David's Images of the Day Photoblog
Nocturnal Opossum — It’s back. If it was still summer and I had vegetables growing on the patio the trap would be going out.
Daily Electric Energy Used (65.3 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (6.7 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Mostly cloudy and cooler. Overall a net deficit of 58.6 kWh.
Current Weather Conditions
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AeroGarden Farm 01, Left Tray, Day 63. Red Heirloom Tomatoes and Golden Harvest Tomatoes (seed pods from AeroGarden). Growth is still slow. One of the Golden Harvest tomato plants is about 3 inches tall, and has a few small yellow flowers. Reflectors didn’t seem to help much. At the last update (day 42), I cleaned the bath and replace the water (8.0 L rain water) charged with 16 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (6.24) and TDS (418 ppm). At day 54 pH (6.04), TDS (397 ppm). Added 8 mL Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (5.90) TDS (580 ppm). At day 63 pH (5.86), TDS (597 ppm). Didn’t add any additional plant food. I don’t know what to think. Are these just very tiny tomato varieties? I will try to pollinate the small yellow flowers.
AeroGarden Farm 01, Right Tray, Day 63. A variety of lettuce plants (Red Romain, Deer Tongue, Paris Island, Black-seeded Simpson, and Red Sails (seed pods from AeroGarden)). At the last update (day 42) bath was too acidic pH (3.60) and TDS (804 ppm). I added 5 mL of buffer And 8 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. This brought the pH up to 5.99. At day 54 pH (3.79) TDS (695 ppm). Too acidic again. Added 4 mL buffer. New pH (6.10). At day 63 pH (4.47) TDS (509 ppm). Too acidic again. Added 2 mL buffer and 4 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (6.15) TDS (659 ppm). It looks like when the lettuce is in a robust growth mode, the solution becomes acidic. One of the lettuce varieties bolted, and has small yellow flowers.
AeroGarden Farm 02, Left Tray, Day 63. Mini-Jalapeno Peppers, Purple Super Hot Peppers, Red Fire Peppers (seed pods from AeroGarden) New Mexico Hatch pepper, Szechuan peppers. Growth is still slow, even after adding reflectors. One of the Purple super hot peppers has a tiny purple flower. At the last update (day 42) the bath was cleaned and and replace the water (8.0 L rain water) charged with 16 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (6.34) and TDS (400 ppm). At day 54 pH (6.16) TDS (405 ppm) so added 6 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (6.00) TDS (555 ppm). At day 63 pH (5.84) TDS (570 ppm), so no additions. I will try to pollinate the small purple flower.
AeroGarden Farm 02, Right Tray, Day 63. Romaine Lettuce (seed pods from AeroGarden). All plants are growing robustly but some developed brown tips. Several leaves harvested during the last two weeks. At the last update (day 42) the bath was too acidic pH (4.27) and TDS (459 ppm). Added 4 mL of buffer And 16 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (6.2) and TDS (760 ppm). At day 54 pH (4.20) TDS (222 ppm) so added 2 mL of Buffer and 20 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (5.80) TDS (720 ppm). At day 63 pH (3.77) TDS (369 ppm) so added 3 mL of Buffer and 7 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. New pH (6.00) TDS (525 ppm). With vigorously growing plants it looks like weekly, if not more frequent pH adjustments and plant food additions are required.
AeroGarden Farm 03, Left Tray, Day 63. Broccoli, and Swiss Chard (seeds from Botanical Interests). All Broccoli plants sprouted, but one is growing much faster than the others. The remaining Swiss Chard plant that was moved to position 10 is also growing robustly. The Kale in L07, L11 came from a different Farm tray and are fighting to find some light. At the last update the pH (6.45) was OK, but the TDS (215 ppm) was low. Added 15 mL of Root Farm Base (4-0-1) and 10 mL of Root Farm Veggie (1-5-7). The new pH (6.25) and TDS (788 ppm). Harvested some Broccoli leaves, and Swiss Chard leaves. At day 54 pH (7.19) TDS (810 ppm) so added 4 mL of acidic Buffer. The new pH (6.06) and TDS (810 ppm). At day 63 pH (7.37) TDS (362 ppm) so added 5 mL acidic buffer and 8 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. The new pH (6.60) and TDS (575 ppm). With these plants the solution becomes basic, so requires addition of an acidic buffer. Some of the leaves turned brown when the plant food concentration went too low, and need to be trimmed.
