Belgian broadcaster RTBF about Urban Crops (17th June 2016):
More info: https://www.urbancrops.be
Related reading:
Vertical Farming Innovator Urban Crops Opens U.S. Regional Headquarters | Growing Produce http://buff.ly/2ffO0GL
Showing posts with label Indoor Gardening. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indoor Gardening. Show all posts
How to calculate the cost of electricity for running indoor grow lights?
Use the Electricity cost calculator:
http://www.tomorrowsgarden.net/content/electricity-cost-calculator
You need to know:
1. Wattage of Appliance?
2. How long is it used each day? Hours
3. Cents per KWh?
You can get the answer for Q3 by looking at your electricity bill and calculating it from there.
For example, Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-JSV4-4-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0001XLSGQ) uses 54W:
1. Wattage of Appliance? 54W
2. How long is it used each day? Hours = 12
3. Cents per KWh? 12 cents in Florida
http://www.tomorrowsgarden.net/content/electricity-cost-calculator
You need to know:
1. Wattage of Appliance?
2. How long is it used each day? Hours
3. Cents per KWh?
You can get the answer for Q3 by looking at your electricity bill and calculating it from there.
For example, Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-JSV4-4-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0001XLSGQ) uses 54W:
1. Wattage of Appliance? 54W
2. How long is it used each day? Hours = 12
3. Cents per KWh? 12 cents in Florida
Indoor Garden for Beginners: Aerogarden 7 LED Review
John from http://www.growingyourgreens.com/ reviews Aerogarden 7 LED model. Available at: http://www.aerogarden.com
Join their email list to be emailed a $50 off coupon for the Aerogarden 7 LED.
Join their email list to be emailed a $50 off coupon for the Aerogarden 7 LED.
How to pollinate tomatoes with an electric toothbrush
How to pollinate tomatoes with an electric toothbrush. This can potentially increase your fruit yield. Please try to watch this in HD so that you an see the pollen.
Indoor farming with LEDs - The Economist review
From The Economist:
Plants grow indoors 22 hours a day, 365 days a year in 25-foot towers, untouched by pests and bathed in an alien pink light. Critical to this are the thousands of blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) supplied by Philips, a Dutch technology firm. The light they give off is of precisely the wavelength craved by the crops grown here, which include lettuce, kale, basil and chives.
The idea of abandoning the sun’s light for the artificial sort is not new. It offers plenty of advantages: no need to worry about seasons or the weather, for instance, not to mention the ability to grow around the clock (although a couple of hours a day are necessary for the plant equivalent of sleep).
LEDs offer a host of benefits over traditional, fluorescent growing lights. For one thing, they are far more efficient, which helps to keep electricity bills down. High efficiency means less heat, which makes air conditioning cheaper. Being cooler, the lights can be placed closer to the plants, so the crops can be planted more densely. The wavelengths of the light can be fine-tuned so that lettuce is crisper, or softer.
The crops grow faster, too. Philips reckons that using LED lights in this sort of controlled, indoor environment could cut growing cycles by up to half compared with traditional farming.
Among threats that American agriculture is facing are growing numbers of insects and other pests and a rising incidence of bad weather. Indoor farming is, happily, immune to both.
References:
High-tech farming: The light fantastic | The Economist http://buff.ly/1hYZzMW
Plants grow indoors 22 hours a day, 365 days a year in 25-foot towers, untouched by pests and bathed in an alien pink light. Critical to this are the thousands of blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) supplied by Philips, a Dutch technology firm. The light they give off is of precisely the wavelength craved by the crops grown here, which include lettuce, kale, basil and chives.
The idea of abandoning the sun’s light for the artificial sort is not new. It offers plenty of advantages: no need to worry about seasons or the weather, for instance, not to mention the ability to grow around the clock (although a couple of hours a day are necessary for the plant equivalent of sleep).
LEDs offer a host of benefits over traditional, fluorescent growing lights. For one thing, they are far more efficient, which helps to keep electricity bills down. High efficiency means less heat, which makes air conditioning cheaper. Being cooler, the lights can be placed closer to the plants, so the crops can be planted more densely. The wavelengths of the light can be fine-tuned so that lettuce is crisper, or softer.
The crops grow faster, too. Philips reckons that using LED lights in this sort of controlled, indoor environment could cut growing cycles by up to half compared with traditional farming.
Among threats that American agriculture is facing are growing numbers of insects and other pests and a rising incidence of bad weather. Indoor farming is, happily, immune to both.
References:
High-tech farming: The light fantastic | The Economist http://buff.ly/1hYZzMW
Kratky hydroponics as simple as 1-2-3
The Kratky hydroponics method is as simple as 1-2-3:
- 1 1-gallon container (3 quart container will also work). You can buy such containers for $1 each at Dollar Tree.
- 2-inch net pot
- 3-component (N-P-K) fertilizer for hydroponics, for example, dry soluble fertilizer MaxiGro (N-P-K 10-5-14).
