Red Rapid and Grand Rapid Lettuce with Hydroponic Wick System

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About half a year ago, I began to learn farming by using the hydroponic method. This method is a method of cultivating plants without soil. Water supplied nutrients into the planting medium. Initially, I tried the simplest method of hydroponics,the wick system. In this system, the nutrition water flowed through the principle of  capillarity. I've tried to plant lettuce, pokchoy, and chili using this system.

I use a plastic container to hold nutrients water and using styrofoam sheets as well as the retaining cap so that the net pots not get into the water.  Wick system scheme that I use can be seen in the picture below.

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Planting process with this system is quite easy. Lettuce seeds sown in rockwool measured 3x3x3 cm. Rockwool is made from heated pumice , then made to resemble the fibers. Rockwool must be kept wet. Do not forget to put the seed in a place exposed to direct sunlight so that the seeds grow well. After 7-10 days and have 3-4 leaves, the plants can be transferred into a wick system that has been filled with  nutrients water. The treatment is very easy to do next. I just churning the water in the container every day. The goal is that the water that is in a container that has enough oxygen to support plant growth.

Both types of lettuce is quite resistant to hot air in this place ranging 35-36 degrees celcius. Red lettuce will appear dark red when exposed to direct sun light with high intensity. I been puts them in place that is not too much sunlight and evidently the color of the leaves are not predominantly red.

Red lettuce rapid and grand rapid that there is at the top of this article was about 18 days after planting. Look fresh and interesting to be harvested soon. But I still have to be patient about 12 days left until ready to harvest size. In general, lettuce type is used as a salad ingredient.

What's growing in the garden now?

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I will share stories about my plants and my gardening activities through this blogI dreamed of having a productive garden, so that the harvests can be used for everyday needs. Thus, I can consume more healthy and more fresh foods.

I have 3 garden plots; in front of the house, beside the house and behind the house. Garden plot behind the house is big enough, there is a mango tree and a red flowering tree that I do not know the name. While the garden at the front and side of my house is quite small in size. Currently, I'm planting some vegetables and herbs in the garden beside the house.


Chives
Initially, this chives is given by my mother when visiting me in Makassar. This plant is easily propagated. I just separates clumps of plants to another pot, and let the plants grow new shootsI often use   chives as a mixture of  omelet or sprinkle it on soup.
Pumpkin
To be honest, I have never bought pumpkin seeds. I only sow seeds  from a pumpkin that I bought in the market.

Lime
I bought this lime  a year ago. These plants almost died because of the drought (it was my fault !!) and is attacked by caterpillars. But in the end these plants can survive after being treated well.
Lemongrass
I have three groves of lemon grass, and this is one of them. Just like the chives, lemon grass is also very easy to breed. Only by separating the existing grove, lemon grass will grow on its own. Lemongrass is a plant that can survive in drought, and resistant to insects. This plant can also be used as a natural pesticide to repel fleas existing in vegetable crops.
Pandan leaves
Pandan leaves is one herb that is commonly used in Asian kitchen. Pandan leaves generally used to give flavor to desserts. I often add it when cooking rice in order to get a more aromatic rice.