The Urban Farmer, Issue #060 * Microgreens * Stages of Growth * New
video from H-S
August,
2013:
“A garden must combine the poetic and
the mysterious with a feeling of serenity and
joy.”
~
Luis Barragan
Have Fun With
Microgreens!
Microgreens first became popular in California, but have rapidly spread into
mainstream America. Microgreens are tiny edible plants, harvested at the peak of
tenderness, nutritional content and flavor.
They can be found at health food stores, vegan restaurants, and upscale
restaurants with innovative chefs wanting to add color, flavor intensity and
texture to their gourmet dishes.
But why wait for an expensive meal out to enjoy these delightful garnishes?
You can easily grow your own hydroponic microgreens on a kitchen counter with
very little investment. They are fun and easy to grow, educational for the kids,
and make a perfect introduction to hydroponics.
Visit our new microgreens page here:
http://www.hydroponics-simplified.com/hydroponic-microgreens.html
What are the vegetative and fruiting stages of growth?
The vegetative stage
- The Vegetative Stage of growth is the period when your plants are
growing, but not flowering (producing fruit, vegetables, etc.) For best
results, use MH or Metal Halide lighting during the vegetative state of
growth, and use a 18-6 cycle, or 18 hours on and 6 hours off. Use the
vegetative nutrient mix in the reservoir.
Flowering & Fruiting stage
- Inducing blooming in your plants is easy. Although it varies from plant
to plant, generally speaking you must reduce the amount of light that your
plants receive. Most growers switch to a 12/12 cycle, or 12 hours on and 12
hours off per day. If possible, use an HPS or High Pressure Sodium bulb
during the flowering process, and bloom nutrient mixture.
Remember our handy lighting guide?
|
SIZE OF GARDEN
|
HID
LAMP WATTAGE
|
RECOMMENDED
HEIGHT OF LAMP
ABOVE THE PLANTS
|
|
Up to 2’ x 2’
|
175 watts
|
12” above
plants
|
|
3’ x 3’ or 2’
x 4’
|
250 watts
|
12- 18” above
plants
|
|
4’ x 4’
|
400 watts
|
18- 24” above
plants
|
|
6’ x 6’
|
600 watts
|
24” + above
plants
|
|
6’ x 8’ or 8’
x 8’
|
Use 2- 400 or
2- 600 watt lamps
|
18-24” above
plants; less heat and better coverage
with two lamps
|
Video of the Month:
Is a primer about ph testing.
Click
here
and look for this logo:
Hydro Tip of the Month- Ever
consider getting a greenhouse? Not for you? Don’t be too sure about
that til you read our new Greenhouse Section. Every gardener
should think seriously about the advantages of greenhouse gardening! Watch for a
new NavBar titled
“Greenhouses”
next month…
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of The Urban Farmer Ezine. Each month, we will bring you another inspiring photo, gardening quote or idea, plus fresh new hydroponics news, techniques & products.
Insiders tips to get you growing…
~Stella and Simon from
Hydroponics-Simplified.
|
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