I’m not going to lie.  I’m quite nervous and excited about this test.  Four trays were seeded and stacked in darkness late on Monday.  I was hoping they would be a bit further along before Friday when I placed them into the 4’x4′ ebb and flow grow bed for the automation testing.

Under two of the trays I have coconut coir mats and two of the trays I decided to place in the bed without the mats underneath.  I’m hoping the coconut coir mats will act as a filter so preventing the majority of particulate mater from draining out through the water pump when the flood cycle is completed.  Perhaps I should have washed the mats prior to placing them into the grow bed as these mats, when dry, seem to shed some debris.  I’m also concerned with taking the water level too high on the flood cycle thinking a higher water level might induce more debris to fall from the small holes in the bottom of the trays.

The organic gardening soil might retain moisture better than standard hydroponic grow mediums, so I will certainly need to be observing this system closely an make adjustments.  The goal of this system is to keep the microgreen growing process going even if I am unable, or unwilling, to tend to them for a few days (like being able to not go into the office on the weekends).  Wish me luck!

James 1:2-3
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.