LED chard

[jackb]

I have been using either T5 or compact fluorescent lighting to grow Swiss chard and beet greens, and have been very satisfied with the results. A few weeks ago I changed the lighting to a 90 watt red/blue LED suspended 18" above the plants, and I am now amazed with the results. The plants in the photo are four weeks from the date I removed the seeds from the package, and they are the most compact chard seedlings I have ever grown, including in the greenhouse. At the rate they are growing I estimate that the chard will be ready to harvest in about two or three weeks.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

looking good as always Jackb!

one of my new year's resolutions was to get my butt in gear and start some seeds hydroponically! i got most of the supplies so far but i just need to get them started.

 

[jackb]

looking good as always Jackb!


one of my new year's resolutions was to get my butt in gear and start some seeds hydroponically! i got most of the supplies so far but i just need to get them started.

Well good for you! And good luck.
Jack

 

[jackb]

I just noticed your zone. You are like I am with really not much of an outdoor gardening season. Hydroponically I can garden 365 days a year, and I love it.

looking good as always Jackb!

one of my new year's resolutions was to get my butt in gear and start some seeds hydroponically! i got most of the supplies so far but i just need to get them started.

 

[Chickie'sMomaInNH]

i consider myself a zone 4 just so i have that slight leeway when it comes to plants and their hardiness. my zone is really considered a 5a according to the maps. i can grow a lot of short season stuff but i have chickens and a bunny i'd like to grow some stuff year round for them to eat fresher and cleaner than what i can get at the grocery store. and keeping my fish tank full of koi helps to keep my house plants fertilized when i have to change out some of the water and the filter pad. i figured i would put that water to better use and start growing some veggies with it too!

 

[jackb]

Only two weeks from the first post the chard is ready to pick. Today, chard in the market was $2.49 per bunch. Great price, except, you needed a "bunch' for each individual serving. It was well worth the effort involved to grow the chard.

 

[lesa]

Fabulous! One of these days we will have to make a road trip and see your operation in person. Maybe you could you explain to DH how "easy" it is???

 

[jackb]

If DH likes to garden tell him to think about gardening 365 days a year. Next to the chard there is Two Star lettuce ready to harvest. Next to that is Red Salad bowl, and all of the plants are absolutely perfect. We don't even wash it, as it has never had so much as a drop of rain fall on it. My wife loves my hydroponic endeavors as it keeps me out of her hair.
Jack