Fertilizer injectors are devices that help make greenhouse growing easy by doing the work for you to ensure your plants get all of the nutrients or pesticides they need. However, it’s critical for farmers to ensure that they maintain their fertilizer injectors or else it can lead to inaccurate injections for your plants. If this happens, it can lead to lower quality in your plant life. This article will discuss a few ways you can uphold fertilizer injector maintenance with greenhouse growing. Determine when is the best time to perform fertilizer injector maintenance Most growers will schedule their fertilizer injector maintenance closer to the end of a growing season. This is usually the best time to perform maintenance because it’ll happen more frequently and will ensure top quality of life for your plants. You should also make sure to date when you replace the seal on your fertilizer injectors so you can know when to replace them again if you don’t decide to do maintenance at the end of every season. Clean your fertilizer injectors When it’s time for maintenance, make sure to deeply clean your fertilizer injectors because there could be a buildup of debris or algae. Before putting on new parts or seals for your injectors, make sure to soak the injectors in a solution that will clean it from any excess buildup, so it’ll be good for use afterwards. Check with the injector’s manufacturer to see if they have any specific recommendations on how to clean their product. Check on your pre-filters Many growers throw out their pre-filters for their injectors because they get clogged up or messy. However, the pre-filters protect your injectors from unwanted debris. When it comes time for maintenance, make sure to soak your pre-filter with your injector parts and it will clean up any excess debris. Use an EC and calibrator An EC and calibrator tells you how much fertilizer is being injected in your plants. Make sure to use this often (around once a week), so you can get better insight into how much fertilizer is being injected in your greenhouse growing plant systems. If your injector is consistently getting off ratings, then it could be a sign that your seal needs to be replaced. If you don’t use an EC calibrator, then you can expect to change your seal around once a year. Keep track of how old your fertilizer injectors are Fertilizer injectors can last up to ten years as long as you provide consistent maintenance. Make sure to keep track of their years of usage so you can know when to start using new fertilizer injectors around the 7-to-10-year mark. This way you can ensure that your greenhouse growing systems are always getting the correct amount of fertilizer needed for quality plant life. Fertilizer injector maintenance is easy to keep track of as long as you pay attention to your injectors and do consistent cleanings. If you want to learn more about greenhouse growing or innovative farming methods, subscribe to our weekly blog articles. You can also sign up for our weekly microgreens class or listen to our new podcast called Polygreens where Joe Swartz from AmHydro and Nick Greens bring agriculture and technology together in educational episodes. #fertilizerinjectors #hydroponicfertilizer #hydroponicsfertilizer #hydroponicmaintenance #hydroponicsmaintenance #hydroponicfarming #hydroponicsfarming #hydroponicgrowing #hydroponicsgrowing

Hydroponics is a farming method that doesn’t require soil to grow plants or foods. Soil is not used in this form of farming. Other hydroponic growing mediums are used instead. This article is going to cover the five best hydroponic growing mediums to use for your garden. Perlite Perlite is a volcanic rock that is exposed to high heat to turn it into a lightweight, porous medium. You can mix perlite in with other mediums or use it on its own. This porous medium is well known for its high water retention ability, and it is effective at retaining oxygen due to its porousness. The downside to perlite is that it is lightweight, which can cause it to float in high water settings like with ebb-and-flow systems. It’s better to use perlite in hydroponic systems with draining systems. Coco Coir Coco coir is one of the hydroponic growing mediums that has become more popular to use. Coco coir is grounded coconut husks and is a reusable medium, which helps create less waste. This medium effectively retains water to help hydrate your plants and is a great medium for beginners since it looks like soil. However, it isn’t soil and still requires nutrients and a controlled pH level. Clay Pellets Clay pellets are another popular hydroponic growing medium because of its porous material. A benefit of using clay pellets is that they are pH neutral, and they quickly soak up excess moisture. Clay pellets are reusable as long as you clean them between every growth cycle. It’s best to use clay pellets when you’re having issues with draining, but be careful clay pellets can drain and dry very quickly, which may dry out your roots. Starter