Aiden's HOS1014 Garden Blog

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Week 13 - Cucumber & Bean harvest + Protected Ag Presentation

I started off the day by harvesting cucumbers and beans from the garden. They did really well and look perfect! Now for the bad news, the cucumber plants' leaves are still slowly dying from whatever disease they got. But the cucumbers are still growing. Key takeaways from the Protected Ag presentation: Lack of bacterial contamination by herbivores = greater food safety Types of hydroponic systems = Nutrient film technique, deep water culture, wick system, ebb and flow, drip system, aeroponics Pros of hydroponics = up to 90% less water used, no chemicals, consumers get it fresher, reduces damage/spoilage/waste due to not having to be transported as far, more can be grown quickly Cons of hydroponics = time consuming, requires expertise, requires 24/7 on site supervision/maintenance, needs constant electricity

Week 12 - Exploding Watermelon + Composting Presentation

First thing that I noticed at the garden is that something had gotten to everyone's cucumber plants. The leaves on all of the plants were completely dying, starting with the oldest leaves. Then I noticed that my watermelon was leaking water for some reason After determining that it was either due to an insect getting inside or from absorbing too much water (there has been a lot of rain), we decided to open it. Unfortunately the photos of it being opened are on someone else's phone but it had a ton of pressure inside and did seem to have just absorbed too much water. Very strange! Key takeaways from the Composting presentation: Build a compost pile = Layer equal amounts of greens and browns in 3-4 inch layers, water the layers as you go, stop layering at 3-5 feet in height. Managing your pile = Check temperature, moisture, and smell Do not compost = Dairy and meat, pet waste, pesticides, oils, pressure-treated wood, seeds

Week 11 - Diseased Watermelon + Container Gardening Presentation

Everything is growing well and the corn is really tall. I did notice one of the watermelon plants has brown spots on its leaves and seems to be dying. Seems to be diseased, hopefully it can last until the watermelon is ready to be harvested. Photo of a wasp that seemed to be eating bugs off of the corn plants. Key takeaways from the Container Gardening presentation: Metal/dark containers = Overheat plants Terra cotta pots = "Breathe" better Plastic pots = Do not "breathe", do not dry out as fast as terra cotta Recycled wood fiber pots = Will decompose, be careful when moving them

Week 10 - Bugs + Garden Diseases and Pests Presentation

This week not much had changed in the garden, I did some weeding and noticed some red bugs on the cucumber and bean plants, and a few wasps around the corn. Sunset after class Key takeaways of the presentation on Garden Diseases and Pests: White flies = common in greenhouses, control with yellow sticky traps, parasitic wasps, or lady beetles. Leafminers = attacks members of the pumpkin, solanaceae, and pea families, but luckily are just a cosmetic issue. Southern flatcoil snail = thrives in moisture and shade, prevention includes keeping foliage dry, thinning plants to leave space for air circulation, and watering in the morning. Bean leafroller = attacks legumes, control by hand Squash bugs = attacks members of the pumpkin family, difficult to control with insecticides after reaching adulthood.

Week 8 - Watermelon + Photosynthesis Presentation

This week I have noticed that there is something making some of the cucumber leaves turn very light colored, and also a watermelon has appeared. I think the plants will be sprayed with something to prevent the discoloration from getting worse. My first watermelon Key takeaways from the photosynthesis presentation: Photosynthesis = Sunlight is used to form sugars (carbohydrates) from 2 low-energy compounds (CO2 & H2O) Diurnal fluctuations = Temperature maximum shortly after noon, temperature minimum at sunrise Optimum range = most favorable growth, varies between family, genera, species, and sometimes cultivar Growing degree days or heat units = The quantity of heat experienced by a plant, determines when the plant will mature Temperature too low = Water can freeze in cells and burst them, causing the plant to die Temperature too high = Chemical reactions shut down as their machinery stops functioning and plant dies

Week 7 - Hurricane Recovery + Plant Nutrition Presentation

I started by checking on the plants since they may have been affected by the hurricane last week. The winds were really strong leaving myself (and most of Gainesville) without power for days. The tomato plants had fallen over and some plants were looking a bit rough but they all survived! And also seem to have really enjoyed the extra water. Main takeaways from the Plant Nutrition presentation: Soil = 45% inorganic mineral particles, 5% organic matter, 25% water, and 25% air. Humus = organic matter Macronutrients = Essential element required in large amount for normal plant growth and development Micronutrient = Essential element required in very small amounts for normal plant growth and development If fertilizer says 20-10-15 = 20% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, 15% potassium