How to grow fresh lettuce at home?
Today we will introduce a simple and effective method - hydroponics.
What exactly is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is to grow plants directly with nutrient solution without soil.
You may think: "Can plants grow without soil?"
Of course, the times are advancing, as long as the necessary nutrients can be obtained from water.
In fact, hydroponics can provide more precise nutrition, and plants can grow faster and better. Hydroponics is not only easy to learn, but also can ensure no pesticide residues. What's even better is that you can enjoy fresh and healthy lettuce at home all year round.
Since hydroponics is so magical, how to operate it specifically?
1.Preperation
Before you start, you need to prepare the following materials and equipment:
1) Hydroponic system
The most popular methods are deep water culture (DWC) and nutrient film technology (NFT). DWC is relatively simple to operate, low cost, suitable for small-scale planting, and more suitable for novices; NFT is more suitable for experienced growers, and requires a certain control of water quality and nutrient solution.
2) Lettuce seeds
Common varieties include Italian lettuce, Purple leaf lettuce, Butter lettuce, and Rosa lettuce. When you first start planting, you can try Butter lettuce, which is more suitable for making salads, has a crisp taste, and is suitable for hydroponic cultivation.
3) Nutrient solution
Different from soil cultivation, hydroponic cultivation can directly obtain nutrients from water. A good nutrient solution should contain basic elements required for plant growth such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements such as iron, magnesium, and zinc.
You can buy special nutrient solution for hydroponics on the market and use it according to the proportion in the instructions.
4)Hydroponic LED grow light
For indoor planting, hydroponic lights are essential equipment. Choosing a good hydroponic grow light is equivalent to winning at the starting line.
VANQ， 20Watt LED Tube Grow Light, is IP65 waterproof and suitable for various environments and weather conditions; it supports serial connection and can connect 20 devices, easily meeting large-scale planting needs. The length can be customized to meet a variety of planting needs.
Lettuce needs to be exposed to sunlight for 12-16 hours a day, and the temperature should be maintained between 18-24 ℃. It is usually appropriate to be 20-30 cm away from the top of the plant. The specific height of the lamp should be adjusted according to the growth of the lettuce.
2.Grow steps
1) select and prepare the seeds
Choose your seeds: Choose the variety you like（Italian lettuce、Purple leaf lettuce、Butter lettuce、Rosa lettuce）
Seed soaking: Prepare the seeds for germination by first soaking them in warm water for 4-6 hours.
2) Sowing and seedling raising
Sowing: Place the seeds in a moist seedling sponge or rock wool, 1-2 seeds per hole.
Seedling raising: Place the seedling container in a warm and sunny place, keep it moist, and wait for 3-days for germination.
3) Build a hydroponic system
Prepare the water tank: Fill the water tank with water and add an appropriate amount of nutrient solution, and mix according to the instructions.
Adjust the pH value: Use a pH test tool to test the pH value of the water, and keep the pH value between 5.5-6.5.
Install the air pump and air stone (for DWC system): Connect the air pump to the air stone and put it in the bottom of the water tank to ensure sufficient oxygen supply.
4) Transplanting seedlings
Transplanting: When the seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, carefully transplant them into the mesh basket of the hydroponic system. Make sure the roots are in contact with the nutrient solution.
Fix the growth light: Fix the LED growth light above the plant, keeping an appropriate distance (usually 20-30 cm).
5) Daily maintenance
Lighting: Maintain 14-16 hours of light per day, turn off the growth light at night to simulate the natural environment.
Nutrient solution management: Replace the nutrient solution every 1-2 weeks and check the pH value regularly.
Temperature and humidity: Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, and adjust if necessary.
Pest and disease control: Check the plants regularly and deal with pest and disease problems in a timely manner.
Since its establishment in 2009, VANQ has always been customer-centric and committed to providing high-quality LED grow lights for cannabis cultivation, vertical farming, greenhouses and tissue culture.
we have a state-of-the-art production plant in China and a warehouse in South Africa, ensuring free and fast delivery services within South Africa.
