Healthy Hydroponics

pH Testing in Hydroponics Explained

2010-05-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

pH Testing invokes this image of a mad horticulturalist muttering an arcane ritual over a set of vials when nothing could be further from the truth. pH testing is simple and easy to understand.

First off – what is pH? It stands for the rather cumbersome potentiometric hydrogen ion concentration. Simply put, it is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale is from 0-14 and pure water has a neutral pH of 7. Anything that would be considered acidic is rated lower than 7 and anything considered alkaline is rated higher than 7. Pretty simple.

How does this affect my hydroponic system and why test for pH? Well, different plants require different pH to get optimal growth. Testing your growing solution allows you to correct any imbalances in allowing you to grow bigger and better plants. It is one of the simplest and least technical ways to increase your produce yields and plant size. Think of it as part of providing the best home for the roots of your plants – allowing them to feed at the best rate possible. Always add the nutrients to the water before checking and adjusting the pH of your solution. Should your pH level go too high or too low the nutrients in your system will settle out – leading to deficiency and death.

The simplest and least expensive way to test water pH is paper test strips. The strips, which have a pH sensitive dye on them, change colour when dipped into your nutrient solution. You compare the colour on the strip to a colour chart to determine the Ph level. Nothing complicated about that. The only down side is that the strips can be hard to read because the colour differences can be subtle.

The most popular method to check pH is liquid test kits. The liquid test kits work by adding a few drops of pH sensitive dye to a small amount of the nutrient solution your hydroponic system uses and comparing the colour with a colour chart. These kits are a bit more expensive than the paper strip tests but are much easier to read and are extremely accurate and reliable.

For the technologically gifted, the most high-tech way to check pH is to use the digital meters. They come in a huge array of sizes and prices. The digital pen style meter is the most popular. Just simply dip the electrode into the nutrient solution for a few moments and the pH value is displayed on an LCD screen. They are very handy and easy to use. Digital meters usually need to be calibrated frequently, as the meters can drift and you must check the calibration often to insure accuracy. Most pens also require the tips to be stored in a buffer or electrode storage solution and have a reputation of breaking down without warning.

The major requirement of pH testing asks you to be able to compare colours – making the pH of nutrient solution component of your hydroponic system easy for you to understand and maintain. No mad horticulturalist and certainly no arcane rituals needed.

The Importance of Ventilation in Hydroponics

2010-05-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Fresh air is at the centre of successful indoor gardening. Outside, air is abundant and almost always fresh. C02 levels in the air over a field of rapidly growing vegetation will vary on how still the air is. Being outdoors, and subject to the warming and cooling of the day, the wind blows in fresh air. Rain will cleanse the air of dust and pollutants.

The outdoor environment is always moving. Plants grown indoors do not have the natural balance that is present out of doors and must be achieved indoors by way of fresh air ventilation or CO2 enrichment.

So you have decided to add CO2 to your hydroponic systems. Great! Welcome to the wonderful world of bigger yields. Now having said that, there is a caveat – like all good things – there can be some events to watch out for. For our purposes we will be dealing with the increases of humidity in a CO2 enriched environment.

Now what is humidity? Simply put – humidity is the water vapor present in the air.

There are various devices used to measure and regulate humidity called psychrometers or hygrometers. You can regulate the humidity of a room with humidistat a variety of tools in your growing arsenal. These are comparable a thermometer and thermostat for temperature control. You can find from most retail outlets combination hygrometer/thermometer unit – we recommend looking for a quality wireless unit for ease of placement.

The humidity level should be in the range of 40-75% when your lights are on which can be measured with a hygrometer. Now the warmer the air, the more retained water- this means humidity levels can easily go beyond the recommended 40-75%. High humidity like this coupled with lower nighttime temperatures (a requirement to get plants like orchids to bloom) can cause condensation to form on leaves. Which means your hydroponic system would be a prime candidate for all sorts of fungus issues, like powdery mildew. Inadequate ventilation is the primary cause of most fungal diseases.

How do you prevent this?

Ventilation fans – both intake and outtake- help regulate temperature, CO2 levels and relative humidity. During the winter months, you're more likely to need a ventilation fan for dehumidification rather than reducing temperature. Air is not exchanged as frequently in winter, so plants naturally raise humidity without air being exhausted. Fans at too high a setting combined with high heat can lead to lower humidity levels as well – find the balance for your hydroponic system and it will take care of itself.

