Future Grow Test Plans
After seeing how much my transplants have fallen behind compared to the lettuce that was the same size in the other bed (Now encroaching 3x the size)... I have decided to perform a series of grow tests to maximize production. Let me explain what I plan... and ask for suggestions!
Take a look at the root mass on the Newest set of transplants that I just planted down in my new seedling area (IMG 1443).
Now take a look at the root mass on my old/larger transplants that I moved in the bed up above (IMG 1403).
Those older transplants were much larger when removed from the bed. However, their root mass isn't all that much larger since I ripped so many of the roots when pulling them up at that stage.
Because of this I deduced already that performing this process earlier in life will be majorly beneficial. Hence why I will be transplanting these plants much younger in life.
Anyways, I am now curious if...
1) I were to grow directly from seed and just thin the plants after germination. Would they POSSIBLY be either
equal to - OR
surpass even these younger transplants (like the ones in the new tray)?
a. If... by harvest time... they were even just "Close" to the same size. I would surmise it to not be worth the extra effort and
energy. I would use that space to grow fruit tree clones or plants for the future outside garden.
b. What about taste and plant lifespan before needing to be replaced? Would those be better if the plants weren't stressed out from being moved repeatedly?
Since I am now in a more controlled environment. With controlled light, even nutrients (Though I could spike the starts in the bottom tray with things like sea kelp powder), and with similar temps. I can now much more easily perfect the growing of my plants. I no doubt will have to learn to deal with pests indoors.
I was reading up on Grand Rapids lettuce just yesterday. According to the site in the following link... this type of lettuce can be grow for up to 7 MONTHs before it starts to bolt if conditions are right. Are there many kinds of lettuce like this out there?
https://natureandnurtureseeds.com/products/grand-rapids
If so, My system should be able to definitely be able to produce more than enough lettuce for the family. Cut and come again types can be some heavy producers since they don't have to re-grow a new root system every harvest like head type lettuces. Perhaps I will be able to grow several rows of each type... but staggered in time sequentially.
I plant to play around with this a little. I will post up some pics in the future. I actually have the first version of this test already going! When I was planting out the new tray the other day I left a few seedlings behind in the other grow bed.