Urban Survivalists

In the last two days, we have gotten the aeroponics hardware/software working and tested. Now we are now adding the filter cloth to the frame and placing our sprouts in the aeroponics system to test it out! The seedlings were sprouted in a pan between two wet washcloths and covered by cellophane. Sprouts were seen in the first 24 hours for the peas; 48 hours for the string beans; and 72 hours for the lettuce. The chives have still shown no sign of sprouting yet after 96 hours in the pan.

The process from this point now goes:

• Cover the seed trellis–the plexiglass with holes in it–with filter cloth and secure it with duct tape.
• Turn on the fogger unit.
• Poke holes in the cloth to insert the sprout roots.
• Set the sprouts in their new homes.

Following are the reduced picture set of this process and some initial pictures of the sprouts in place.

This is an image of the filter cloth being placed over the PVC frame, the fogger unit is below. The cloth has been taped in place with duct tape.

These are the seed sprouts we started three days ago in a cooking pan with water and hydroponic liquid fertilizer.

The method used to place the seeds: use an awl to poke a hole in the filter cloth, then place the sprout through the cloth.

All the pea sprouts inserted into the filter cloth. There was no need to secure them.

Seed sprouts from the other side, this is looking into the root chamber.

The current timing on our fogger system follows:

1. Everything off for 30 seconds.
2. Foggers come on for 10 seconds.
3. Fans come on and stay on with the foggers for 5 seconds.
4. Repeat.

The timing on these foggers may change with how the system is responding to the fog amount. We will be sure to note any changes for you.

We will be posting pictures daily for the first week or two of this initial planting so that we can all track the progress (or failure) of this system. We are really excited to be at this stage in our master plan of becoming self-sufficient within the city. Hopefully this pans out and we have some staggering results to show you in the next few days. If nothing else, though, we expect to learn a lot and do better next time. Anyway, check back tomorrow night for our update after the plant’s first 24 hours in their new home.

Take care

Pam & Stan

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