Re: [CH] Growing probs
Love2Troll (Love2Troll@kc.rr.com)
Thu, 30 Sep 2004 01:57:25 -0500
Shawn and Heather Long,
You might try shaking the plants every now and then or even put up a reciprocating fan. I've overwintered at least 50 varieties in the last 8 years and there are definitely some that set fruit better than others. Never had much luck with jals & habs, but have had fantastic success with others. Super Chili & Thai Hot are a couple that fruit like crazy (for me) even in poor lighting.
I used to spend $20-$25 ea for multi-spectrum grow lights & have metal halide & high pressure sodium lights. For what its worth, I've found that the inexpensive high lumen flouro tubes now available work just fine. (such as the GE Kitchen & Bath) ProMix BX is my growing medium & in winter I fertilize with 1/4 recommended strength Miracle Gro 15-30-15 or 18-18-21.
Your room temp is exactly what I strive for in my basement growing area. Perhaps cutting down on your fertilizer strength would help? I probably haven't been much help to you, but it doesn't seem that you are doing anything very wrong IMO. Best of luck to you.
jt
----- Original Message -----
From: Shawn Long
To: chile-heads@globalgarden.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 12:12 AM
Subject: [CH] Growing probs
So bummed we couldn't make open fields :C
Unexpected household expenses ate the trip budget.
Anyway on topic. We moved last year to a location that has poor natural
light, in the house at least. We are on a north facing slope at 4250ft elev.
We currently can't put the plants outside because of deer and no time, money
to build an enclosure. Besides the weather gets weird here in Helena , MT
We put some Ott lites (full spectrum grow lights) in the basement and put
the plants there 12 hours on via timer. They are vibrant green and
flowerering like crazy but no fruit. Why ?
Plants are serrano,franciscan hab, some type of tepin, some type of tabasco.
for now . Want to start more seeds but not if this is all I get.
The last two used to fruit indoors. Now lots of blooms that fall off.
Using an organic potting soil with vermiculite for aeration. Fish emulsion
for fertilizer at recommended dosage. Room temp is 68 degrees F. The Tepin
and tabasco fruited when upstairs but didn't look as healthy.
Maybe the lights aren't all that ?
Maybe it's too cool ?
or ?
Not to mention the local grocers haven't had any habs in weeks
Any help appreciated
Shawn and Heather Long
Fruitless in Montana