Snapdragon - David Mathre Photography

Monday (03-February-2020) — New Jersey

Wintertime Indoor Hydroponic Gardening

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 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-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.

Current Weather Conditions

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Saturday (25-January-2020) — New Jersey

Wintertime Indoor Hydroponic Gardening

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 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-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 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.

Current Weather Conditions

powered by Ambient Weather

Monday (20-January-2020) — New Jersey

Wintertime Indoor Hydroponic Gardening

It has been a week since the last AeroGarden hydroponic farm update. Some sprouts from the seeds planted seven days ago. All of the auxiliary water bottles needed to be refilled.

AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato plants at 123 days. Manually pollinating the tiny yellow flowers. Harvested a few small yellow tomatoes. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.79 and the TDS was 459 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up.

AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato Plants (123 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 01-Right. Various “edible” flowers (Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula) at 123 days. Trimmed and pruned the dead flowers and leaves. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.78 and TDS was 198 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 (123 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 02-Left. Pepper plants at 122 days. The pepper plants are getting bigger, but no flowers. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.49 and the TDS was 153 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 02, Left. Pepper Plants (122 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 02-Right. Herb plants (Dill, Basil, Chives) at 122 days. The dill and parsley doing OK, others not as good. Harvested some dill. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.47 and the TDS was 385 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 02-Right. Herb Plants - Basil, Dill, Parsley (122 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 02-Right. Herb Plants – Basil, Dill, Parsley (122 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-Left. Pepper and Basil plants at 122 days. The plants are getting bigger. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.07 and the TDS was 547 ppm. Added 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 0.5 mL of buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 03, Left. Pepper 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 03-Right. Various flowers (Dianthus, Zinnia, unknown, poppy) at 65 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 6.63 and TDS was 483 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives (all 12 positions) at 7 days. One tiny sprout, 3 possible sprouts, 8 no visible sprouts. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.39 and TDS was 449 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 04-Left. Chives (all 12 positions) at 7 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-Right. Bunching Onions/Scallions (all 12 positions) at 7 days. Ten sprouts, two dry sockets. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.34 and TDS was 481 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 04-Right. Bunching Onions (all 12 positions) at 7 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 74 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 5.25 and TDS was 578 ppm. Added 8 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 05-Left. Flowers - Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (74 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-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (74 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 74 days. The zucchini plants growing vigorously, others not as good. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.38 and the TDS was 400 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini Plants (74 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). One tiny sprout, eleven haven’t sprouted. No additional water needed. The pH was 6.15 and TDS was 478 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 06-Left. Ground Cherries (all 12 positions) at 7 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 06-Right: Burpee Sugar Snap Peas (positions 01-03); Snow Peas (positions 04-12). All positions sprouted. Noted some fuzzy white mold growing on the seeds. The pH was 6.22 and TDS was 496 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 06-Right. 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 101 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.48 and TDS was 253 ppm. Added 16 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 16 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.

AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry Plants (101 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 07-Right. Strawberry plants at 101 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.27 and TDS was 576 ppm. Added 16 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 16 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.

AeroGarden Farm 08-Left: Mustard (positions 01-06). Five of six positions sprouted. The pH was 6.39 and the TDS 499 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 08-Left. Positions 01-06 Mustard at 7 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). All positions sprouted. The pH was 6.24 and the TDS was 505 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 08-Right. Positions 01-12 Broccoli Raab. 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)

AeroGarden Farm 09-Left: Swiss Chard (positions 02-07). All positions sprouted. The larger plant at position 01 was transplanted from a different farm. The pH was 6.36 and the TDS was 470 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 09-Left. Position 01 Swiss Chard moved from other farm. Positions 02-07 Swiss Chard at 7 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). All positions sprouted. The pH was 6.22 and the TDS was 450 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 09-Right. Positions 01-02, 04-07 Bok Choi at day 7. Position 03 Bok Choi transfered 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). The pH was 5.95 and the TDS was 475 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 10-Left. Positions 01-06 Romaine Lettuce at 7 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 5.76 and the TDS was 486 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer up solution added.

AeroGarden Farm 10-Right. Positions 01-06 Spinach at 7 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 (91.1 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (40.8 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Sunny Day. A deficit of 50.3 kWh.

Current Weather Conditions

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Monday (13-January-2020) — New Jersey

Wintertime Indoor Hydroponic Gardening

It has been nine days since the last AeroGarden hydroponic farm update. I’m finding that I need to feed the mature plants more often than every two weeks. Even nine days may be too long. Several of the auxiliary water bottles needed to be refilled.

AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato plants at 116 days. Harvested a few small yellow tomatoes. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.99 and the TDS was 089 ppm. Added 32 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food.

