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Post by turbosl2 on Mar 1, 2023 20:28:43 GMT -5
So far it looks like my lettuce is starting to take a turn for the worst. I keep it watered and fertilized in schedule with the AeroGarden fertilizer. Leaves anre crispy brown at the edges. Not sure hot to post a pic. Advice.
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Post by scarfguy on Mar 1, 2023 21:40:37 GMT -5
Lettuce tip-burn is common with hydroponics.
This article, although a little advanced, has a lot of good information for understanding the problem.
Usually the problem can be improved with the addition of the Cal-Mag suppliment to increase the calcium which is important in the transport of water. Additionally, the problem occurs as a result of the fast growth rate in an aerogarden. Some have suggested that moving the light a little further away to slow down the growth rate can also be beneficial. I have no first hand experience with that however.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,265 
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Post by Shawn on Mar 2, 2023 3:38:35 GMT -5
A few things to consider. Lettuce like cold water so dip a finger in and if it is hot or warm throw some ice ices in the water. Also make sure the lights are not too close. Lastly, I personally have found that lettuce does not need as much as the nutrient amount that AG states. I usually put in only half the amount and if needed up a little every two weeks.
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judib
AGA Sprout
Posts: 113
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Post by judib on Apr 3, 2023 16:50:34 GMT -5
I sort of do all of the above suggestions, less fert, higher light, sometimes a fan.. Cool water in the summer is helpful, just throw an ice cube in every once in a while. I don't do the CalMag on lettuce, only in tomatos and peppers, but maybe that would help too. Maybe lettuce type could be part of it, I find that romaine is better suited to the gardens and to my love of crisp lettuce too. Johhnys seeds has some really great hydroponic type seed, I love the Monte Carlo pelleted seed, I also use Truchas, Dragoon and Chicaritas as my mainstays.
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Post by scarfguy on Apr 3, 2023 17:24:25 GMT -5
I've actually given up on lettuce cause of the brown tips issue. Romaine seems to be the crispy-est but AG lettuce in general has been disappointing for me.
I had good luck with some other greens. You might try arugula, mizuna, or tatsoi.
Mizuna, in particular, grows like a weed in an AG.
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Post by lynnee on Apr 3, 2023 21:03:03 GMT -5
My lettuce only gets brown edges on the largest, oldest, outer leaves. If I harvest the lettuce while it's young, I never see the problem at all. The leaf tips do get brown if they grow up too close to the lights. My lettuce always tastes fresh--it isn't crisp like a head of retail iceberg lettuce or retail Romaine, but it isn't tough, limp, or watery, either. It makes great sandwich filler and salads. I sometimes use leaves with brown tips. I just tear or cut the brown areas off. The older the lettuce, the more brown tips I see. My lettuce does taste a little bitter when it bolts. When that happens, I harvest the whole lettuce plant, discard the center flowering part, and use the leaves that grew before the flowering.  |
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judib
AGA Sprout
Posts: 113
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Post by judib on Apr 4, 2023 15:58:12 GMT -5
I've actually given up on lettuce cause of the brown tips issue. Romaine seems to be the crispy-est but AG lettuce in general has been disappointing for me.
I had good luck with some other greens. You might try arugula, mizuna, or tatsoi.
Mizuna, in particular, grows like a weed in an AG.
You should give Monte Carlo from Johhnys seeds a try, they never brown tip for me and are good and crisp. |
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