We are still here!

It has been awhile since our last post on the blog but we have been keeping all informed on Facebook.  If you have a chance jump over and like us on FB and keep up to date or even follow us on Twitter.

Over the past few weeks we have had some set back or should I say learning experiences, while I have been swamped at my paying job I have been busy daily with our Aquaponics adventure to achieve HOT PEPPER success.  First we have had problems with our tomatoes.  They are growing great vegetative wise but all of our blossom continue to drop.  Lettuce is going nuts and the habaneros are there and growing but very slowly, mostly due to lighting.

I believe we have identified why the blossoms are dropping and are trying to correct but now we are at the door step to moving plants outside as spring progresses.  It seem the excess Nitrate is the problem, what keyed me in on this was the fish.

This leads us to the next problem and that of the three remaining fish two have died and it seems to be from Nitrate poisoning.  After a little research I found that excess Nitrate is great for green but terrible for flowers and fruits, hence the blossom drops.  We are still trying to find a way to fix that but the last fish, after spending a few weeks in a different tank has pretty much recovered.

We are also now in the process of getting the garden space ready to start planting and that includes the addition of a greenhouse.  We were originally going to build a greenhouse from recycled windows but as it turns out the roof is going to cost almost $300 raising the total cost to over $700.  We did locate a greenhouse from Home Depot for the same price and it is only 16 sq. ft. difference.  I have been discussing with my CFO about the financing.

We are also looking at possibly applying for a loan to purchase a farm and small start-up from the USDA and Farm Bureau.  This would allow us to really just dive in but also give us the flexibility to get a few dairy goats and chickens to really give some versatility to our products and increase our self sufficiency, because not only do we want to bring you the best Zombie Jac has to offer but sustain our own family with a smaller more efficient footprint.  Who says you can't be green and be a capitalist!

So a lot has happened and a lot more is to come.  Keep you eyes to Facebook and Twitter and follow us as we develop and grow and hopefully with your help and support bring the best hot peppers have to offer to your mouth!

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