Plugs Starter plugs are a newer hydroponic growing medium that is made from organic compost. This sponge medium is useful when you are growing seedlings or cloning, so you can later incorporate them into your hydroponic systems. Rockwool Many hydroponic growers use rockwool as their go-to medium. Rockwool is a melted rock that’s spun to create thin, long fibers, which are pressed into a cube shape. You will have to balance its pH before using it by soaking it in pH balanced water. Since it retains water so effectively, you will have to make sure it doesn’t oversaturate your plants. It’s an effective medium to use to ensure your plants get a majority of the necessary nutrients. However, it isn’t a biodegradable medium, and you do have to balance the pH before each use. Knowing which hydroponic growing mediums to use can be a tough choice since there are so many options available. If you want to learn more about innovative farming methods, sign up for our microgreens class to learn more! Or, you can become a patron member to See Behind the Greens, where you’ll witness how food can be grown in closets, kitchen counters, living rooms, and more so you can learn how to do it too! #hydroponicgrowingmedium #hydroponicgrowingsubstrate #bestmediatogrow #growmedia #rockwool #starterplugs #cococoir #perlite #claypellets #growingmedium #growmedium #growsubstrate

The best grow lights allow us to garden indoors and in our greenhouses throughout the year. Grow lights mimic natural sunlight and utilize the correct color spectrum to encourage photosynthesis to help plants grow indoors. LED grow lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and have the full light spectrum, and we’ll cover the best LED grow lights in this article for indoor and greenhouse growing. This article will cover the best grow lights to use for indoor and greenhouse growing. Kind LED Grow Light K5 Series This is one the best LED grow lights for indoor plants because of its grow light spectrum. This provides plants with a wide range of lights to optimize their growth and lets you grow all kinds of crops year round. You can use these LED lights for hydroponic and indoor growing. MD Lighting LED Grow Light This LED lighting system is set up like a lamp and allows for LED replacement bulbs for long-lasting use. It uses the right wavelengths to help encourage and promote plant growth. The grow light is easy to adjust and move to ensure all parts of the plant are receiving an equal amount of sunlight. It’s energy-efficient and saves money on electric bills. Phlizon 1200W LED Grow Light The Philzon 1200W is one of the best LED grow lights for indoor plants and greenhouse growing. This grow light system doesn’t use a reflector in order to reduce heat emissions for plant protection. It’s known for generating less heat, being energy efficient, which is a cost-effective solution for electric bills. There are two light switches: VEG (blue and white LED light) which is used to promote young vegetative growth, and BLOOM (red and white LED) to promote flowering and blooming in the plants. The full spectrum of light can be found in this grow light to ensure your plants get the necessary nutrients. HAUS Bright LED Grow Light Bulb These bright LED growing light bulbs provide a full spectrum of light that will help you grow your plants indoors all year round. It’s easy to install since it’s a light bulb and you can hang it anywhere! Only 20w of power is used, but it still produces 1200 lumens to keep your plants healthy. Aceple Small LED Grow Light This LED grow light is perfect for small plants like succulents or potted plants. This Aceple grow light is one of the best LED grow lights for indoor plants and you can set it up at your office or wherever you may have a small assortment of plants. It provides red and blue lighting, which is essential for healthy leaves and blooming. Want to learn more about the best LED grow lights for indoor plants and greenhouse gardening? Join our microgreens class to learn the basics about everything there is to know about microgreen and indoor growing. If you can’t sign up for our class, subscribe to our weekly blog and Youtube channel for weekly updates! #bestledgrowlightsforindoorplants #bestgrowlight #indoorgrowlight #growinglight #growlight #bestgrowlights