These are the main components of the model. You will also need several others things and most of them are common sense items required for growing vegetables: seeds, potting mix (coconut coir or peat moss and perlite or vermuculite), water, optional lining for the container (for example, 1-gallon freezer bag), black spray paint, 2-inch hole saw and electric drill, grow lights (if growing indoors).
Buttercrunch lettuce in Kratky hydroponics at the time of transplant to a net cup:
Lettuce grown with Kratky hydroponics, after 1 month:
Lettuce under grow lights - Kratky hydroponics:
Containers for Kratky hydroponics can be made from a variety of sources: Note the 2-inch hole for a net cup in the top cover of the containers, and black spray paint or aluminum foil that blocks the light from entering the water/fertilizer chamber:
Herbs on toast, all grown in Kratky hydroponics: parsley, thyme, savory, dill:
Dr. Bernard Kratky's American Society for Horticultural Science horticultural talk on non-circulating hydroponics. Graduate of Purdue University and professor in Hawaii, Dr. Kratky's patented methods are known around the world.
- 1 1-gallon container (3 quart container will also work). You can buy such containers for $1 each at Dollar Tree.
- 2-inch net pot
- 3-component (N-P-K) fertilizer for hydroponics, for example, dry soluble fertilizer MaxiGro (N-P-K 10-5-14).
These are the main components of the model. You will also need several others things and most of them are common sense items required for growing vegetables: seeds, potting mix (coconut coir or peat moss and perlite or vermuculite), water, optional lining for the container (for example, 1-gallon freezer bag), black spray paint, 2-inch hole saw and electric drill, grow lights (if growing indoors).
Buttercrunch lettuce in Kratky hydroponics at the time of transplant to a net cup:
Lettuce grown with Kratky hydroponics, after 1 month:
Lettuce under grow lights - Kratky hydroponics:
Containers for Kratky hydroponics can be made from a variety of sources: Note the 2-inch hole for a net cup in the top cover of the containers, and black spray paint or aluminum foil that blocks the light from entering the water/fertilizer chamber:
Herbs on toast, all grown in Kratky hydroponics: parsley, thyme, savory, dill:
Dr. Bernard Kratky's American Society for Horticultural Science horticultural talk on non-circulating hydroponics. Graduate of Purdue University and professor in Hawaii, Dr. Kratky's patented methods are known around the world.
DIY Grow Light Station for $30
How to Build a Collapsible Plant Grow-Light Station in 10 Minutes - from The Rusted Garden - YouTube http://buff.ly/Kyam7k
Required supplies:
- T8 fluorescent bulbs (over 2500 lumens, 6500 K), $9. Match the bulbs to the fixture
- "shop light" fixture ($11) with Adjustable Grow Light Rope Ratchet Hanger (http://buff.ly/1cKpkg8, Lights of America 4' Solid State Shop Light, White: Tools : Walmart.com http://buff.ly/Kyavrb)
- modular wire shelf, $12 HDX Modular Wide 14.75 in. x 13.8 in. Stacking Shelf-EH-WSHDU-002 at The Home Depot http://buff.ly/1cKtepc. Available from Amazon for $17, Whitmor 6054-585 Supreme Wide Stacking Shelf, Chrome http://buff.ly/Ky9xuZ
Required supplies:
- T8 fluorescent bulbs (over 2500 lumens, 6500 K), $9. Match the bulbs to the fixture
- "shop light" fixture ($11) with Adjustable Grow Light Rope Ratchet Hanger (http://buff.ly/1cKpkg8, Lights of America 4' Solid State Shop Light, White: Tools : Walmart.com http://buff.ly/Kyavrb)
- modular wire shelf, $12 HDX Modular Wide 14.75 in. x 13.8 in. Stacking Shelf-EH-WSHDU-002 at The Home Depot http://buff.ly/1cKtepc. Available from Amazon for $17, Whitmor 6054-585 Supreme Wide Stacking Shelf, Chrome http://buff.ly/Ky9xuZ
How to De-Fungi Pots and Plants: Bleach
How to sanitize pots/containers?
To disinfect pots, soak them in a solution containing one part household bleach to 9 parts water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water. Immerse the pots in hydrogen peroxide (bleach) solution for 10 minutes. Soaking for 10 minutes should kill all bacteria and any fungal spores present on the pot. Then, rinse the containers. Chlorine is unstable and dissipates into the air quite readily
1-10 mnemonic:
1 part bleach, add 9 parts water for
10
10 minutes
How to De-Fungi Plant Potting Soil in a Potted Plant : Indoor Planting - YouTube http://bit.ly/16yTNyq
References:
Cleaning and Disinfecting Plant Containers | Horticulture and Home Pest News - Iowa State University http://buff.ly/1icDqxO
To disinfect pots, soak them in a solution containing one part household bleach to 9 parts water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
Mix 1 part bleach with 9 parts water. Immerse the pots in hydrogen peroxide (bleach) solution for 10 minutes. Soaking for 10 minutes should kill all bacteria and any fungal spores present on the pot. Then, rinse the containers. Chlorine is unstable and dissipates into the air quite readily
1-10 mnemonic:
1 part bleach, add 9 parts water for
10
10 minutes
How to De-Fungi Plant Potting Soil in a Potted Plant : Indoor Planting - YouTube http://bit.ly/16yTNyq
References:
Cleaning and Disinfecting Plant Containers | Horticulture and Home Pest News - Iowa State University http://buff.ly/1icDqxO
Senposai is a new hybrid of cabbage and Komatsuna
Hybrid
Hybrid Senposai is a variety of Japanese mustard spinach, which belongs to the Mustard genus (Brassica rapa var. komatsuna 'Hybrid Senposai').
