nimue
AGA Sprout
Posts: 8
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Post by nimue on Mar 9, 2022 8:49:33 GMT -5
Hi All... first time Aerogarden-er here. Wondering how much of a mess I have created  I bought the Harvest Elite with the intention of using it to start seeds for my container gardens later next month. I figured, since I had a little time, I would throw some lettuce into the "Grow Anything" kit and see if I could get a feel for how this thing worked... no real loss if I screwed up a couple of Little Gem seeds. Well, it turns out that the Grow Anything kit came with only French instructions, and I was excited to get started and I figured "how hard could this be?" so I set about planting - and since I was growing six of the same, I didn't bother with the labels. Whoops. (In my defense, there is a small note in the Quick Startup Guide that literally just says "keep seed pod labels on" but I never really questioned why). It's day 12 and things are progressing nicely, but I now know that I've set myself up for an algae problem. What should I be looking for? I plan to fully empty the tank, clean and replace at the 14 day mark. This lettuce is only going to be about 5 weeks old when it gets mowed down and the deck gets swapped out for the seed starter kit (which, I've noticed, also doesn't come with labels...). What does an algae issue look like? Is there anything I can do at this point to reduce the likelihood? |
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airscapes
AGA Bounty
Lettuce eat Cake!
Posts: 642
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Post by airscapes on Mar 9, 2022 8:57:20 GMT -5
Algae is green. You can cut some black paper so it is larger than the pod, cut a hole in the center if the seedlings are small enough to fit though the hole, just drop it on. If they won't pass through the a hole that is about 5/8 in diameter cut a U shape and slide it on. It is not the end of the world. The bigger issue may be that much lettuce in one machine.. the root can go a bit nuts..
Good luck you will be fine!
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266 
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Post by Shawn on Mar 9, 2022 10:18:13 GMT -5
Hello and welcome to the forum nimue!
One of the wonderful things about Aerogardening is that you can always start a new no matter the time of year or day. You can always make pod covers yourself but cutting a circle of cardboard or something and making a hole in the center. However I would cover with foil as the paper can get wet. But there are many things one can use to make them. (Tip, if any kits come with the labels that are easily removed and not the sticker ones I save and reuse them all the time). There is also a great post about the Nutrients and Green Algae debate. Many of us here find that if you do not add nutrients until the seeds germinate and are over he label then the algae problem does not happen.
Algae is green and can be slimy. It can form inside the bowl walls, outside on the sponge top and even in the small crevice around the decks. It will not kill plants unless there is so much to cover them. There are a few ways to stop or discourage. One, not adding nutes to the garden until you see life above the label. second, if you see the green stuff, carefully using a qtip dipped in peroxide, gently, not touching the plants dab it off. Lastly, some add a teaspoon or more depending on machine to the water.
Day 12 and no algae yet, you may not get any at all.
Let me ask a few questions... What machine are you using? What color is the deck, did you add nutrient and what is the temp of the water to touch?
You can find a wealth of information here on the forum to aid you in your gardens growing big and strong!
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nimue
AGA Sprout
Posts: 8
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Post by nimue on Mar 9, 2022 12:52:27 GMT -5
Let me ask a few questions... What machine are you using? What color is the deck, did you add nutrient and what is the temp of the water to touch?
I have a Harvest Elite... nothing too fancy. Just dipping my toe in, really! The deck is a light grey, and the water is a balmy 26c (79 F). I did add nutrients, as per the instructions... I did manage to follow some of them  No signs of algae yet and I'm keeping a close eye. I'll probably have a go at some paper covers and get some decent rubber ones from Etsy for when see-starting season is over. We're in Zone 5 so I have a couple of months at least. Thanks all! |
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campingcorgis
AGA Farmer
🌴 I wet my plants. :-) 🌴
Posts: 3,114
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Post by campingcorgis on Mar 9, 2022 13:21:43 GMT -5
Let me ask a few questions... What machine are you using? What color is the deck, did you add nutrient and what is the temp of the water to touch?
