Grandmas-Garden

The Garden 3-22-8

2008-03-25T18:14:00.001-07:00

This is the garden.

The soybean plants climb the six strands of twine.
Tobacco plants line the perimeter.
An orange tree at the corner.
Random veggies and such.
Happiness.

The little garden has come a long way in a few months. What took a small amount of counter space now takes most of the floor.

A grander project is coming soon. Time for an upgrade.

Miscellaneous Plants 3-22-8

2008-03-25T18:06:00.001-07:00

So, I'm not 100% on this but fairly confident that this little fella here is American Ginseng. I had no idea when to expect these to germinate and it appears that it has.

In theory, the American Ginseng plant will just have to be kept alive for a few years to provide a beneficial root.

The experimental Cucumber plant seems quite happy to grow. There has been a fairly significant expansion of the first set of leaves in the last week and imagine the same from the newly forming ones.

Luckily, spring is just around the corner as this one will have to be moved outside.

And, we have the leaning tower of Stevia. I think restarting more space, a bit less light, and dry medium it could be a great plant.

Lesson number, stopped counting, Stevia - light shade, low moisture

Pepper Plants 3-22-8

2008-03-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

The pepper plants have responded the best so far to the hydroponics I believe. Within a very short time they acclimated and have just filled out great.

The Chocolate Habanero pepper continues to grow thick full leaves. The plant, unlike the Orange Habanero has not grown many leaf nodes, but has focused on denser growth.

The Orange Habanero pepper plant has grown much taller and a significant number of intermediate nodes. This far surpasses any pepper plants I have grown previously.

I am looking forward to the Tabasco pepper plants reaching a vegetative growth phase and catching up to the Habanero plants. I have little doubt that the Tabasco peppers will grow very well under these conditions.

Tobacco Plants 3-22-8

2008-03-25T17:47:00.001-07:00

The Burley tobacco is beginning to catch up a bit and should prove to be a formidable plant. The next series of these, if applicable, should be allowed more room for growth.

Burley tobacco is, as I understand it, a very common commercial plant so I imagine that given the necessary conditions this plant could grow quite large.

Growing much fuller, the Kentucky Hybrid tobacco plant provides a yield expected from a commercial crop. There is still very little stalk growth.

The leaves of the Kentucky hybrid plant are quite large and yellow quickly.

At long last there are great big blossoms on the top of the Tennessee Redleaf tobacco plant. Cheers to a fun growth cycle.

I do look forward to trying the Tennessee Redleaf. I am impressed with the speed and size of this plant's growth.

The flowers are actually quite colorful at the tips. This is a plant that certainly wants to seed.

The Walkers Broadleaf tobacco has begun to yellow around the base and I expect any flower buds to begin forming shortly. This plant will not grow as tall as the Redleaf.

The next series of this plant will also be provided with larger accommodations.

Cucumber, Stevia, Soybeans 3-15-8

2008-03-24T19:36:00.001-07:00

The soybean plants are acclimating to their new home and all seem to have survived the transition.

There has not been significant growth but there is an increase of activity at the leaf nodes.

This stevia plant is growing fairly well, but a bit unsteady. It's partner, however, does not look well at all. This one has been in less intense light longer than the other.

So, it seems that the light was just a bit unbearable for Stevia.

Leaves continue to open on the experimental cucumber plant growing yet another node.

Pepper Plant Pictures 3-15-8

2008-03-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

The Chocolate Habanero pepper plant is gorgeous. The leaves are thick and wide. I have no idea what to expect from future growth, I can only say that I expect great things and hopefully, some fantastic chocolate habanero peppers.

The Orange Habanero pepper is also growing quite well, however there are significant differences in growth style. the leaves are much thinner and narrowed than the chocolates. Also, there are dense clusters of leaves forming along the stalk in much greater number than the chocolate habaneros.

The two habanero plant varieties will be very interesting to compare throughout the growth cycle.

Trailing behind the other two, but planted a bit later, is the Tabasco pepper plant. This plants seems healthy. Looking forward to some nice juicy peppers.

Tobacco Plant Pictures 3-15-8

2008-03-24T19:20:00.000-07:00

The image to the right is Burley tobacco which has really just begun to thicken. It has lagged behind all other varieties that were planted at the same time.

Although, this variety does promise a strong yield and may prove to be a pleasant smoke so who knows.

The Kentucky Hybrid tobacco is growing fairly well and has begun to yellow at the lower leaves. As a note, Kentucky tobacco as well as the other tobacco varieties really need much more room for roots.

They will mature in small containers, but this is about as small as would be desirable.

Oh the Tennessee Redleaf tobacco has begun to flower nicely. These have not opened yet, however, a bit of color has begun to show at the tips.

The Tennessee Redleaf has been a great plant and hopefully proves to be an enjoyable smoke.