AeroGarden Farm 03, Right Tray, Day 63. Cauliflower and Arugula (seeds from Botanical Interests). Two Cauliflower plants are growing robustly (F03R01, F03R03). The Arugula plant in F03R09 came from a different Farm. The unused positions were all plugged. At the last update the pH (6.86) was a bit high and TDS (327 ppm) low. Added 15 mL of Root Farm Base (4-0-1) and 10 mL of Root Farm Veggie (1-5-7). The new pH (6.64) and TDS (824 ppm). At day 54 pH (7.26) TDS (950 ppm) so added 3 mL of acidic Buffer. The new pH (6.10) and TDS (950 ppm). At day 63 pH (7.56) TDS (460 ppm) so added 7.5 mL acidic buffer and 7.5 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. The new pH (6.00) and TDS (640 ppm). With these plants the solution becomes basic, so requires addition of an acidic buffer. Some of the leaves turned brown when the plant food concentration went too low, and need to be trimmed.
Daily Electric Energy Used (69.4 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (31.9 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. More sun and warmer. Overall a net deficit of 37.5 kWh.
Current Weather Conditions
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AeroGarden Farm 04 – Left Unit at 57 Days. L01 Plug; L02 Cosmos Dwarf; L03 Cosmos Early Dwarf; L04 Pug; L05 Zinnia Thumbelina; L06 Zinnia Lilliput; L07 Blue Cornflower; L08 Plug; L09 Plug; L10 Marigold; L11 Marigold; L12 Plains Coreopsis. The Cornflower continues to grow very fast. It has reached the maximum height of the Farm XL LED lights. It has several buds but has not bloomed. The two Cosmos plants have not grown much. The Thumbelina Zinnia has three small flowers. The Lilliput Zinnia has several flowers. The Marigold is still small, and has several open flowers. The Plains Coreopsis is growing, and has one open flower, and several buds. At the last update (42 days) the pH (4.89) was and TDS (121 ppm) were both low. Added 10 mL of Root Farm Base (4-0-1) and 10 mL Root Farm Bloom (1-4-7). The new pH (5.24) and TDS (621 ppm). At day 51 pH (6.5) and TDS (533) so added 3 mL of Root Farm Base (4-0-1) and 2 mL Root Farm Bloom (1-4-7). The new pH (6.5) and TDS (641 ppm). At day 57 pH (7.34) and TDS (359 ppm) so added 2.5 mL of acidic buffer and 7.5 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden Plant Food. The new pH (5.5) and TDS (540 ppm). I have been adding 1-2 L of water to the system every day.
Farm 08 Right (Day 33). Edible Flowers (AeroGarden). R01, R02 Dianthus; R03, R05 Purple Snapdragon; R04, R06, R07, R08 Snapdragon; R09, R12 Durango Marigold; R10, R11 Calendula. The Calendula and Durango Marigold, and Dianthus plants are doing the best. One of the Marigold plants has a bud about to open. At the last update pH (5.30) and TDS (445 ppm) so added 8 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden (4-3-6) plant food and 100 uL of Buffer. New pH (5.35) and TDS (675 ppm). At day 27 pH (5.47) TDS (623 ppm) and left as is.
AeroGarden Bounty 01 at 58 Days. 01 Crimson Clover; 02 Oriental Poppy; 03 Oriental Poppy; 04 Lupine; 05 California Poppy; 06 Red Poppy; 07 Red Poppy; 08 Lemon Mint; 09 Red Poppy. At last update (42 days) the pH (5.80) and TDS (659 ppm) were OK and no additional plant food was not added. The Clover, California Poppy and Lemon Mint are doing well. The Lupine and Red Poppies are growing, but slow. The Oriental Poppies appear to be dead. At day 58 pH (6.15) and TDS (285 ppm) so added 8 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden (4-3-6) plant food. New pH (6.10) and TDS (593 ppm).
AeroGarden Bounty 01 at 16 Days. 01 California Poppy; 02 Cosmos Early Dwarf; 03 Cosmos Dwarf; 04 Thumbelina Zinnia; 05 Lilliput Zinnia; 06 Red Poppy; 07 Oriental Poppy; 08 Red Poppy; 09 Red Poppy Mix. Everything sprouted. The two Cosmos and two Zinnia are doing the best. At day 16 pH (5.20) TDS (300 ppm) so added 0.4 mL buffer and 6 mL of the Miracle Grow/AeroGarden (4-3-6) plant food. New pH (6.50) and TDS (585 ppm).