This exciting green, developed in Japan, is a cross between Japanese Mustard Spinach (Komatsuna Brassica rapa) and regular cabbage.
It looks like cabbage
Senposai leaves look like cabbage, but unlike cabbage, senposai thrives all summer in full sun with no special care.
Low maintenance plant
As Hybrid Senposai Japanese mustard spinach is a low maintenance plant, it is great for beginner gardeners and those that like gardens that don't need much overseeing. A spring sowing will stand the entire summer (even through drought) and well into fall before bolting. Senposai is resistant to heat and grows well all year round. This fast-growing vegetable can be harvested 30-40 days after sowing.
Tastes great
This unique vegetable has sweet taste of cabbage and tenderness of Komatsuna, excellent for salad, stir-fry and pickling. Excellent sauteed, and it keeps growing back after harvesting.
References:
Senposai http://bit.ly/YFNKDm
Vegetable Matter: Asian Vegetables in Houston http://bit.ly/YFO30Z
Japanese mustard spinach 'Hybrid Senposai' Plant Care & Growing Information | folia http://bit.ly/YFOp7Z
Zen Hybrid Oriental Greens Seeds, Vegetable Gardening at Burpee.com http://bit.ly/YFNEMd
Burpee Gardening Videos - Asian Greens at Burpee.com http://bit.ly/YFNJzl
Fedco Seeds - Item: Senposai http://bit.ly/YFOR6a
Senposai (forum) http://bit.ly/YFP0qd
Planting Spinach in Finger Holes: Raised Bed Gardening - The Rusted Vegetable Garden http://bit.ly/120M7lK
Hybrid Senposai is a variety of Japanese mustard spinach, which belongs to the Mustard genus (Brassica rapa var. komatsuna 'Hybrid Senposai').
This exciting green, developed in Japan, is a cross between Japanese Mustard Spinach (Komatsuna Brassica rapa) and regular cabbage.
It looks like cabbage
Senposai leaves look like cabbage, but unlike cabbage, senposai thrives all summer in full sun with no special care.
Low maintenance plant
As Hybrid Senposai Japanese mustard spinach is a low maintenance plant, it is great for beginner gardeners and those that like gardens that don't need much overseeing. A spring sowing will stand the entire summer (even through drought) and well into fall before bolting. Senposai is resistant to heat and grows well all year round. This fast-growing vegetable can be harvested 30-40 days after sowing.
Tastes great
This unique vegetable has sweet taste of cabbage and tenderness of Komatsuna, excellent for salad, stir-fry and pickling. Excellent sauteed, and it keeps growing back after harvesting.
References:
Senposai http://bit.ly/YFNKDm
Vegetable Matter: Asian Vegetables in Houston http://bit.ly/YFO30Z
Japanese mustard spinach 'Hybrid Senposai' Plant Care & Growing Information | folia http://bit.ly/YFOp7Z
Zen Hybrid Oriental Greens Seeds, Vegetable Gardening at Burpee.com http://bit.ly/YFNEMd
Burpee Gardening Videos - Asian Greens at Burpee.com http://bit.ly/YFNJzl
Fedco Seeds - Item: Senposai http://bit.ly/YFOR6a
Senposai (forum) http://bit.ly/YFP0qd
Planting Spinach in Finger Holes: Raised Bed Gardening - The Rusted Vegetable Garden http://bit.ly/120M7lK
Triple "L" Concept: Lettuce Lights Living room
3 vegetable growing systems based on living arrangement (click on the link for a larger image).
The triple "L" Concept is summarized by the expression "Lettuce Lights Living room". It means that a lamp in any room could be replaced by a desk lamp with a CFL daylight bulb (75W or 100W equivalent). The lamp illuminates an edible plant in:
- a Kratky Hydroponic container
- a sub-irrigated planter (SIP)
You can start the triple "L" concept ("Lettuce Lights Living room") using products from Amazon.
How to Grow Basil
Growing Basil - GrowOrganic Peaceful Valley - YouTube http://bit.ly/16UVLph
What is it?
It is an annual herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae (Labiatae) and like others in this family, basil can be identified by its square, hairy stems. Basil is native to India and Asia having been cultivated there for more than 5,000 years. It is grown as a perennial in tropical climates.
