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Classic Mesclun Mix
2 weeks |
After much forethought I finally decided the best way to go about my planting arrangements. My goal is to have enough in quantity and type of lettuce to give a good representation of my product. This way I can take samples to the local restaurant's when I go to do my market research. So I planted a tray of arugula, 1/2 of spinach, 1/2 rainbow chard, 2 trays of classic mesclun mix and a tray of cos romaine. Each tray is about 90 plants with germination rates taken into consideration. The plants are all 2 weeks old as of May 16th. The classic lettuce has grown large enough that it should be transplanted into the finishing table within the next week. The rest of the plants that wont fit into the finishing table will be transplanted outside into the garden.
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| Arugula |
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| Russian Kale |
I've decided the best way to do market research is to call and make an appointment with local chefs, to talk face to face. This way I can ask questions like; Do you currently incorporate any fresh, local, naturally raised produce in your menu? Approximately how many cases of lettuce a week are you currently buying?, Who are you buying those from?. Last year when I did this I was overwhelmed with how many chefs were interested. The majority of them asked to be faxed once a week with a list of what I had available that week. What I am really looking forward to is building relationships with the chef's so that in the future I can grow specialty items specifically for them.
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| Mustard Greens |
Thus far, my hydroponics set-up has been self sustained with timers turning on the lights 18 hours of the day, and flooding my table 3 times a day. The only maintenance I do daily is check TDS (nutrients in the water) and pH (acidity/alkalinity). That being said I only had to ad nutrients 1 time, and that's when I added about 15 gallons of water. Since I am using all organic nutrients the pH seems to be keeping itself stable. If things keep going this well I may be adding another table before summers end. I currently have space for 4 more. Doing that will expedite my ultimate goal to financially sustain my household with lettuce/vegetable sales.