Finally, the Midewivan Sacred plant has flowered and begun filling a pod with seeds. This plant has been an excellent specimen to grow. There is rapid beginning growth followed by slower vertical growth enabling leaves and flowers to thicken and weight the stalk.

I thoroughly enjoy growing Midewivan Sacred tobacco and intend on growing it more in the future.

The Walkers Broadleaf tobacco plant is beginning to mature with a yellowing of the bottom leaves and denser clusters of leaves forming close to the stalk tip signaling preparation for flower growth.

Soybean Plants 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

The Soybean plants continue to grow around each other. Do we think they are strangling or supporting? I don't really know. But, it's fun to watch.

Stevia 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:09:00.001-07:00

The next couple of images are of Stevia. I moved one out of the flood table to try a drier and less lit environment. It does appear that this has been helpful.

Notice that this one has not grown much and appears sickly.

Now. this one that was moved about a week ago seems to have much healthier leaves. I'm hoping as it dries that the base will strengthen.

Kentucky and Burley Tobacco 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:07:00.002-07:00

The Kentucky Hybrid tobacco plant is starting to take over its container now and is growing quite quickly.

Burley Tobacco still seems to follow the pack but promises a strong yield so that's a nice trade-off. I wonder if anyone else has experienced these same growth differences.

Walkers Broadleaf Tobacco 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:07:00.001-07:00

The Walkers Broadleaf tobacco plant has stayed around the same height for a week or two and I believe is starting to prepare flower buds. Nothing is really visible yet though.

Tabasco Pepper Plant 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

Slowly, the Tabasco Pepper plant is growing. Notice how the leaves are longer and thinner than the Habaneros. I think that's cool. It seems that the leaf shape emulates the pepper to follow a bit.

Habanero Pepper Plants 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Chocolate Habanero Pepper plant is shorter with much broader leaves. Growth of this specimen has been significant over the last couple of weeks.

The Orange Habanero pepper plant is doing very well. This one continues to grow taller and has nice long leaves.

Midewivan Sacred Tobacco 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Midewivan Sacred tobacco plant continues to flower. There were only a couple open last week and many have followed. As the ones at the top open there are buds growing out of the leaf nodes.

Midewivan Sacred is such a beautiful plant.

Tennessee Redleaf Tobacco 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:02:00.001-07:00

These next couple of images are neat. The first is the side view of a Tennessee Redleaf Tobacco plant, the next is a top view shot of it. I like the flower buds at the top of the plant. I thought one or two would have opened by this week, but they are just beginning to open slightly now.

The top view shows the flower buds better. I believe that this plant will continue to grow a fair amount as it flowers. Commercially I think this would be the time to top the plant.

There will be none of that here.

Experimental Cucumber 3-8-8

2008-03-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

I know that I neglected to add a picture of the experimental cucumber plant last post. Here is the plant currently. Not much has changed in the last week aside from the leaf getting slightly larger.

Additionally, I did not upload a picture of the banyan tree this week either and again, this is because there has not been much change in growth.

Plants 3-1-8

2008-03-03T15:01:00.001-08:00

This image may be a bit difficult to see, but this is a Banyan Tree Seedling that has just germinated. Hopefully it lives for a bit as I have had these for months and this is the first I have seen.

This tobacco plant to the right is the Burley Tobacco which I recently mov justed to a larger container. It seems to be taking to its new home and is growing quite well so far.

My Chocolate Habanero pepper plants are continuing to do well and seem to have perked up a bit since the addition of the new light. They are actually gaining on the Orange Habaneros which have easily outpaced the Chocolates so far.

The Kentucky Hybrid tobacco continues to flourish. It appears that this plant just needs to get to a certain stage before real growth begins. So, expect a slow start but a rapid pace once the plant has passed the seedling stage.

This one is great. The Midewivan Sacred tobacco plant has done so well in the
flood table and the flowers are starting to peek out. This should seed shortly.

The Orange Habaneros are doing quite well, but these pepper plants seemed to have slowed down a bit while the Chocolate Habaneros and the Tabascos have begun to pick up the pace.

Finally, some solid growth is beginning for the Tabasco pepper plants. These will start to show real promise over the next month or two.

Walkers Broadleaf tobacco grows very well but I suppose that based on the name I could expect more significant growth from the leaves. Possibly part of the mix is missing like more root room or better lighting. Even so, this is a strong producer and is maturing very well.

The Tennessee Redleaf Tobacco is getting closer to flowering and the preflowers are much longer and narrower than that of the Midewivan Sacred Tobacco. I expect flowering from this one within a week or two.

The soybean plants seem a bit stunted. I think perhaps I should have allowed more room and planted less. Alternatively, it could be like the case of the Midewivan Sacred Tobacco where there was slowed growth prior to flowering.