Basil is eaten for its rich and spicy, peppery flavor with a trace of mint and clove.
There are over 40 known varieties of basil of which Ocimum basilicum or Sweet Basil is the most commonly known and grown. Ocimum is from a Greek verb that means "to be fragrant."
The foliage is easily bruised; just brushing against its foliage releases spicy fragrance.
Varieties can grow to a height of 2 1/2 feet and are about as wide. Foliage colors range from pale to deep green, vivid purple and even purple laced with yellow. Flowers appear in summer as whorls on the ends of branches and are either white or lavender.
How to grow?
Basil is surprisingly easy to grow. It is easily grown from seed regardless of whether it is started indoors or broadcast outside in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Basil is very tender and sensitive to frost injury.
For indoor culture, cover seeds no more than twice the size of the seed. Space seeds 1/2 inch apart. Once germination begins (after 5-7 days), the plantlets must be kept warm at 70 degrees F. When seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves, transplant them to 2 inch pots.
Basils grow best in a sunny location and need a well-drained, rich soil. Plants started indoors and hardened off in May can be planted outside to their permanent location and spaced about 12 inches apart. Fertilize basil sparingly as this decreases the fragrant oils.
To encourage a bushy plant and maximize production, prune the basil plant. Pinch off the flower buds when they emerge. Basil has to be pruned every 2-3 weeks.
Here is a list of the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter:
- leafy vegetables such lettuce, spinach, chard
- herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley
Everything You Need to Know About Growing Basil - from Burpee Gardens
References:
Growing, Selecting And Using Basil, HYG-1644-94 http://bit.ly/XU5KNh
Basil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/XU5LAT
Growing All Types of Basil Everywhere: All Season Long! The Rusted Vegetable Garden http://bit.ly/120LFnK
Medicinal Plants in Permaculture: Basil http://bit.ly/1tKuwhz
How to Grow Collard Greens (Collards)
What are collards?
Collard greens is the American English term for various loose-leafed cultivars of Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group), the same species as cabbage and broccoli. The plant is grown for its large, dark-colored, edible leaves and as a garden ornamental. The name "collard" is a corrupted form of the word "colewort" (cabbage plant).
The cultivar group name Acephala ("without a head" in Greek) refers to the fact that this variety of B. oleracea does not have the usual close-knit core of leaves (a "head") like cabbage.
Collards are also known as tree-cabbage or non-heading cabbage. Collards look like loose cabbage, without the rounded head in the middle. They are similar to kale in growing habits and taste.
Georgia is the most popular variety. Cooked collard greens is a dish often associates with the American South, however, collard is a cool weather plant that grows better in the fall.
Botanical Name: Brassica 'Creole'. Collards are from the cabbage family.
Collards grow 2 to 3 feet tall with rosettes of large, non-heading, waxy leaves growing on sturdy stems. Collard is a kind of kale and a primitive member of the cabbage family.
Grow, Pick and Cook your own Collard Greens (video):
How to grow collards?
Start from seed
You can grow collard greens as either a spring or fall crop. They are more flavorful and sweeter when grown in the cool autumn. Collards are usually sown right into the garden when the danger of frost had passed.
Days to germination: 5 to 10 days
Days to harvest: 85 days to maturity, harvest at 40 days
Light requirements: Full sun or light shading
Water requirements: Regularly and frequently
Soil: Tolerates all soils, extra nitrogen is helpful
Container: Suitable
The plants grow quickly, reaching a spread of up to 2 feet at maturity.
Collards are one of the most cold-hardy of all vegetables, able to withstand temperatures as low as 10 F to 20 F. In Zone 8 and southward, collards often provide a harvest through the entire winter. Collards are a cool-weather crop and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F. Collards are more tolerant of heat than cabbage.
Collards are considered to be “heavy-feeders”. Plant a few seeds every 2 feet, and thin them down to 1 plant after they sprout. Seeds should be planted just a 1/4 inch under the surface.
Pinch out the growing tips of the collard greens to encourage side branching. You can eat the leafs you cut off.
If you want to start harvesting young greens earlier, you can not bother with the specific spacing and just sprinkle the seeds over the soil. Cover them over with a thin layer of soil. As the plants begin to grow, you can pick the young ones for eating, until you are left with larger plants with at least 2 feet of spacing between them.
How to fertilize?
Apply a high-nitrogen blend of fertilizer to boost leaf production. Collards like to be fed. Choose a fertilizer high in nitrogen (because you're promoting leaves, not flowers). Try Dynamite Organic All-Purpose (10-2-8). Water regularly.
The secret to tender, succulent collard greens is rapid, even growth. Keep soil moisture consistent. Add a complete organic fertilizer before planting and side-dress with fish emulsion monthly to provide the nitrogen needed for quick growth.
Collards need fertile, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8 to discourage clubroot disease.
Can I grow collards in containers?
