Growing Hydroponic Lettuce
Hydroponics or “working water” is a way of growing plants without soil. Through water the grower provides all of the nutrients they would usually get from the soil for the plant. Hydroponics can easily be used by the home gardener as well as used on a mass production scale. If you are new to hydroponics, growing hydroponic lettuce is a good place to start. For novice farmers the plants are easy to work with and are very forgiving.
You will need to prepare for starting your hydroponics garden two weeks in advance of actually planting the lettuce. The first thing you do is gather your equipment. Get a 5-gallon container and lid to use. Using a dark plastic container works the best as it helps prevent algae from growing. If you can only find a clear plastic container, cover it with a dark plastic film or aluminum foil. You will also need a growing medium. Root cubes, such as Oasis root cubes, work well for lettuce. Root cubes are a growth medium that is pre-formed and easy to handle. They should have a neutral pH and be designed for propagation. Of course, you will also need your lettuce seedlings. Two weeks prior to planting you must insert the seedlings in the growth cube and then place them in a dish of water.
While your seedlings are in water, you can prepare the lid of your container for planting. Take plastic planting cones, and trace their outlines on the lids. Four to six should fit, evenly spaced on a 5 gallon lids; just try to not get too close to the edge. After tracing circles with the plastic planting cones cut them out and insert them into the holes.
Now you can create your water nutrient solution. In hydroponic growing the most crucial step is to remember you must supply via water all the nutrients plants would normally get through the soil. You can find many pre-mixed hydroponics solutions out there to use as the base for your solution. Mix together 2 teaspoons of the pre-mixed hydroponic fertilizer (8-15-36 works well), 2 teaspoons of calcium nitrate, and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) in a 5-gallon container. One ingredient at a time should be dissolved in a cup of water and then pour it in the drum. Fill the drum almost to the top with water after you have added your nutrients.
After your seedlings have been sitting in water for two weeks, they are ready to add to the planters. First all secure the lid on the drum with duct tape. Then, place the seedlings, inside the root cubes, into the plastic planting cones, which should already by in the holes you made in your drum lid. Hydroponic lettuce needs plenty of sunlight; about equal amounts of direct and indirect sunlight works best.
You will need to keep an eye on the plants for any insects or worms. If by chance you see any insects you must remove them by hand. Pesticides are used in hydroponic gardening, but they are not recommended for growth projects on such a small scale as this. Also, keep an eye on the water in the drum, make sure the plants are taking water, and make sure the water level is not getting too low.
Within 4 to 5 weeks, you should have fully grown lettuce plants, ready to pick. Simply remove the leaves to pick. There are some hydroponic growth mediums that are recyclable, however root cubes are not and should only be used one time.
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