Microgreens are known for their nutrient-packed health benefits. But which microgreen types are the most nutritious and healthy to add to our diets? We are going to cover the top nutritious microgreen types and why you should add them to your eating habits now. Arugula In microgreen form, arugula has a nutty, peppery, wasabi-like taste. Arugula is one of the microgreen types that is nutrient-dense. It contains high amounts of vitamin C, copper, and iron, which help prevent illnesses like anemia. The phytochemicals also produce glutathione, which is an antioxidant. The combination of these health benefits help prevent and fight off toxins in the body. Basil The basil microgreen is a healthy addition to any salad since it has a crisp, citrus-like taste. This microgreen type has polyphenols that reduce oxidation and inflammation to promote gut health. It is high in vitamins such as A, B6, C, E, and it contains calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium. Basil is one of the microgreen types that are rich and nutrient-dense and can be a beneficial additive to your diet. Pea Shoots Pea shoots are one of the microgreen types that can be eaten raw or cooked. Add them to your salad or cook them in a stir fry to add nutrient-packed vegetables to your food. These microgreens have a plethora of vitamins such as vitamin A and C and folic acid. Radish Radish microgreens are known for their spicy flavor profile. You can top off your dishes with the raw radish sprouts to add some heat to any dish. These microgreens are rich in vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. They also contain high amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Radish sprouts contain amino acids and chlorophyll, which helps fight illnesses such as cancer. Broccoli Broccoli microgreens is another one of the microgreen types that are delicious and nutrient-packed. These popular microgreens contain a high amount of vitamin C, which helps our immune system fight off sickness. They also contain antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds. Want to learn more? Do you want to learn how to grow microgreens from the comfort of your home? We at the Nick Greens Grow Team use our in-depth knowledge to teach our subscribers how to grow microgreens at home! Sign up for our microgreens class that takes place every Friday at 4:30 pm CST, and become a member of our FaceBook group to connect with others who are learning just like you. If you don’t want to take a class, subscribe to our blog and Youtube channel for weekly updates about growing microgreens and other farming related news! #microgreentypes #microgreenstypes #microgreentype #microgreenstype #bestmicrogreenstogrow #bestmicrogreens #microgreenvarieties #microgreensvarieties #microgreenvariety #microgreensvariety #growingmicrogreen #growingmicrogreens #microgreen #microgreens

Plant diseases in hydroponic gardens can be detrimental if not properly taken care of. Depending on what kind of disease or virus your crops have, it’s possible the sickness could destroy your entire crop as it spreads from one to the next. In this article, we’re going to discuss how to identify and prevent plant diseases in hydroponic growing systems. Preventing Plant Diseases To prevent plant diseases from occurring in your hydroponic garden, you’ll want to follow these rules: Promote ​good air circulation​ by adding fans to your growing area, spacing out plants, and pruning or removing dead or diseased plants. Make sure your hydroponic system has ​good drainage​ by not overwatering, and checking to see if there’s any standing or oversaturated water. Try growing plant species that have been ​bred for growing indoors​ since they are made to be disease-resistant. Prevent your plant’s stress​ by ensuring they have the necessary nutrients, and the correct temperature and humidity. Stressed plants can be more vulnerable to diseases. Clean and ​sanitize​ your tools, growing media, and trays regularly. Check for signs of plant diseases​ at least 1 to 2 times per week. If able, allow for a ​one to two-month crop-free period​ once a year to eliminate all threats of disease. Check for signs of pests​ because they can introduce and spread diseases amongst your plants. Signs of Plant Diseases Depending on what kind of disease your plant has contracted will determine the symptoms and signs to look out for. Plants are susceptible to viruses, diseases, fungi, and pythium. Once a pathogen enters your plants you’ll notice a development of galls, swellings or leaf curls, yellowing or stunted leaf, fruit, or root growth, or plant tissue die-off (wilting, rotting, browning, etc.). Bacteria: ​If your plant has been contaminated by bacteria, you will notice a slimy, brown-colored coat on the plant’s roots. Try seeing if this brown coating is on your hydroponic reservoir’s walls, tubes, and water pump filter. Fungi: ​Evidence of a fungal pathogen is when you notice powdery or fuzzy growths on the plant’s roots or leaves. These growths are typically gray, blue, white, or green colors. Pythium: ​This type of disease is known for being the most deadly for hydroponic growing systems. Pythium will blacken the plant’s roots, ooze a foul smelling odor, and halt the growth of the plant. This pathogen is highly contagious and can spread quickly to ruin entire crops. Virus: ​While viruses in plants are rare, they can be fatal when they do occur. Viruses are typically brought about by outside insects or outdoor soil. When introduced to a virus, the virus will spread quietly through the crop and can hide dormant in plants waiting to come out later. If not treated, a viral plant infection can lead to the destruction of the entire crop. Want to Learn More? We at the Nick Greens Grow Team have a plethora of knowledge covering hydroponic growing. Join our new patreon page so you can get behind the greens, which is a behind the scenes look at growing food inside a closet and on kitchen counters. Learn every process of how to hydroponically grow strawberries, lettuce, green onions, kale, cucamelons, lemon cucumbers and microgreens. We upload how-to and informational videos twice a week. #plantdiseases #hydroponicsdiseases #hydroponicdiseases #hydroponic #hydroponics #hydroponicsfarming #hydroponicsgrowing #hydroponicfarming #hydroponicgrowing #usinghydroponics #hydroponicsfarmer #hydroponicfarmer