Yes. However, collards grow larger than most other greens, so you will have to have one plant per 10-inch pot. Larger containers are fine with 2 plants as long as you can provide at least 18 to 20 inches between their main stalks. Keep them well-watered and well-fed with fertilizer.
Use a 3- to 4-gallon pot that's about 10 to 12 inches in diameter for a single collard plant. A pot this size provides enough soil depth for the collards to produce healthy roots. The roots grow deep, so make sure the container is about foot deep.
Can I grow collards indoors, in containers?
Yes. Hang a fluorescent light that you can raise it up and down. Lower the light until it is 1/4 inch from the seedlings. This distance prevents collards from growing spindly. Raise the light as the seedlings grow. Plug the light into a timer, set for 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light.
When to harvest collards?
You can start harvesting leaves 4-6 weeks after you planted the seeds.
You can pick the leaves as the plant grows, by cutting off the ones at the bottom of the plant. As the inner stalk continues to grow upwards and produce more leaves, your collard plant will eventually look like a little tree with a bare stem at the bottom and leaves on the top.
What parasites affect collards?
Cabbage worms grow in the soil and kill collards. Collards may be attacked by cabbage family pests: cutworms, cabbage loopers (preceded by small yellow and white moths), and imported cabbage worms. Handpick these pests or spray plants with Bacillus thuringiensis. Deter collard-loving caterpillars, especially in spring, with a biological insecticide such as DiPel or Thuricide containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Otherwise, collards have no serious disease problems.
References:
Collards from Lowe’s Plant Guide http://low.es/X1Imt0 -- There is more info at Lowe's plant guide available at http://lowes.com/plants
How to Grow Collard Greens | Backyard Gardening Blog http://bit.ly/X1IqsB
Growing Collards - Bonnie Plants http://bit.ly/X1Ip8a
Can Collard Greens Be Grown in Containers? | eHow.com http://bit.ly/X1IpVH
How to Grow Collards | Harvest to Table http://bit.ly/X1Iskr
Grown Your Own Collard Greens - Southern Living http://bit.ly/X1Iwk9
Collards - Vegetable Directory - Watch Your Garden Grow - University of Illinois Extension http://bit.ly/X1IwR6
Collard greens - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/X1Ix7I
Collards - Plant Care Guides - National Gardening Association http://bit.ly/X1Iys7
Container Vegetable Gardening, HYG-1647-00 http://bit.ly/X1IzMS
How to Grow Collard Greens Indoors | eHow.com http://bit.ly/X1IBV1
Collards Are the New Kale | Whole Foods Market http://buff.ly/1crSCQO
From Amazon:
Collard greens is the American English term for various loose-leafed cultivars of Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group), the same species as cabbage and broccoli. The plant is grown for its large, dark-colored, edible leaves and as a garden ornamental. The name "collard" is a corrupted form of the word "colewort" (cabbage plant).
The cultivar group name Acephala ("without a head" in Greek) refers to the fact that this variety of B. oleracea does not have the usual close-knit core of leaves (a "head") like cabbage.
Collards are also known as tree-cabbage or non-heading cabbage. Collards look like loose cabbage, without the rounded head in the middle. They are similar to kale in growing habits and taste.
Georgia is the most popular variety. Cooked collard greens is a dish often associates with the American South, however, collard is a cool weather plant that grows better in the fall.
Botanical Name: Brassica 'Creole'. Collards are from the cabbage family.
Collards grow 2 to 3 feet tall with rosettes of large, non-heading, waxy leaves growing on sturdy stems. Collard is a kind of kale and a primitive member of the cabbage family.
Grow, Pick and Cook your own Collard Greens (video):
How to grow collards?
Start from seed
You can grow collard greens as either a spring or fall crop. They are more flavorful and sweeter when grown in the cool autumn. Collards are usually sown right into the garden when the danger of frost had passed.
Days to germination: 5 to 10 days
Days to harvest: 85 days to maturity, harvest at 40 days
Light requirements: Full sun or light shading
Water requirements: Regularly and frequently
Soil: Tolerates all soils, extra nitrogen is helpful
Container: Suitable
The plants grow quickly, reaching a spread of up to 2 feet at maturity.
Collards are one of the most cold-hardy of all vegetables, able to withstand temperatures as low as 10 F to 20 F. In Zone 8 and southward, collards often provide a harvest through the entire winter. Collards are a cool-weather crop and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F. Collards are more tolerant of heat than cabbage.
Collards are considered to be “heavy-feeders”. Plant a few seeds every 2 feet, and thin them down to 1 plant after they sprout. Seeds should be planted just a 1/4 inch under the surface.
Pinch out the growing tips of the collard greens to encourage side branching. You can eat the leafs you cut off.
If you want to start harvesting young greens earlier, you can not bother with the specific spacing and just sprinkle the seeds over the soil. Cover them over with a thin layer of soil. As the plants begin to grow, you can pick the young ones for eating, until you are left with larger plants with at least 2 feet of spacing between them.
