At four weeks it was time to add additional plant food, and top off the water for the two “Classic 6” gardens. Since week 2 in Garden 01 the Dianthus has sprouted – but the Yellow Coreopsis appears to have died (mold?). In Garden 02, everything had sprouted by week 2 and now growing slowly. I checked the pH and TDS for the two gardens. Garden 01 pH (5.92) TDS (>1000); Garden 02 pH (5.78) TDS (>1000). The pH is in the OK range (5.5 – 6.5), but the TDS was high (desired 500 – 800 ppm). I decided to clean the bowls and replace the solution with rain water and 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. Afterwards, Garden 01 pH (6.11) TDS (783); Garden 02 pH (6.08) TDS (790). The dead Yellow Coreopsis was replaced with a new seed plug.
AeroGarden “Clasic 6” Great Room 01 at Day 28. Position 01-02: Celosia (Rainbow Fire); Position 03: Phlox Mix; Position 04: Orange Gazania; Position 05: Yellow Coreopsis; Position 06: Dianthus. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)AeroGarden “Classic 6” Great Room 02 at Day 28. Position 01-02: Celosia (Rainbow Fire); Position 03: Purple Snapdragon; Position 04: Lavender; Position 05: Dianthus; Position 06: Purple Snapdragon. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/5.6, 1/80 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Daily Electric Energy Used (47.1 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (17.5 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. The power was off for 12 hours, and the temperatures dropped 30 degrees. Overall a net deficit of 29.6 kWh. Geothermal HVAC was on to heat the house.
I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.
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