Today is the “First Day of Spring”. I read somewhere that this is the earliest first day in over 100 years. Something to do with this being a leap year and that 2000 had a once every 400 year leap day. Two indoor hydroponic flowers today — an Orange Gazania and a Dianthus blooming in one of my AeroGarden indoor hydroponic farms. Soon I will be able to start planting seeds outdoors in my wildflower meadows.
Orange Gazania. Image taken with a Fuji X-T3 camera and 80 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 1000, 80 mm, f/11, 1/60 sec) (DAVID J MATHRE)Dianthus Flowers. Image taken with a Fuji X-T3 camera and 80 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 1000, 80 mm, f/11, 1/60 sec) (DAVID J MATHRE)Orange Gazania. Image taken with a Fuji X-T3 camera and 80 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 640, 80 mm, f/11, 1/60 sec) (DAVID J MATHRE)
Daily Electric Energy Used (65.4 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (17.3 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Cloudy and rainy most of the day. A deficit of 48.1 kWh.
A Red Poppy flower opened this morning. The seed was planted 113 days ago in one of my indoor AeroGarden hydroponic gardens. I have been watching the bud for the last several day wondering when it would finally open — each day setting up a camera to record a time-lapse video.
Daily Electric Energy Used (78.4 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (32.5 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Not as much sun, but warmer so the Geothermal HVAC didn’t have to work as hard. Still a deficit of 45.9 kWh.
Weekly Electric Energy Used (536 kWh) from Sense Home Energy Monitor and Weekly Solar Electric Energy Produced (181 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Total deficit of 355 kWh. Usage should be going down now that the Server/Storage upgrade is complete. On days that the sky is clear more power is being generated as the sun gets higher above the horizon.
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.
It has been 9 days since the last AeroGarden hydroponic farm update. Many sprouts from the seeds planted then. Harvested a few more small yellow tomatoes, two zucchini, and several strawberries. All of the auxiliary water bottles needed to be refilled.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato plants at 137 days. Manually pollinating the tiny yellow flowers, several tiny green tomatoes forming. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.19 and the TDS was 321 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato Plants (137 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 137 days. Trimmed and pruned the dead flowers and leaves. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.68 and TDS was 278 ppm. Added 40 mL Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up pH adjustment.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula (137 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 136 days. The pepper plants are getting bigger, and a few flowers. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.19 and the TDS was 177 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 02, Left. Pepper Plants (136 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-Right. Herb plants (Dill, Basil, Chives) at 136 days. The dill and parsley doing OK, others not as good. Harvested some dill. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.712 and the TDS was 177 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 02-Right. Herb Plants – Basil, Dill, Parsley (136 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 136 days. The plants are getting bigger with more flowers but no peppers yet. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.85 and the TDS was 412 ppm. Added 32 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 03, Left. Pepper Plants (136 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, poppy) at 79 days. Dianthus and Zinnia blooming. Two of the Poppy plants have buds, but the flowers have not opened yet. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.35 and TDS was 367 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 03-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Zinnia (79 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 (all 12 positions) at 21 days. Doing badly only 3/12 sprouted. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.34 and TDS was 463 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added. Reset to germination mode (pump on 1 hr, off 11 hr).
AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives (all 12 positions) at 21 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 04-Right. Bunching Onions/Scallions (all 12 positions) at 21 days. 12/12 sprouts. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.27 and TDS was 474 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 04-Right. Bunching Onions (all 12 positions) at 21 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 88 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 4.91 and TDS was 519 ppm. Added 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 2 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 05-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (88 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 88 days. The zucchini plants growing vigorously, cut back some leaves and harvested one large zucchini. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.84 and the TDS was 470 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 2 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini Plants (88 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 21 days 9/12 sprouted some growing faster than others. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.09 and TDS was 465 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 06-Left. Ground Cherries (all 12 positions) at 21 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 21 days, 11/12 sprouted. Noted some fuzzy white mold growing on the seeds. Some of the plants are growing very fast (up to 18″ high). The pH was 5.19 and TDS was 292 ppm. Added 32 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 06-Right (21 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 640, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry plants at 115 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.62 and TDS was 439 ppm. Added 32 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 32 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry Plants (115 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 115 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.38 and TDS was 221 ppm. Added 32 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 32 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 07-Right. Strawberry Plants (115 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 08-Left: Mustard (positions 01-06). At day 21 five of six plants growing robustly . The pH was 6.08 and the TDS 463 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 08-Left. Positions 01-06 Mustard at 21 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 08-Right: Broccoli Raab (positions 01-06). At 21 days all positions growing robustly, some leaves already harvested for lunch. The pH was 5.40 and the TDS was 074 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 08-Right. Positions 01-12 Broccoli Raab at 21 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 21 days all growing robustly. The larger plant at position 01 was transplanted from a different farm. The pH was 6.64 and the TDS was 573 ppm. Added 8 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 21 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 21 plants growing very robustly, leaves from the largest plant used in soup. The pH was 6.75 and the TDS was 147 ppm. Added 40 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 09-Right. Positions 01-02, 04-07 Bok Choi at day 21. 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 21 plants growing robustly. The pH was 5.10 and the TDS was 287 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 10-Left. Positions 01-06 Romaine Lettuce at 21 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)
Farm 10-Right: Arugula (positions 01-06) and Molokai Greens (positions 07-12). At day 9 all of the seeds sprouted. The pH was 6.14 and the TDS was 466 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer added.
AeroGarden Farm 10-Right. Arugula (positions 01-06) and Molokai Greens (positions 07-12) at day 9. 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 21. Two sprouts looking good, three other sprouted, one looking poor. The pH was 5.67 and the TDS was 1130(?). No additional plant food or buffer added. Topped off with DI water.
