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Hydroponics Tuesday: Tenative Leafy Resolution
10/1/2007 8:08:00 PM

I've spent some more time working with the plants this week, and I have a tenative solution for the burned leaves issue...

I think the root cause was the proximity of the 400W HPS (High Pressure Sodium) light bulb.  I had it previously positioned approximately 3 ft. from the top of the plants (only about 12 inches from the tallest plants, the tomatoes).  This lamp generates a lot of heat.  It's amazing, I never really noticed it until I removed the lamp for a while.  Here's a great example:  All the plants are sitting in hydroton (clay pellets).  Normally, the hydroton would be constantly damp, from the continual circulation of the water in the aeroponic system.  I only learned this after removing the 400W system for a few days.  The 400W system generates enough heat that the top layer of hydroton was always dry.

I removed the 400W system for a few days, and ran only on the underpowered 125W compact fluorescent.   I wanted to see if it would stop the leaf burning. I admit that this experiment is far from scientific, as I also added the Mag Pro supplement at the same time.  Regardless, the burning has stopped.

As a more permanent remedy, I've added the extensions back into the lighting frame.  Take a look at the picture below; you'll notice that the frame is much taller than last week.  This makes the light less harsh on the plants, and the heat less intense. 

Hydro2-U.jpg

I don't think that any of the plants suffered irreparable damage.  Regardless, I'm going to limit the cycle of the 400W light for a few weeks.  I'm going to start it around 9 hours a day, and see how we do with it.

Lettuce is tasty. I must report a casualty this week.  #16 is no more. 

Here's this week's overview photo.  The strawberries are finally getting moving.  Finally.

Hydro2-V.jpg

Keeping with my promise of solid record keeping, here's this week's chart:

PlantTypeStatus
#01Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 8" tall (tallest leaf).  Starting to spread out, rather than stand tall.
#02Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 8" tall (tallest leaf).  Starting to spread out, rather than stand tall.
#03Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 9" long (longest leaf).  Starting to spread out, rather than stand tall.
#04Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 7" tall (tallest leaf).
#05Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 9" tall (tallest leaf).  Starting to spread out, rather than stand tall.
#06Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 8" tall (tallest leaf).
#07Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 5" tall (tallest leaf).
#08Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 9" tall (tallest leaf).  Has largest leaves of all strawberries.
#09Alexandria Alpine StrawberriesRoughly 8" tall (tallest leaf).
#10Andrew Rahart's Jumbo Heirloom TomatoApproximately 27" long (it's not standing straight anymore, as it's tied to the lightstand).  Some burning and curling is noticeable (older leaves only).  Some leaves are slightly curled, but appears quite healthy.
#11Delicious Heirloom TomatoPreviously killed through personal stupidity.
#12Bambino Baby EggplantIt's about 18" tall, and is looking big and leafy.  Flowers are visible, and I'd expect baby fruits soon.
#13Monet's Garden Lettuce
Approximately 17" tall (if it stood).  Fully mature.  Missing a few leaves from nibbling.
#14Monet's Garden LettuceApproximately 17" tall (if it stood).  Fully mature.  Missing a few leaves from nibbling.
#15Monet's Garden LettuceApproximately 17" tall (if it stood).  Fully mature.  Missing a few leaves from nibbling.
#16Monet's Garden LettuceTasty.  Eaten on 09/29/2007.
#17Lime Basil
Roughly 13" tall.  Burning has subsided.  Leaves curl downward slightly.
#18Delicious Heirloom TomatoApproximately 17" tall. Slight burning and curling is noticeable on a few of the leaves.