When to move rockwool seedlings to dutch buckets

[Stan]

Have you checked to see if the 360 degree sprayers are working correctly? If not use a toothpick to clear them out. If sprayers are fine increase the time the sprayers are on maybe 45 seconds to a minute. Change water in the bucket every 2 weeks. Only give plants 1/4 dose of nutrients.

[gdgdad]

Stan, Installed an aquarium heater today (nights getting cooler) and I noticed one of the plants has some “whiteish” spots, almost like a blemish – see pics. Hard to believe it could be bugs – halfway through November – but I am in Florida…. Overall plants are doing well, tallest is 9”, the rest easily 7”, all seem full and dark green, stems are getting fat – I believe I might be near Dutch bucket time. Some roots are long, but there’s not a thick batch of roots like I’ve seen shown on some on-line aeroponic cloner videos. My roots are sort of like 4 or 5 inch “scragglers” per net cup. On the white spot, hopefully I don’t have to introduce an insecticide, but I do have some Spectracide malathion for vegetables unless you have better suggestions. Thanks!

[Stan]

Use Neem oil or you can make your own mixture 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of dawn soap then fill the rest of spray bottle with water. Spray under side of leaves. Plants look to be ready to transplant to Dutch bucket.

[gdgdad]

Stan, moved 4 of the plants from the cloner into the Dutch bucket system today. Turned out to be a bigger project then I envisioned. Just balancing the PH in the 14 gal reservoir was a challenge. Based on return line flow, pump’s pushing ~ 42 gph, so after each PH down I added, I had to wait about 20 minutes to account for water in the buckets before re-testing. Finally got the PH to 5.9, and I’m running nutrients at ¼ strength. Anyway, the flow works out to ~10 gph per bucket, each has dual feeds. On the timer, I’ve set it for 15min off / 5 min on - too much? Daytime temps have been in the middle to upper 70’s, night time upper 40’s low 50’s, but garage rarely gets below 60 and I have an aquarium heater and aerator running 24/7. You can see in the pics the setup is in the garage at the door (facing south). I’ve read during this transition they don’t want a lot of sun/light – if you feel differently, please advise. I know there will be some type of reaction to the move, but not sure what to expect. Lastly, purchased and applied the neem, and will re-apply in a week. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or tips – in the meantime “fingers crossed”.

[Stan]

You’re using perlite correct? Did you give the perlite and complete drenching of fresh water before putting the plants in? Reason being fresh perlite is very dusty it needs to be flushed throughly. Most likely reaso for fluctuation with ph.

Put plants in full sun if only in the 70’s. 15 off 5 on is ok you can lower it down to 2 minutes on if you can but start with 5 minutes for now. It will take 9 - 14 days for you to see some growth as the plants need to adjust to new enviorement. They will skyrocket after that. That’s when you go to 3/4 nutrients.

[gdgdad]

Stan, 4 days since the move and plants appear OK (see pics). Applied another dose of Neem, seen white area but may have been the original one. Since the day I moved them we’ve had incredibly high winds, even in the garage I had to close the door ¾’s the way. Tonight and tomorrow exceptionally cold but garage will stay above 60F, and the reservoir has an aquarium heater. Adjusted timer (today) to 15m off – 2m on per your advice, I’ve also added a couple standard 4’ fluorescent bench lights to (hopefully) supplement the lack of sun light. Seems the PH is finally stabilizing, did not have to add as much PH down to get it back to 5.9. Question on epson salts – you mentioned a while back adding some, you have a recommended amount per gallon? Lastly, in a previous post you mentioned you had some tomato seeds from your plants that produced 3 lb. fruit. If they’re still available I’d like ask for some – if this goes well (and I’m optimistic) I want to start another bank of Dutch buckets in time for spring. Please let me know and thanks again for all your help!

[Stan]

PM me your mailing address I’ll send some down to you along some other tomato plants that did well with Dutch bucket grows.

As for epsom salt I only add a maybe 3 tablespoons once a month when I see tomatoes starting to form. Just make sure it’s pure epsom salt and not the type that has other things added to it like boutique epsom salt.

[2Easy]

Thanks, my plants are looking good and healthy.