AeroGarden Farm 01-Left. Tomato Plants (116 days). 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 01-Right. Various “edible” flowers (Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula) at 116 days. Trimmed and pruned the dead flowers and leaves. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.71 and TDS was 156 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 (116 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 115 days. The pepper plants are getting bigger, but no flowers. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.65 and the TDS was 126 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no of buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 02, Left. Pepper 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 02-Right. Herb plants (Dill, Basil, Chives) at 115 days. The dill and parsley doing OK, others not as good. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.49 and the TDS was 635 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer added.

AeroGarden Farm 02-Right. Herb Plants - Basil, Dill, Parsley (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 02-Right. Herb Plants – Basil, Dill, Parsley (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 03-Left. Pepper and Basil plants at 115 days. The plants are getting bigger. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.80 and the TDS was 320 ppm. Added 16 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and no of buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 03, Left. Pepper 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 03-Right. Various flowers (Dianthus, Zinnia, unknown, poppy) at 58 days. Dianthus and Zinnia blooming. Unknown one growing, but no flowers. Red and California poppies not blooming yet. Reset the LED lights to 17 hours on per day, and the pump to 60 minutes on, 0 minutes off (Flowers, High Growth Setting). After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.74 and TDS was 750 ppm. No additional plant food or buffer added.

AeroGarden Farm 03-Right. Flowers: Dianthus, Snapdragon, Marigold, Calendula (116 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 67 days. None blooming, pruned some of the large zucchini leaves from the next tray blocking the plants. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 5.1 and TDS was 565 ppm. Added 0.5 mL buffer up added.

AeroGarden Farm 05-Left. Flowers - Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (58 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-Left. Flowers – Snapdragon, Celosia, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gazania, Poppy (58 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 67 days. The zucchini plants growing vigorously, others not as good. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.70 and the TDS was 190 ppm. Added 24 mL of Miracle Grow/AeroGarden plant food and 1 mL of buffer up solution.

AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Zucchini Plants (67 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 07-Left. Strawberry plants at 94 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.70 and TDS was 190 ppm. Added 20 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 20 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.

AeroGarden Farm 07-Left. Strawberry Plants (94 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 07-Right. Strawberry plants at 94 days. Most plants growing well, harvested several strawberries. After topping off with DI water, the pH was 4.70 and TDS was 190 ppm. Added 15 mL of Root Farm Base solution, 15 mL of Root Farm Flower and Fruit solution, and 2 mL of buffer up.

AeroGarden Farm 07-Right. Strawberry Plants (94 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)

The upper farms bins were cleaned, filled with DI water (8.0L) and AeroGarden/Miracle Grow plant food (16 mL). Then planted, and restarted as follows:

Farm 04-Left: Chives (all 12 positions). pH 5.58, TDS 487 ppm. Herb garden germination mode: Lights 17 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 04-Right: Bunching Onions (all 12 positions). pH 5.45, TDS 520 ppm. Herb garden germinationmode: Lights 17 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 06-Left: Ground Cherries (all 12 positions). pH 5.26, TDS 459 ppm. Tomato garden germination mode: Lights 16 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 06-Right: Burpee Sugar Snap Peas (positions 01-03); Snow Peas (positions 04-12). pH 5.46, TDS 520 ppm. Pepper garden germination mode: Lights 16 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 08-Left: Mustard (positions 01-06). pH 5.92, TDS 538 ppm. Lettuce garden germination mode: Lights 16:30 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 08-Right: Broccoli Raab (positions 01-06). pH 5.67, TDS 534 ppm. Tomato garden germination mode: Lights 16 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 09-Left: Swiss Chard (positions 01-06). pH 6.06, TDS 516 ppm. Lettuce garden germination mode: Lights 16:30 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 09-Right: Bok Choi (positions 01-06). pH 5.53, TDS 516 ppm. Lettuce garden germination mode: Lights 16:30 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 10-Left: Romaine Lettuce (positions 01-06). pH 6.06, TDS 516 ppm. Lettuce garden germination mode: Lights 16:30 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Farm 10-Right: Spinach (positions 01-06). pH 5.53, TDS 516 ppm. Lettuce garden germination mode: Lights 16:30 hours, Pump 60 minutes on, 660 minutes off.

Daily Electric Energy Used (64.0 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (9.1 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. Cloudy most of the day, not much sun. A deficit of 54.9 kWh.

Current Weather Conditions

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Wednesday (08-January-2020) — New Jersey

Wintertime Indoor Hydroponic Gardening

More macro flower images from the Indoor Hydroponic Farms. Also a small zucchini.

Click on the above image to access my PhotoShelter gallery with the individual images in the following slideshow.

AeroGarden Farm 05-Right. Small Zucchini Image taken with a Fuji X-T3 camera and 80 mm f/2.8 macro lens (ISO 160, 80 mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec). (DAVID J MATHRE)

Daily Electric Energy Used (67.2 kWh) from Sense and Daily Solar Electric Energy Produced (32.5 kWh) from SolSystems and Locus Energy. More Sun. A deficit of 34.7 kWh. Some of the hydroponic gardens are still off.