Many gardeners use hydroponics as their preferred way to grow plants because using a hydroponic nutrient solution ensures optimal plant growth. Using a hydroponic nutrient solution ensures that your plant’s roots get the nutrients they need from the water so they can grow with ease. This article will teach you about hydroponic nutrient solutions and how to use them so you can hydroponically grow your own plants without worry. Macronutrients Plants need macronutrients to be able to thrive and grow. The macronutrients that plants need are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen (N) - allows the plant to grow its leaves, its leaves’ colors, and provides amino acids, proteins, nucleic acid, and chlorophyll synthesis. When a plant is lacking in nitrogen, its leaves are typically a faded color and the plant grows at a slower rate. Phosphorous (P) - is necessary for the synthesis of the plant’s DNA and RNA. It is also responsible for developing the plant’s stems, roots, flowers, and seeds. A deficiency in this nutrient leads to weak stems and leaves, and it causes root growth to slow. Potassium (K) - synthesizes the proteins and carbohydrates of the plant. It helps develop the flowers, roots, and stems but not as much as compared to phosphorus. Micronutrients Alongside the macronutrients, plants also need micronutrients to grow. The nine micronutrients that a plant needs include: ● Boron: Works with calcium to help form cell walls by synthesizing the cell membrane’s structure and functions. ● Calcium: Works with boron to form cell walls ● Copper: activates enzymes and helps with respiration and photosynthesis. ● Iron: Forms chlorophyll, used in photosynthesis, and helps provide energy provision. ● Magnesium: catalyzes the growth process and helps makes oxygen during photosynthesis ● Sulfur: A component of two of the 21 amino acids that synthesize protein. ● Zinc: Helps form chlorophyll and assists with plant respiration and nitrogen metabolism How to Form a Hydroponic Nutrient Solution You can find a quality hydroponic nutrient solution at your local store, or you can create your own solution. It’s recommended for beginners to use store-bought solutions first, and once they get a hang of the hydroponic growing process then learning how to create your own hydroponic nutrient solution can be the next step. Hydroponic nutrient solutions come in powder and liquid forms, which liquid forms being more popular to use. Since these liquid solutions are more concentrated, do not spill any on yourself or your plant. These typically come with pH buffers so you can test the water. You can mix the solution in the water, and it’s ready to go! Make sure to choose a solution that is specifically made for hydroponic growing and not the all-purpose packages. Soil-grown plants have different needs than hydroponically grown plants. Try to purchase a 2 or 3 part hydroponic nutrient solution as well. This way you can mix in the solution depending on the needs of the plant at its specific life cycle. The 2 to 3-part solutions will contain separate packaging for macronutrients, a growing solution, and micronutrient solution depending on which one you get. Want to Know More? Now that you understand the basics of hydroponic nutrient solutions, you may want to learn more about hydroponic growing or growing plants at home! We at the Nick Greens Grow Team work diligently to provide the necessary research and information that covers everything from microgreen growing to hydroponics to way more! Sign up for our new weekly microgreens class, which is held every Friday at 4:30 pm CST. Can’t make the class? Subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for weekly updates about farming methods. #hydroponicnutrientsolution #hydroponicsnutrientsolution #hydroponic #hydroponics #nutrient #solution #hydrponicgrowing #hydroponicsgrowing #hydroponicsfarm #hydroponicfarm #hydroponicfarming #hydroponicsfarming #hydroponicsgrower #hydroponicgrower

