Your First Harvest

Your plants are now out of the germination phase and have developed a lot of foliage in the growth phase. Now is the right time to harvest the first leaves. Below are useful tips to get the most out of your plants.

The following topics are briefly and precisely described here:

1. Do I have to harvest the entire plant?
2. What is the best way to harvest the different plants?
3. What should I consider during the usage phase?
4. What do I do if plants are of different heights?
5. How do I use liquid nutrients during the usage phase?

 

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1. Do I have to harvest the entire plant?
No, you don't have to harvest the entire plant at once. In most cases, proper harvesting promotes plant growth, allowing you to harvest more often and in greater quantities. When harvesting, be careful not to damage the plant to support its continuous growth.

 

2. What is the best way to harvest the different plants?
Another important element for enjoying your plants is proper harvesting. By harvesting regularly, you encourage the formation of new shoots and thus increase the yield. The following sections describe the most commonly used plants and the recommended pruning measures:

• Basil: Cut above a leaf pair to promote new shoots above the leaf pair.
• Parsley: Cut close to the base of the stems to stimulate new growth from the center of the plant.
• Arugula: Harvest the outer leaves to allow growth from within.
• Chives: Cut about 2-3 cm above the ground to ensure continuous growth.
• Cilantro: Harvest the leaves at the tips of the stems to promote branching and leaf growth.
• Thyme: Cut off the shoot tips to stimulate branching and denser growth.
• Oregano: Cut off the tips of the shoots to encourage branching. This stimulates the growth of new leaves on the sides of the plant.
• Savory: Similar to oregano, cut off the tips of the shoots. This promotes bushier growth and the formation of new leaves.
• Dill: Can be harvested from a growth height of approx. 15 cm. Simply harvest the dill tips. From a growth height of approx. 30 cm, the plant should be completely harvested.
• Lettuces: Cut the outer leaves close to the base without damaging the central growth point of the plant. This allows the plant to continuously produce new leaves.

When pruning your plants, please note that despite correct cutting, there is no guaranteed regrowth of new shoots. Environmental conditions, plant health, and care are also important factors.

 

3. What should I consider during the usage phase?
It is advisable to regularly check the plant for dried or brown leaves, especially in the lower area. Such leaves should be removed to allow undisturbed growth of new leaves and shoots. Otherwise, the plant will focus on repairing the damaged leaves, and healthy growth will take a back seat.

In addition, your plants should be regularly checked for pest infestation, even if the homefarm is generally less susceptible to pests than garden or houseplants. External influences can lead to a pest infestation in the homefarm system. Therefore, look for signs such as discoloration or visible pests. Early detection can help prevent spread and keep the plants healthy.

In the plant boxes, it can sometimes happen that the roots of the plants rest against the back wall of the plant box, thereby interfering with the water level sensor in the left part of the plant box. This can lead to the sensor incorrectly indicating a full tank, even though the water is empty. Therefore, regularly check the left side of the box for roots that could affect the sensor. If necessary, replace the affected plant with one with less root growth or carefully trim the roots. However, note that not all plants tolerate root trimming well, as roots are important for water and nutrient absorption.

 

4. What do I do if plants are of different heights?
If the plants in your homefarm are of different heights, it is advisable to place plants of similar height together in one plant box. This way, you can ensure an even distance between the LED strips and the plant tips. This ensures that all plants have optimal light conditions and prevents individual plants from burning or obscuring other plants. Especially during the germination phase, this can severely impact the plant, causing it to "stretch" or die.

 

5. How do I use liquid nutrients during the usage phase?
To optimally support your plants, ensure they receive sufficient nutrients. Use our carefully selected liquid nutrients, which contain important natural elements such as nitrogen, phosphate, potassium oxide, and trace elements. Add the nutrients when inserting new plant capsules and with each water refill.

 

In the next article, you will receive information about what happens when plants are harvested completely.

If you have any questions or specific concerns, you can always contact our support team (happy@urbanhive.de).