I have a Harvest Elite... nothing too fancy. Just dipping my toe in, really! The deck is a light grey, and the water is a balmy 26c (79 F). I did add nutrients, as per the instructions... I did manage to follow some of them  No signs of algae yet and I'm keeping a close eye. I'll probably have a go at some paper covers and get some decent rubber ones from Etsy for when see-starting season is over. We're in Zone 5 so I have a couple of months at least. Thanks all! I love the Harvest Elite! I have a couple of them. Since you are doing seed starting, do you have the Seed Starter Tray? I ask because the holes are smaller, so the Space covers (& labels) are not used with that tray. (I love, love, love the Seed Starters...of course, that and a buck-fifty will get you a cup of coffee?  ) 79 does sound a tad warm. Is your room that warm? I just checked my Harvest Elite and the water temp is exactly the same as my room...71 degrees there under the light...70 where I'm sitting. Of course, if it is working for you there's nothing to fix!? And, welcome to AGA!  |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Mar 9, 2022 13:57:49 GMT -5
Add Ice Cubes to the water. Herbs and greens love cool/cold water. peppers and tomatoes prefer warm or room
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nimue
AGA Sprout
Posts: 8
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Post by nimue on Mar 9, 2022 14:31:48 GMT -5
I was surprised it was that warm, the room is more like 71-72. I will toss in a few cubes and see how it goes  I do have the seed starter tray, that was my primary reason for finally biting the bullet and investing. I'm tired of not finding what I really want at garden centres the last few years. I used to start my own seeds under grow lights that i screwed into my dining room fixture  but it's clumsy and takes over the dining room for 8-12 weeks. |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Mar 9, 2022 14:42:45 GMT -5
I have such a black thumb, well had one. Outside is still very dicey for me LOL. Inside however it has turned green thanks to AG's.
You may just find that you like it so much that you will want to grow other things at all times in the house |
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campingcorgis
AGA Farmer
🌴 I wet my plants. :-) 🌴
Posts: 3,114
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Post by campingcorgis on Mar 9, 2022 15:22:21 GMT -5
I was surprised it was that warm, the room is more like 71-72. I will toss in a few cubes and see how it goes  I do have the seed starter tray, that was my primary reason for finally biting the bullet and investing. I'm tired of not finding what I really want at garden centres the last few years. I used to start my own seeds under grow lights that i screwed into my dining room fixture  but it's clumsy and takes over the dining room for 8-12 weeks. I agree with Shawn, ice cubes are great for cooling the AG down...and something that lettuce particularly enjoys. I toss cubes in the lettuce garden each evening. 8 to 12 weeks! Is it that it takes that long for the seedlings to be ready? I think you'll find the AG is quicker! I've been meaning to create a post about the seeds starters...so this thread is timely!  |
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campingcorgis
AGA Farmer
🌴 I wet my plants. :-) 🌴
Posts: 3,114
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Post by campingcorgis on Mar 9, 2022 15:31:00 GMT -5
P.S. Where is the unit located? Maybe post a picture, if you can? I'm wondering if there is an environmental reason for the higher temp???  |
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Mar 9, 2022 22:13:02 GMT -5
I once had a unit near a window where the sun warmed up the water and caused root rot.
I thought I'd throw that out in case your machine is exposed to sunlight.
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nimue
AGA Sprout
Posts: 8
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Post by nimue on Mar 10, 2022 7:26:24 GMT -5
8 to 12 weeks! Is it that it takes that long for the seedlings to be ready? I think you'll find the AG is quicker! I've been meaning to create a post about the seeds starters...so this thread is timely!  It can be done quicker but I'm in Canada and our spring weather is unpredictable, so you usually want your seedlings to be a lot hardier when they go outside Our last "official" frost date is late April but it's nearly always actually late May, so if you start seeds in late February/early March and you allow a couple weeks for hardening off, you're good to go by planting time 4-5 weeks from seeds to transplant is basically what pushed me over the edge to finally purchase the Aerogarden |
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nimue
AGA Sprout
Posts: 8
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Post by nimue on Mar 10, 2022 7:28:36 GMT -5
I once had a unit near a window where the sun warmed up the water and caused root rot.
I thought I'd throw that out in case your machine is exposed to sunlight.
