Planted on 2/29/2012. Now that we have our system fully tested and operational, it was time to get ready to plant. First we mixed up a gallon of our nutrient solution and checked the pH level. It turned out to be a little high so we had to add some pH down to get it right where we wanted it, right between 5.5 and 6. Next we soaked our rockwool cubes in the solution for 30 minutes, because we read that rockwool has a tendency to raise the pH level. We rechecked the pH level and it was sufficient, so we began the planting process.
Next, we made small holes in the rockwool about 1/2″ deep, placed the seedlings in so the sprouts were just surfacing, and closed up the holes. After getting our planting cups set up, we established the water level in our system. We made it so the solution filled the bottom of our planter cups up about 1/8″. We did this because we did not want to provide too much water. We wanted the roots to have to search for nutrients in the downward direction and establish themselves. Once our cups were set and our water level was correct, we chose our territory under the grow lamp, plugged in our air pump, set up the lighting timer, and powered the light up. Our location on the grow tray is almost directly under the light with no interference (so far) from other systems. Growing is underway.
