Consider the liquid diet your plants must live on - Think how it would be if you were forced to live on a strictly liquid diet. Just water and digestible liquid foods to keep you healthy. Because you are dependent on these liquids for life, you'll probably demand the best.
That's exactly the situation your hydroponic plants face every day. Without soil, they are totally dependent on the nutrients and water you provide. Skimp on either and your plants suffer.
Obviously, quality nutrients are essential. But what about water? Often growers don't give this essential ingredient a second thought.
You want to use the best quality water you can obtain. At the very least, it should be
filtered. But the best and purest water for hydroponics is obtained from a Reverse Osmosis system.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Treat Your Plants to Tea Time
Tea for plants is produced from organic materials that provide macro, micro and submicro elements. Depending on the organic materials used, the teas often contain such compounds as sugars, amino acids, humates, naturally occurring growth promoters, enzymes and vitamins.
A quality organic tea provides important building blocks that help resist disease and insect infestation. Some of the best teas were developed by the Japanese centuries ago and require fermentation over a long period of time.
These bio-active nutrient teas can be diluted and applied to the root zone for increased plant health and vigor. At higher concentrations, quality aerobic plant teas can be sprayed onto the foliage until flowers and fruits begin to form.
When teas are applied in the manner described above, you should notice an increase in crop growth rates, fewer problems with disease such as powdery mildew, and greater resistance to common crop insects including spidermites.
A quality organic tea provides important building blocks that help resist disease and insect infestation. Some of the best teas were developed by the Japanese centuries ago and require fermentation over a long period of time.
These bio-active nutrient teas can be diluted and applied to the root zone for increased plant health and vigor. At higher concentrations, quality aerobic plant teas can be sprayed onto the foliage until flowers and fruits begin to form.
When teas are applied in the manner described above, you should notice an increase in crop growth rates, fewer problems with disease such as powdery mildew, and greater resistance to common crop insects including spidermites.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Growing Onions in Hydroponics
Onion
(Allium cepa)
Planting Info:
Grown from seed and transplanted
Seeds per Gram: 250
Space between rows: 5 cm (3”)
Space between seeds: 0.5 cm (1/4”)
Depth: 1 cm (1/3’)
Germination: 10 days
Germination and Transplanting: 30-35
Transplanting and Harvest: 80
Transplanting Distances:
Between Rows: 12 cm ( 5”)
Between plants: 10 cm (4”)
Plants per m2: 67
pH from 5.5 to 7.0
Onions are used with garlic and ginger as the basic flavorings
added to food. They are not really roots but part
of the allium family. Because they grow above the media
they can be grown in a 6” bed grower.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips. Onions are used in
bed growers as a companion plant to repel insects.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, and smut.
Molds and mildew: onions can get molds and mildew.
Mold around the root is caused by extra moisture near
root. Make sure the water level is lower in the tub, or
pour nutrient in a place in the tub where it does not
wet the roots. Also, mildew can build up from stale air,
so good air ventilation is needed.
Harvest: After the bulbs have reached maturity, place
them in an old onion or orange sack. This loose netting
will allow air to flow through and finish curing
the onions. Hang the sack of onions in a protected area
with plenty of ventilation. Onions will keep for several
months if left in a dark, cooler place.
From: "Home Hydroponic Garden" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
(Allium cepa)
Planting Info:
Grown from seed and transplanted
Seeds per Gram: 250
Space between rows: 5 cm (3”)
Space between seeds: 0.5 cm (1/4”)
Depth: 1 cm (1/3’)
Germination: 10 days
Germination and Transplanting: 30-35
Transplanting and Harvest: 80
Transplanting Distances:
Between Rows: 12 cm ( 5”)
Between plants: 10 cm (4”)
Plants per m2: 67
pH from 5.5 to 7.0
Onions are used with garlic and ginger as the basic flavorings
added to food. They are not really roots but part
of the allium family. Because they grow above the media
they can be grown in a 6” bed grower.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips. Onions are used in
bed growers as a companion plant to repel insects.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, and smut.
Molds and mildew: onions can get molds and mildew.
Mold around the root is caused by extra moisture near
root. Make sure the water level is lower in the tub, or
pour nutrient in a place in the tub where it does not
wet the roots. Also, mildew can build up from stale air,
so good air ventilation is needed.
Harvest: After the bulbs have reached maturity, place
them in an old onion or orange sack. This loose netting
will allow air to flow through and finish curing
the onions. Hang the sack of onions in a protected area
with plenty of ventilation. Onions will keep for several
months if left in a dark, cooler place.
