@ -8,9 +8,7 @@ Airflow across plants is important because it helps with [transpiration][1], the
> In still air, water lost due to transpiration can accumulate in the form of vapor close to the leaf surface. This will reduce the rate of water loss, as the water potential gradient from inside to outside of the leaf is then slightly less. The wind blows away much of this water vapor near the leaf surface, making the potential gradient steeper and speeding up the diffusion of water molecules into the surrounding air. Even in wind, though, there may be some accumulation of water vapor in a thin boundary layer of slower moving air next to the leaf surface. The stronger the wind, the thinner this layer will tend to be, and the steeper the water potential gradient.
A lack of airflow can cause [mineral deficiencies][2] which is why it's recommended to point a fan at plants grown hydroponically.
The plant can't do anything to fix too little airflow, but can close [stomas][3] to correct for too much airflow. The exception to this is with young shoots which have a cuticle layer on their leaves. The waxy layer prevents stoma regulation, so pointing a fan at shoots may dry them out.
A lack of airflow can cause [mineral deficiencies][2] which is why it's recommended to point a fan at plants grown hydroponically. The plant can't do anything to fix too little airflow, but can close [stomas][3] to correct for too much airflow.
@ -5,13 +5,15 @@ Summary: About the hydroponics garden in my basement.
Short: b
Order: 2
I have a "Secret Garden" in a storage room in the basement of my house. It's currently a [[Hydroponics | hydroponics]] system growing lettuce. You can see an hourly photo of it below:
I have a "Secret Garden" in a storage room in the basement of my house. It's currently a [[Hydroponics | hydroponics]] system growing a tomato. You can see an hourly photo of it below:
<ahref="https://ms.tannercollin.com/garden/garden_hi.jpg"></a>
Click the photo for a larger version.
My current system can grow up to six plants. It's designed around a single 102 L plastic tote. It holds enough water to harvest lettuce once before refilling. After the initial setup, the system can be ignored for weeks.
## Previous Garden
My previous system could grow up to six plants. It's designed around a single 102 L plastic tote. It holds enough water to harvest lettuce once before refilling. After the initial setup, the system can be ignored for weeks.
![[heliosalpha1.jpg]]
@ -28,10 +30,10 @@ Here's directions on how you can make your own:
- Power strip
- Zip ties
## Tools
### Tools
A hole saw drill bit with the same diameter of your net cups is recommended.
## Assembly
### Assembly
Assemble the metal shelf with one shelf at the very top and another only a foot below it as seen in the photo. Only one shelf is used, but two are needed for stability.
Hang the grow lights with the included hangers off the lower shelf. The height can be adjusted later. Plug the lights into a power strip and secure all cords to the lower shelf.
