5-1-1 under LED

15 years ago

Just a note to say that the 5-1-1 mix is working very well under LED lighting. I have lettuces and peppers growing very well. I am also using 6500K T5's to supplement the light of a 120W LED. I have peppers growing fruit as we speak.

It seems the advantage of Al Tapla's 5-1-1 mix seems especially relevant under LED. Reason being is that LED is very cool, and water retention seems to be more of an issue then under warmer lights such as HID (especially in a basement as I have going). I no longer have issues with fungi or overwatering/overfertilization that I had with commercial potting soil. It's difficult to over do either with this mix. Anyone attempting to grow under LED should consider this mix. I hope to try the gritty mix as well soon, although since my main focus is vegetables, I will most likely continue to use the 5-1-1 mix.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
15 years ago
Well bully for you (meant sincerely)! ;-) I'm really glad you are finding it works so well for you; and thanks for sharing your comments and observations with us.

AL
jodik_gw
15 years ago
I agree... it's wonderful to hear so many success stories related to the more durable, free draining mediums! It really adds support to the concept! But even more so, it's nice to hear how happy the growers are! :-)

It's also good to know that the concept correlates well to cooler lighting, for those who grow under lights. Good information to share!
Related Professionals
Branson Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Minneapolis Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · College Station Landscape Contractors · Muskegon Landscape Contractors · Utica Landscape Contractors · Provo Landscape Contractors · Indianapolis Home Builders · Anniston Home Builders · South Bend Home Builders · Utica Home Builders · Chula Vista Home Builders · Lancaster Home Builders · Palm Desert Home Builders · Glenwood Springs Home Builders · Lewiston Home Builders
capoman
Original Author
15 years ago
Thing is, in a cool basement under LED, I would often go two weeks or more between waterings. This created stagnation in the soil, and lack of gas exchange. I was getting salt build-up and having to flush the soil to get rid of salts and renew the air in the soils. The soil would crust or get fungi on top with such infrequent waterings.

I barerooted the plants and put them in 5-1-1, and they instantly responded without shock. Within a week they started a growth spurt, and plants look healthier. I also don't see any salt buildup either.