Greenhouse Update

Unfortunately, after three weeks of waiting, our last batch of seeds only sprouted one plant. While this tomato shoot is still alive and well, it is not a sufficient number of plants to do a basic science experiment with. So we replanted our seeds, watered them diligently, and waited a mere week for 4 plants to germinate. 2 tomato seedlings in each pot. 

Once the seedling had a week to get settled, we began our salt water treatment. The plants in the red pot received salt water, while the plants in the purple pot received tap water. Just 2 weeks after germination and 1 week after beginning the salt water treatment, our dear red potted sprouts are exhibiting symptoms of death. The tell-tale signs include drooping, shriveling, blackening of the leaves. Overall they seemed to lack water and the will to live. 

So how can this be? From what we have observed, it looks as though the salt water treatment overall has more moist soil, but the plants appear to be lacking water. Due to a disruption in osmosis, we hypothesize that the roots of our tomato plants in the salt water treatment are not able to absorb enough water to conduct the biological processes they require to live.

Today, a short week since the beginning of our salt water reign of terror, we arrived at the office to a startling sight. Both seedlings in the red pot, dead. With misty eyes we removed them from their home and planted their replacements. Having learned that salt water does not serve one week old seedlings well, we will try waiting an extra week to see if there is an improvement in our tomato seedlings performance.