Stink Bug on a Mustard leaf. One of the indoor pests that try to eat the greens I am growing in my AeroGarden hydroponic farm. Focus stacked composite of fifty images taken with a Fuji X-T3 camera and 80 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 640, 80 mm, f/16, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro and Helicon Focus.
Stink Bug on a Mustard Leaf. Focus stacked composite of 50 images taken with a Fuji X-T3 camera and 80 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 640, 80 mm, f/16, 1/60 sec). Raw images processed with Capture One Pro and Helicon Focus. (DAVID J MATHRE)
Daily Electric Energy Used (72.8 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (3.2 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Cloudy all day. A deficit of 69.6 kWh.
Scraggly young doe trying to hide behind a rain barrel (inside the electric fence).
Scraggly Young Doe. Image taken with a Fuji X-T2 camera and 100-400 mm OIS lens (ISO 800, 400 mm, f/6.4, 1/60 sec) (David J Mathre)
Daily Electric Energy Used (66.9 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (31.4 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. The sun came back for some of the day. A deficit of 35.5 kWh.
Young Doe on keeps coming close to the house (inside the electric fence).
Daily Electric Energy Used (68.6 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (9.3 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Cloudy all day. A deficit of 59.3 kWh.
Weekly AeroGarden hydroponic farm update. Harvested a few more small Yellow Tomatoes, Bok Choi, Dill, and several Strawberries. All of the auxiliary water bottles needed to be refilled.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato plants at 144 days. Manually pollinating the tiny yellow flowers, several tiny green tomatoes forming. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.50 and the TDS was 673 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato Plants (144 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 01-Right. Various “edible” flowers (Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula) at 144 days. Trimmed and pruned the dead flowers and leaves. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.68 and TDS was 435 ppm. Added 16 mL Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up pH adjustment.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula (144 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 640, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 02-Left. Pepper plants at 143 days. The pepper plants are getting bigger, and a few flowers. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.23 and the TDS was 222 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 02, Left. Pepper Plants (143 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 02-Right. Herb plants (Dill, Basil, Chives) at 143 days. The dill and parsley doing OK, others not as good. Harvested some dill. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 6.08 and the TDS was 739 ppm. No Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 02-Right. Herb Plants – Basil, Dill, Parsley (143 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 640, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 03-Left. Pepper and Basil plants at 143 days. The plants are getting bigger with more flowers but no peppers yet. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.16 and the TDS was 984 ppm. No Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 03, Left. Pepper Plants (143 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 250, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 03-Right. Various flowers (Dianthus, Zinnia, unknown, Red Poppy) at 86 days. Dianthus, Zinnia, and Red Poppy blooming. More Poppy plants have buds. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.08 and TDS was 1016 ppm. No Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 03-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Zinnia, Red Poppy (86 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 320, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives plus Cherry Tomato, Hot Pepper, Cilantro, Lavender transplanted from other Hydroponic Gardens. No additional water needed. The pH was 5.72 and TDS was 408 ppm. Added 16 mL Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up pH adjustment.
AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives plus Cherry Tomato, Hot Pepper, Cilantro, Lavender transplanted from other Hydroponic Gardens. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 04-Right. Bunching Onions/Scallions (all 12 positions) at 28 days. 12/12 sprouts. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.38 and TDS was 408 ppm. Added 16 mL Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up pH adjustment.