How to fertilize?
Apply a high-nitrogen blend of fertilizer to boost leaf production. Collards like to be fed. Choose a fertilizer high in nitrogen (because you're promoting leaves, not flowers). Try Dynamite Organic All-Purpose (10-2-8). Water regularly.
The secret to tender, succulent collard greens is rapid, even growth. Keep soil moisture consistent. Add a complete organic fertilizer before planting and side-dress with fish emulsion monthly to provide the nitrogen needed for quick growth.
Collards need fertile, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 6.5 to 6.8 to discourage clubroot disease.
Can I grow collards in containers?
Yes. However, collards grow larger than most other greens, so you will have to have one plant per 10-inch pot. Larger containers are fine with 2 plants as long as you can provide at least 18 to 20 inches between their main stalks. Keep them well-watered and well-fed with fertilizer.
Use a 3- to 4-gallon pot that's about 10 to 12 inches in diameter for a single collard plant. A pot this size provides enough soil depth for the collards to produce healthy roots. The roots grow deep, so make sure the container is about foot deep.
Can I grow collards indoors, in containers?
Yes. Hang a fluorescent light that you can raise it up and down. Lower the light until it is 1/4 inch from the seedlings. This distance prevents collards from growing spindly. Raise the light as the seedlings grow. Plug the light into a timer, set for 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light.
When to harvest collards?
You can start harvesting leaves 4-6 weeks after you planted the seeds.
You can pick the leaves as the plant grows, by cutting off the ones at the bottom of the plant. As the inner stalk continues to grow upwards and produce more leaves, your collard plant will eventually look like a little tree with a bare stem at the bottom and leaves on the top.
What parasites affect collards?
Cabbage worms grow in the soil and kill collards. Collards may be attacked by cabbage family pests: cutworms, cabbage loopers (preceded by small yellow and white moths), and imported cabbage worms. Handpick these pests or spray plants with Bacillus thuringiensis. Deter collard-loving caterpillars, especially in spring, with a biological insecticide such as DiPel or Thuricide containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Otherwise, collards have no serious disease problems.
References:
Collards from Lowe’s Plant Guide http://low.es/X1Imt0 -- There is more info at Lowe's plant guide available at http://lowes.com/plants
How to Grow Collard Greens | Backyard Gardening Blog http://bit.ly/X1IqsB
Growing Collards - Bonnie Plants http://bit.ly/X1Ip8a
Can Collard Greens Be Grown in Containers? | eHow.com http://bit.ly/X1IpVH
How to Grow Collards | Harvest to Table http://bit.ly/X1Iskr
Grown Your Own Collard Greens - Southern Living http://bit.ly/X1Iwk9
Collards - Vegetable Directory - Watch Your Garden Grow - University of Illinois Extension http://bit.ly/X1IwR6
Collard greens - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://bit.ly/X1Ix7I
Collards - Plant Care Guides - National Gardening Association http://bit.ly/X1Iys7
Container Vegetable Gardening, HYG-1647-00 http://bit.ly/X1IzMS
How to Grow Collard Greens Indoors | eHow.com http://bit.ly/X1IBV1
Collards Are the New Kale | Whole Foods Market http://buff.ly/1crSCQO
From Amazon:
Indoor Growing Tips (video)
Here are some Indoor Growing Tips by Ray from the Praxxus55712 YouTube channel:
Among the tips:
- make your own potting soil based on coconut coir and vermiculitie
- germinate the seeds with a heat pad (Ray bought a general purpose heat pad from a secondhand store for $2).
- add a small amount of fertilizer every time you water plants - 1/4 of the weekly amount. A little feeding every day works better than a large feeding once a week.
Ray makes his own fertilizer with urea, potash and bone meal. He bought them on Ebay in 25# boxes, no name brand, sold in bulk. He mixes them himself.
Ray leaves the tap water overnight to release chlorine, and then waters the plants the next day.
- one large 85W CFLs covers 4 x 4 ft. area. Ray recommends 5,700 K for both vegetation and flowers: http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/64252/FC85-S50HOD.html
He has 12 of those large CFLs. One regular CFLs covers a 1 x 1 ft. area.
Ray's entire electric bill is $110 per month. The bulk of it is for furnace, garage lighting and home lights. "All of the lighting I use only costs $30 per month and heats the upstairs as a bonus, which saves me energy from having to use the home furnace to heat the upstairs.
One viewer commented: My rate is 19 cents per Kwh, which means a 105 watt bulb burning for 16 hours a day is about $9 per month by itself. Plus 11 more bulbs it would be $108 per month (in NY state).
- use "creative pruning" to help plants develop a tick trunk and solid pyramidal structure that produces a lot of fruit.
Among the tips:
- make your own potting soil based on coconut coir and vermiculitie
- germinate the seeds with a heat pad (Ray bought a general purpose heat pad from a secondhand store for $2).
