Jerold & Frazier

The start of this week was kind of rocky. FTG, and I forgot the Aerogarden reservoir usually takes pH of 5.5-6.5. I kept trying to make the pH test solution "green": when it shouldve been sitting around a light orange-yellow color. (SN; using distilled water all around) Frazier (Strawberry K) has yet to show any signs of germination, I believe I buried him a bit deep with the first insertion. Jerold however, (Blackberry K) is doing amazing as shown in pictures. Jerold is almost into seedling stage, with a strong green stem showing through the aerosponge. A few bumps. I noticed my water pH was almost at a 7.8, and decided to try a "natural alternative" to my pH down solution, by using raw lemon juice. Yes raw lemon juice, again FTG don't be too hard on me. Immediately dropped the pH, but definitely caused a disgusting mildew smell in my reservoir , and turned the water a light brown color, almost like dirty pond water. So yeah dont do that.. I changed the water, fixed the pH, and let the aerosponges relax a bit in some nice humid air (growing in my room) before sitting them back in 5.5 pH solution. They're chillin now. Will they continue to grow? Does hydroponics create faster growth and bigger yields? Find out on the next episode of Jerold & Frazier