Hi guys,
I have been reading your posts avidly.
I also have a GHE areo garden setup. With 4 Seven Dwarf, Collosus plants. (auto flowering)
Using GHE Nova nutrients and a 70W LED light 46cm x 26cm.
Light is On 20hrs and Off 4hrs
Just wondered if you could answer a couple of questions I have please?
1. Is it ok for some of my roots to be hanging directly in the water ? Yes! Absolutely fine. Mine have and now that the plant has grown so huge I have NO choice. Virtually all roots are DEEP in water now.
2. Currently I have my pump set to a 45 mins On and 15 mins Off rotation. Is this to much, should I allow more Off time , or should it be on 24/7 ? This is a tricky one and I will tell you what I have done. The first 6 weeks I used the same setting as you, 45 mins off and 15mins on. But my timer broke at 6 weeks and since then I have my pump on 24/7. Personally that was ideal as my timer broke just when I switched over to 12/12. Here is my theory: When the plant is in vegetative stage the roots need to grow and hence having a timer set on at the above times is ideal as this allows the roots to breath and search for water when its off. So the roots grow. However, when the plant is in bloom/flower stage (ie when you switch the lights to 12/12) I believe that the roots should not be allowed to breath and grow as you want most of the energy directed to those juicy buds of yours. So by switchnig over to 24/7 for the pump this stops the roots from growing (mine were pretty deep and huge almost like 5 boxes of spaghetti) and allows the energy to spent on the top part of the plant. Notice how my plant grew from 6 weeks to now (the new pics above).
3. How do i flush my aero garden and do i have to do it every so often or only if my EC goes too high? I flushed every 2nd feed or when the salt residue on the GHE system built up (notice the white powder-like substance this is sale build up). Plants love it when you flush so when in doubt flush.
Thanks in advance,
1st time areo garden grower