- add a small amount of fertilizer every time you water plants - 1/4 of the weekly amount. A little feeding every day works better than a large feeding once a week.
Ray makes his own fertilizer with urea, potash and bone meal. He bought them on Ebay in 25# boxes, no name brand, sold in bulk. He mixes them himself.
Ray leaves the tap water overnight to release chlorine, and then waters the plants the next day.
- one large 85W CFLs covers 4 x 4 ft. area. Ray recommends 5,700 K for both vegetation and flowers: http://www.1000bulbs.com/product/64252/FC85-S50HOD.html
He has 12 of those large CFLs. One regular CFLs covers a 1 x 1 ft. area.
Ray's entire electric bill is $110 per month. The bulk of it is for furnace, garage lighting and home lights. "All of the lighting I use only costs $30 per month and heats the upstairs as a bonus, which saves me energy from having to use the home furnace to heat the upstairs.
One viewer commented: My rate is 19 cents per Kwh, which means a 105 watt bulb burning for 16 hours a day is about $9 per month by itself. Plus 11 more bulbs it would be $108 per month (in NY state).
- use "creative pruning" to help plants develop a tick trunk and solid pyramidal structure that produces a lot of fruit.
What is the best indoor light setup for vegetable growing?
The best plants to grow indoors under ligths are greens. They require only basic daylight white bulbs. Fruiting plants such as tomato, pepper and cucumber required special, warmer spectrum, high-outptut lights that stimulate flowering.
I use indoor grow lights from Hydrofarm available from Amazon for $59. The containers are Growums SIPs.
The best lights are high-output dailight white at 6500K. Hydrofarm JumpStart 4 feet system has 50W, 6500 K T-5 bulb.
Menards have a good deal on 46" T5 28 Watt, 6500K ligths with 2 Pack for $13.59. However, the power is only 28W as compared to 50W in Hydrofarm JumpStart.
ViaVolt 4 ft. T5 865 ($10.97 at HomeDepot) is comparable to the Hydrofarm JumpStart bulb (http://bit.ly/PZkJfZ).
Standard shop lights (T-12 and T-8) are the least expensive option but they are bulky and use more electricity than T5. Beware that inexpensive lights tend to be the most expensive to operate and the least effective.
High Output (HO) T-5 fluorescents produce about twice as much light as standard fluorescents and use less power.
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) are another option. The CFLs by the Feliz brand are higly rate (http://www.amazon.com/Feliz-Watt-Light-6500K-Socket/dp/B003FL3D4G).
The lights must be on for 12-16 hours every day. I typically switch them on immediately after I come home from work in the evening and switch them off just before I leave for work in the morning.
AeroGarden is a simple aeroponics system with CFLs. There is no soil, potting mix or hydroponics. However, the container size is small and the system is relatively expensive at $140.
LED lights are the most advanced option but they are expensive.
CFL and Florescent Lights - Growing Indoors Cheap, Easy and Effective - from Alberta Urban Garden:
References:
Setup Indoor Grow Lights and Grow Winter Vegetables http://bit.ly/PZi2Ll
How To Plant Vegetables Indoors http://bit.ly/PZiZTS
Gardening Under Lights, Grow Lights, Grow Light, Shop Lights: Gardener's Supply http://bit.ly/PZjkpF
Growing Vegetables Indoors | The Gateway Gardener http://bit.ly/PZjw8r
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | CAES Publications | UGA http://bit.ly/PZk8L4
Grow light - Wikipedia http://bit.ly/PZkd1i
How to Select the Best Indoor Grow Lights for Vegetables | Urban Organic Gardener http://bit.ly/PZktxi
I use indoor grow lights from Hydrofarm available from Amazon for $59. The containers are Growums SIPs.
The best lights are high-output dailight white at 6500K. Hydrofarm JumpStart 4 feet system has 50W, 6500 K T-5 bulb.
Menards have a good deal on 46" T5 28 Watt, 6500K ligths with 2 Pack for $13.59. However, the power is only 28W as compared to 50W in Hydrofarm JumpStart.
ViaVolt 4 ft. T5 865 ($10.97 at HomeDepot) is comparable to the Hydrofarm JumpStart bulb (http://bit.ly/PZkJfZ).
Standard shop lights (T-12 and T-8) are the least expensive option but they are bulky and use more electricity than T5. Beware that inexpensive lights tend to be the most expensive to operate and the least effective.
High Output (HO) T-5 fluorescents produce about twice as much light as standard fluorescents and use less power.
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) are another option. The CFLs by the Feliz brand are higly rate (http://www.amazon.com/Feliz-Watt-Light-6500K-Socket/dp/B003FL3D4G).
The lights must be on for 12-16 hours every day. I typically switch them on immediately after I come home from work in the evening and switch them off just before I leave for work in the morning.
AeroGarden is a simple aeroponics system with CFLs. There is no soil, potting mix or hydroponics. However, the container size is small and the system is relatively expensive at $140.
LED lights are the most advanced option but they are expensive.