Blowers

These remove heat, which accumulates rapidly in indoor growing situations. Excess heat can result in excess humidity as the air retains for water. By pulling air in the side of the blower and pumping it out the front. For mounting on a wall or inside a grow box units have a flange on the front. Some feature a round inlet flange for connecting ducting so you can pull air from another room.

Keep fresh air flowing, and watch your indoor garden grow!

Hydroponics in the Home for Seniors

2010-04-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

Imagine being retired. No daily grind of the 9 to 5. Now imagine being in a retirement home. Do you have images of a regimented, somewhat institutional environment? Now imagine being in that type setting growing strawberries or roses or fresh herbs? Seems impossible or contradictory? It is entirely possible with Hydroponic Gardening.

Thinking of Elder Care and the quality of life in those years which we common refer to as the Golden Years, you cannot overlook the importance of the value of continued self reliance. These are people, just like you, who for the vast majority of their lives have made decisions regarding day to day activities placed in an environment where this capacity is limited.

Hydroponic gardening allows for personal choice and decision making. As studies have shown, it can be a tool to assist the improvement of the quality of life as well as the immediate environment. The Eden Care program is a great example of this. For the maintaining of self reliance and mental functioning, this method of gardening cannot be dismissed. Being able to pour over seed and equipment catalogues and dreaming of the results is not just limited to the younger mind.

Imagine being able to grow fresh food for your enjoyment, flowers for your pleasure and the tinkering involved with the minimal maintenance and the planning for the improvement of hydroponic systems. Starting small with container growing – such as herbs in a window and then more complex systems as the understanding of what is possible happens. As hydroponic systems do not require bare earth, but can be set up and maintained in just about any extra space- with or without natural light, it seems a perfect match of form and function to re-involve those inhabiting institutions with the natural world.

The capabilities of the style of gardening can be tailored to any scale or environment- from something as small as a cup to as large a scale as a greenhouse making decidedly urban environments where space it at a premium a non-issue. The placement can be adjusted to the height and range of movement capabilities of anyone. Hydroponic gardening is also not limited by seasonal requirements- you can grow all year round. These hydroponic systems can be made from recycled material or purchased from reputable suppliers all depending on the complexity and scale of what hydroponic system you choose to develop. The choice is yours.

There is an almost infinite combination of styles and methodologies regarding hydroponic systems that can be used in such institutional settings. In our opinion, the benefits of such practices are beyond measure. Many universities and horticultural organizations have in depth and detailed information available for you. These sources of information are available online or from your local libraries. Explore, discover and learn – after all - retirement living is all about living first.

Hydroponic Systems - No Soil? No Problem!

2010-04-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

What makes hydroponic systems different from traditional in-ground gardening is a soil-less growing medium. No dirt! All plants require support, to be held up. This basic requirement is dealt with by soil-less growing mediums which are inert, mostly non-organic materials. Non- organic refers to the medium not being derived from living organisms (unlike soil- which is). There is a perplexing jumble of growing mediums available. Generally speaking, these mediums are porous, light, and coarse, allowing oxygen and nutrients easy access to the plants roots. Some of the most common are:

Coconut coir

This is produced from the husk that surrounds the coconut shell. Made up of millions of tiny micro-sponges, it can absorb and hold up to eight times its weight in water. It lasting three times as long as peat moss so is fairly sturdy. It is also called palm peat, coco, or just coir. Some of the advantages are better water retention and aeration. The disadvantages of coconut coir are its breakdown after several uses and some drainage issues. It is often mixed with other media to improve drainage in hydroponic systems.

L.E.C.A / Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate

This is clay which has been heated under high temperatures until it puffs up. It makes a very coarse medium as the clay balls are about 1/4" across. Superb drainage, holds moisture, stays put and is reusable after sterilization are just some of the advantages of this medium. On the downside it doesn’t hold moisture as well as mediums like coconut coir and can be more costly.

Perlite

Glass flakes (Silica) are heated until it expands producing what we know as perlite. These tiny nodules hold water well and provide drainage. A common medium due to its low density (have you ever picked up a large bag of Perlite – it weighs almost nothing) and somewhat low cost. Its advantages are its reusability and low cost, not to mentioning it’s lightweight. That being said it cannot be used alone for ebb & flow hydroponic systems, it will float away or move during flooding cycles.