Hydroponics is a growing method for beginners and experts alike. This innovative farming system provides users with more controlled environments to grow their crops all-year-round. In this article, you will learn about hydroponics for beginners, and we’ll cover the basics to get you started. What is hydroponics anyways? When broken up into two words -hydro and -ponics, it translates to “water” and “labor.” The Greek definitions of these words essentially translates to “working water.” The reason for this is because hydroponics is a method used to grow crops without using soil. Through hydroponic systems, plants can grow by using nutrients in water instead. What are the benefits of hydroponics? There are various reasons why farmers are starting to adopt hydroponics as a means of growing crops. 1. Crops grow at a faster rate Hydroponic plants tend to grow at a faster rate ranging from 30 to 50% faster than plants grown in traditional soil methods. This happens because hydroponically grown plants do not have to spend time searching for nutrients in the soil since it is provided several times throughout the day using hydroponic systems. With its saved energy, these plants can focus on growing into healthier plants. 2. Greater Yields Since hydroponic plants can get the nutrients they need at all times, the plants don’t need to have large roots. With smaller roots, these plants don’t require as much room as traditional soil-grown plants, so farmers can plant more of these plants side-by-side, thus producing greater yields. 3. Hygienic Way of Growing Since hydroponic plants are grown indoors, they’re free from the pests that soil typically attracts. This helps prevent disease and promotes hygiene. 4. Can Grow All Year Round Hydroponic systems allow users to grow plants all-year-round. These automated systems are controlled by timers and computers, which helps growers to grow food no matter the season. How do hydroponic systems work? Hydroponics was created to take out the uncertainty aligned with growing plants in traditional farming methods. Hydroponic systems give users more control over the plant’s environment and nutrient sources to ensure it can grow without being interfered with by natural disasters, lack of nutrients, or pests. Knowing this, it makes sense as to why hydroponic systems work to give a plant what it needs. Even though the soil is not in the equation, a growing medium is still used in hydroponics. Some mediums include perlite, sand, and Rockwool. These mediums get nutrients in the water and provide oxygen for the plant’s roots. Want to learn more about hydroponics for beginners? Now that you have a basic understanding of hydroponic systems, it’s time for you to learn more about this modern way of farming. We at the Nick Greens Grow Team use our knowledge and expertise to inform our readers about the innovations in farming. Want to learn more about hydroponics for beginners? Make sure to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for weekly updates! We also are teaching a microgreen class where you can learn more about microgreens and hydroponics for beginners. Sign up for our microgreens class here. #hydroponicsforbeginners #hydroponicforbeginners #startinghydroponics #startinghydroponic #hydroponics #hydroponic #hydroponicsfarming #hydroponicsgrowing #hydroponicfarming #hydroponicgrowing #usinghydroponics #hydroponicssetup #hydroponicsetup #hydroponicssystem #hydroponicsystem #hydroponicsfarmer #hydroponicfarmer

When it comes to agriculture, you can learn a lot of valuable information from hydroponic books. Books are a fantastic tool to provide you with information from trustworthy, credible sources if you don’t have someone you can learn from in person. However, if you can become an apprentice to learn about hydroponics, always take those hands-on learning opportunities as well. This article will talk about which hydroponic books you should be reading right now whether you’re a beginner or an advanced grower. List of Hydroponic Books To Read The following list of hydroponic books have been written by reliable sources with the credentials and knowledge to provide you with the tools to learn about hydroponics. 1. Hydroponic Food Production by Howard Resh This book is written by one of the pioneers of hydroponics and it covers detailed explanations of how to set up and run hydroponic systems. 2. Hydroponic Home Food Gardens by Howard Resh This book is jam-packed with a plethora of information to help you learn how to start and run your hydroponic system for a home food garden. 3. Hydroponics for the Home Grower by Howard Resh This book covers how to start small, at-home hydroponics systems. 4. Hobby Hydroponics by Howard Resh This is a great book that tells readers about the average hobby hydroponic units that can be purchased. It also covers various crops, seeds, and best growing environments. 5. Hydroponic Strawberry Production by Dr. Lynette Morgan This book focuses on how to specifically grow strawberries. 6. Hydroponic Capsicum Production by Dr. Lynette Morgan This is a guide that covers how to produce, harvest, and market capsicums and peppers. 7. Hydroponic Lettuce Production by Dr. Lynette Morgan This book focuses on how to hydroponically grow lettuce. 8. Hydroponic Tomato Crop Production by Dr. Lynette Morgan This book specifically focuses on hydroponically grown tomatoes. 