CFL and Florescent Lights - Growing Indoors Cheap, Easy and Effective - from Alberta Urban Garden:
References:
Setup Indoor Grow Lights and Grow Winter Vegetables http://bit.ly/PZi2Ll
How To Plant Vegetables Indoors http://bit.ly/PZiZTS
Gardening Under Lights, Grow Lights, Grow Light, Shop Lights: Gardener's Supply http://bit.ly/PZjkpF
Growing Vegetables Indoors | The Gateway Gardener http://bit.ly/PZjw8r
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | CAES Publications | UGA http://bit.ly/PZk8L4
Grow light - Wikipedia http://bit.ly/PZkd1i
How to Select the Best Indoor Grow Lights for Vegetables | Urban Organic Gardener http://bit.ly/PZktxi
What are the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter?
The best plants to grow indoors under lights are greens. They require only basic daylight white bulbs. Fruiting plants such as tomato, pepper and cucumber required special, warmer spectrum, high-output lights that stimulate flowering.
Here is a list of the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter:
- leafy vegetables such lettuce, spinach, chard
- herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley
I use indoor grow lights from Hydrofarm available from Amazon for $59. The containers are Growums SIPs. The best lights are high-output daylight white at 6500K. Hydrofarm JumpStart 4 feet system has 50W, 6500 K bulb.
The lights must be on for 12-16 hours every day. I typically switch them on immediately after I come home from work in the evening and switch them off just before I leave for work in the morning.
AeroGarden is a simple aeroponics system with CFLs. There is no soil, potting mix or hydroponics. However, the container size is small and the system is relatively expensive at $140.
Top Tips for Indoor Herb Gardening - About.com YouTube http://bit.ly/16UYL4R
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors from About.com -- Certain herbs are more likely than others to survive in indoor herb gardens. This video will show you just a few of the best herbs to consider growing indoors:
References:
Setup Indoor Grow Lights and Grow Winter Vegetables http://bit.ly/PZi2Ll
How To Plant Vegetables Indoors http://bit.ly/PZiZTS
Growing Vegetables Indoors | The Gateway Gardener http://bit.ly/PZjw8r
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | CAES Publications | UGA http://bit.ly/PZk8L4
Parsley, sage, cilantro, basil, thyme, chives, and mint are some of the best container herbs - Whole Foods Market http://bit.ly/16Qlcxf
Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter » Harvest to Table http://bit.ly/1aN0hJ1
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Here is a list of the best plants to grow indoors under lights in the winter:
- leafy vegetables such lettuce, spinach, chard
- herbs such as basil, oregano and parsley
I use indoor grow lights from Hydrofarm available from Amazon for $59. The containers are Growums SIPs. The best lights are high-output daylight white at 6500K. Hydrofarm JumpStart 4 feet system has 50W, 6500 K bulb.
The lights must be on for 12-16 hours every day. I typically switch them on immediately after I come home from work in the evening and switch them off just before I leave for work in the morning.
AeroGarden is a simple aeroponics system with CFLs. There is no soil, potting mix or hydroponics. However, the container size is small and the system is relatively expensive at $140.
Top Tips for Indoor Herb Gardening - About.com YouTube http://bit.ly/16UYL4R
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors from About.com -- Certain herbs are more likely than others to survive in indoor herb gardens. This video will show you just a few of the best herbs to consider growing indoors:
References:
Setup Indoor Grow Lights and Grow Winter Vegetables http://bit.ly/PZi2Ll
How To Plant Vegetables Indoors http://bit.ly/PZiZTS
Growing Vegetables Indoors | The Gateway Gardener http://bit.ly/PZjw8r
Growing Indoor Plants with Success | CAES Publications | UGA http://bit.ly/PZk8L4
Parsley, sage, cilantro, basil, thyme, chives, and mint are some of the best container herbs - Whole Foods Market http://bit.ly/16Qlcxf
Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter » Harvest to Table http://bit.ly/1aN0hJ1
Best Herbs for Container Growing » Harvest to Table http://buff.ly/RMMWhU
Bringing your outdoor plants indoors for the winter (video)
From Praxxus YouTube channel: "All it takes is ONE spider mite or ONE aphid to decimate your entire indoor garden. Bringing your outdoor plants indoors for the winter can be risky." He recommends pruning the plants to basic stems, spraying with pyrethrin, and soaking to pot with neem. Watch the video here:
How to Setup a Grow Tent for Indoor Gardening
Here is a video from TigerHydro.com that shows how to set up a basic indoor growth tent. Most similar tents are set up the same way.
There are a lot of purchasing options from Amazon. Here is an example:
Grow lights and a fan must be purchased separately.
There are a lot of purchasing options from Amazon. Here is an example:
Grow lights and a fan must be purchased separately.
How to grow peppers indoors
Here is a detailed description:
Can I grow peppers indoors under lights?
http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/pepper/2002080947029999.html
http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/pepper/2002080947029999.html
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