Spring_2020_early_tent_view
Posted on by me

Spring 2020 first planting DWC/NFT

It is not really 2020 yet or spring, but I have moved the seedlings from 2020 into the Hybrid Deep Water Culture/Nutrient Film Technique (DWC/NFT) system.

I also switched over to MasterBlend Tomato Fertilizer, Calcium Nitrate, and Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt). I had been using it in my outdoor Hydroponics, but made the shift inside as well. I sourced it from Morgan County Seeds as recommended by mhpgardener on YouTube. I believe there a lots of re-sellers on amazon now. Morgan County was very friendly when I first ordered from them, so I’ll likely continue to do business with them. I use the recommended “The recipe for use in a hydroponic system is 12 grams Masterblend 12 grams calcium nitrate 6 grams magnesium per 5 Gallons” I mixed it a bit weak as the seedlings were still a bit young. I also adjust the PH into a good range between 5.5 and 6.5. This has been optimum for me in the past with the hard water here.

I also use this in the Kratky systems although dakineapproaches recommends another name brand with the same/similar formulation. My understanding is it depends on the region in which you live which brand is cheaper.

  • Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend
    Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend
  • Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend_calcium_nitrate
    Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend_calcium_nitrate
  • Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend_PH
    Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend_PH

Once I got the PPM and PH set I moved over the Pak Choi and Komatsuna seedlings. They were a bit young still, and got a bit droopy. However most recovered by the next day, and I expected the stragglers to have a hard time as I removed them from the rock wool cubes so some root damage will require longer transplant recovery.

  • Spring_2020_early_NFT_slightly_droopy
    Spring_2020_early_NFT_slightly_droopy
  • Spring_2020_early_NFT_slightly_droopy2
    Spring_2020_early_NFT_slightly_droopy2
  • Spring_2020_early_NFT_slightly_droopy3
    Spring_2020_early_NFT_slightly_droopy3

A little Kratky method on the side.

I had a few leftover seedlings, so I mixed up a quick pure Kratky method tub to keep the overflow seedlings in.

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    Spring_2020_early_NFT_master_blend_PH2
  • Spring_2020_early_Kratky_overflow
    Spring_2020_early_Kratky_overflow

Prepping for the Outdoors

Spring_2020_early_Next_crop

Once I got the Indoor plants squared away in the tent. I started the seeds for the Outdoor hydroponics (Tomatoes and Jalapenos) and a big block of Lettuce plugs for the downspout system.