Rockwool

Fibers spun from melted Basaltic rock. A binder is added to the fibers and they are compressed and cured into large slabs. The density of this growing medium can be adjusted by changes in the amount of pressure during production. Large slabs are cut into smaller slabs and propagation blocks for easy handling. Advantages of this medium are the ease of handling, convenience, better control over nutrition, being able to plant seeds in it and allow the plants to be very stable. The drawbacks are that all rockwool is not the same. Some are produced from slag left over from smelting operations and as such have a high proportion of metals which can be somewhat reactive with your nutrient solutions. Rockwool can also have mineral oils present and may contain wetting agents used to counteract this that will wash out over time.

Much more information regarding these mediums is available from other sources, this basic summary of common growing mediums used by hydroponic systems touches lightly on the subject. Vive la difference!

Check out more information about hydroponics systems or in home gardens at my website. It's a site dedicated to hydroponics

Plant Indoors under Grow Lights

2009-08-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

In tough times of the past, people have looked to ways to provide for their families. One of those ways was through growing their own vegetables, fruits and herbs. The "Victory Garden" came into being during World War II and times of food rationing. Today, many people are looking for easy ways to grow delicious, wholesome food and this can be done through indoor gardening.

A very successful gardening method is hydroponics, requiring no soil at all in order to grow wonderful foods. With this type of indoor gardening systems, you will need appropriate grow lights in order for the plants to thrive.

Plants need light in order to perform photosynthesis, whereby the plant converts light to energy. This energy is what makes the plant to grow, mature and reproduce. The key to good photosynthesis in indoor gardening situations is having ample light available to all plants. Without enough lighting, the growing plants will struggle to reach the available light and will become spindly and weak.

Automated Hydroponics Systems

2009-08-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Quite a few gardeners are now adapting automated hydroponics systems to their indoor gardens. These automated hydroponics systems are capable of monitoring and adjusting your water levels automatically. This means your plants will never run out of water.

At the same time the pH levels are also monitored. When the pH levels are skewed, a pump is activated to automatically adjust levels up and down. This results in your plants always having the optimum amount of water and nutrients at the proper pH level. This will keep the plants growing at their peak performance. Automated hydroponics gardening is changing the way indoor growers produce their organic vegetables and fruits.

Grow your own Vegetables and Fruit

2009-08-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been disgusted by the quality and the prices of the vegetables offered at the local supermarket? Has the thought of growing your own vegetables has entered your mind? Even if you have a good range of vegetables at reasonable prices at your local store,the ever increasing concern over the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers gives can give one pause to consider opting for growing their own vegetables.

Growing your own vegetables indoors does not involve a tremendous amount of effort and in addition to enjoying a supply of fresh produce, you also discover a relaxing hobby. Even if you happen to live on an upper floor of an apartment building you can still grow a range of vegetables and fruits in hydroponics on your balcony or patio. This is a hobby everyone can enjoy.

Simple Hydroponics

2009-08-04T19:13:00.000-07:00

What if hydroponic gardening was as simple as a bucket of sand with a single plant in it? This can be what it is, right up to a hydroponic system using measuring instruments to control water cycles, nutrient strengths and lighting times.

A system usually consists of these basic parts: a growing tray, a tank or reservoir, a timed submersible pump to irrigate the plants and an air stone and pump to oxygenate the nutrient solution. Light will of course be required and that can be natural or artificial. There are many different types lights to choose from, from fluorescent to LED to complete lighting kits.

Light up your clones

2009-08-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Unlike seedlings, clones need light from day one, after rooting. Start with lower and diffused light intensities from sources such as T-5 or T-8 fluorescent lighting. During the first few days, the cuttings will do best with just one to two 24 watt strips over the top of a standard 10" x 20" propagation tray.

You can gradually increase the light intensity after a few days by lowering the light fixtures closer to the propagation dome. However, make certain the temperature doesn't rise above 850 F inside the dome after making this adjustment.

Once the roots develop, you can switch to HID lights that provide mostly red and blue growth stimulating spectrums. Condition your plants to this more intense light by gradually decreasing the distance between the plants and light fixtures. After a couple of weeks, your plants should be able to handle very bright levels of light which will encourage healthy, robust and fast-growing plants.

Which type of Rock Wool to choose

2009-08-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

There are several types of Rock Wool designed for the propagation of seeds and cuttings. The best for hydroponic hobbyists is considered to be the Single Block System known as SBS. This system consists of small individual cubes or mini blocks of Rock Wool on a small plastic tray. This makes the plants easy to handle and are ideal for selling or giving away.