AeroGarden Farm 04-Right. Bunching Onions (all 12 positions) at 28 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 320, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 05-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, and Poppy at 95 days. Dianthus and Coreopsis flowers opened. Pruned some of the large zucchini leaves from the next tray blocking the plants. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.87 and TDS was 714 ppm. Added no Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 2 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 05-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (95 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 500, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini and other vegetables at 95 days. The zucchini plants continue to flower (although only male flowers) so no new Zucchini have set. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.10 and the TDS was 305 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini Plants (95 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 06-Left: Ground Cherries (all 12 positions). At 28 days 9/12 sprouted some growing faster than others. Moved some of the plants to other Hydroponic Gardens so the four remaining ones have room to expand. No additional water needed. The pH was 5.53 and TDS was 337 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 06-Left. Ground Cherries (all 12 positions) at 28 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 320, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 06-Right: Burpee Sugar Snap Peas (positions 01-03); Snow Peas (positions 04-12). At 28 days, 11/12 sprouted. Some of the plants are growing very fast (up to 24″ high). The pH was 5.25 and TDS was 613 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 06-Right (28 days). Positions 1-3 Sweet Snap Peas, Positions 04-12 Snow Peas. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1000, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry plants at 122 days. Some leaves turning brown/black, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.82 and TDS was 636 ppm. Added 16 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 16 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 4 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry Plants (122 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 250, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 07-Right. Strawberry plants at 122 days. Some leaves turning brown/black, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.59 and TDS was 439 ppm. Added 32 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 32 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 4 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 07-Right. Strawberry Plants (122 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 08-Left: Mustard (positions 01-06). At day 28 five of six plants growing robustly . The pH was 6.04 and the TDS 376 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 08-Left. Positions 01-06 Mustard at 28 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 640, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 08-Right: Broccoli Raab (positions 01-06). At 28 days all positions growing robustly, some leaves harvested for lunch. The pH was 6.50 and the TDS was 250 ppm. Added 32 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 08-Right. Positions 01-12 Broccoli Raab at 28 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 09-Left: Swiss Chard (positions 02-07). At 28 days all growing robustly. The larger plant at position 01 was transplanted from a different farm. The pH was 6.50 and the TDS was 541 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 09-Left. Position 01 Swiss Chard moved from other farm. Positions 02-07 Swiss Chard at 28 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 09-Right: Bok Choi. At Day 28 plants growing very robustly, harvested largest plant for gift to neighbor. The pH was 7.25 and the TDS was 348 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer down solution.
AeroGarden Farm 09-Right. Positions 01-02, 04-07 Bok Choi at day 28. Position 03 Bok Choi transferred from other Farm. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 640, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 10-Left: Romaine Lettuce (positions 01-06). At day 28 plants growing robustly. The pH was 5.10 and the TDS was 671 ppm. Added no Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 10-Left. Positions 01-06 Romaine Lettuce at 28 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Farm 10-Right: Arugula (positions 01-06) and Mulukhiyah (positions 07-12). At day 16 all plants growing. The pH was 6.32 and the TDS was 470 ppm. Added 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer down solution.
AeroGarden Farm 10-Right. Arugula (positions 01-06) and Mulukhiyah (positions 07-12) at day 16. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 320, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Great Room AeroGarden Classic-6 01-South: Cilantro (positions 01-06) at day 28. Two sprouts looking good, three other sprouted, one looking poor. The pH was 5.55 and the TDS was 736. No additional plant food or buffer added. Topped off with DI water.
Great Room Classic-6 01-South: Cilantro (positions 01-06) at day 28. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Great Room AeroGarden Classic-6 02-East: Various Parsley (positions 01-06) at day 28. All sprouted. The pH was 5.81 and the TDS was 892. No additional plant food or buffer added. Topped off with DI water.
Great Room Classic-6 02-East: Parsley (positions 01-06) at day 28. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Foyer AeroGarden Bounty Harvest 01-Left: Only remaining plant Lemon Mint at 139 days. The pH was 7.20 and the TDS was 400 ppm. Added no Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer down solution.
Foyer AeroGarden Bounty 01-Left: Lemon Mint at 139 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Foyer AeroGarden Bounty 02-Right: Oregano (positions 01-03), Rosemary (positions 04-06), and Thyme (positions 07-09) at day 28. Three of three Oregano sprouted, none of the Rosemary sprouted, and one Thyme sprouted. The pH was 5.95, and the TDS was 465 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer added. Topped off with DI water.
Foyer AeroGarden Bounty 02-Right: Oregano (positions 01-03), Rosemary (positions 04-06), and Thyme (positions 07-09) at day 28. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 100, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Daily Electric Energy Used (76.2 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (7.7 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. The clouds returned. A deficit of 68.5 kWh.
Wintertime in New Jersey — Maple Syrup Production.
This was the third neighborhood maple syrup boil down this winter, although I was not here for the first two. The weather has not been conducive for maple sap production (cold nights below freezing and warm days above freezing). The following Little Planet Time-lapse Videos were recorded with a Garmin VIRB-360 camera. Approximately 80 gallons (~300 L) was boiled down to 11 quarts (~10.4 L) with a density of 1.14 g/mL. The material needs to be further concentrated to get to a sugar concentration of 66 wt%. We had issues near the end of the day where some of the solution burned so there will be a smokey flavor issue.
Daily Electric Energy Used (75.2 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (43.3 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Sunny most of the day. Actually, the most solar energy produced since 05-October-2019. Still not enough to completely power the indoor hydroponic gardens, keep the house warm, and power the Synology image servers. A deficit of 31.9 kWh.
