Discussion on planter use and growth time

[Ramzax]

I've recently got some planters up and going with light blocks above them, but they don't seem to be growing.
Plants are mellons in the back and hemp in the front.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

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[EpicAaron]

That is some dry looking dirt.

[Ramzax]

Ya, I figured it out.
If I remember right planters USED to grow without water.

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[FlowerChild]

Used to. Their main advantage for hydration now is that you can have water running under them, unlike regular farmland.

[Ramzax]

Found wheat a day or two ago.
It's interesting that wheat now has a y or height value associated to where you can grow wheat.

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Edit: It appears my hypothesis about height is inaccurate. In a different sample group with access to sunlight in the block adjacent and a light block 3 above the planter I see growth down to 50 height I see growth on the wheat.
More screenshots to follow.

[FlowerChild]

Light blocks don't work on wheat. Natural light only.

[Ramzax]

Thanks FC.
That saves me some effort.