Return to the Hydroponics Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
Ready To Go
| | |
Posted by frednumber3 9 (My Page) on Wed, Jan 7, 09 at 16:30
Don't want to be a pain, but just got finished making My dolly for My "mobile" raft system. Got a 25 gallon Rubbermaid tote, 9 oz. plastic cups. Will be planting bib lettuce. using 3/4" Styrofoam and will have 15 cups across 374" sq inches of surface. (22"/17") Air stone ready to oxygenate nutrients.
Questions:
1) Is 3/4" styrofoam enough to keep it afloat or should I double it to 1.5 inches. I'm worries that the cup won't have much left to suck up nutrients from holding res.(If I double it to 1.5 inches I will have 1" of cup in res.
2) Started lettuce in seed starting soil and have it them transplanted to the old nursery plastic six pack containers (they were washed, and rinsed down with some Hydrogen Peroxide), should I rinse the plants off of as much soil off as I can or just leave and surround them with the vermiculite/perlite mixture.
3) Should air pump , with stone, be left on 24/7?
4) Are We , with the Hydroponics, less likely to be attacked by pests and pathogens? I'm in Florida and it's crazy down here. Also, anyone hear from Norm34? He was very helpful and lives in Fl also.
That's it, Really like to Thank Everyone, I got to do this right.
Fred
|
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Ready To Go
| | |
I'll answer as best I can. Keep in mind, I haven't grown lettuce so take my answer as you will.
1)My instinct says 3/4" should be enough. if you want to go with 1.1/2", 1" into the reservior will be plenty. vermiculite is a notorious wick.
2)I think either way will probably work. Personally I'd give them a rinse as dirt is more likely to harbor molds and what not than perlite/vermiculite.
3)The air pump in a raft system should be left on 24/7
4)In my experience, I have less bugs than planting in the soil. Less quantity that is. I've actually seen a larger variety of bugs. my first and only experience with horn worms was last year on the tomatoes. Also remember that since you're growing on an elevated surface, it's easier to spot and destroy anything that may get on them. |
RE: Ready To Go
| | |
| Thank You Sir, Really appreciated, plants going in this afternoon. I'd post a pic when I figure out a way to downsize My photos, LOL. Sorry if I'm a pain. Fred |
RE: Ready To Go
| | |
| Hello, Just my $.02 worth; I start my lettuce seeds in Rapid Rooter, no need to transplant, rinse, clean off dirt. I put them directly in 3" net pots at the 3 week point I use clay pellets to hold them in place. It's very easy |
Here is a link that might be useful: 26 Day Old Lettuce
RE: Ready To Go
| | |
| On insects: I grow lots of lettuce. Get ready for aphids! They are brought in by ants, so if you already see ants, get rid of 'em! The aphids can be controlled spraying the plants with mild soapy water with chrysanthemum juice mixed in. It won't hurt the taste of the lettuce, but it will kill the aphids. Check with your local hydro store, they probably sell a product like this in their inventory. |
|
|
|
|
