Heirloom Tomatoes in Rockwool - My first setup

[andydassel]

Hi,

Thank you for your comprehensive answer. To answer your questions, I am using the Flora Series. And I am following the instructions from the charts. (Metric Chart). Although I did add a tiny amount more in equal parts to adjust towards the recommended EC values. I first had 0.8 and tried to get it to 1.2. The problem is that I can't determine the actual nutrient mix with my EC meter. I am at 1 right now (1066 micro siemens)

You are right about the clingfilm, I was initially worried that there was too much drainage going on so I wrapped it in cling film and poked some holes in it. I was looking to put it in a slab soon but I am waiting til my pH meter arrives from Amazon so I can adjust the slab ph when I soak it.

The roots are really digging through right now and some are coming out the top already.

About the sun, they do get direct light from 8 to 12 and diffused light from there on out. But I already built a Greenhouse shelf that I will put on wheels so I can move them once a day around the house so that they get the full dose of sunlight (12 hours).

Admittedly I am not a master carpenter, but I put another smaller tomato plant in my greenhouse shelf to see how it holds up with the temperature changes and the insects outside.

Concerning the rockwool I do like it practicality and the price is really cheap here too, but I want to try and go with a dutch bucket system and perlite (as I saw with mhpgardener) the next time. Unfortunately its harder to get the cocochips here that you mentioned.

I will cut out the cling film and see if the plants uncurl.

As for my competition, I have already surpassed my friends plants in terms of size. Now I hope to get some fruit setting soon !

Would you recommend that I prune the plants some more ? They are indeterminate varieties.

Best,
Andy

[Stan]

Your plants look very good right now. Make sure your rockwool is not sitting in water as GpsFrontier has stated.

I never had any problems using rockwool. I start off my all my Heirloom and regular tomatoes in small rockwool cubes. I then put a small layer of hydroton at the bottom of all the net pots, place the rockwool cubes in and fill it up with hydroton. Maybe because I'm growing aeroponically 15minutes on and 45 minutes off is the reason why. So far every year I've had tons of tomatoes including some that were very big with the Heirlooms.

Here's 2 pics of my Heirlooms.

[andydassel]

Hey Stan,

You're tomatoes look really good, I hope to get there also in some time.

I also see that you have your setup outside. I am kind of apprehensive of this since there are more temperature changes and insects , but I have put some outside now to try it out now.

Are your plants getting the full cycle of light or are they in the shadow part of the day ?

Are you also using the Flora Series for nutes ? I am wondering what a better recipe is for the tomatoes then what it says on the GH website.

Best,

Andy

[Stan]

Andy, my plants get around 10 hours of direct sunlight per day and the rest in shade. I've been growing aeroponically in the same spot for the past 4 years and have had very good success with tomatoes every year. Temp changes never seem to bother my plants. I've had almost a full month last year with temps in the 90's. I keep an eye on my reservoir temps that stay between 65 - 80 degrees depending on weather. If reservoir temps go above 80 degrees I put 2 frozen gallons of water in it to keep temp down. So far this year I haven't had to do so.

The only bugs I see around the tomato plants are usually ones that are pollinating the flowers. Never had problems with ants or any other types of bugs that might effect the plants.

I've been using Verti Grow nutes the last 3 years.
http://vertigro.com/images/products/...ls/FCombo.jpeg
The first 2 years I added nutes as directed. This year I have cut the amount of nutes in half and haven't noticed any changes at all. Will see what happens when the Heirlooms tomatoes start to get real big. Last year I had multiple 2+lb tomatoes hopefully will get the same this year.

I have never used the Flora Series of nutes. Just keep an eye on your plants in case of any changes. If the plants start looking unhealthy add more nutes. Check the PH regularly.

[andydassel]

Hey,

Thanks for the advice! I am glad to hear that you have a good yield on your plants.

I have recently noticed a problem with some of my older leaves, they have developed a yellow hue with green veins and are curling slightly upward. I have attached an image. I'm thinking it may be Iron or Magnesium Deficiency.


Best,

Andreas
SCHLAAAND

[Stan]

My guess it might be a Potassium/Calcium deficiency but not 100% sure without being able to actually see the full plant. I know my tomatoes usually need extra Potassium/calcium as the fruits start to grow.

[andydassel]

I was suspecting that calcium issues might come up now since first flowers have started growing. Thank you for your help!

[Moride]

Originally Posted by Stan

Your plants look very good right now. Make sure your rockwool is not sitting in water as GpsFrontier has stated.

I never had any problems using rockwool. I start off my all my Heirloom and regular tomatoes in small rockwool cubes. I then put a small layer of hydroton at the bottom of all the net pots, place the rockwool cubes in and fill it up with hydroton. Maybe from the rad 140 sarms website because I'm growing aeroponically 15minutes on and 45 minutes off is the reason why. So far every year I've had tons of tomatoes including some that were very big with the Heirlooms.

Here's 2 pics of my Heirlooms.

You're tomatoes look really good, I hope to get there also in some time.

[Stan]

Originally Posted by Moride

You're tomatoes look really good, I hope to get there also in some time.

Thanks! I’ve had some incredible tomato yields over the years. Once you get the first hydroponic grow under your belt it gets easier and easier for you.