Thanks Mel, I am not using grow light because we have lots of sunlight here. You are right that they are not in direct sunlight. I did tried leaving them in direct sunlight and in less than half an hour they are already wilting. They recovered after I moved them back into the shade. I guess the direct sunlight here is just too hot. Thank you for your input
Today I moved the seedlings from 1/2 strength nutrients to full strength nutrients. The seedling on the far end is a romaine. Finally I can see how the lettuce will grow. I am leaving the net cup with 2 seedling be for the time being. They are all very leggy and if I give them direct sunlight they will wilt. Hmm ...
Looks like the 2 romaine is going to end. The other 3 is growing slowly. Since the romaine is the last to germinate it is the smallest. They are getting about 3 hours of direct sunlight
Conclusion Today is the 50th day from germination and I do not think it will grow any bigger If you can remember they are suppose to mature in 55 days. The roots are ... I guess it is almost non existence. I am very surprised that they can last this long. It is a failure. I guess the nutrient is just not suitable. I check the nutrient solution with a ecs/ppm meter and it is still within requirement so I guess the nutrient is just not suitable. I should try again?
I am sorry that the lettuce did not develop better for you. I think that you ought to try again, perhaps with a different types of lettuces, to see if you can find a type that will work. Another idea is to make inquires in the kitchens of some of Malaka’s restaurants to see what types of lettuce they use and where they get it from. It is an unusual approach, but perhaps you can find a type that will work for you.
Hi KK, While I love experiments, I think you had better luck with the fish.....but you ate the fish and the lettuce. Butterhead lettuce was suggested from a google search for lettuce grown in Malaysia. Several sites posted pictures. It was suppose to be heat tolerant. Have you tried that variety? Jerry P.S. 99.5 % of my veggies are in aisle 20 of the grocery store. I did grow a couple of black tomatoes a few years back About the same time as the Tilapia.
Thanks Sjoerd. I am considering to try again later maybe with a another brand of NPK. The lettuce we get here are from the highlands like Cameron Highlands. Some are grown hydroponically in control environment and also some are imported. These are what we get from the supermarket and the normal market. Thanks Jerry, yes the lettuce grown in Malaysia is either in the highland or urban farm in a control environment. The seed I used is claimed to be suitable for the climate here : so the seeds in the little experiment is supposed to be the right kind I think. I can only think the NPK nutrients maybe is not suitable for lettuce.
Well KK, growing veg the way you are trying is a challenge, but not impossible. I hope you find the right path. I believe you will, you are a smart man. Ahh, the Cameron Highlands, a cool and beautiful place. I remember it.
