Could we, Hypothetically. Grow tobacco on the moon?

[SnuffinDuck]

Specifically, is it possible if we used lunar regolith simulant. In a controlled environment. What would the outcome be?
lets say using Rustica for sake of simplicity. since it’s extremely robust.

how do you think flavor, aroma, color, etc would be affected? If at all?

 

[treecutter]

I would say that you should give it a try and then report back to us. I would like to grow some Harrow Velvet on the moon but I think it would probably grow better on Mars.

 

[SnuffinDuck]

I would say that you should give it a try and then report back to us. I would like to grow some Harrow Velvet on the moon but I think it would probably grow better on Mars.

Mars I feel would have issues due to the amount of Iron Oxide in the soil, I’m really debating buying it. But, won’t be a cheap project lol
i will have to gather some research.

why Harrow Velvet?

 

[treecutter]

The reason for Harrow Velvet is because I smoke burley almost exclusively. I understand that there is a plan to send a colony to Mars on a one way trip but there is no way that I'll sign up for the trip. By the way, I've been smoking WLT straight Kentucky Burley this evening and I'm on my third bowl right now which probably accounts for my current altered state of mind. Man, that's great burley!

 

[deluxestogie]

In a controlled environment.

That's quite a mouthful. Gravity, light, light period, darkness and dark period, O₂, CO₂, soil, complete soil nutrients and trace minerals, structural support, ambient pressure. I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Ditto for curing space. And if you grow smokable tobacco (i.e., Nicotiana tabacum), I'm afraid you'll have to smoke it outside.

Bob

 

[treecutter]

Before I pass out for the night, I want to propose a great idea. If you succeed in your project, name the blend...Lunacy.

 

[SnuffinDuck]

That's quite a mouthful. Gravity, light, light period, darkness and dark period, O₂, CO₂, soil, complete soil nutrients and trace minerals, structural support, ambient pressure. I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Ditto for curing space. And if you grow smokable tobacco (i.e., Nicotiana tabacum), I'm afraid you'll have to smoke it outside.

Bob

Think you about nailed it lol. I was curious as plenty of sunlight, problems I ran into other than lack of Co2 was also radiation

 

[treecutter]

Why smoke it outside? why not in the space capsule?

 

[treecutter]

Bob, Could you please develop a new label for a new tobacco called Lunacy.

 

[Juxtaposer-]

Specifically, is it possible if we used lunar regolith simulant. In a controlled environment. What would the outcome be?
lets say using Rustica for sake of simplicity. since it’s extremely robust.

how do you think flavor, aroma, color, etc would be affected? If at all?

Hydroponics might be better. You should try that first.

 

[Wombat_smokes]

Regolith is generally just rock dust and fragments. Mostly void of organic matter and biological activity (microbes). Even on Earth, you'll need to provide all necessary nutrients.

As for Martian regolith and iron oxide, I hear Georgia red clay does wonders for plants that like iron; however, a little goes a long way.

 

[deluxestogie]

I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

Hydroponics might be better.

That's what I forgot: water.

Bob

 

[StoneCarver]

You won't be able to use the sun. You'll need artificial light. A lunar day is 29 Earth days. That means 14.5 Earth days of light and 14.5 Earth days of dark.
something like that anyways. Plants aren't really adapted to a photoperiod like that. Trying to sustainably grow anything in space is very complicated and difficult.
Humanity isn't really there yet. I'd guess that the facilities needed to compost would be close to the same size of intended gardening space. Then there's water and air processing facilities to go on top that. Humanity won't be leaving Earth anytime soon.

 

[deluxestogie]

14.5 Earth days of dark

Kind of gives new meaning to "shade-grown".

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

You can now reserve a hotel room on the Moon for $250,000

We can't keep everyone living on that first ship that sailed to North America."

arstechnica.com

Bob

 

[Wombat_smokes]

Fun fact.... The moon doesn't rotate. It is phase locked and the same side always looks at the Earth.

 

[StoneCarver]

$250,000 huh? No prob.. Gimme a moment to dig around in my pocket here.

That's just to reserve a room. I wonder how much the taxi ride will cost.