Luckily, I have plenty of soybean seeds so more experimentation will continue.

The Stevia plant continues to grow despite the light and/or wetness issues. Though, the leaves are deformed and the plant does not appear entirely sturdy. Still waiting to see what happens. Hydroponics isn't for everything. This is probably one of those cases.

If anyone has any experience with Stevia please share.

New Light 400w MH

2008-02-23T19:43:00.000-08:00

So, finally, I have decided to upgrade the lighting. I have been keeping costs minimal but yearning for stronger lighting.

I think that my plants will be happy. I found a Sun System 2 400w metal halide light at a reasonable price so I couldn't resist.

There is no describing the difference in light. It's amazing.

I just hooked up the light last night so I'm not sure what effect it will have on the plants. Next week should be telling.

Pepper Plants 2-23-8

2008-02-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

The Chocolate Habanero pepper plants are doing very well in the hydroponic container. There are a couple of them growing currently.

Just as exciting as the Chocolate Habaneros are the Orange Habanero peppers. These have been doing very well so far. I imagine that a very strong growth phase for both types of Habanero is about to occur.

Last of the pepper bunch are the Tabasco peppers. This one has essentially only had 2 leaves for quite a while so this third and fourth are welcome additions. Much like the other peppers there appears to be an affinity for hydroponics.

Edible Plants 2-23-8

2008-02-23T19:33:00.001-08:00

So, the experimental cucumber has been moved to the hydroponic container.

Still, the leaves have not separated the seed husk from the plant but I imagine this must happen soon. The leaves are growing fairly large as compared to the stem.

I started to unwrap the soybeans a bit and have temporarily attached them to the wall to prevent them strangling each other. I had imagined that by now they might be sturdier.

These will be interesting to watch over the next couple of weeks.

Still, I am a bit disappointed at the appearance of the stevia plants. I am almost certain that these conditions are not ideal for this plant.

Truthfully, I just don't really know. Maybe that's how it grows. Maybe it's sick. No idea. I'm going out on a limb and saying that the stalk can't harden off because of the excess water and the leaves can't take that much direct sunlight.

Watch it or move it?

Tobacco Plants 2-23-8

2008-02-23T19:26:00.001-08:00

Just moved the Burley Tobacco to a larger container this week. Very few of these have germinated and grown to a reasonable size compared to the other varieties so hopefully this one continues to grow well.

The Kentucky hybrid tobacco seems to be doing quite well and is beginning to fill out its new home. One of the plants is quite a bit more developed than the other. There is definitely no question for me why this plant is grown commercially for yield.

It's amazing what a bit of light can do for the Midewivan Sacred Tobacco plants. This one has grown much larger and stronger than the rest. At the top and at the leaf nodes there are flower buds that are coming along nicely. I hope to see these flower soon.

Still the strongest producer, the Tennessee Redleaf Tobacco plant has started to bud. Both this and the Midewivan Sacred should flower around the same time.

I am interested in what type of growth will occur while the plant is flowering.

Walkers Broadleaf tobacco remains very similar to the Redleaf in appearance. However, it still does grow tall faster, and the leaf stems are much longer.

This plant should produce a nice yield.

Edible Plants 2-16-8

2008-02-18T18:03:00.000-08:00

The Experimental Cucumber in the seeding tray is still growing taller with the leaves filling in, yet the seed has still not been shed from the top. I find this interesting as I imagined that by now this would have occurred.

I am curious what the initial root growth is like and if there would be any harm, or benefit, in moving this now to a larger container. There are a couple so maybe I'll move one this week and see what happens.

The soybean plants are gorgeous. The stalks of each wrap around the others and continue to grow strong. I'm sure for yield that I would be better off thinning out the plants, but they are fun to watch.

If leaves happen to be your thing, like they are for me, then this is a great plant to have. The leaves on these plants are unreal, looking almost artificial.

The Stevia plants are still a bit slow growing. I suppose that strong light and hydroponics are not ideal for these. A test is in order. Maybe planting this in another area near a window would yield stronger results. In any event, they are still growing strong and continue to produce leaf nodes so I'm not planning to move them from the hydroponics.

Tobacco Plants 2-16-8

2008-02-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

The Burley Tobacco still lags behind the others. This is the plant after approximately 2 months of growth from germination. Finally, though, the plant is beginning to take shape. This had the lowest germination rate and slowest growth of all the tobacco varieties that I have planted so far.

The Kentucky Hybrid Tobacco plants have reached a solid phase of vegetative growth. There are actually a couple of plants in this container, but the majority of the growth is just one plant. The leaves of this variety appear lighter in color than the others. This holds true, so far, in the drying as well.

The Midewivan Sacred Tobacco plants continue to grow taller than the rest and yield from the leaves is much lower. At the top of this plant a set of flower buds is beginning to form as well as at the higher nodes.