9. Hydroponics: The Essential Hydroponics Guide: A Step-By-Step Hydroponic Gardening Grow Guide to Grow Fruit, Vegetables, and Herbs at Home by Andy Jackson This is a great book for beginners that covers everything there is to know about hydroponics and gets straight to the details. 10. How to Hydroponics 4th Edition by Keith Roberto This book covers hydroponics and aeroponics equipment and covers the basics to help you start your garden. Other Great Agriculture Books to Read If you’re not just solely looking for hydroponic books but want to understand agriculture on a deeper level, then check out these reads as well. The Small Farmer’s Journal This magazine covers everything from farm life to draft animals and is a great resource to understanding everything about farming. The New Organic Grower by Eliot Coleman This book should be read by anyone who wants to grow vegetables and it also contains an annotated bibliography that will provide you with in-depth research materials. The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan This book covers the paradox of food choices and how the industrial revolution has played a big part in revolutionizing the way we eat and see food today. Remember when purchasing hydroponic books it’s best to buy local! See what your local gardening stories have for sale and support small businesses; doing this also reduces our carbon footprint. If you’re looking for other ways to learn more about hydroponics, then subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for weekly updates! #hydroponicbooks #hydroponicsbooks #hydroponiceducation #hydroponiclearning #howtogrowwithhyrdroponics #hydroponic #hydroponics

Microgreens are tiny leafy vegetables that come with a multitude of health benefits. These micro plants aren’t just decorative additions to food dishes, but they also pack a nutritious, healthy punch. Some microgreen species can even be 40 times more potent than their regular, larger counterparts. In this article, we’re going to discuss the 6 major microgreen health benefits that will boost your overall health. 1) Reduce Your Risk for Heart Disease One of the crucial microgreen health benefits is that these tiny vegetables contain a high number of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that have been linked to lowering the risk for heart disease. Antioxidants are known for their ability to prevent free radicals from growing. Free radicals are reactive compounds that cause cell damage and diseases. Not only are microgreens a carrier of polyphenols, but they also contain a higher number compared to their mature vegetable counterparts. 2) Minimize Risk of Certain Cancers Since microgreens carry a large amount of polyphenols, they can lower the risk for different kinds of cancer. Vegetables and fruits that are rich in antioxidants can be a fantastic addition to disease prevention. 3) Nutrient-Dense Vegetables Even though they’re small for their size, microgreens have a vast array of health benefits. These tiny vegetables can have up to 40 times as much nutrients compared to mature vegetables. Knowing this, it can be life changing to incorporate small amounts of microgreens in every meal because they’re packed with nutritional benefits. 4) Can Improve Eyesight Another wonderful microgreen health benefit is that these leafy greens contain lutein, which is a phytochemical seen in vision health. When you’re staring at your screen for too long, the intense rays can cause headaches, eye strain, and more. Lutein makes it easier for your eyes to absorb any excess light intensity to relieve headaches or other harm caused by excess light. 5) Reduces the Risk of Diabetes One of the major microgreen health benefits is that they’re packed with antioxidants. These antioxidants can help lower the stress that prevents sugar from entering cells. Fenugreek is a specific microgreen known for its ability to increase sugar uptake in cells. 6) Lowers Chance of Alzheimer’s Foods that are high in polyphenols may be able to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli are high in Vitamin B and carotenoids which may lower levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to cognitive decline. The microgreen version of cruciferous vegetables will be packed with even more vitamins and nutrients and should be incorporated in a daily diet to prevent disease. Microgreen health benefits are vast and can not only boost our immune systems but also keep us healthy and safe from certain diseases. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to grow your own microgreen from home but aren’t sure how, subscribe to our weekly blog and YouTube channel for all the newest tips and tricks. You can also sign up to our new microgreens class and join our Facebook group to learn from others wanting to learn! #microgreenshealthbenefits #microgreenbenefits #healthymicrogreens #microgreens #urbanfarming #locallygrown #healthyliving #benefitsofmicrogreens #nutrition #eathealthy #healthyplate #healthfirst #healthconscious #healthyfood #microgreengoodness #livehealthy

