Day 79
UPDATE#9
Grower update
Update #9
Actions taken
NutrientsFed the still-unhealthy daisies.
Fed these today, still looking pretty "meh" with no signs of blooms:
GrowLog
FailedEnglish Daisy Germination Trial in an AeroGarden Sprout
Grow log by maskedsonnet · Original thread
9 visual updates13 photos67 replies
View recapCrop🌱English daisy
VarietyEnglish Daisy
MethodAeroGarden hydroponics
EquipmentAeroGarden Sprout
Plants-
AudienceExperimental
What you can learnA useful failed flower trial with lessons on light-requiring seed placement, overcrowding, root-to-canopy imbalance, transplant acclimation, pests, and sanitation.
Actions:4 Nutrients1 Planting1 Pruning1 Transplant1 Training1 Solution
Useful practices
- surface-sowing light-requiring seeds
- pre-soaking pods before planting
- thinning very small-seeded flowers early
- performing a rinse and refill when plants stall
- removing dead foliage and crowded pods
- acclimating hydroponic flowers before outdoor transplant
- sanitising a pest-exposed unit
Problems encountered
- too many tiny seeds produced crowding
- plants never formed buds or flowers
- small roots did not match the large canopy
- plants looked persistently unhealthy
- leafhoppers and a small beetle were found
- an outdoor transplant died from heat shock
*The days were calculated automatically and approximately.
Conversation
S
They do look crowded and a bit stressed. Maybe they need more space and light? Or maybe the nutrients are off. I wish I could help.
C
Might you have another machine you might move them to, one, two of all? Or, maybe see about moving one of them to the backyard, in ground? Or, count to 10 & give them more time?
M
I’m thinking about moving them outside, sanitizing the unit, and sticking it in the guest room to quarantine for a while before I put it in the room with the other AGs. It’s been in my kitchen this whole time, right next to the back door, and pretty sure I saw some bugs on the plants when I fed. But was in a hurry to get to work so didn’t look super close. That would account for the stress, on top of being pretty crowded in there. The plant I took out last time didn’t survive the shock of being moved outside into the heat, so I’ll actually acclimate these for a few nights before kicking them out.
C
Sounds like a well thought out plan!
M
Terminated the daisies today. They didn't even look healthy enough to bother planting in a pot, so just tossed them and sanitized the unit. It was fun to experiment with, but I'm glad to have that corner of the counter back!! I'll miss having it as a night-light in the kitchen, but it was kind of in the way no matter where I moved it to when I did my big meal-preps. Looking forward to having it back in the AG room once it's sat in the guest room for a while!! There where some teeny leaf-hoppers and a weird tiny brown beetle in the leaves, which it probably why they weren't super healthy.
C
oh, no. I was so looking forward to seeing them flower. Ah, well, onward!
S
maskedsonnet, sorry they didn't work out. Some flowers just don't do well in an Aerogarden. I have tried twice to grow violas, and they refused to do well. Hope your next project is a huge success.
S
Sorry it did not work out but looking forward to what you will grow next.
Day 70
UPDATE#8
Grower update
Update #8
Actions taken
PruningTrimmed the daisies, created more space, and removed dead leaves.
TransplantRemoved the weak rear pod and transplanted it into an outdoor pot.
TrainingMoved the middle pod toward the rear after removing the weak plant.
SolutionPerformed a rinse and refill in an attempt to improve plant health.
Tried to trim these up a little and give them some more space and take out dead leaves - took the rear pod out completely and moved the middle back, because the one in the rear looked kind of sad. Stuck it in a pot outside.Before:After:Also did a rinse and refill, maybe it'll help them perk up a bit? They don't look terribly healthy to me.
Conversation
S
They do not look that bad. Keep the water cool. When I grew mine I did the same. I moved pods around. How many seeds per pod? Did you thin them?
M
I never ended up thinning them... and the seeds were so teeny I'm not super sure how many seeds ended up in each pod. I think I managed to keep it to 3 or 4 per pod?
S
They do look better after thinning. There may still be too many plants in there for them all to thrive, do you think?
M
Could be! The roots where surprisingly small when I took the plants out of the deck for trimming, compared to how bushy the plants are. They may need a little more trimming/thinning out to get them to really thrive.
Day 64
UPDATE#7
Grower update
Update #7
Actions taken
NutrientsAdded another nutrient dose.
Nutrients added!! They're really bushing out!
Conversation
C
I'll say! If the greenery is any indication, they will be covered in daisies! Can't wait to see them!
S
Bushing out is an understatement. They are exploding!
S
Have you found the hidden buds in them?
M
No signs of buds yet, but I’m hoping soon!
C
Hmmmm...I'm wondering if "bloom" food might be called for, at this point? Sher, what do you think? Or does one wait to see buds and then feed them?
S
What kind of nutrients are you using, maskedsonnet?
M
I’m just using the AG nutrients
S
They are probably fine. I bet the lower light level of the Sprout just makes them take longer to flower. They look like they are getting plenty of nutrients.