Not surprising, but certainly exciting, the better light source in the flood table has made this specimen significantly stronger and encouraged much more growth than the others.

Still, the Tennessee Redleaf plant is outgrowing the others. Just recently flower buds have begun forming on this plant. Hopefully flowering will begin soon on this and the Midewivan Sacred plants. The others I imagine will be a bit behind based on growth patterns so far.

Contrary to the Midewivan Sacred, though, the leaf nodes do not appear to be growing flower buds, at least not yet.

The Walkers Broadleaf plants have come into their own now. The plant appears to be growing much faster and stronger. Still, the stalk growth seems to be the major focus of this plant. The stalk as well as leave stems are longer and stronger than the other varieties.

Pepper Plants 2-16-8

2008-02-18T17:48:00.001-08:00

To the right is the Chocolate Habanero Pepper plant. This has done much better since being moved. The leaves have filled out well and no longer appear wholly deformed. There is a new light on the way that should help the peppers really thrive.

At right is a Tabasco Pepper Plant. This has not changed entirely much but based on previous experience these are slow in this phase and should pick up well shortly.

Since these were just moved to the hydroponic container recently I imagine that over the next couple of weeks the benefit of this system will begin to show.

Still the leader of my pepper plants, the Orange Habanero is wasting no time in growing out. Not as much up, but definitely out. The leaves are broadening and lengthening quite well. This plant out-paces the Chocolate Habanero and certainly the Tabasco pepper.

Edible Plants 2-9-8

2008-02-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

The experimental cucumber is growing nicely. The seeds are still attached to the seedlings. Already these appear to be pretty hardy plants. Still not sure what to expect from this variety. As soon as the seeds are shed and the plant is a bit stronger it will be moved to a larger container.

The Stevia plants have done much better since being moved out of the direct light. I expect that it was just a bit too much for these plants. My hope, and expectation, is that this plant will begin to bush out a bit more as the leaf nodes appear to be getting closer and growing additional leaves more rapidly.

The soybean plants are growing well, but they are all over the place. Each seedling has its strengths and weaknesses so I haven't decided to pull any or move any quite yet. I expect some significant growth in the next couple of weeks as the expected lifetime of these plants, according to the packet, is not much longer than that for full maturity.

Tobacco Seedlings 2-9-8

2008-02-09T18:34:00.001-08:00

The Burley Tobacco, picture at right, has been the slowest growing to date. I do feel however that this, and the Kentucky, are similar in style and will produce a strong yield.

It does seem however that this Burley variety has started to reach a strong growth phase at last.

The Kentucky Hybrid tobacco plants have really begun to grow and certainly promise a strong yield. The leaves are full of veins, more than the other varieties, and it is clear why these are typical for commercial production of cigarette tobacco. Hopefully this plant can be moved into a larger container in the next week or two to support full growth.

This Midewivan Sacred tobacco plant I have moved into the flood table which is powered by a 400w compact fluorescent light. The growth has shown that lighting makes a huge difference for this variety as the others, receiving less light, are not nearly as well developed.

The mystery of the slowed growth phase became clear this week when I noticed that the Midewivan Sacred plants are getting flower buds at the higher nodes.

This is still the largest of the tobacco varieties I have grown. The Tennessee Redleaf plant began as the fastest growing and has continued to set the pace. The stem now reaches well above the top of the bucket I moved it to and the leaves continue to grow well.

These appear to be extremely hearty plants. I imagine that this is about one-third through its growth.

The Walkers Broadleaf tobacco is quickly gaining on the Redleaf and appears to be similar in nature. The major difference seems to be the height of the stalk growing faster on the Broadleaf plant.

This one also promises fast growth and a strong yield.

Habanero Pepper Seedlings 2-9-8

2008-02-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Habanero Pepper seedlings have been moved from the seeding tray to the hydro container. In a few short days it appears that the benefits of hydroponics are becoming quite clear. The leaves have filled out very well and have grown more in a few days than a couple of weeks.

The image to the right is a Chocolate Habanero Pepper plant and is a bit slower growing than the Orange Habaneros currently.

Clearly, there is much more growth from the Orange Habaneros which I was able to move a bit earlier and have really taken off since being moved.

This seems to be a much sturdier and faster growing plant in general. However, this judgment is based on the few seedlings I have so is merely speculation.

Regardless, I am very excited about the Habaneros and hope for a strong harvest when they are ready.

Edible Plants 2-2-8

2008-02-03T18:47:00.001-08:00

Some of the food related plants that I have been growing are showing promise.
To the right are the soybean plants. These are pretty neat. The leaves grow wide and beautiful. At the top sets of three leaves are emerging from either side. Near the bottom, what's left of the seed is growing yet more leaves. I wonder if both areas grow toward each other. No idea. It'll be fun to watch.