Growing microgreens is typically a simple and efficient process; however, issues can arise while growing these tiny leafy vegetables. This article will provide you with 4 ways to troubleshoot common microgreen problems so you can make the necessary changes in order to optimize your plant’s growth. What to do if your seeds aren’t germinating If your microgreen seeds aren’t germinating, then take a look at the following factors to see if any of these may be the reason as to why your seeds aren’t germinating: Seed Viability - Check the seed’s informational packet information and you will be able to find the lot date, ideal temperature for germination, and the average percentage of germination. If your seed has a germination rate below 80%, then it may be better to choose a different seed or seed source. Seed Moisture - During the germination phase, you’ll want to make sure your seed is watered, but not overwatered or underwatered. Underwatering your seed can cause microgreen problems and is more detrimental than overwatering. Keep your soil moist during the early stages of germination to optimize growth. Seed Temperature - Make sure that the temperature is not too hot or cold because it can lead to microgreen problems such as poor germination. Refer to your seed packet to check the seed’s ideal temperature and make sure to keep the temperature around that number to encourage growth. What to do if your seeds are growing unevenly and sparsely If your microgreens are growing unevenly, then you may need to be more methodical in your process. Make sure that you are sowing your seeds evenly throughout the soil. Check to see if the soil is good quality and research to see if it’s a match for your specific seed. Is your tray in a place where half of the tray is getting sunlight and the other half isn’t? This can lead to uneven growth and you may want to rotate your tray to ensure each side is getting equal amounts of shade and sunlight. What to do if your greens start to rot If your greens start to rot, you may be overwatering them. When a seed is getting too much water and not enough sunlight, it can lead to rot. If you’re having extremely sunny weather, water your seed once in the morning and once in the evening. If a cold front has moved in, then water your crop once. Another factor that could be causing your microgreen rot problem is the water quality. Municipal water can contain chlorine which your plants won’t like. Using filtered water is a better solution for watering microgreens. Common microgreens prefer water with a pH level of 6.5. When you keep an eye on your water’s pH levels, your microgreens will be healthier and produce stronger, increased yields. What to do if your greens are getting tall and weedy If your greens are getting tall and weedy, then it’s most likely because they’re not getting enough light. Tall, weedy greens tend to grow taller in order to reach for as much light as possible because they’re not getting enough. Make sure to get your greens grow lights if you live in an area where natural sunlight isn’t enough for your greens. These common microgreen problems are easy to fix as long as you know what to pay attention to. Our job at the Nick Greens Grow Team is to educate our followers on how to grow microgreens from home. Subscribe to our new microgreen class, YouTube, and blog to stay up to date with the latest microgreen information. Feel free to join our microgreen Facebook group to connect and learn from others about growing microgreens. #microgreensproblems #troubleshootingmicrogreens #growingmicrogreens #farmingmicrogreens #growingmicrogreensathome #germinatingmicrogreens #growmicrogreens #microgreens #microgreen #growingfood #microgreens #Germination #microgreensfarm #indoorfarming #urbanfarming #urbangrower

When it comes to ​harvesting microgreens​, the process is fairly simple. Most plants take around 7 to 14 days to grow, but this depends on the specific microgreen plant you’re growing since the germination and harvesting times differ from species to species. This article is going to provide you with 4 tips on how to successfully harvest microgreens from growing containers. Tip 1: You Don’t Have to Wash Your Microgreen Harvest If you’re using a small microgreen growing container, you can expect a simple, yet efficient harvest. Once it’s time to harvest your microgreens, hold your container over a bowl to collect them, and tilt the container to snip the stems. You do not have to wash your microgreen harvest if the crop has been ​watered from the bottom​ because it should be free from any soil. However, if you do notice soil on the stems, then you can rinse them with water to get rid of any leftover soil. Tip 2: You Can Refrigerate Your Harvest to Extend Its Shelf Life If you happen to grow microgreens in repurposed growing containers, you can refrigerate your microgreens before it's time to harvest. When it comes time to snip your microgreens, you