Terrarium As Mini-Greenhouse

So, I found this terrarium at Walmart and instantly had the idea to try to simulate a large scale glass greenhouse. 

I figured it would be the closest to a high end version I could afford for now. I even thought it would be a good way to reverse engineer my own copy. As you can see, I am going ahead with staring a few Jalapeño peppers and cucumbers in this. But one more thing I also wanted to do is keep watering from the bottom as I have done with most of my starts, seedlings, and plants to much success.

But, alas, I soon realized that the terrarium is not water tight. Perhaps this is a good thing when it comes to its original use; as being able to evacuate excess water would be desirable. 

However, for my purposes, it's not ideal. I will try lining the bottom with aluminum foil to see if it will hold a water tight base. 

There's so much to like about this that I'd hate to call it a bust! 

Keeping Seedlings Watered

I was able to create these small paper pots just to get my seedlings started and wait for the proper temperature outdoors. 

It's very simple to water from below using these and because of the size being so close to the Solo cup size, it is very easy to keep algae from overgrowing.

Another added advantage is being able to use a variety of colors for my paper pots. This adds personality to my small office while waiting for the seedlings to grow larger.

Finally Got Bell Peppers to Grow

 

After years of trying and failing at growing bell peppers, it looks as though I will finally get a couple of plants growing after all!

As you can see, I've used the Jiffy Seed Starting Peat Pellets to start out the seeds.

All in all, it seems to have been a success.  We shall see what the future holds.

Lettuce, and Peppers, and 'Maters, Oh My!

So, I've learned that even though I can grow just about anything in the AeroGarden, it doesn't mean I should grow just about anything.

With its shallow basin and relatively low light height (the Harvest Lights only extend to 1 foot instead of more than 2 feet in the more advanced models), the AeroGarden seems to me to be the perfect way to start and maintain plants with similarly shallow root depth.

Air Pruning Results

Full Speed Ahead!

Well, after only a little transplant shock, it would seem that my babies have transitioned will from their watery home in the AeroGarden to take root in their more permanent home in soil (in the greenhouse).

Phenomenal Growth

So, I came to the conclusion a few weeks ago that while the AeroGarden (AG) is more than suitable for starting plants, it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to growing and maintaining them.

 

I tend to grow from the seeds that I already have from years before, and unfortunately for the AG most of these varieties are taller than what  it can support.  So I have to inevitably transplant my starts.  But there is no problem with transplanting especially since I have many times more space out in my garden than in the AG.

So now, we are in the cusp of May and the verge of summer. Where most people above zone 7 or 8 might just be getting started with their gardens, here in zone 9 we have to be careful to shade some plants since they can literally fry from too much heat. 

As such, I personally will have to closely monitor my babies, especially those in the greenhouse. But in the mean time, I will bask in the sun and enjoy how my garden is growing.  

Transfer Success = Garden Success

Well, it's been a few weeks since I last posted an update about my garden, but it's been a great few weeks nonetheless.
I know now that there is minimal transplant shock when transferring my AeroGarden started seedlings to soil - even when having to tear off some roots in the process.  One of the advantages that growing hydroponically and indoors has is no worries about the weather.