Part IV – If At First You Don’t Succeed…?

           During their first week, my seedlings were growing like crazy! But in their second week, they seemed to have really slowed. In fact, some are even showing signs of distress. However, roots are starting to come through the rockwool cubes, which typically mean that they are ready to be placed in the hydroponic system.

            I’ve seen a few things online, which indicate what the issue might be. I might be keeping the rockwool too wet, or not we enough. They might be getting too much or too little nutrients in the solution I’m giving them. I might have even contaminated them taking them out of the starter tray to check their roots (my worst fear). It’s really hard to say at this point.

            Since this is all a learning process, I’ve decided to do a bit of experimentation. I probably should have let the seedlings grow a few more roots before moving them, but it’s my hope that taking them out of the cramped grow tray and into the fresh air, that they might perk up a bit.

I located a few of the best looking leafy seedlings and placed them in the growing system. All of my lettuce seedlings were showing signs of some kind of distress. Some of the leaves appeared to be dying. I really hope they pull through. That is one of the plants I’m really hoping that I can get to grow.

Here’s one of the basil plants.

I’ll still be watering these directly until the roots grow long enough to reach the water in the tank. And yes, that is black duct tape I used instead of paint.

So at this point, only time will tell if I hit upon a good idea, or ruined some good seeds. We’ll see.

A Cucumbertorial Side Note (not hydro).

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the cucumber seeds I planted sprouted very quickly. Last Sunday, I decided to take two of them out and place them in their own container outside on the patio. I simply placed the seedlings directly into the potting mix, rockwool cubes and all. I placed the container under the patio, but in such a place where they get a few hours of morning sun.  These things have just taken off! After about two days, they about doubled in size!

Until next time!