6/2021 Carpet of Snow Kratky jars GAL

[elainev]

Project: Kratky jars -- Alyssum "Carpet of Snow" fragrant annual 4-6" high and spreading up to 12"

I want to compare identical Kratky jars:

1. in the AeroGarden light

2. Outside light: about 5 hours afternoon sun

3. Inside window light: about 5 hours morning sun

For all jars, I'll follow the instructions that came with a Ball Growing Kit.

For topping-up and water changes, the kit said:

Begin jar with 2 cups nutrient
1. The first time solution is below 1/2 cup, fill with water to the 2-cup line.
2. Second time the solution is below 1/2 cup, fill with water to the 2-cup line.
3. Third time solution is below 1/2 cup, clean the jar and replace with 2 cups of fresh nutrient.
Repeat steps one through three for the life of the plant.

Jar make-up:

wick made of 1" torn t-shirt

clay grow pebbles in bottom 1/3 of basket

2/3 basket of perlite and biochar equal mix

bit of potting mix on the top to plant seed

Nutrient solution for all:
1 gallon water:
5 ml AG nutrient

[Shawn]

They should be nice.  Remember, do not plant until the 16th of June

[elainev]

Well, it's the 16th of June and I planted 9 Kratky jars yesterday. 3 of each growing type:

3 in AeroGarden side light,

3 in west sun outside

3 in east sun inside window

I want to see how fragrant the flowers are and if these jars would be ok to use in an eating/table arrangement.

I learned the flowers and leaves are edible! (Want a flower on your salad?) ha ha

Also learned that it readily self-sows to come back next year, so maybe at the end of my experiment, plant these outside.

I'm also wondering about faded/dropping blossoms. Is it going to be one big mess?

Which grows best? Which is acceptable?

Time will tell.

[Sher]

Looking forward to watching them grow!

[Shawn]

I too look forward to see how these grow.

[elainev]

Color me amazed. On 6/18/21 all three types are showing tiny plants with two micro leaves!

I'm mostly amazed at the 3 jars I had outside in extreme heat and about 6 hours of afternoon sun. I wondered if they would be burned to a crisp and never do anything. Heck, they sprouted the same day as my office window Kratky and the AG light Kratky. The water level in all three types of jars is about the same -- even the one outside. Now, to see what happens next.

[Sher]

That is surprising! Those little plants aure super achievers!

[Shawn]

That is wonderful news elainev.  Can't wait to see them as they grow

[Shawn]

Any updates to share?