AeroGarden “Classic 6” Garden 01 at 49 Days. Position 01-02: Celosia (Rainbow Fire); Position 03: Phlox Mix; Position 04: Orange Gazania; Position 05: Yellow Coreopsis; Position 06: Dianthus. At the previous update (28 days) the pH (5.92) TDS (>1000 ppm). The bowl was cleaned and filled with rain water and 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. The new pH (6.11) TDS (783 ppm). At day 49 pH (4.41) TDS (711 ppm) so added 0.5 mL buffer. New pH (6.32) TDS (720).
AeroGarden “Classic 6” Garden 02 at 49 Days. Position 01-02: Celosia (Rainbow Fire); Position 03: Purple Snapdragon; Position 04: Lavender; Position 05: Dianthus; Position 06: Purple Snapdragon. At the previous update (28 days) the pH (5.92) TDS (>1000 ppm). The bowl was cleaned and filled with rain water and 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food. The new pH (6.08) TDS (790 ppm). At day 49 pH (6.16) TDS (711 ppm) so no additions.
Daily Electric Energy Used (69.4 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (31.9 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. More sun and warmer. Overall a net deficit of 37.5 kWh.
Current Weather Conditions
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AeroGarden Farm 07 Left Day 42. L01-L12 various Strawberry plants recovered from AeroGarden Farms 05 Left, 05 Right, 07 Left, and 07 Right at Day 28. The recovered plants had visible white roots, those with dead leaves and brown roots were considered dead. The hydroponic bath was cleaned and the solution replaced with 8 L of rainwater + 15 mL of Root Farm Base (4-0-1) and 15 mL of Root Farm Bloom (1-4-7). The new pH was 6.5 and TDS 750 ppm. At day 42 it appears that these plants have survived. The pH was 4.06 and TDS 564 ppm so added 2 mL of Buffer. The new pH was 6.24 and TDS 564 ppm.
AeroGarden Farm 07 Right Day 42. R01-R12 various Strawberry plants recovered from AeroGarden Farms 05 Left, 05 Right, 07 Left, and 07 Right at Day 28. The recovered plants had visible white roots, those with dead leaves and brown roots were considered dead. The hydroponic bath was cleaned and the solution replaced with 8 L of rainwater + 15 mL of Root Farm Base (4-0-1) and 15 mL of Root Farm Bloom (1-4-7). The new pH was 6.27 and TDS 726 ppm. At day 42 it appears that these plants have survived. Also note a white strawberry flower!!! The pH was 4.45 and TDS 514 ppm so added 1 mL of Buffer. The new pH was 6.50 and TDS 504 ppm.
Hydroponic Tub 01 (Left) Day 58 and Tub 02 (Right) Day 41. Tub 01 has six strawberry plant runners from the outside Grow Towers. Tub 02 Sweet Charlie Strawberry Plugs (ISONS). At the last update (day 28) Tub 01 (pH 6.20, TDS 1080 ppm); Tub 02 (pH 6.24, 1010 ppm). Today (day 58) Tub 01 (pH 4.61, 1076 ppm); (day 41) Tube 02 (pH 6.01, 677 ppm). The plants in Tub 02 are getting bigger. During the last two weeks added rain water a couple of times. Not sure if this is due to evaporation or respiration. Tub 01 added 1.0 mL buffer. Tub 02 left as is. Post addition Tub 01 (pH 6.01, TDS 1080 ppm); Tub 02 (pH 6.01, 677 ppm).
Hydroponic Tub 03 (Left) and Tub 04 (Right) Day 41. Both Tubs have Sweet Charlie Strawberry plants with washed roots (ISONS). At the last update (day 28) Tub 03 (pH 6.34, TDS 887 ppm); Tub 04 (pH 6.38, 951 ppm). Today (day 41) Tub 03 (pH 6.95, 672 ppm); Tub 04 (pH 7.46, 900 ppm). The plants in both tubs are getting bigger. During the last two weeks added rain water a couple of times. Not sure if this is due to evaporation or respiration. Tub 03 added 0.5 mL buffer. Tub 04 added 1.0 mL buffer. Post addition Tub 03 (pH 6.01, TDS 670 ppm); Tub 04 (pH 6.40, 905 ppm).
Hydroponic Tub 05 (Left) Day 58 and Tub 06 (Right) Day 41. Tub 05 has six strawberry plant runners from the outside Grow Towers. Tub 06 Chandler Strawberry Plugs (ISONS). At the last update (day 28) Tub 05 (pH 5.86, TDS 1220 ppm); Tub 06 (pH 6.18, 1041 ppm). Today (day 58) Tub 05 (pH 5.80, 1157 ppm); (day 41) Tub 02 (pH 6.18, 846 ppm). The plants in Tub 06 are getting bigger, and runners in Tub 06 have been clipped. During the last two weeks added rain water a couple of times. Not sure if this is due to evaporation or respiration. Tub 05 no additions. Tub 06 no additions.