To the right is the Stevia. There were two in here. One was moved to another hydro system where the light isn't so strong. I have a feeling that this plant is not one for large amounts of light. If there is no difference in the growth between both plants in a week or two then this nullifies that theory and it may that the plant doesn't like to be too wet. In any event, we'll know soon.

This is pretty neat, a cucumber, but I don't really know what to expect. This came with a seed order and described itself as an experimental cucumber.

Tobacco Plants - 2-2-8

2008-02-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

It is just amazing how large these plants are becoming. All of the tobacco varieties I have planted have really begun to take shape. The leader is still the Tennessee Redleaf and the one lagging furthest behind is the Burley.

To the right is the Burley catching up to the rest of the bunch.

After a long wait in the seedling stage the Kentucky Hybrid is starting to fill out and it is clear why this is the plant selected for much of commercial cigarette production. The leaves promise a strong yield. It also appears that the leaves are a bit lighter and presumably the smoke would be as well. Time will tell.

The Midewivan Sacred tobacco plants are doing quite nicely now. I am still trying to follow the growth cycle. The plants shoot up quickly and begin to grow leaves, then slow, without significant change, then have begun growth again. These are the tallest and sparsest of the current varieties so far. The stalks seem quite unstable and I have difficulty imagining many of this variety surviving a season in the wild. Recently these seem to have strengthened and may have been doing so to facilitate the second phase of leaf growth.

So far this plant is the prize of my tobacco plant collection. The Tennessee Redleaf plants have promised and delivered on rapid, sizable growth. These larger leaves are easily 14-15 inches. Recently the stalk has really begun to grow a few inches above the surface. I imagine this will end up shorter and denser than the other varieties. Not quite sure yet how it will compare to the Burley and Kentucky as those are too early yet.

Just recently one of the Walkers Broadleaf plants has reached a stage of growth that I felt comfortable moving it to a larger container. This plant seems very similar to the Tennessee Redleaf but the stalk is growing tall much earlier and may end up being taller and sparser than the Redleaf but not quite as much as the Midewivan Sacred.

Pepper Plants - 2-2-8

2008-02-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

The Habanero pepper plants are really starting to take off. The Orange Habaneros still are growing faster but the Chocolate Habaneros are catching up. I have moved two of the Orange Habanero plants to the hydro containers and one of the Chocolate Habaneros.

See at right the Chocolate Habanero is starting to fill out nicely.

The Orange Habanero plants have been growing strong. There is a marked difference in growth though between this and the plant that was next to it and has been moved to the hydro system. It seems in just a day or two the hydro system has accelerated growth.

The Tabasco peppers have just started sprouting. It will be interesting to see how the growth of these compares with that of the Habaneros.

Midewivan - Redleaf - Broadleaf - Burley - Kentucky - Tobacco - 1-26-8

2008-01-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

The tobacco varieties have thrived in these conditions. Truly, the laggards of these are the Kentucky and Burley varieties. I'm not quite sure why, maybe their strengths are later in the life cycle than the others. What I do know is that the Tennessee Redleaf has taken a significant lead in development followed closely by the Walkers Broadleaf. These varieties seem very similar but the leaves are distinguishable. Broadleaf being true to its name, Redleaf I have to dry to find out. But the shape of growth is distinct.

At right the bottom left of the image is Burley which was recently moved. The two on the right are Tennessee Redleaf and are the strongest producers so far. The top left of the image is Midewivan Sacred. I think maybe there was a lack of planning for the size of the tobacco leaves, especially the Redleaf at current. Some, and it seems they are getting larger, measure over 13 inches in length and over 5 inches wide. I think I need a bigger box. I'm not sure if they will grow much larger in this environment, but it may be wise to brainstorm alternatives.

This collection to the right includes a number of plants. The larger three in the front are Walkers Broadleaf and there a couple of Kentucy plants in the back of the image. In the middle I have seeded some vegetables, and in the back still working on getting cotton to live. Maybe as it warms the Cotton will survive.

Chocolate and Orange Habanero Seedlings - 1-26-8

2008-01-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Some of the initial wariness regarding the Chocolate Habanero seedlings is wearing off as though the leaves began seemingly warped they are beginning to fill quite nicely. Of course, the Orange Habanero seedlings have continued to develop quickly. I hope to be able to move them to a new home shortly, but do not want to interrupt the growth before necessary.

Soybean Seedlings - 1-26-8

2008-01-26T07:53:00.001-08:00

The soybean seedlings have really sprouted since last week. They are growing much taller and have started to spread leaves. The beginnings of another set are clearly visible. Regarding the germination rate of these soybean seedlings I believe all but one have germinated. Those are strong numbers. It will be interesting to see how successful they are in maturing.

