2nd Farm 12XL (Cukes, Zebras) ENDED

[lynnee]

The Mini Munch cucumber is much happier since I sorted out the vines and removed some. It has quite a few little cukes coming along simultaneously, and it is producing new branches all over the place.

I'm going to pay close attention to those branches, to make sure that they don't overburden the plant.

The plant is also much happier with a pH at 6.0-6.5. For some reason, the cuke's pH goes up gradually even when I do nothing but add tap water of 7.0 pH.

[Sher]

Rising pH is a major problem with DWC systems, but I had not heard of it happening in AGs before.

At least you are aware of it now.

[lynnee]

The Mini Munch is producing better since I detangled the vines. There are little cukes developing in most of the areas with flowers--not just at the sides.

The vines are branching a lot at the top. Haven't decided what to do about this. Should I remove some or all of the growing tips on the branches to avoid a new tangle?

[airscapes]

Mar 17, 2022 13:30:52 GMT -5 lynnee said:

The Mini Munch cucumber is much happier since I sorted out the vines and removed some. It has quite a few little cukes coming along simultaneously, and it is producing new branches all over the place.

I'm going to pay close attention to those branches, to make sure that they don't overburden the plant.

The plant is also much happier with a pH at 6.0-6.5. For some reason, the cuke's pH goes up gradually even when I do nothing but add tap water of 7.0 pH.

The tap water raises the PH.  As the plant consumes nutrient it put waist matter into the water, this raises the pH.   The nice thing about the AG nutrient is it has buffers in it to help stabilize the pH.  With my setup I am constantly adjusting pH, as the formula I use  is a 3 or 4 part dry mix with no buffering.   With larger plants like this big vine and access to a meter, you should probably monitor it and make adjustments or R&R more often to support the large vine with lots of fruit load.  Just adding nutrient will add all nutrients that the product contains.  You really have no idea what of that mix the plant has depleted.  Adding more of everything can  end you up with too much of something it is not consuming.  This in turn can then prevent the plant from getting what it needs.  This fact is why it is recommended to R&R weekly or every other week at the most when reading articles about hydroponics not related to AG.  In the last 2 week, one of my plants has been growing like  a weed and the PH was up .20-.30 every day.  This was due to plants growth.  The other 2 plants had fairly stable pH this week as they are busy with fruit.

Since you are using AG Nutrient (I presume), another option might be to try mixing 1/2 strength nutrient to use when you water.  This will give the vine a little boots and will also lower the PH of the added water.   

[lynnee]

Thanks for the help, airscapes! This cucumber has been a real learning experience. The cukes are a hit in our household, so they are worth the effort.

[lynnee]

Day 113. Mini Munch cucumber project ended by accident today. There were a lot of unhealthy leaves and dried-up blossoms, so I was sorting out the vines and cleaning up the plant. Then I inadvertently cut off the largest healthy portion of the vine.

I should not be allowed to hold pruning shears without supervision!  At least I didn't cut any of the Aerogarden cords.  

I will be planting the Mini Munch again, because the little cucumbers are so tasty. I think that I will try it in a 24" garden next time, because it did most of its fruiting at the very top of the Farm XL. Next time I'll watch the pH more closely, and also pay attention to the way that the vine is branching.

For some reason, this cucumber has extremely dry leaves, and the leaves are usually edged in yellow as if it has some major nutrient deficiency. Even when it is fruiting, it usually looks like what is left in the fields at the beginning of winter!

[Shawn]

I am so sorry about your accident.  I have done the same thing in the past with my pepper plants so I know that feeling.

But look forward to you growing them again!.

[maskedsonnet]

Oh no!! Sorry that happened, I hope your next try with them goes better! I gotta say, the plant was a constant eye-sore when I grew it too, always lots of dried leaves and leaves with yellow edges in spite of producing well. I never test my water, but maybe you'll find the reason behind it on your next grow!