Hydroponic Tub 07 (Left) Day 41 and Tub 08 (Right) Day 41. Both Tubs have Chandler Strawberry Plugs with washed roots (ISONS). At the last update (day 28) Tub 07 (pH 6.20, TDS 1194 ppm); Tub 08 (pH 5.40, 1220 ppm). Today (day 41) Tub 07 (pH 4.41, 1108 ppm); Tube 08 (pH 3.99, 1036 ppm). The plants in both tubs are getting bigger and runners were clipped. During the last two weeks added rain water a couple of times. Not sure if this is due to evaporation or respiration. Tub 07 added 2.0 mL buffer. Tub 08 added 2.0 mL buffer. Post addition Tub 07 (pH 6.30, TDS 1108 ppm); Tub 08 (pH 5.80, 1036 ppm).
Daily Electric Energy Used (69.4 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (31.9 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. More sun and warmer. Overall a net deficit of 37.5 kWh.
Current Weather Conditions
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AeroGarden Farm 08 Left (Day 33). L01 Plug; L02 Bok Choi; L03 Arugula; L04 Bok Choi; L05 Plug; L06 Arugula; L07 Bok Choi; L08 Bok Choi; L09 Arugula; L10 Plug; L11 Plug; L12 Arugula. This Farm was originally all Bok Choi. Those plants that didn’t spout or thrive were either plugged or replaced with Arugula from another Farm. At the last update (day 14): pH (5.44) and TDS (575 ppm). The tray has been consuming 1-2 L of deionized water every other day. On day 27: pH (6.25) TDS (370 ppm) so added 12 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden (4-3-6) plant food. The new pH (6.15) and TDS (669 ppm).
AeroGarden Farms 09 Left and Right (33 Days). L01-L06 Broccoli (Botanical Interests); L07-L12 Cauliflower (Botanical Interest); R01-R06 Swiss Chard (Botanical Interest); R07-R12 Arugula (Botanical Interests). At the last update (day 14) Farm 09 Left: pH (5.60) and TDS (650 ppm); Farm 09 Right: pH (5.20) and TDS (520 ppm). The trays have been consuming 1-2 L of deionized water every other day. On day 27 Farm 09 Left: pH (6.80) TDS (245 ppm) so added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden (4-3-6) plant food. The new pH (6.59) and TDS (680 ppm). On day 27 Farm 09 Right: pH (4.90) TDS (309 ppm) so added 1 mL of Buffer and 14 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden (4-3-6) plant food. The new pH (5.85) and TDS (635 ppm).
AeroGarden Farm 10 Left (Day 33). L04-L06 New Mexico Hatch Pepper; L07-L09 Small Red Hot Peppers. The seeds planted in positions L01-L03, and L10-L12 didn’t make it (mold). It looks like after the first 14 days, the AeroGarden Farm pump cycle goes from 1 hour on and 23 hours off to either 1 hour on and 1 hour off or continuously on. As a result the seed substrate is always wet, not just moist. At the last update (day 14) Farm 10 Left: pH (5.33) and TDS (720 ppm). On day 27 Farm 10 Left: pH (5.85) TDS (697 ppm) so left as is (no buffer or plant food).
AeroGarden Farm 10 Right (Day 33). Positions R01 Cinnamon Basil (Tiny Greens); R02 Dark Opal Basil (Tiny Greens); R03 Genovese Basil (Tiny Greens); R04 Holy (Tulsi) Basil (Tiny Greens); R05 Basil (Tiny Greens); R06 Lemon Basil (Tiny Greens); R07 Sweet Basil (Tiny Greens); R08 Thai Basil (Tiny Greens); R09-R12 Cilantro (Botanical Interest). Some of the Basil plants are starting to do well, but a few didn’t make it. Same problem as above where the pump cycle program changes. At the last update (day 14) Farm 10 Right: pH (5.74) and TDS (620 ppm). On day 27 Farm 10 Left: pH (3.79) TDS (695 ppm) so added 4 mL Buffer. The new pH (6.10) TDS (695 ppm). I think the brown/red leaves are due to the solution becoming too acidic. In the six days since the pH adjustment there has been a burst of new green growth.
Daily Electric Energy Used (69.4 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (31.9 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. More sun and warmer. Overall a net deficit of 37.5 kWh.
Current Weather Conditions
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