Edinburgh Hacklab

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====== Gardening Instructions ======

This is for the Deputy Gardener, [[cybernetic_meadow|Cybernetic Meadows]], but may be of interest to
others who want to know about looking after hydroponic crops.

===== Hydroponic Chillies =====

==== Solution ====

Target EC 1800uS/cm. Up to 2000 ok, much more and they may struggle. Much
less and they will grow slower.

=== Recipe for fresh solution ===

Start with 5ml concentrated hydroponic chilli feed, and 1ml dilute phosphoric
acid, per 1 litre of water.

There is some pH paper which you could use to confirm pH is around 5.8, but it
generally is so I don't usually check.

Measure EC and adjust to 1800. EC meter can display two units. Check it is set
to uS/cm, not ppm.

I think the tanks hold about 7 litres.

==== Regular Plant Maintenance ====

Preferably daily, but every three days sufficient, unless it gets much hotter
and they use water faster.

  * Check solution. Replace volume and adjust EC.
 
  * Clear dead leaves etc.

  * Check general health / appearance of leaves. Dry looking might be lack of water, too strong solution, or damaged roots. Otherwise probably need to search internet for signs.

  * Pretend to be a bee. Shake plants, pollinate flowers with paint brush, and/or apply a small vibrator like an electric toothbrush to make them throw pollen around.

Every few weeks, change whole tank for fresh solution.

If roots seem rotten or badly brown, check air bubbler is still in
place. Change solution if not done recently. Add some hydrogen peroxide if you
have some - consult internet for dosage. Avoid spreading infection to other
containers.

==== Harvesting ====

All green chillies are unripe. The varieties I am growing are best eaten
ripe. Ripeness is indicated by them reaching their final colour, which for the
varieties I am growing now are: red, orange, yellow, or white. They may change
through another colour first like brown.

Varieties in the garden are:

  * Bulgarian Carrot
  * Aji Red
  * Aji Limon
  * Aji Fantasy Sparkly White
  * Fantomas Multicolour
  * Carolina Reaper

You should probably check their culinary properties on the web before you put them in your mouth. The last one especially should only be cut with suitable PPE (gloves, goggles, maybe respirator), unless you are particularly keen on pain.

===== Other plants around the lab =====

Windowsill basil and lettuce.
Feed solution: "Ionic" diluted to about 1000uS/cm for both.

Windowsil box of coconut coir: There are a couple of chillies and some basil seedlings / seeds. Allow to mostly dry out before watering, so the roots have a period of getting
some air. Fertilise with chilli solution about every second watering.

Small chillies in soil, peace lillies, spider plants, ...
Water when dry. That means, wait until top of soil is dry before watering again.