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Post by serri588 on Apr 18, 2019 13:41:49 GMT -5
We've talked a few times on here about doing bulb-type plants in the AG's. I haven't found garlic starters at the local nurseries, so I'm trying some onions from seed. They are sprouting in a mix of dirt/sand that I've used before to start hydro bound plants. The sand part helps them release from the ground once they are big enough to transplant into grow grips. The plan is to try and get the bulb to sit on top with just the roots going down into the foam.  |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,267 
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Post by Shawn on Apr 18, 2019 16:56:39 GMT -5
Following
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Post by spideybry on Apr 19, 2019 10:16:02 GMT -5
This is an interesting experiment, I'd love to grow some garlic like this. Looking forward to seeing how this does.
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MaryL
AGA Farmer
Posts: 3,532
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Post by MaryL on Apr 19, 2019 18:36:24 GMT -5
Love your experiments!
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Post by serri588 on Apr 28, 2019 16:20:16 GMT -5
Transplant stage 1 today. Because the foam grow grips don't allow the water stream from the AG in, plants grown in them need to have a fairly long roots before they go in the cages. Some of the seedlings do but most do not. However, the sand doesn't have any nutrients for them and they need to eat. So, there is maybe 1ml of AG nutes in the tub along with the plants. I know I'll get algae but I can rinse the plants before they go in the AG cages. Many of them have the tiny little bulb down in the foam so the roots can reach the water. I'll also need to adjust that before they go in the AG. Hopefully since they now have food they won't need to stay in the tub very long.  |
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,267
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Post by Shawn on Apr 28, 2019 16:29:27 GMT -5
You are on your way.
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Post by thegrindre on Apr 30, 2019 7:22:38 GMT -5
Where did you get grow rips to fit an AeroGarden?
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Post by serri588 on Apr 30, 2019 7:26:27 GMT -5
These are the ones. They are a hair snug, but they do fit in the AG cages.
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Post by serri588 on Apr 30, 2019 7:26:49 GMT -5
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Post by thegrindre on Apr 30, 2019 8:07:42 GMT -5
Do you need all 100? LOLOL Would you sell me 10 if you don't? Thanks.
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Post by serri588 on Apr 30, 2019 8:12:56 GMT -5
Lol DM me your address and I'll send you a handful. They don't last forever but they are reusable.
The strategy I used here where I started my plants in sand and then transplanted the into the foam has been the most successful for me. You need the roots to grow long enough to reach the water since the pump won't help them.
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Post by serri588 on Apr 30, 2019 8:24:40 GMT -5
I have a couple plants that are ready to go into the AG so I popped them in this morning. This is what it looks like once you load them into the AG cages.  |
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Post by thegrindre on May 2, 2019 5:59:01 GMT -5
Got a question; First off, I cut up an old sponge then made some makeshift grow grips from that but didn't use the AG growing cups. I just popped the grow grip with the plant right in the hole. Why would you need the AG's planting cups when the grow grips seem to hold the plant in place quite well?
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Post by serri588 on May 2, 2019 7:03:31 GMT -5
The grow grips are just a hair too small for that- they wouldn't block the light from getting in to the bowl and there's a real danger of them falling in.
The cages are reusable, so it's not like I'm constantly having to buy them. I can throw a couple extra of those in too if you wanted.
I will say though that making your own is an interesting idea. I'd be interested to know how that works out. The only downside to using a standard sponge that I can see is that the open cell foam means the plant is likely to destroy it. If it works though, it's probably less expensive than the other sponge options.
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Post by thegrindre on May 2, 2019 23:06:39 GMT -5
I found some really cheapo plastic type sponges. That kind that doesn't soak up water worth a hoot. I then placed the AG top over the sponge then used a pen to make an ink circle then cut the sponge circle out a bit larger than the ink circle I drew. I then poked down the center to make the slit then opened up the slit all the way back on itself then cut a small piece off the very center to make that little hole. They came out quite well even If I do say so myself. LOL
They are a nice tight fit and was the reason I asked why. Only if you have any extra. Please don't short yourself on my sake. LOLOL
Thanks, Rick
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Post by thegrindre on May 2, 2019 23:16:07 GMT -5
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Post by serri588 on May 3, 2019 7:03:15 GMT -5
That's really neat. If you want some DM me- I have plenty.
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Post by thegrindre on May 20, 2019 0:14:23 GMT -5
Now that I've hijacked this thread beyond belief, can we get back on topic, please?
I'm so sorry. 
What's the latest on these onions?  |
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Post by serri588 on May 20, 2019 7:58:59 GMT -5
Lol. I had to tie them up- they basically only have one root going down into the water which wasn't enough to hold them upright. However, they are healthy and if I very, very carefully lift the lid, that one root is forming a decent structure down below. I think next time I'll try a different medium.   |
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Post by thegrindre on May 20, 2019 8:03:12 GMT -5
Very nice. I want to try red onions so I'm absorbing all I can from you. I love the things! |
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