It is common for a thin layer of white nutrient residue or green algae to form on the top of seedling's grow medium. Hydroponic grow medium is designed to absorb the water and nutrients that flow through the Farmstand. The majority of those nutrients are absorbed by the seedling's roots or flow back into the Farmstand's reservoir. However, some nutrients will settle on top of your seedling's grow medium.
This can result in one of two things: a white nutrient residue or a thin layer of green algae. Both are common and nothing to worry about! Nutrient residue is just a solid form of the nutrients and algae forms when the sun reacts with wet nutrient residue.
Algae cells are found everywhere and all they need to grow is water, light and nutrients -- just like plants. This is why you might see algae on your growing medium. Algae will not harm plants but they can slow gas exchanges in the grow medium which can lead to slow root growth. You can change your timer settings to run less frequently to help prevent algae from developing.
Spraying neem oil on your seedling's grow medium will help to curb algae growth while spinosad can be used to deter any associated pests that like to feed on algae. You can learn more about common pests and organic pest management strategies in our pest blog!
This can result in one of two things: a white nutrient residue or a thin layer of green algae. Both are common and nothing to worry about! Nutrient residue is just a solid form of the nutrients and algae forms when the sun reacts with wet nutrient residue.
Algae cells are found everywhere and all they need to grow is water, light and nutrients -- just like plants. This is why you might see algae on your growing medium. Algae will not harm plants but they can slow gas exchanges in the grow medium which can lead to slow root growth. You can change your timer settings to run less frequently to help prevent algae from developing.
Spraying neem oil on your seedling's grow medium will help to curb algae growth while spinosad can be used to deter any associated pests that like to feed on algae. You can learn more about common pests and organic pest management strategies in our pest blog!