An outside grow comparison of water vs dirt

First, I have to say whether growing potted plants in dirt or water, they will need attention. Second, I am a novice, I don’t have a degree in gardening, not a master gardener, but I have some years behind me.

I started the seedling in a grow box and hardened them off for a few days in the the outside garden. After which I placed one plant in a hydro container and two plants in a pot with potting soil. In both I placed a scallion as a companion.

The hydro was set-up with various rocks I had on hand and around the garden. I did not use the volcanic type rocks which are typically used in hydro grows.

Soon after the hydro needed nourishment. I used a high nitrogen fertilizer and some cal-mag, along with some micro nutrients.

Hydro responded quite well in a few days. (A box made from a pallet is used to grow potatoes.)

As the plants started flowering there was more need to fertilize. The weather turned unusually hot (June 2021). The need for water is always an issue with potted plants. I suspect the hydro plant, being in a black bucket, was stressing from the water being heated. (I thought at the start of all this I would need to insulate the bucket, however I opted out.) Both plants flowered at about the same time.

As the flowers came into full bloom, the cucumber beetle showed up. These insects can be picked off and dropped in water. When the plants are in bloom, using insecticide may harm beneficial pollinators, such as honey bees, and parasitic wasps.

Again signs that the plants were turning yellow and needed more nitrogen fertilizer. In a few days hydro plant was getting a little far gone as the temperatures rose in the high 90’s over the course of several days. I inspected the container and there was the smell of what I’ll call compost tea. The roots were strong, but if left in the compost tea I was afraid they would rot, so I did a full exchange of the water and added a bloom type fertilizer, with cal-mag and some micro nutrients.

With the temperatures continuing to rise and a heat wave going on for days, both plants are stressed. The condition is grim on the hydro plant, the potted plant not much better, but may be saved with lots of water, and constant care.

At least I got a garnish to a healthy meal.

Sauté squash blossoms in tiny amount of oil and let steam covered for a couple of minutes. Add nasturtium flowers to greens and toss in favorite dressing. Add sauted blossoms on top.