GrowLog
Failed

Broadleaf Sage in an AeroGarden Sprout Fails from Root Mould

Grow log by ERR0R1755 · Original thread

3 visual updates3 photos14 replies
View recap
CropSage
VarietyBroadleaf Sage
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Sprout
Plants3
AudienceBeginners

What you can learnUseful sanitation case showing recurrent root mould and the need to clean the entire small hydroponic unit after failure.

Actions:1 Finished1 Equipment1 Harvest
Useful practices
  • starting two seeds in each of three pods
  • full unit disassembly and vinegar sanitation
  • salvaging healthy-looking foliage at termination
Problems encountered
  • black roots
  • recurrent mould
  • system contamination

*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.

Day 32
UPDATE#3
Grower update

Update #3

Actions taken

FinishedEnded the sage grow after root blackening and recurrent mould.
EquipmentDisassembled and soaked the Sprout in vinegar solution, with a dishwasher cleaning planned as part of the same maintenance operation.
HarvestCut the apparently healthy sage for use.

E By ERR0R1755

Ended this today. Most of the roots are black and the mold is back. I'm currently soaking the entire Sprout, disassembled, in a mixture of water and vinegar.Hopefully a few hours of that, plus a run through the dishwasher, should get rid of it.I'm still going to use the sage, since it looks healthy. Here is what it looked like right before I cut it:
Conversation
S
Shawn

Too bad it did not work out longer. But you tried. Will you try to plant again?

E
ERR0R1755

I think so, but I will try a radish or something faster growing in this Sprout first, to make sure the mold is gone.

U
Unknown

I wonder if this is something to do with sage in hydroponics. My sage's roots a dark as well. Not seeing any mold yet. Just did a dump and refill so we'll see if that helps any.

E
ERR0R1755

I had mold before in this Sprout when I was growing lavender, so at least in my case, that's definitely to blame. Especially since that exact same type of mold came back.

W
waterphoenix

Oh that's too bad. I wonder if it'd make sense to start sage in the Aero and then transplant to soil, since it does seem that they grow to seedlings faster in there. My lavender plant likes well draining soil and not much water, so I can see how it might get mold in the Aerogarden.

Day 14
UPDATE#2
Grower update

Update #2

E By ERR0R1755

I really like the texture of these leaves so far.
Conversation
W
waterphoenix

I am surprised by how quick this is growing in the Aerogarden! I started some broadleaf sage seeds in soil on June 6 and the seedlings look about the same size as yours, which were started later. I didn't put any in my Aerogarden because I thought they would grow too slowly. I'll try them in my Harvest next time.Edit: Just took a look at mine and it is actually quite a bit larger; didn't account for scaling in your photo. Still will be worth a shot to try the sage in the Aerogarden, since only 1 of my 4 germinated seedlings ended up surviving.

E
ERR0R1755

I always start mine without nutrients, so they tend to have a slower start, but they grow more roots as they search for nutrients, so the later growth is a lot faster (and there's no algae!)

Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update

Update #1

E By ERR0R1755

1-2-2
Conversation
U
Unknown

I've also got sage going in a sprout! Seems like a good use for the shorter units.

S
Sher

ERR0R1755, how tall does the broadleaf sage grow?

E
ERR0R1755

The one packet I have says 20", and the other says 36". Since it's a herb, I think it doesn't matter how tall it gets as long as I keep cutting it back.

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