockwool plug. I'm not sure I'm excited about the plugs, but I haven't used anything else, yet. I will try out some other medium. I have the seeds in a tray under a large light set up for plants. I am checking the seedlings morning and evening, to make sure they are damp enough. So far, so good.

I have the hydroponic system set up with the pump working, and the heater warming the water. Underneath the system is a 2" think slab of pink insulation, to keep the water from being as cold as the concrete.

Still practicing patience. Seeds take time to grow.

getting unstuck

failure. Its only failure if you don't learn from the experience.
I'm learning.
Its only failure if you never start. never challenge yourself. never do something new and outside of your comfort zone.


Here is the deal: I bought a hydroponics system so I could have fresh lettuce. Last fall. Haven't harvested anything yet. _Probably_ too cold in the basement. So, I've re-started my effort.

Washed up the system. Bought another light system for the seedlings so they are getting enough light. Got a water heater to warm up the water in the reservoir. The general area should be warmer for both the reservoir and the seedlings.

I started a couple of seeds of spinach and romaine last week. They are starting

Tomato, basil and parsley seeds started today.

So, intentional forward motion also applies to situations in which one is stuck and finally works to get out of that stuck position.