M
Yeah I keep looking at it and thinking I should probably thin it out a bit, maybe being a little less crowded with leaves it’d start to bloom? This and the GAL is my first time growing flowers hydroponically, I’ve only ever done it in dirt, which never really required much care on my part.
C
Hmmm, for me, I think my experience is more the opposite? Many of the flowers I used to grow were grown in pots, so there was a great deal of care. Watering every evening. Searching out the pests in the beds. But, I did enjoy the "show" they gave!Of course, my BIG experience with flowers in the AGA, is a big one time. Just the Portulacas. They were easy and so pretty. And so available for viewing...LOL. I do want to grow flowers in the kitchen again...and soon! At least as soon as I'm thinking we'll be around more than gone campin'! Next trip, we're heading to East Oregon to help friends get their new RV. And do the "shake down" campout near to the dealer, in case there are things to be fixed before we all head back to the other side of the Cascades. But, as long as we are so far east, we may have to do a detour to visit friends in Idaho!!
Day 49
UPDATE#6
Grower update
Update #6
Actions taken
NutrientsAdded nutrients to the bushy daisy plants.
Added nutrients today. No sign of flowers yet, but these are bushing out very nicely!
Conversation
S
Yes, they are! They look great!
S
Soon you will find buds buried in there
Day 32
UPDATE#5
Grower update
Update #5
These are getting bushy!! I got so distracted with taking care of the ranch and then Aurora that I forgot to thin them
Conversation
S
They are growing so fast. And so full. Great daisy growing inspiration!
C
Wow! I'm super impressed!!! Can't wait to see the flowers!
Day 20
UPDATE#4
Grower update
Update #4
They got big while I was gone!!
Conversation
C
I'll say! They seem to be pretty fast growing flowers! Thanks for the picture!
S
Maybe I need to try and replant mine
Day 6
UPDATE#3
Grower update
Update #3
Back home and excited about the growth here!
Conversation
S
I'd say that is a whopping success so far!
S
Excellent.
C
Wow! Now that's exactly what is supposed to happen! Good job! Can't wait to watch the progress!
S
How are the daisies growing?
M
I had to come to the ranch (we have a lot of work to do up here, because family sucks sometimes ) so can't post a photo - they were going strong when I left though!! They had gotten big enough for me to take the covers off, and I will probably have to thin them out at some point. I'll be headed back home in a few days and will share a picture then!
C
Oh dear! Keeping good thoughts for you & I know you are a good worker. Looking forward to pictures & less stress too!
M
Ah well it's not so much stress as it is annoyance - I love the solitude here, and the physical labor is a wonderful change of pace from my desk job. But the unpleasant shock of finding several wires cut in a ceiling fan/light fixture and to a couple of the security cameras (creating multiple fire hazards), along with several things left very dirty or outright broken, is very annoying. My parents and I have already vowed to never attend another family gathering that the offending cousin will be at, because at least one of us will start a fight with him if we're ever in the same room again. We've also discovered that several things are missing that he "knows he left there, promise!!! Just don't remember where!". Some people, I swear. All that aside, I got to some spend time in the country, which I love and miss living in. And got some much-needed sunshine and exercise to boot!
A
Every family has at least one of those types.. I know we have more than one.. I have an air horn I keep on the table at family dinners to keep control.. it's like the squirt bottle for the cats..
S
maskedsonnet, sorry you had to deal with such a disgusting and dangerous mess. Payback day will come. As for loving the country, I also love it. I would never live in a city again unless I had no choice.
S
airscapes, I am trying to imagine that scene.
C
In our guestroom, I have a little trinket tray on one of the nightstands, it reads, "Friends are the Family that we Choose for Ourselves!" As we go thru life, we start to understand just how short a lifespan can be. Too short to spend too much of it with those or doing things we would rather not!? maskedsonnet, I'm glad that things could be fixed. I hope the missing items aren't too dear and/or can be replaced. Sher, oh my goodness! Why didn't I think of an airhorn? Or a squirt bottle!? That could have come in very handy.
A
They can not argue over an air horn. just the little ones you get for the ball game.. shuts everyone right up..
C
Ooops...too much driving and stressing today...thank you airscapes for the air horn suggestion! (But is was mostly good news at OHSU today!! Woo hoo!)