Be certain to pre-treat the rock wool for 24 hours before use. Use a product that will
reduce the alkaline nature of the media until it balances out at between 5.8 and 6.3. One advantage of Rock Wool is its ability to hold enough water to last through the average period of time required for the cuttings to root. However, you will need to use a humidity dome.

Enjoy the convenience of organic products in a re-circulating system

2009-07-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

Re-circulating systems are a convenience but some growers feel they are restricted to using conventional salt based nutrients. Thus, they miss out on the rewards associated with organics. Here is how to use organics in a re-circulating system.

Reduce your conventional salt based nutrient to a 70% concentration. Then add an organic base nutrient at 30% the recommended strength.

The addition of the organic nutrient will help stabilize the solution chemistry while buffering the salinity and pH value of the synthetic based nutrient in the root zone and growing media. Also, the additional building blocks supplied by the organic base nutrient will increase yields, crop health, flavor, aroma and essential oil production.

Mini Caddy Hydroponics System

2009-07-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Do you have a spare closet? Introducing the "Mini Caddy", the ultimate compact home hydroponics system. Terrific for confined spaces.

The Mini Caddy is small enough to fit in any closet and is ideal when space is a concern. The inline cooling system keeps the inside of the cab always under 5ºF above room temperature. With this cabinet your growing will be easy, high yielding and above all, safe. The Mini Caddy arrives pre-assembled and requires less than 15 minutes of setup time to start growing. This affordable hydroponics system is perfect for experts and beginners alike.

Light vs temperature to keep plants cool

2009-07-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

During the summer months, you may need to make a compromise between light levels and the optimal temperatures for your plants. Otherwise you could end up over- heating the tops.

Your HID (high intensity discharge)lights will also contribute to high temperatures. This creates high heat in both the growing area and the internal core of your plants.

By raising the lights a few inches you can help reduce some of the heat stress on the
plants. This slight loss of light will do much less harm than the heat.

When to water... more or less

2009-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

When to water and how much has always been something of a guess. Generally speaking, plants begin gradually using more water at the start of their flowering cycle. Peak water consumption comes just after mid-flowering. After that, water needs taper off.

During the ripening phase, water use is lessened even though the plants are at their largest mass. It's easy to over-water during this phase so be careful not to drown the
roots.

2009-07-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Most self-help studies stress the need to create a perfect environment to be able to live a "successful" life. From the most famous celebrities to the most celebrated politicians and all of us mere mortals in between. To be truly happy, therefore, one needs to be fulfilled and so our environment is crucial for us to be are able to share and give to our fellow humans.

Whether it's a city street, a rural farm or a Hollywood stage, finding the environment that suits your character can be a lifelong search, so the journey must be enjoyed.

Get in touch with nature and re-assure yourself that the natural world will carry on no matter what. Draw from the creativity of a flower growing, a vegetable being formed, insects oblivious to what's on TV tonight, and water flowing over naturally formed rocks.

Try an experiment... spend a full half hour or more alone in a forest or next to the sea or, failing that, a park where you won't be disturbed. Make sure you feel safe from wild animals and humans and just let your mind wander, allow your thoughts to flow freely. Call it meditation time if you need an excuse to spend some time on your own. Just enjoy and allow your thoughts to wander free and your imagination to leap into fantasies.

Benefits of a Grow Chamber

2009-07-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

Technically, grow chambers are not classified as a hydroponics growing technique. It's actually a housing or a container for the hydroponics system, accessories and lighting fixture.

Grow chambers are perfect for the home grower because the system is enclosed, putting everything in one container and out of view. Of course, keeping your grow space nice and neat is only one of the many benefits a grow chamber offers.

Some systems are approximately the size of a refrigerator allowing you to grow your plants in one side of the chamber and mother plant with clones in the other. Grow chambers varies in size.

Most systems are built with a reflective interior to efficiently distribute light and increase the amount of lumens reaching the plants, resulting in a higher yield.

Not enough Soil for a Garden?

2009-07-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants a garden but doesn't have enough land or soil. Hydroponics gardening is, essentially, a way to cultivate plants using a nutrient solution instead of soil. With hydroponics gardening, it's easy to grow lovely flowers and succulent vegetables virtually anywhere you want! It's true that hydroponics gardening needs much less time than an ordinary garden. In fact, you might spend only five minutes a day maintaining you're hydroponics garden. Once a month the nutrient solution will have to be changed but this will only take a few minutes.