It is near-ish a window, but shouldn't (in theory) be getting any sunlight... hm. I'll experiment. Thanks for the idea! |
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Post by belugaleuca on Apr 2, 2022 18:19:21 GMT -5
79 does sound a tad warm. Is your room that warm? I just checked my Harvest Elite and the water temp is exactly the same as my room...71 degrees there under the light...70 where I'm sitting. Of course, if it is working for you there's nothing to fix!? And, welcome to AGA! Wow your harvest is the same as room temperature! What kind of situation is it in - is it out in the open? I have my two Harvest Elites on the kitchen counter (not near windows, but maybe less airflow as they're in the corner) and the water temperature is consistently warmer than the regular room temperature once the lights turn on. |
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campingcorgis
AGA Farmer
🌴 I wet my plants. :-) 🌴
Posts: 3,114
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Post by campingcorgis on Apr 3, 2022 10:35:03 GMT -5
79 does sound a tad warm. Is your room that warm? I just checked my Harvest Elite and the water temp is exactly the same as my room...71 degrees there under the light...70 where I'm sitting. Of course, if it is working for you there's nothing to fix!? And, welcome to AGA! Wow your harvest is the same as room temperature! What kind of situation is it in - is it out in the open? I have my two Harvest Elites on the kitchen counter (not near windows, but maybe less airflow as they're in the corner) and the water temperature is consistently warmer than the regular room temperature once the lights turn on. Mine are (were) in the kitchen too. Tucked into a cabinet too. Not a lot of airflow, but the kitchen is part of the greatroom, so it is a larger space maybe? |
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Post by belugaleuca on Apr 3, 2022 15:31:28 GMT -5
campingcorgis Wow your harvest is the same as room temperature! What kind of situation is it in - is it out in the open? I have my two Harvest Elites on the kitchen counter (not near windows, but maybe less airflow as they're in the corner) and the water temperature is consistently warmer than the regular room temperature once the lights turn on. Mine are (were) in the kitchen too. Tucked into a cabinet too. Not a lot of airflow, but the kitchen is part of the greatroom, so it is a larger space maybe? Maybe - Also were your plants large when you measured the temp? I'm starting to also think that having plants in there shades the deck and helps with cooling (via transpiration) so maybe temperatures will be more stable as the plants grow. |
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campingcorgis
AGA Farmer
🌴 I wet my plants. :-) 🌴
Posts: 3,114
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Post by campingcorgis on Apr 3, 2022 15:36:31 GMT -5
Mine are (were) in the kitchen too. Tucked into a cabinet too. Not a lot of airflow, but the kitchen is part of the greatroom, so it is a larger space maybe? Maybe - Also were your plants large when you measured the temp? I'm starting to also think that having plants in there shades the deck and helps with cooling (via transpiration) so maybe temperatures will be more stable as the plants grow. Hmmm...big, I guess, but not really shading the deck too much...this picture is one I posted with the same date as my comment above...  |
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Post by belugaleuca on Apr 3, 2022 15:45:29 GMT -5
Hmmm...big, I guess, but not really shading the deck too much...this picture is one I posted with the same date as my comment above... Interesting!! Thank you for sharing  |
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campingcorgis
AGA Farmer
🌴 I wet my plants. :-) 🌴
Posts: 3,114
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Post by campingcorgis on Apr 3, 2022 16:30:39 GMT -5
Hmmm...big, I guess, but not really shading the deck too much...this picture is one I posted with the same date as my comment above... Interesting!! Thank you for sharing  You know, I just remembered when I was having some issues with temps ON the decks of my new Farms. See This Thread. As it goes on, I did start checking the water temps too. I ended up putting a fan on a timer and that seems to keep the room at a good temperature. At least the gardens seem to produce well for me!?  |
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Post by belugaleuca on Apr 3, 2022 18:33:23 GMT -5
Interesting!! Thank you for sharing You know, I just remembered when I was having some issues with temps ON the decks of my new Farms. See This Thread. As it goes on, I did start checking the water temps too. I ended up putting a fan on a timer and that seems to keep the room at a good temperature. At least the gardens seem to produce well for me!?  A fan sounds like a great idea! I think that warm air collects around my harvests too during the day so I should give it a try, especially since it worked so well for you. |
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but it's clumsy and takes over the dining room for 8-12 weeks. 
but it's clumsy and takes over the dining room for 8-12 weeks. 
