What needs monitoring? What needs to be done to make sure plants grow well?

Research your plant’s needs. Many cool weather plants typically enjoy temperature​s in the day of ​70°-­75°F​, and night ​55°-­60°F​ with a relative-humidity​ of ​40%-­60%​ for most growing plants. A water and nutrient solution system should have a temperature between ​18­-21°​C (​64­-70°​F). These factors vary depending on variety, selection, phase of growth that the plants are currently growing, and hardiness, some plants can tolerate stress better than others.

Ongoing Garden Maintenance

Keep Environment Clean​: Helps prevent contaminating plants and a clean space is easier to work in.

Check for plants for signs of insufficient light,​ e.g. sparse, spindly foliage or foliage that is being shaded by other plants. An indicator that the plants are too close to the lights will be signs of​ ​leaf burn ​on foliage closest to the lamp. Check height of lights​ compared to the height of the plant, maintain lamps ​12-­36 inches​ above plants! Rotate or turn plants​ as needed to get uniform growth and check top and underside of leaves​ for likely signs of disease, insects or nutrient deficiency. Prune regularly.​ Promptly remove and dispose of any dead, dying or diseased foliage in the growing area​.​ Conduct any necessary shaping, training, or stressing of branches and ensure foliage is properly supported (via string, netting or stakes) optional foliar spraying and apply optional additives, e.g. compost tea.

Prune regularly.​ Promptly remove and dispose of any dead, dying or diseased foliage in the growing area​.​ Conduct any necessary shaping, training, or stressing of branches and ensure foliage is properly supported (via string, netting or stakes) optional foliar spraying and apply optional additives, e.g. compost tea. Check Lights are operating properly and timer is correctly programmed for the given phase of growth and electrical connections/plugs to make sure they are connected properly and not in danger coming into contact with water.

Air Circulation and Ventilation​: Proper circulation will prevent dead zones of bad and/or cold air at lower levels and hot layers of air near the ceiling. Ventilation and oscillating fans are covering all foliage, especially those closest to the lamp.

Check Ambient Temperature and Relative-Humidity; Check walls and ceilings regularly for mold or condensation.

Check roots​/medium at various points for signs of disease, rotting or molding materials, insects or over/under watering.

hydroponics systems:

Check nutrient solution temperature.

Check for plumbing leaks​; pooling in trays/channels/pots.

Check drainage​ and/or feed outlets (drippers) are not being blocked by roots.

Check pumps and timers​ to ensure they’re working properly. Ensure nutrient schedule appropriate for the current phase of growth.

Check pH​: Ideal pH for ​most​ plants is between ​5.5​ and ​6.5

Check/adjust ​Electrical ​­​Conductivity.​ Add top­-up water​ as needed. (​Use EC meter to measure the strength/concentration of the nutrient solution to keep adequate concentration level.) ​Discard and replace old nutrient​ every 7-­​14 days.​

Please share with friends and click follow to receive a notification when I publish a new article. As I receive feedback from you, I will update these sections, so don’t be afraid to comment or send me your questions directly.