Stevia Seedlings - 1-19-8

2008-01-23T05:28:00.000-08:00

These are the two stevia seedlings I have growing. They both seem to be doing well aside from this mangled set of leaves on the larger of the two. I imagine this has to do with the fact that I had them directly under the light, maybe a bit too much. On the other hand, it seems that there is a very mild sweet aroma coming from the plant and unless my sniffer is deceiving me this signifies the sweetness of the plant that is yet to come when I begin to harvest leaves. For now, I have moved these out of direct light and hope not to have the damage that was inflicted on those two leaves. Soon I'll have to move one of them out. Not sure where yet.

Soybean Seedlings - 1-19-8

2008-01-23T05:23:00.000-08:00

After just about 5 days I have the first of my soybean seedlings coming up. These should be fun. As I understand it these grow as plants, or bushes, not vines so they shouldn't need to be tied. Also, I should expect to be able to harvest from mature plants in just a couple of months. I have found that soybeans are reportedly good green as well as dried so there is some fun experimentation ahead. I think the name for the green salted soybeans is edamame.

Since the image was taken the pods have opened a bit and the first set of leaves has started to emerge.

Tennessee Redleaf & Midewivan Sacred Tobacco Plants - 1-19-8

2008-01-23T05:19:00.000-08:00

The autofeed system I constructed seems to be functioning quite well and is allowing strong growth from these Tennessee Redleaf (broader) and Midewivan Sacred (taller) Tobacco plants.

The leaves on the Redleaf plants are now over 13 inches in length and 5 inches in width. The stalk of the plant is just beginning to form and is approximately 2 inches tall currently.

I am hoping for a bit more growth in the size of the Midewivan Sacred leaf but as I recall from my last experience with these they tend to be much smaller than the other varieties I have grown, aside from the rapid growth in height.

Orange and Chocolate Habanero Seedlings - 1-19-8

2008-01-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

Still waiting for a while to move the Habanero Pepper seedlings to a new home. I still am a bit wary of moving these as they are so small but should be soon. The orange Habanero pepper plants are doing much better than the Chocolate Habaneros. Not only are they growing faster and germinating better, but the leaves are significantly better being formed completely and straight where the Chocolate ones are a bit, well, rough. The leaves are slightly angled and not as full. I hope they get healthier looking. If not, not a problem, I have put a few more seeds in where others havent germinated. Maybe I can get some healthier seedlings.

Kentucky & Walkers Broadleaf Tobacco Plants - 1-19-8

2008-01-23T05:10:00.000-08:00

To the right is an image of the Kentucky Hybrid and Walkers Broadleaf Tobacco plants that I have moved to individual containers. This is not setup yet for an autofeed but it does allow the root systems a chance to expand.

There are a couple of other plants started here as well. In the back there is a Cotton plant seedling, but I haven't had much luck with these yet. I think it may be to drafty and cold for these this time of year here.

The Broadleaf plants are the two closest in the image and the Kentucky plants are the three in the back. In between these plants I have seeded some vegetables, a couple types of lettuce, spinach, and broccoli. Didn't mark these, they are mainly for snacking anyway.

Plant pictures 1-12-8

2008-01-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

These images are of my plants from January 12th, 2008. I have transplanted some seedlings into a new container. Among these are some Walkers Broadleaf Tobacco, Kentucky Hybrid Tobacco, and the last remaining Cotton Seedling. The two in the back of the image are Broadleaf. The three toward the front are Kentucky, and the closest plant on the right is the Cotton seedling but it's siblings weren't so lucky.

These transplants are still going strong. The Tennessee Redleaf plants are really taking off. Those are at the left of this image. The one in the back right of the group is setting the pace for vegetative growth. The Midewivan Sacred are doing quite well.

At left of the tall Midewivan Sacred plants in this image are the Burley Seedlings. These are the only tobacco plants that I have yet to transplant into individual containers. Perhaps at the end of this week when they have had time to grow a bit more.

The Stevia seedlings continue to do well. There are two growing here but based on the angle that is difficult to discern. Leaves are beginning to grow larger and much more rapidly.

Quite exciting indeed are the habanero pepper seedlings growing in my seeding tray. The two on the left are Congo Black (Chocolate) Habaneros. The three to the right are Orange Habaneros. I have planted additional seeds to replace those that did not germinate. Particularly I would like to see some healthier Congo Black seedlings than have sprouted so far. The leaves on these two seem a bit strained. Their cousins on the other side are doing well though and I am happy with these even though I have added a couple seeds for extras.

Cotton Seedling Problems

2008-01-07T18:15:00.000-08:00

I seem to be having an issue with the cotton seedlings. Not quite sure what the problem is but they do not seem to be responding well to the environment. Actually, I am expecting to lose at least two of the three in the next week or two. Quite possibly it's a heating issue as I am trying to grow them in a basement in the northeast during winter. The plan currently is to plant a couple in the flood table and a couple more in the current planter and monitor these a bit closer.