From: "Home Hydroponic Garden" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Growing Leeks in Hydroponics
Leeks
(Allium porrum)
Planting Info:
Can be Transplanted
Seeds per Gram: 250
Space between rows: 5 cm (2”)
Space between seeds: 0.5 cm (1/4’)
Planting Depth: 1 cm (1/3”)
Germination: 10 Days
Germination and Transplanting: 35-40
Transplanting and Harvest: 80
Transplanting Distances:
Between Rows: 10 cm ( 4 in)
Between plants: 10 cm (4 in)
Plants per m2: 81
pH from 6.0 to 8.0 with 6.5 to 7.0 being
optimum
Leeks are grown like onions. The leeks form at the
base of the plant, and can be picked and eaten when
they have a diameter of about 3/4”. When plants
get to be 3 to 4” tall push extra media around the
stem area up to the growing leaves. This will turn the
stems white and make them more tender.
Leeks need a night temperature of 550 F (130C) or
greater, and grow best in a daytime temperature of
800 (270C) or greater. They should receive lots of sun
in a warm place in the growing area. Leeks also grow
in the winter, but much more slowly.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, rust and
smut.
Harvest: Harvest leeks when the stems are one to two
inches in diameter.
From: "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
(Allium porrum)
Planting Info:
Can be Transplanted
Seeds per Gram: 250
Space between rows: 5 cm (2”)
Space between seeds: 0.5 cm (1/4’)
Planting Depth: 1 cm (1/3”)
Germination: 10 Days
Germination and Transplanting: 35-40
Transplanting and Harvest: 80
Transplanting Distances:
Between Rows: 10 cm ( 4 in)
Between plants: 10 cm (4 in)
Plants per m2: 81
pH from 6.0 to 8.0 with 6.5 to 7.0 being
optimum
Leeks are grown like onions. The leeks form at the
base of the plant, and can be picked and eaten when
they have a diameter of about 3/4”. When plants
get to be 3 to 4” tall push extra media around the
stem area up to the growing leaves. This will turn the
stems white and make them more tender.
Leeks need a night temperature of 550 F (130C) or
greater, and grow best in a daytime temperature of
800 (270C) or greater. They should receive lots of sun
in a warm place in the growing area. Leeks also grow
in the winter, but much more slowly.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, rust and
smut.
Harvest: Harvest leeks when the stems are one to two
inches in diameter.
From: "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
Monday, April 13, 2009
Growing Ginger in Hydroponics
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
Planting Info:
Planted from root
Space between rows: 40 cm (12”)
Space between roots: 40 cm (12’)
Depth: 5 cm (2”)
Top Growth: 14 days
Germination and Harvest: 120
days
pH from 5.5 to 8.0
Ginger is grown from pieces of the root material that
is planted under the media. The Ginger plant looks
like a bamboo and once it takes hold, will provide
fresh ginger on the edges of the root area of the plant.
The plant grows to about 3 foot tall. Since they are
very decorative they can be used as a room divider or
in a room planter.
Ginger root is a vital ingredient in many dishes from
many cultures. It is also used as a medicinal herb, especially
prized for stomach disorders. Ground ginger
is used in many recipes as well.
Ginger also is helpful in preventing motion sickness
and vertigo. It is used to reduce stomach and intestinal
gas. It is also used as a candy that is popular with
children.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, and
smut.
Harvest: Harvest individual rhizomes from the root
area as needed.
From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
(Zingiber officinale)
Planting Info:
Planted from root
Space between rows: 40 cm (12”)
Space between roots: 40 cm (12’)
Depth: 5 cm (2”)
Top Growth: 14 days
Germination and Harvest: 120
days
pH from 5.5 to 8.0
Ginger is grown from pieces of the root material that
is planted under the media. The Ginger plant looks
like a bamboo and once it takes hold, will provide
fresh ginger on the edges of the root area of the plant.
The plant grows to about 3 foot tall. Since they are
very decorative they can be used as a room divider or
in a room planter.
Ginger root is a vital ingredient in many dishes from
many cultures. It is also used as a medicinal herb, especially
prized for stomach disorders. Ground ginger
is used in many recipes as well.
Ginger also is helpful in preventing motion sickness
and vertigo. It is used to reduce stomach and intestinal
gas. It is also used as a candy that is popular with
children.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, and
smut.
Harvest: Harvest individual rhizomes from the root
area as needed.
From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Growing Garlic in Hydroponics
"Garlic
(Allium sativium)
Planting Info:
Live plants transplanted
Space between rows: 10 cm (4”)
Space between seeds: 7 cm (2.5’)
Depth: 2 cm (2/3”)
Germination: 8 days
Germination and Harvest: 120
days
pH from 5.5 to 8.0
Garlic is used as a flavor enhancer in food and as a
medicinal herb. It can be planted in any grower as a
companion plant to reduce insect attack.
