Day 11
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
Day 11Sprouts up in all pods, but one sprout is not very developed, so we'll see if it gets going or not.
GrowLog
FailedFirst Watercress Attempt in a Harvest Slim Elite
Grow log by pfunnyjoy · Original thread
3 visual updates3 photos13 replies
View recapCrop🌱Watercress
VarietyAqua Large Leaf
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Harvest Elite Slim, TPU basket covers
Plants6
AudienceBeginners
What you can learnA useful failed first attempt that identifies seed-handling and establishment problems before a successful retry.
Actions:1 Planting1 Equipment
Useful practices
- surface-oriented seed placement
- reseeding inactive pods
- using reusable basket covers
- terminating and sanitizing a weak grow
Problems encountered
- tiny difficult-to-handle seed
- weak seedling development
- little root growth
- algae
- white mold-like growth
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
P
I didn't like the look of the plants. There was also a bit of algae and something moldy/white looking in the pods. These never got off to a good start and I've decided to hold off for the moment on Watercress. I will try to grow again, but not right now.So the garden was terminated today.
L
The white fuzz is relatively harmless, at least if a seedling is coming along. If it bothers you, a drop of hydrogen peroxide should take care of it.The beauty of Aerogardens is that it's so easy to start over if your results are disappointing. Stuff grows so fast in an AG, you don't have a big time investment in any one project unless it's successful!
P
Yeah, I figured the white stuff was no big deal, other than looking ick. But the plants had such a rough start. There was hardly any root development, so I just figured I'll try again. Though not necessarily immediately. Watercress seems poky, though that may be due to the rough start.At present, the Japanese Dandelions are getting a reboot in the Harvest Slim I was using for the watercress. I still have hope, even though after doing the rinse and refill with AG nutrients, one of those decided to look a little burnt on a leaf edge. But it might have been going that way before and the change just tipped it over.I saved the existing two Japanese Dandelion seedlings, grabbed a couple of the Ziploc bag ones, got them into sponges, then soaked more seeds last night, and put them in a paper towel in a baggie this AM. I'm also trying to germinate a few more Italian Dandelion seedlings to put in the 6E+ in the same baggie. Seems the PH and EC requirements were a bit different between the chicory and true dandelions, so I'm going the way of the AG Experiments guy and just making gardens of a single type.
Day 5
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
Day 5Sprouts all around! One pod has a rather spindly sprout, that doesn't look like it will thrive. But I'll wait and see.None is above the labels yet. The photo is of the first pod to show germination and a sprout.
Conversation
L
What do you do with your watercress? Sandwiches? Salads?
P
Well, it's the first time I've ever grown watercress. And, if successful, it will also be the first time I've ever eaten it!I'll probably use it in salads, possibly in wraps, and I definitely want to try adding to my green juices! Watercress is supposed to be very nutritious!I might've been wrong about sprouts in all pods. One had what looked like germination going on, i.e. a bit of white showing, but it hasn't progressed. I'll give it another day or so, drop in a couple seeds if nothing happens.
L
Ha! I've read so many British novels, I can't think of watercress without thinking of the watercress sandwiches consumed by upper crust attendees at country weekends. Thus watercress is kind of romantic for me, but I've never tried to grow it.Yes, it's supposed to be nutritious! It's included in a lot of veggie shake recipes. It'll be fun watching yours grow.
P
Me too. Very much a fan of British mystery novels! So yeah, I have the same thoughts of watercress, but I've kind of gone to the lower carb side of living and less processed foods as well, so sandwiches are a rare indulgence. Supposedly, it's pretty easy to grow. I'll be happy enough to juice it or smoothie it or have it in salads. I'm not picky about how I eat my greens, it's all good!
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
Actions taken
PlantingStarted watercress seeds in six pods.
EquipmentFitted reusable TPU covers and grow domes.
Seeds: Baker Creek Watercress Aqua Large LeafPlanted: 12:30 PMLocation: North 40, kitchen counterWater: tap, filtered, Big BerkeyGrow Medium: Park Seed spongeNutrients: GH MaxiGro (1/2 teaspoon per gallon to start)Nutrient mix PH level: 6.0MaxiGro brought my filtered tap water PH from 8.0 to 6.0. Bigger buffering than the Flora Nutrients!Wish me luck! I got the reusable TPU grow basket covers from JayBeeFarms on Etsy.com. The flaps seem a little stiff, so I don't know how well they'll work, but I like that there is a slit so they could easily be removed entirely if a plant started to outgrow them. Grow domes can fit over them, but it's a tight fit, so lifting off the dome could pull up the cover, which in turn, could harm a seedling. I've just got the domes resting lightly on top.Grow Basket Algae Cover - Flexible DIY Grow Basket Cover - Hydroponic GardeningHe sent three of his plant spacers as a little gift. I think I prefer the official AG ones though.
Conversation
P
The watercress seeds were TEENY TINY! How do people handle seeds like that?There was no way I could pick them up, drop them in a sponge. My solution was to slit the damp sponge, open it, and press it down on the seeds (towards the top), hoping to get them in without losing them entirely! I guess I'll find out if that works. Germination is supposed to be 2-7 days on the packet.I looked at the packet just now, it says surface sow. Hope I haven't made yet another major garden OOPS!
U
I've handled small seeds in two ways. Usually I just crease a business card lengthwise. Put the seeds on the card, hold it over the sponge, and tap it lightly with a pencil. The seeds usually roll down the crease into the sponge without any problem. Alternately, I've put the seeds in a small dish of water. You can pick a few out at a time with an eye dropper and squirt them into the sponge.
P
Those are GREAT ideas, thanks!If my watercress doesn't sprout, I'll know what to try next!
P
Day 4Signs of germination in two pods. Nothing in the other four. Because I was uncertain of whether I'd done a good job of planting, I drop a couple more seeds in the pods with no action, using scarfguy's idea with folded paper. Much easier!