Habanero Seedlings 1-5-8

2008-01-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

The Habanero seedlings are coming along nicely. I am a bit disappointed in the germination of the Congo Black Habaneros but that's something a few more seeds can fix. Otherwise, the Habaneros are gaining in size and soon should be ready for transplant. I have constructed another container to house the pepper plants once they can be moved. This is designed to support ten plants, five of each variety. This should be complete in the next week or two as the plants mature.

Stevia Seedlings 1-5-8

2008-01-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

The Stevia seedlings are coming along quite nicely. I have moved them directly under the light to aid in entering and supporting vegetative growth. The leaves appear strong and healthy.

Vegetative tobacco plants 1-5-8

2008-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Some of the tobacco plants have entered the vegetative stage and are showing significant signs of leafy growth. So far these seem to promise a strong yield although limited by horizontal space.

The Walker's Broadleaf has definitely begun to grow at a much faster rate and promises a high yield. The smaller seedlings should be transplanted out soon to allow for maximum growth given the space provided.

I have constructed a timed top drip system and transplanted four of the Tennessee Redleaf and Midewivan Sacred plants into these containers. Redleaf on the left and Midewivan on the right. This system seems to work fairly well. I am pleased to report that all transplanted seedlings have survived and recovered from the move very quickly. Some of each plant have been left in their original home.

Tobacco Plant Seedlings 12-29-7

2007-12-29T14:22:00.001-08:00

The Kentucky seedlings are a bit stunted but the leaves are starting to grow. I expect very positive growth starting now.

The Walkers Broadleaf tobacco seedlings have really started to takeoff since being moved directly under the light. Now I imaging they will do just fine even if moved again.

The Tennessee Redleaf tobacco seedlings have not suffered from being moved out from the direct light. As you can see they have continued to grow quite nicely. Debating transplanting some to another container.

Stevia and Cotton Seedlings 12-29-7

2007-12-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

The 2 Stevia seedlings continue to grow nicely. The leaves are starting to take shape now. Shortly I will transplant these into different containers. Probably it would be fun to grow one in the flood table and the other elsewhere.

The three cotton seedlings have not changed entirely much in the last week, but this I blame on the lighting issue. Hopefully there is some nice progress in the upcoming week.

Habanero Pepper Plant Seedlings 12-29-7

2007-12-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

About mid-week some Habanero pepper seedlings began to grow. The section to the left contains regular orange Habanero peppers and the right section contains Chocolate Habaneros. These will be fun to watch. Previously we had successfully grown Jalapenos but not yet Habaneros.

Transplanted Midewivan Sacred Tobacco Seedlings

2007-12-29T14:03:00.000-08:00

To the right are the remainder of the Midewivan Sacred seedlings and the Burley Tobacco seedlings. Hopefully all the transplants continue to grow. The Burley has slowed in growth but I identified a lighting issue that is now rectified and should support decent growth.

Took some time today to transplant the Midewivan Sacred tobacco seedlings to a new home that should provide more room for growth. This container is scheduled to be outfitted with a submersible pump and a drip watering system.

These images are from December 29th, 2007.

Cotton and Stevia Seedlings 12-22-7

2007-12-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

To the right are the Cotton plant seedlings that sprouted a bit over a week ago. There has not been entirely much change in that time but I expect to see some difference shortly. Still, out of the 5 seeds planted only these 3 have germinated.

These Stevia seedlings are doing nicely and are working on the third set of leaves. This is pretty exciting. Four seeds were planted initially, but only two of them have germinated so far.

Tobacco Seedling Pictures 12-22-7

2007-12-22T08:24:00.001-08:00

These are the latest images of my tobacco plants. To the right is the Burley tobacco which is coming along nicely, but very slowly. These Burley seedlings are starting their second set of leaves.

To the right are the Midewivan Sacred seedlings which are just taking off. It is very exciting to watch these grow. It's just about time to turn the tray around so that they don't continue growing at an angle.

To the right are the Kentucky Hybrid tobacco seedlings which are certainly taking their time to grow. It may be that these are in a drafty location and that it's stunting their growth.

These are the Walkers Broadleaf plants. I have switched the positioning of these with the Redleaf plants so that they can get more light. It seems to be helping. We'll know for sure by next week.

These are the Tennessee Redleaf plants which have been doing great in the Flood Table and continue to grow nicely even though they have been swapped with the Broadleaf and now are at the edge of the light rather than directly under.

Stevia and Cotton Seedling Pictures - 12-15-7

2007-12-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

Some images of other plants that have been started. The first is Stevia, this I have included pictures of before. There are a couple of sets of leaves now on each plant and they are really starting to reach.

