Evelyn’s Twigs, Thyme and Stranger Things Gardens: Hydroponics Progress November 24, 2024

Evelyn’s Twigs, Thyme and Stranger Things Garden journal entry 11.24.2024

To my amazement most of the plants I want to grow in my hydroponic systems are now rooted and growing well. There is one drawback in my three tier system, and that is it has also grown some algae. The experts say: To remove algae from a hydroponic system, the most effective method is to add a diluted solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide (around 1 teaspoon per gallon of water) to the nutrient solution, as this kills algae without significantly harming the plants; ensure to monitor your plants closely and avoid overdosing; additionally, preventing excessive light exposure to the reservoir and regularly cleaning the system are crucial for algae control.

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Key points about using hydrogen peroxide for algae removal:

• Dilution is key:

Always dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water before adding it to your hydroponic system.

• Application frequency:

You can add a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to your system every few days, or as needed, depending on the algae growth.

• Monitoring is important:

Keep an eye on your plants after adding hydrogen peroxide to ensure no negative effects on root development

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I have a one gallon plastic container with a pour spout and a lid that I want to use. To do so, I bought some slotted grow pots to fit it. I bought the container for another reason that didn’t work out, so I am going to try the method of putting water in the container with a aerator to circulate the water, some nutrients to feed the plant, and, of course my second Patio Baby Eggplant seedling. Then place it under regular grow lights.

Because these baby eggplants grow to become 18-22 inches wide, 16-20 inches tall with fruit up to three inches in size, separating them will insure better growth. The remaining baby eggplant will stay and grow in the small hydroponic system.

During the short time I have owned my systems I noticed that not all hydroponic systems are equal. Meaning, the grow rate and size of three out of the four tiny Tim tomatoes, which were all seeded on 10/26/2024 in my medium size systems have grown strong and taller, than the fourth one that I transferred to the three tier system. Although all of the plants are strong and have healthy roots, the rate of growth of the tomato plant in the bigger three tier hydroponic system is slower and its height shorter than its brethren.

The same is true of the germination rate of the mini sweet peppers. I first seeded them on the 12th in the three tier system, but they sprouted last Friday, the 22th. While the additional seeds I planted on 18th had sprouted within five days (Friday, the 22th) of being in the medium hydroponic systems. That is a five day difference in the germination rate of the two systems. This is why when the time come I will germinate some seeds in the medium hydroponic systems for indoor and outdoor use next spring.

On a more positive note. Some of my lettuce seeds have sprouted, as well as my alpine red strawberry seeds and Spearmint seeds.

Here is a list of plants growing and thriving in my hydroponic systems:

Patio Baby Eggplant
Alpine Red Strawberry
Tiny Tim Tomato
Lemon Thyme
Common Thyme
Spearmint
Tangerine Dream Sweet Pepper
Salad Bowl leaf lettuce

I have other seeds planted; however they have not sprouted yet. The photos below are of the Angel Wing Begonia that I successfully propagated in one of the medium hydroponic systems.