While hydroponics gardening can be a little confusing sometimes when starting out, you'll soon get the jist of it. The same as you need gardening supplies for a ordinary garden, you'll need hydroponics supplies for your hydroponics garden. The most popular system is the passive system. This is where the plants sit directly in the nutrient solution. All passive air systems use an aquarium air bubbler otherwise the solution can become deoxygenated and could rot the plants. If you can find the right system for you, hydroponics gardening will provide you with all the flowers and vegetables you could possibly want.

A Summertime Warning

2009-07-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

If the roots of your container plants are sitting in warm water, they may become
susceptible to contracting pathogens that lead to root rot. How do you prevent this?
Here are several suggestions:

First make certain that your containers are well drained.

Next, add an enzyme product to your nutrient mix. Buy quality. You want plenty of live enzyme action that will quickly break down older decaying roots, turning them into valuable food sources. Too many inexpensive enzyme products contain only dead
enzymes or the shelf life is so short that by the time you buy the product the enzymes are all but useless.

Remember, root decay is a normal part of the root growth cycle. You can't avoid it. But you can make certain that the decayed materials are turned into a valuable food source through enzyme action.

Increase your Root Mass

2009-07-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Obviously, the bigger a plant's root mass the better it can absorb nutrients and water. But how do you encourage extra root growth?

There are a number of products on the market that are formulated to increase the size of a plant's root mass. Some of the best can provide a root increase up to 700%. Here are some things to look for when buying these products:

Search for products containing super strains of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). When this product is combined with bacterial and fungi inoculates, it can provide almost magical root and plant development.

The inoculates you want to add to your media are trichoderma, endomycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal fungi. You may have to buy two different products to get a full range of inoculates. For example, some products contain 8 species of trichoderma and others have 18 species of endomycorrhizal.

These are living organisms so be certain to buy quality products that are relatively fresh. When applied to your media, they will colonize both inside and outside your plant roots, making them stronger and healthier. (voodoo juice, piranha, tarantula)

Clones from Clones?

2009-07-20T21:11:00.000-07:00

There are two things to consider when cloning plants, particularly if you want to preserve the genetic characteristics for future crops. These are genotype and phenotype.

Genotype is the genetic make-up (DNA) of the plant, which is quite stable. Only in rare instances will genes tend to mutate, thus creating a slight variation.

The phenotype is the physical expression of a plant's DNA and may change under
different environmental influences. For example, the same genes grown in two different rooms may be similar but could appear slightly different in the finished product.

As long as you maintain a consistent environment and avoid a prolonged stress on a
mother plant or clone, a clone from a clone should remain very much like the original. However, it's often a good idea to start new mother plants from seed every few years. This helps maintain higher levels of vigor. Stuff can happen to plants after being grown for several years.

When NOT to use organic teas

2009-07-18T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you are using a purely water based media, such as deep water culture, it's best to avoid organic teas. A salt based fertilizer is generally preferred because it is absorbed directly into the roots.

However, organic teas are an ideal companion for growing in media such as rockwool, coco coir or Sure to Grow. It will provide a harmonious and fertile environment for the roots of your crop.

Exceptional Lighting Kit

2009-07-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

These “Power Plant Kits” are custom designed lighting systems with all of the latest horticulture technology. Rather than try to mix and match a variety of different ballasts, bulbs, and reflector from different manufacturers, they've put the best of everything into one offering.

Each kit includes a digital ballast, 6" air cooled reflector, 2 bulbs (one MH and one HPS), a timer, 2 light mover pulleys and a video grow guide. It works on 120 volts.

I suggest you shop around and realize what an incredible deal this kit is.

Hydroponic Technology

2009-07-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics is a technology for growing plants in nutrient solutions (water and fertilizers) with or without the use of artificial medium (e.g., sand, gravel, vermiculite, rockwool, peat, coir, sawdust) to provide mechanical support. Liquid hydroponic systems have no other supporting medium for the plant roots: aggregate systems have a solid medium of support.

Hydroponic systems are further categorized as open, where after the nutrient solution has been delivered to the plant roots, it is not reused; or closed where surplus solution is recovered, replenished, and recycled. The definition of hydroponics has been confined to liquid systems only, which blurs statistical data and leads to underestimation of the extent of the technology and its economic implications. All hydroponic systems in temperate regions of the world are enclosed in greenhouse-type structures to provide temperature control, reduce evaporative water loss, and to reduce disease and pest infestations.

Read more...

