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Hug Your Tower: Daily Care Tips for Your Tower Garden

Extend Your Growing Season

Gardening with the Tower Garden is easy and doesn’t require much of your time. However, spending regular quality time with your Tower Garden is essential. I like to call it “hug your tower” time.

Every morning, I spend about 10 minutes outside observing my Tower Garden. I enjoy seeing how fast my plants are growing and running my fingers through the foliage to find fruits, herbs, and lettuce ready for harvesting. This daily ritual is not only rewarding but also an excellent way to scout for any potential issues with your plants or the Tower Garden system itself.

What Should You Look For?

Insects and Pests

The best way to combat pests is to treat them at the first sign before they infest your plants or cause significant damage. A hornworm or caterpillar can shred your leaves in no time. Gently run your fingers over the plants to see if anything flies off, and check the undersides of the leaves. Here are some common pests to watch out for:

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking nutrient-rich liquids out of plants. Aphids multiply quickly, so it’s crucial to control them promptly. They are wingless.

Whiteflies: Despite their name, whiteflies are not true flies. They have wings and can fly. Often found in clusters on the undersides of leaves, they are active during the day and scatter when disturbed, making them easier to spot.

Leaf Miners: If you notice pale blotches on your spinach or wandering trails on your squash leaves, these are telltale signs of leaf miners.

Caterpillars/Worms: Holes in your leaves or black spots on your reservoir lid indicate the presence of caterpillars or worms. Always check the undersides of your leaves.

 

Plant Health Issues

Your plant leaves can provide valuable insights into what’s happening with your Tower Garden. At the first sign of any changes or discoloration, start troubleshooting to protect your fresh produce. Here are some common issues:

Yellowing Leaves: Check the pH levels and test nutrient levels using an EC meter. Remove any yellow leaves to promote healthy growth.

Tip Burn: Assess nutrient levels with an EC meter. High concentrations of minerals can cause burnt edges on leaves.

Leaf Curl: Leaf curl is often a plant’s response to stress factors such as heat, pests, or disease.

Powdery Mildew: Appears as a powdery substance on leaves and spreads easily. Early detection is key to prevent widespread infection.

Checking Your Tower Garden System

This is also the perfect time to inspect the Tower Garden system itself. Here’s what to keep an eye on: 

Reservoir Maintenance: Remove the access port lid to check if the reservoir is full. Do you need to add water or nutrients? Also, look for any roots hanging into the reservoir that should be removed to prevent clogging.

Algae Build-Up: Notice any algae on your Tower Garden? While algae is not harmful and is a natural occurrence, it can attract pests. Hose down the Tower and wipe off any excess algae to keep it clean.

Mineral Build-Up: Look for any crusty, salt-like deposits around the grow ports. This build-up comes from the minerals in the nutrient solution and usually indicates that your nutrient levels are too concentrated. Next time you add water, consider using plain water without additional nutrients.

Use an EC Nutrient Meter: Investing in an EC (Electrical Conductivity) Nutrient Meter can take the guesswork out of managing your mineral content. When the mineral blend is too strong, it can lead to issues like tip-burn and bolting.

Hug your tower

By taking a few moments each day to hug your tower, you not only ensure the health and vitality of your plants but also maintain the optimal functioning of your Tower Garden system. Your plants will appreciate the attention, and it’s good for your soul too.

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