This one is particularly exciting. I have planted 5 cotton seeds and so far 3 have sprouted. These seedlings come up with huge leaves. Take a look at the one in the back, that was the first one up. The one closest in the picture looks like it's having a bit of leaf trouble. But, we'll follow its progress.

Tobacco Seedling Pictures - 12-15-7

2007-12-18T05:46:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of the tobacco seedlings that have been growing. These images are from December 15th, 2007. I'm very excited, these plants are coming along great.

To the right are the Burley plants which are starting to develop additional sets of leaves.

As always, my favorite, Midewivan Sacred is coming along great. Funny, I have grown this type before and the leaves started small with the stem shooting up. It is interesting to see a different growth pattern from the same set of seeds.

The Kentucky Hybrid plants sure are taking their time to grow. But, even though it may be slow these will grow much bushier than the others so I guess you make up the lag in growth in yield later.

To the right is the Tennessee Redleaf. Take note that this one is in the flood table along with the Broadleaf. This one is doing much better though as it is positioned right under the light and as such is growing much faster.

And lastly, we have the Walkers Broadleaf which is coming along as well. These are starting their second sets of leaves.

It would probably be a good idea to switch the Broadleaf with the Redleaf to get some of that direct light exposure.

Plant photos from 12-8-7

2007-12-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have taken photos a week later of the plants currently growing. There are some strong seedlings coming up. The trouble is that I'm not sure how much room I'm going to have for the full size plants.

The Walkers Broadleaf continues to sprout and grow. We have a couple of strong seedlinks coming up.

The Midewivan Sacred looks great. Should have a few strong plants growing. This I'm particularly excited about.

The Burley Tobacco is coming along. This took a bit longer to germinate but is a hearty plant.

Getting a few seedlings of Kentucky Hybrid but it is still early. These will bush out nicely in a few weeks.

Another Stevia sprout has come up. Out of the new batch of plants I've sown this is the first to sprout.

The Tennessee Redleaf is growing very strong in the flood table. Already I see a difference from using hydroponics. Both the Broadleaf and Redleaf are germinating at a higher rate and much faster than the Kentucky or Burley.

Stay tuned for more. I've added more planters and a variety of plants so the next few months are going to be really exciting.

Stevia

2007-12-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

As I understand it, Stevia is an alternative to sugar that could be healthier for consumption. Since I already had the inclination to grow coffee and tea, how about sweetener. So here, also taken December 1st, 2007, are the beginnings of my Stevia plant.

Tobacco Varieties

2007-12-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

The following are some of the tobacco varieties that are germinating after about a week and a half. These images were taken December 1st, 2007.

The first one to the right is a common burley tobacco. This is growing under the 4ft fluorescent lights.

The second one here, to the right, is another common tobacco, Kentucky Hybrid.

This third one here is one of my favorites, Midewivan Sacred. This is stronger than the previous two and grows distinctly different from all my other varieties.

The next two varieties are in the hydroponic flood table. The first is Tennessee Redleaf.

This second one is called Walkers Broadleaf.

Hydroponic Flood Table

2007-12-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

On the other side of the indoor garden area is the hydroponic flood table. This is an ebb and flow system, 4 x 4 table and a 40 gallon tank. The light is 400w.

To contrast growth potential there are a couple of varieties of tobacco planted in here as well. This will be exciting.

In addition to the tobacco experiment, we have eggplant, orange and grapefruit trees, basil, lettuce, and more.

Recently, Stevia, tea and coffee plants as well as Dragon's Blood and Banyan Tree seeds have been planted. The latter items being of particular interest but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for these to germinate.

More will follow on the setup, methods, and plants.

Indoor Growing

2007-12-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

This is an indoor seed bed for growing a couple varieties of tobacco. It is a basic setup using two fluorescent grow light bulbs and a couple of trays of medium. The medium I selected is Coco Grow which is typically used for the hydroponic flood table. I am also using organic nutrients for the plants.

This is a bit of an experiment as I have grown these varieties in potting soil and have had positive results. This is by no means scientific or professional, but it is darn fun.

I have the lights set on a chain so that height may be adjusted as the plants grow (hopefully).

Intro to Grandma's Garden Blog

2007-12-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

The creation of this blog is for a few reasons. The first and foremost is the hope to communicate the enjoyment and benefit one can receive from having a garden. This includes the benefit to humanity and the world as a whole if just a few more people grow gardens. Additionally, to communicate what I learn about different plants, growing methods, etc.

At times there will be entries about different plants from my own garden. At other times there may be commentary regarding any number of gardening topics.

If you have a love of gardening, or a desire to enjoy someone else's, please feel free to come back often.

Certainly, if there is anything that you would like to contribute, tips, resources, that are valuable, please comment. I welcome knowledge. Please do not contribute spam like medication advertisements or illicit materials as this just shows a lack of creativity.

To all who would like to help "grow" the world please do so!