First harvest and some #s

Today was the first small harvest of the mesclun blend in DWC 2.  Along with a large harvest of Simpson from DWC 1, this made for a fantastic salad.  The blend is crisp, sweet, and colorful.  I am most impressed with both the Simpson Elite and the mesclun mix and will keep both varieties growing in a continuous harvest.

With today's harvest I took a look at journal entries for the previous growth times as a nutrient change is drawing near for DWC 2.  After sifting through this information, I felt it would be a good idea to post the growth numbers to show the overall growth period in days including nutrient changes and harvest information. Hydroponics provides optimal growing conditions and the growth numbers reinforce that claim. Harvests for the ebb and flow and DWC 1 systems have been every other day from the initial and have  provided 2 large salads each at minimum.

The initial nutrient mix for all lettuce is 1/2 strength. "Lettuce Day" = days since germination. "System Day" = days since planted into the hydroponic system.

Here are the system #s.

Ebb and Flow (Simpson Elite):
*Water change and nutrient increase to full strength:  Lettuce Day 36, System Day 21
*First harvest from system: Lettuce Day 34, System Day 19
*Harvest day per package recommendation: Lettuce Day 42
*Final Harvest: Lettuce Day 102, System Day 87.  Turned bitter following day and destroyed.


1st DWC (Simpson Elite): 
*Water change and nutrient increase to full strength:  Lettuce Day 59, System Day 42
*First harvest from system: Lettuce Day 53, System Day 36 (harvested late, on vacation)
*Harvest day per package recommendation: Lettuce Day 42
*Current Day: Lettuce Day 90, System Day 73

2nd DWC (Mesclun Blend):

*Water change and nutrient increase to full strength: TBD
*First harvest from system: Lettuce Day 34, System Day 25
*Harvest day per package recommendation: Lettuce Day 48
*Current Day: Lettuce Day 34, System Day 25


Although I see no signs of deficiency or stress, I intend on a nutrient change for DWC 2 in the next few days.