can extend their shelf life by placing your microgreen growing container in your refrigerator. However, the cold air can dry out your microgreens, so make sure to place the container in a plastic bag. By doing this, your microgreens can be in the fridge for an extra week as long as you make sure to bottom water the plants anytime the soil starts to feel dry if you leave the plastic bag open. Once you’re ready to eat the microgreens, place the container on a windowsill or anywhere to allow it to reach room temperature–then it’s safe to eat! Tip 3: Harvest Your Microgreens One Portion at a Time (Or In Patches) If you’re not ready to eat your entire grow, then you can snip your desired patches by rows or patches. You’ll want to make sure to leave space for your leftover growing microgreens to lean as they grow. This is a more commonly used method for tray gardening where you’ll have larger pulls. Tip 4: Do Not Pull Microgreens Directly From the Soil It’s very important to not pull your plants straight from the soil in the microgreen growing container. Doing so can disturb the plant's roots and affect your harvest. This is why it’s best to use scissors to cut the stems to your liking. We at the Nick Greens Grow Team strive to utilize our expertise and vast knowledge to inform our readers about the process of growing microgreens. If you would like to learn more about harvesting microgreens from growing containers or anything microgreen-related then sign up for our new microgreens class that’s happening every Friday! Can’t attend? Then make sure to subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for the latest microgreen-growing updates. #microgreengrowingcontainers #microgreensincontainers #harvestingmicrogreens #harvestingnature #harvestingtime #growmicrogreensathome #growingmicrogreens #storingmicrogreens #harvestyourmicrogreens #washmicrogreens #harvestmicrogreens #dryingmicrogreens #harvestyourgreens

When it comes to watering microgreens, there are various opinions saying it’s better to water from the bottom while others claim it’s best to water from the top. When it comes to watering microgreens, the main goal is to avoid any chances of mold growth. In this article, we’re going to discuss watering microgreens from the bottom so that you can apply the technique to your own crops. What is the point of watering microgreens from the bottom? Watering microgreens from the bottom is a technique adopted by farmers who sell microgreens to restaurants still in their seedling containers. This allows for microgreens to still grow upon and after delivery. When it comes to watering your microgreens from the bottom, remember to water your microgreens when the top of the soil feels dry. The size of your container can determine how many times a week you’ll need to water. For half-pint containers, you can expect to water your microgreens once a day, while full pint containers may need watering every other day. How to water your microgreens from the bottom Watering your microgreens from the bottom is a simple and easy process. We’ll break down the steps for you here: Set Up A Pool of Water It’s best to pour room-temperature filtered water into a bowl or a small tub until the water is half as deep as the microgreen container you have. Do not use cold water during this process since it can stunt the growth of the microgreens. Put Your Microgreen Container In The Water There should be holes at the bottom of your microgreen container, so when you place the container in the pool of water the soil will soak up the water. You should let the soil soak up the water for less than a minute or until the soil feels evenly moist. Once you can feel the moistened soil, remove the container from the water. Empty Surplus Water After removing the container from the water, you’ll want to place it somewhere where it can drain for a few minutes to remove any excess water. Remember tore fill water when needed especially if you’re working with more than four containers of microgreens. If you’re growing more than four types of microgreens,it’s best to use a large basin for this watering process since it will take less time rather than watering one container at a time. Throw Out Leftover Water At this point, you’ve successfully watered your microgreens from the bottom and you can toss out the pool of water. You may find leftover soil in this water, and if so, make sure you don’t allow it to go through the drain because it can cause clogging issues. Throw out the water outside or use a drain catcher to catch any soil remnants. Watering microgreens from the bottom is another fantastic way to water and care for your plants. Our purpose at the Nick Greens Grow Team is to inform and educate our followers about the ease of growing your own food from home. Want to learn more about new and innovative farming methods? Subscribe to our blog and YouTube channel for weekly updates! #growingmicrogreens #microgreens #microgreen #wateringmicrogreensfromthebottom #wateringmicrogreens