Day 1
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
Here are the cleaned radishes (cellulose sponges on the left, Aerogarden sponges on the right)We lightly sauteed the leaves, and cut the radishes on top. It was small but still tasty!
GrowLog
Terminated EarlyCherry Giant Radish Sponge-Media Trial in a DIY Hydroponic Bucket
Grow log by belugaleuca · Original thread
6 visual updates10 photos12 replies
View recapCrop🌱Radish
VarietyCherry Giant
MethodDIY deep-water hydroponics, comparative growing-media trial
Equipment-
Plants9
AudienceExperimental
What you can learnStrong comparative evidence that the cellulose popup sponges decomposed and restricted roots, while AeroGarden sponges supported faster growth and larger radishes.
Actions:1 Equipment1 Harvest
Useful practices
- block light from a clear reservoir
- compare media under the same hydroponic conditions
- harvest immediately when root health declines
- cook fresh radish leaves to soften their hairs
Problems encountered
- cellulose sponges decomposed and collapsed
- stunted roots in cellulose media
- brown and wilting diseased roots
- one radish cracked
- light leakage through clear bucket and tray
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
B
Thanks for the tips! Yes I might try duct tape, that could be simple enough. And wow, a pack of 60 sponges for $10.95 is pretty good! I had gotten the 50 pack from Aerogarden for $14.75 so yeah the park sponges would be cheaper.
S
What a fun experiment. I also appreciate the info on the drawbacks of the cellulose sponges. I knew radish leaves were edible, but was turned off by the hairy leaves, so never tried sauteing them. I bet they were a good way to extend the radish harvest. And they look yummy together! Especially with that lovely black pepper! On second look, it looks like herbs.
B
It was yummy! I was originally thinking of eating the leaves raw, but I was also too scared about the spiky hairs. After sauteeing them, the hairs were no longer a nuisance (they may have softened) and it was fine to eat. It was my favorite part, because all the radish leaves at the grocery store are in terrible shape and not good for eating, so having them fresh is really a treat!
S
I learned something new. Thank you!
C
Thanks for posting/sharing this project. You are very creative! Enjoyed the pictures and reading the posts too.
Day 1
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
Actions taken
HarvestHarvested the radishes after 2.5 weeks because the cellulose sponges and roots were deteriorating.
After 2.5 weeks I had to harvest early, because the cellulose sponges were starting to decompose. The roots were starting to look brown and wilting, so I thought we'd make the most of it and have a snack.The Aerogarden pod radishes were noticeably larger.
Day 1
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
The one fastest growing radish started to crack! Not sure why, maybe our air is too dry.
Day 1
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
About 1.5 weeks in, the Aerogarden sponges continue to excel, and the radishes are growing bulbs while the cellulose sponges still have stunted plants
Conversation
A
Nice Job and good luck! if you have some black material you could maybe use some duct tape and wrap the bin to cut down on the light.Far as AG sponges go, Parks Seed sell sponges for their Sponges for their BioDome seed starter, the 60 count is the same size as AG and I think work better and are much more affordable.
Day 1
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
Here's the first look at the seedlings for each type. The sponges were two long strips with a seed in between. Already at this point the Aerogarden sponges are growing faster.A view of the roots shows that the roots were not as robust or deep reaching in cellulose sponge.
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
Actions taken
EquipmentPlaced the clear bucket inside a cardboard box to reduce light entering the reservoir.
Here is the bucket setup. I don't have a circle drill right now, so this is what I found as a substitute. Pros - It's easy to manage and easy to cut holes in, and fits the bucket. Cons - it's not completely opaque so some light gets through the tray. Also, my bucket is clear which might be a problem unless I cover it somehow. So, I put the bucket inside a cardboard box to block some light, but it's not perfect.