M
Ugh, same!! I grew up in the country (though the city has slowly started to grow towards my parents' place, much to their annoyance) and wish I never bought a house in town!! I genuinely thought that I hated the two other places I'd lived in before because they were rentals, and the neighbors in those neighborhoods were all very loud (part of it). But when I bought myself a house in a nice, quiet neighborhood full of people I pretty much never see or interact with, I realized I just hate living in a place with other people in view, no matter how seldom. I know how that probably sounds, but I just love how quiet and peaceful the country is. Every time I go home from here it takes me a couple weeks to re-adjust to neighborhood sounds. In a few years once I've built some more equity I'll sell the house I have now and buy myself some proper solitude!!I totally agree with that!! People always act like I'm insane when I confess to actively disliking and avoiding the majority of my family, but why waste time with folks you can't stand?! Mom and her sisters were trying to do something nice for a guy going through a rough divorce, and is the son of one of said sisters (who seems in permanent denial about any wrong-doing, even with photographic evidence). I protested very mildly because I've never particularly liked the guy and my brother has always been friendly with him, which always bodes ill in my mind (bro is also "one of those" family members). But I really only insisted on a written lease with firm boundaries written in, since I had nothing concrete for an outright "no". As for what went missing, we're all a little puzzled - he was at least smart enough to leave the jewelry and anything sentimental alone, but we can't find the drill battery, charging station, or bits (around $250 all told) even though the drill was still there, 3 Yeti brand cups ($20-$30 each), and an electric fence charger ($30). Weird things to make off with, not really high-dollar, not irreplaceable, but very irritating to everyone.I love that idea!!Good news is the best news!! Did you find out something good there?
S
Loved your thoughts, maskedsonnet, but am just too tired to comment properly toniight. Just wanted you to know I enjoyed it.
C
Ditto of the above...And, yes! Good news at OHSU! NOT the big C. Mouthwash and re-check every 6 months. Back to camping! Still have one more dental "procedure" but that should be a breeze, considering? So, time to par-tee!
S
Great news, campingcorgis!
C
I grew up in the city...but the city was less city, back then? LOL. When we decided to leave it, we said it just wasn't what it used to be. We had lettuce fields, at the end of the block, orange groves, less asphalt, more clouds...I could go on! Camping made us love the peace and quiet. Mikey said he wanted to live somewhere that he could throw a baseball and not hit a neighbors house. Not sure how/why he came up with that one...LOL. But, the area is growing so fast now! It is changing. Sigh. Don't be surprised if/when we announce a move! I think, those people that give us regrets are also the people that help us to appreciate those that never would?
Day 3
UPDATE#2
Grower update
Update #2
Signs of life in all three pods! Going to the ranch for a few days starting tomorrow, I'm already looking forward to coming home to see how they progress!
Conversation
C
Me too!!! Have fun...then send pictures of the progress!
S
Wonderful, maskedsonnet!
S
That's wonderful. The ones that germinated, are they inside or on the top of the pod? Enjoy the ranch!
M
Most of them are on top, but in that photo a seed had fallen inside the pod and it germinated too!
Day 1
UPDATE#1
Grower update
Update #1
Actions taken
PlantingSpread tiny light-requiring daisy seeds across the tops of three pods.
NutrientsAdded nutrients when planting the daisy seeds.
I lasted one whole week before moving the Sprout back into the kitchen to play with!! Saw a couple people mention not having luck with English Daisies, so I ordered some seeds from Outside Pride to see if I could make anything happen! I'd never actually seen English Daisies before, the photos made me very eager. So pretty! The packaging said that the seeds need light to germinate, so instead of putting the seeds in the pod holes, where it's probably too dark, I smeared seeds around the top of the pods. The seeds where TEENY, so no idea how many actually got put on each pod. A pinch of them Pre-soaked the pods so the seeds would have moisture and added nutrients and peroxide at planting.We shall see!!
Conversation
C
Good for you! And, fingers crossed they will germinate for you! I know the seeds are tiny!
C
You know, I wonder if you could grow a Pitcher Plant in your garden room? It likes bogs & such, so maybe it could be done in some hydroponic item or another? Of course, once its main source of food is gone, then what?
M
I'm not terribly familiar with carnivorous plants, but a little Googleing showed that some people have experimented with AG and Venus Fly Traps and Pitcher Plants. Unfortunately, all the posts I found were just the start-up and progress over maybe a month or so with no follow-up on what happened with the plants - if they were thriving, they died, or anything like that. And now I'm curious what people do with carnivorous plants when they don't have bugs in the house!! Go catch one outside for the plant?
C
I'm thinking they likely sell bugs at some store or another? Ugh!
M
LOVE that emoji!!!I was curious enough that I googled that too, fish flake food and freeze-dried blood worms seemed to be the popular choices. The more you know!!
S
maskedsonnet, I forget which flowers I planted that had seeds like dust. I sprinkled them around the edges of wet sponges and enough of them made it to fill a Harvest. campingcorgis, I actually bought sundew seeds from Etsy to grow plants to catch tiny bugs. But when the package arrived it said that the slightest trace of insecticide would kill them. So I never planted them. They are very slow growing. I was also looking at pitcher plants on Etsy this weekend. If I ever find a decently priced one locally, I will probably get it just to see what happens.
M
If you're ever wandering around a Lowes they often have little Fly Traps and Pitcher Plants for sale near their garden center! I've never noticed how much they cost there since I've never actually considered buying one, but they're always fun to pause and look at
C
Oooo, and I would want to follow that project & see the pictures!
S
I am interested in seeing what these do