Great Room Classic-6 01-South: Cilantro (positions 01-06) at day 21. 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 21. All sprouted. The pH was 6.02 and the TDS was 1160 ppm(?). No additional plant food or buffer added. Topped off with DI water.
Great Room Classic-6 02-East: Parsley (positions 01-06) at day 21. 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 132 days. No flowers, drinks a lot of water and uses a lot of plant food. The pH was 4.24 and the TDS was 180 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution.
Foyer AeroGarden Bounty 01-Left: Lemon Mint at 132 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 21. Three of three Oregano sprouted, none of the Rosemary sprouted, and one Thyme sprouted. The pH was 6.16, and the TDS was 460 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 21. 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 (67.5 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (41.1 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Most sun in a long time. A deficit of 26.4 kWh.
It has been 5 days since the last AeroGarden hydroponic farm update. Many sprouts from the seeds planted seven days ago. Harvested a few more small yellow tomatoes, two zucchini, and several strawberries. All of the auxiliary water bottles needed to be refilled.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato plants at 128 days. Manually pollinating the tiny yellow flowers. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.33 and the TDS was 333 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 0.5 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato Plants (128 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 128 days. Trimmed and pruned the dead flowers and leaves. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.62 and TDS was 244 ppm. Added 24 mL Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up pH adjustment.
AeroGarden Farm 01-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula (128 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 02-Left. Pepper plants at 127 days. The pepper plants are getting bigger, but no flowers. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.28 and the TDS was 170 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 02, Left. Pepper Plants (127 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-Right. Herb plants (Dill, Basil, Chives) at 127 days. The dill and parsley doing OK, others not as good. Harvested some dill. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.42 and the TDS was 467 ppm. No additional Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 02-Right. Herb Plants – Basil, Dill, Parsley (127 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 127 days. The plants are getting bigger. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 6.24 and the TDS was 427 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 03, Left. Pepper Plants (127 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 03-Right. Various flowers (Dianthus, Zinnia, unknown, poppy) at 70 days. Dianthus and Zinnia blooming. Unknown one growing, but no flowers. Red and California poppies not blooming yet. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.65 and TDS was 445 ppm. Added 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 03-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Zinnia (70 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 04-Left. Chives (all 12 positions) at 12 days. 3/12 sprouted. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.47 and TDS was 459 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added. Reset to germination mode (pump on 1 hr, off 11 hr).
AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives (all 12 positions) at 12 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) (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 04-Right. Bunching Onions/Scallions (all 12 positions) at 7 days. 12/12 sprouts. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.47 and TDS was 494 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 04-Right. Bunching Onions (all 12 positions) at 12 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 05-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, and Poppy at 79 days. Snapdragon flower about to open. Pruned some of the large zucchini leaves from the next tray blocking the plants. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.39 and TDS was 534 ppm. Added 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 0.5 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 05-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (79 days). Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, 35 mm, f/8, 1/50 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini and other vegetables at 79 days. The zucchini plants growing vigorously, cut back some leaves. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.41 and the TDS was 469 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini Plants (79 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). 6/12 sprouted. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.20 and TDS was 455 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added. Reset to germination mode (pump on 1 hr, off 11 hr).
AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives (all 12 positions) at 12 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) (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 06-Right: Burpee Sugar Snap Peas (positions 01-03); Snow Peas (positions 04-12). At 12 days, 11/12 sprouted. Noted some fuzzy white mold growing on the seeds. Some of the plants are growing very fast (up to 6″ high). The pH was 5.29 and TDS was 465 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 06-Right (12 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 640, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry plants at 106 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.41 and TDS was 336 ppm. Added 24 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 24 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 1 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry Plants (106 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 07-Right. Strawberry plants at 106 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.13 and TDS was 130 ppm. Added 32 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 32 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.
AeroGarden Farm 07-Right. Strawberry Plants (101 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 08-Left: Mustard (positions 01-06). At day 12 five of six plants sprouted, plants ~ 1″ tall. The pH was 6.36 and the TDS 481 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 08-Left. Positions 01-06 Mustard at 12 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 08-Right: Broccoli Raab (positions 01-06). At 12 days all positions sprouted, plants ~ 2″ tall. The pH was 6.08 and the TDS was 386 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 08-Right. Positions 01-12 Broccoli Raab at 12 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 12 days positions sprouted, new plants ~1″ tall. The larger plant at position 01 was transplanted from a different farm. The pH was 6.36 and the TDS was 383 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 12 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 (positions 01-06). At Day 12 plants ~ 3″ tall. The pH was 6.54 and the TDS was 149 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.
AeroGarden Farm 09-Right. Positions 01-02, 04-07 Bok Choi at day 12. Position 03 Bok Choi transferred from other Farm. 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 10-Left: Romaine Lettuce (positions 01-06). At day 12 plants ~1″ tall. The pH was 5.90 and the TDS was 455 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.
AeroGarden Farm 10-Left. Positions 01-06 Romaine Lettuce at 12 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 125, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Farm 10-Right: Spinach (positions 01-06). None of the seeds sprouted. The pH was 5.68 and the TDS was 485 ppm. Discarded, and restarted with Arugula (positions 01-06) and Molokai Greens (positions 07-12).
AeroGarden Farm 10-Right. Positions 01-06 Spinach at 12 days. Image taken with a Leica TL-2 camera and 35 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 160, 35 mm, f/8, 1/30 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)
Daily Electric Energy Used (72.3 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (2.3 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Cloudy Day. A deficit of 70 kWh.