Garlic is grown from cloves of a shallot, and planted
1” deep. Cloves of garlic are rounded on one end and
pointed on the other. Gently press the clove into the
soil with the pointed end slightly above the soil line.
Garlic is know for many medicinal properties, and
is a standard part of the diet of many cultures. It is
known to thin the blood and act as an antiseptic. It
also adds tremendous flavor. There is research that
garlic grown with excess selenium can be used to
reduce breast cancers. It is a natural antibiotic and
useful in keeping disease away.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, and
smut.
Harvest: Harvest individual plants as needed fresh.
Whole bulbs may be stored and individual cloves
separated as needed."
From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda.
They don't mention "hydroponics" specifically in this item but if you substituted "soil" for a growing medium like Hydroton the results would be the same.
(Allium sativium)
Planting Info:
Live plants transplanted
Space between rows: 10 cm (4”)
Space between seeds: 7 cm (2.5’)
Depth: 2 cm (2/3”)
Germination: 8 days
Germination and Harvest: 120
days
pH from 5.5 to 8.0
Garlic is used as a flavor enhancer in food and as a
medicinal herb. It can be planted in any grower as a
companion plant to reduce insect attack.
Garlic is grown from cloves of a shallot, and planted
1” deep. Cloves of garlic are rounded on one end and
pointed on the other. Gently press the clove into the
soil with the pointed end slightly above the soil line.
Garlic is know for many medicinal properties, and
is a standard part of the diet of many cultures. It is
known to thin the blood and act as an antiseptic. It
also adds tremendous flavor. There is research that
garlic grown with excess selenium can be used to
reduce breast cancers. It is a natural antibiotic and
useful in keeping disease away.
Pests: Onion maggots and thrips.
Diseases: Downy mildew, neck rot, pink rot, and
smut.
Harvest: Harvest individual plants as needed fresh.
Whole bulbs may be stored and individual cloves
separated as needed."
From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda.
They don't mention "hydroponics" specifically in this item but if you substituted "soil" for a growing medium like Hydroton the results would be the same.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Growing Carrots in Hydroponics
Carrots
(Daucus carota)
Planting Info:
Directly Seeded
Seeds per Gram: 250
Space between rows: 8 cm (3’)
Space between seeds: 10 cm (5”)
Depth: 0.25 cm (1/8”)
Germination: 18 days
Germination and Harvest: 120
Plants per m2: 102
pH from 6.0 to 7.0
temperature 40 to 800 F
Yield: 1/4 pound/bed/day
Carrots will need to be grown in a media bed of at
least 30 cm (12”) deep. The species of carrot used
should be one that is shorter, stockier. We recommend
Natches as an excellent flavored carrot that is easily
grown in hydroponics.
The carrots will press against the media as they grow,
and to some degree, pick up the surface texture of the
media. So it is best to use a fine media such as sand
and avoid coarse media such as pebbles.
A full bed of carrots can be thinned out all winter. Although
the carrots will grow very slowly, if at all, they
will usually have enough sun to survive.
Pests: Aphids, carrot rust flies, carrot weevil, and cutworms.
Diseases: Leaf blight
Harvest: Start harvesting when they reach the size
diameter you like. Reseed in the area you are harvesting,
or plant another type of crop.
From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
(Daucus carota)
Planting Info:
Directly Seeded
Seeds per Gram: 250
Space between rows: 8 cm (3’)
Space between seeds: 10 cm (5”)
Depth: 0.25 cm (1/8”)
Germination: 18 days
Germination and Harvest: 120
Plants per m2: 102
pH from 6.0 to 7.0
temperature 40 to 800 F
Yield: 1/4 pound/bed/day
Carrots will need to be grown in a media bed of at
least 30 cm (12”) deep. The species of carrot used
should be one that is shorter, stockier. We recommend
Natches as an excellent flavored carrot that is easily
grown in hydroponics.
The carrots will press against the media as they grow,
and to some degree, pick up the surface texture of the
media. So it is best to use a fine media such as sand
and avoid coarse media such as pebbles.
A full bed of carrots can be thinned out all winter. Although
the carrots will grow very slowly, if at all, they
will usually have enough sun to survive.
Pests: Aphids, carrot rust flies, carrot weevil, and cutworms.
Diseases: Leaf blight
Harvest: Start harvesting when they reach the size
diameter you like. Reseed in the area you are harvesting,
or plant another type of crop.
From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda
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