Happy Holidays, Everyone!
It has been a while since my last post, so today I wanted to upload the process of the California wonder bell peppers that I seeded on September the fifth. As you can see from photo below, the pepper is green and half the size store bought bell peppers, and not the large dark red stuffing size. This only meaning they still growing and will turn red when they reach full size.
The greens that I planted in my tower hydroponic systems are growing well. Who knew that you could grow collard, mustard and turnip greens indoors and in a hydroponic system? Anyway, I have run across an invader - green algae. Somehow too much light has gotten into the tower and allowed the green algae grow. My only guess is that sitting in the sunroom with all the other plant surrounding it for the potted plant, the rays of those grow lights are able to penetrate the pod openings in tower system giving the green algae a home.
Before pictures
The after pictures will come later this week, and after I have moved the system into the house.
In any case, the solution to getting rid of the algae is simple.
To clean green algae from a hydroponic tower, first, remove plants and drain the system, then manually scrub components with hot soapy water and a brush, followed by a sterilization rinse with diluted hydrogen peroxide (3% H₂O₂, about 3ml per gallon of water) or a vinegar solution, running it through the system to kill spores, and finally, rinse thoroughly with fresh water, blocking light from the reservoir to prevent regrowth, -- Google AI
I also plan to add a air stone, like in a fish aquarium. The benefits of having an air stone in a hydroponic tower system:
Adding an air stone to a hydroponic tower system provides crucial oxygen to roots for better nutrient absorption, promotes healthy root development, prevents root rot, and fights pathogens, leading to faster growth and higher yields by ensuring roots can breathe and thrive in the nutrient solution, even in systems with less direct air exposure like towers. -- Google AI
I hope this article is helpful to others that want to try growing vegetables in tower hydroponic systems.
Until next time,
Merry Christmas to All!
A Widescreen Online Review Plus Article@2025