So, after a bit of a break, while relocating the young plants, and learning a few lessons about cabinet grows. I learned I should consider all dimensions of all equipment when planning a cabinet plan change. I learned that an open grow environment needs to be hidden every time a utility service person shows up to check on equipment located within your grow area, until you get a cabinet. 6 gallons of water isn't light, after carrying it several times.

I tried to go with a laminate cabinet from the local hardware store. Unfortunately, a 24" cabinet is not really a 24" interior dimension, but then again, a 24" lamp isn't really 24". The lamp case is a little less than 24", but the cord more than makes up the difference, and then pushes it over 24" length. That wasn't the only problem; the depth of the garden - about 15.5" is deeper than most of the laminate cabinets you find at the local hardware store. Well, the first attempt, even though too small for the garden, did work out well as a storage cabinet for supplies. In replacement, I found my cabinet at the local office supply store. It's 18" deep, 36" wide, and 72" tall. This should be able to handle all the current equipment. I will, however need to make some adjustments to the cabinet.

First, the interior needs to be painted a flat white, to help in reflecting the light. Currently, it's a beige color. I also need to cover up all the holes, for the shelf hooks, to minimize the light into the cabinet. Finally, I will need to cut exhaust holes for the vent/filter and intake filter. I picked up a standard fresh air return duct filter cover, and a trim-able filter (to help minimize light from outside) to provide a fresh air intake. I will post photos once that project has been completed. So far, costs are up another $320 to about $1500 overall (not counting seeds).

For now, they are sitting in a storage area, with no filter, but a fan that circulates the air in the room. They are still under the T5 lamps. A couple days ago, I changed the water for the first time, and it seems to have gone ok. I was able to place the cover of the garden in another container while I cleaned out the garden reservoir. I'm not sure if it is good to expose the plants' roots to that much light. I changed the nutrient mix to the next level in the schedule. Initially, I started with 1/4 TSP per gallon (1.5 TSP total for my garden of 6 gallons). This time, I went with 1 TSP per gallon, or 6 TSP total for my garden, of each FloraGro, FloraBloom, FloraMicro. I also added a couple drops of the SUPERthrive.

After a couple days to settle down after the water change, the numbers are
  • pH = 6.0
  • ppm = 685
  • water temp = 73.5F
  • air temp = 72F
  • RH = 36%
Now, I am in day 22, and the photos below are from this morning. They appear to be growing a lot faster now. The lower leaves don't look very good. I'm not sure if this is normal, or an indication of something wrong. The upper left plant (photo 1) was the fastest to crack it's shell, and has been the clear winner in growth on a consistent basis. The one in the lower left, however, has been starting to show some accelerated growth in recent days, and that one was the last to really sprout - I needed to help remove it's shell at the beginning. The stems appear to be getting thicker and stronger. I still need to pick up a couple small, oscillating fans to blow across the plants. The one I'm using now, even at its lowest setting, it way too strong for blowing directly on these plants.

Hopefully, with some luck, I'll get the cabinet ready to go before the next water change.