Growing in Hut or Tent

2009-07-15T18:14:00.000-07:00

Some hydroponic gardeners have a preference to keep what they’re growing in a definitive enclosed environment. If you don’t have the money to buy a hydroponic tent, you can always use an empty cupboard but you will need to make it light proof, feed in a light supply and ensure circulation of air. You may have the problem that while your plants start off fitting inside the cupboard, they might out grow it, so you will have the added complication of re-housing your plants.

Hydroponic tents come in various sizes. They are totally light proof so you know that you won’t have a problem with light spillage from inside the tent and outside light will not intrude during necessary dark periods. Hydroponic tents can be quite expensive due to the light containing material they’re created from.

Grow your own Mushrooms

2009-07-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Growing your own edible mushrooms has never been easier. The FUNgus Factory comes complete with everything you need to grow your own edible mushrooms indoors in any dark corner of your house.

Each kit comes standard with enough mushroom food and supplies to grow over ONE POUND of your favorite fungus. When your kit runs dry simply order Spawn Sac replacement for unlimited growth potential.

Don’t waste your time fighting off molds and mildews. This kit will help you see serious results in just a few short weeks.

More Advanced Nutrients

2009-07-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

If you want amazing yields and high-quality crops, use Connoisseur Part A. Through its special blend of highest quality ingredients, Connoisseur Part A gives you control over a wide variety of plant mechanisms. When used in conjunction with Connoisseur Part B, this two-part formula can be varied according to your particular needs and the individual conditions involved.

• Increased number and quality of flowers and fruit
• Contains specific classes of poly amino alcohols
• Earlier flowering and maturation
• Enhanced potency, taste, and aroma
• Enhanced market value of harvests

Start using Connoisseur Part A one week after flowering has been triggered, mixing it directly into the reservoirs. An initial dose of 2.0 ml Part A and 2.0 ml Part B per each litre of nutrient solution is recommended, to be followed by applications at rates falling between 1.5 to 5.0 ml of fertilizer per liter of water. Connoisseur Part A should not be used on its own, but together with Connoisseur Part B. Floral growth should be carefully monitored before exceeding the recommended 2.0/2.0 ml per litre dosage.

B-52 Nutrient Booster

2009-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Designed to boost the metabolism of the plant with vital B vitamins and crucial amino acids that are essential for optimum growth. B-52 increases plant metabolism, strengthens its immune system making it able to grow more vigorously.

B-52 also contains several naturally occurring hormones. You can use B-52 as a foliar spray and a drench to soak cuttings/seedlings for a healthy start. If stretching is not desired then it will help keep the plant shorter. B-52 also increases the lateral growth of the plant.

Brand New Lighting System

2009-07-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here's some very exciting news. A manufacturer of hydroponic cabinets has just announced that they've tested over 20 brands of LED UFO's from different manufacturers and have finally found their favorite!

This model tested the best out of several growing results comparing 630nm Red's, 660nm Red's, Tri-Bands, and even a 400w HPS Hortilux bulb. This unit outperformed ALL OF THEM!

Here are some of the highlights:
1.) Virtually No Heat Production, So Cabinet Stays At Room Temp.
2.) Lower Operating Costs With 180watt consumption versus 400 watt
3.) No Noise, Which Results In A Stealthier Cabinet
4.) Lower 'Intensity' Light Results In Less Burning Of Plant Tips
5.) Longer Life (10years for LED's) versus 1-2 for HID Bulbs
6.) Higher Plant Growth Yields In Both Veg & Bloom

A Garden for the People

2009-07-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

The Volksgarden® brings simple, clean, and amazingly effective hydroponics gardening to the comforts of your own home. Grow what you want, when you want! The Volksgarden® unit allows you to grow up to 80 plants at once. Herbs, Vegetables, Fruits, and Grains can be harvested easily and continuously by even beginner gardeners.

The Volksgarden® utilizes a rotating cylinder housing the plants arranged around the light at the center. The result is highly effective use of lumens, water, and nutrients. Ultimately, you'll have a garden that grows fast, strong, and healthy through each season of the year. The Volksgarden® is truly a garden for the people!

Growing Potatoes in Hydroponics

2009-07-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Article by: Tracy Ballisager

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you have all your supplies. You will need seed potatoes, straw, perlite, wood chips, or sand, and a planting container. Now that you have everything you need, you can get started.

When growing hydroponic potatoes at home, you need to make sure that you have a good setup. This means you want an area that is dark and cool. You never want to plant your potatoes in an area that will ever be more than eighty degrees ever. If you do, you will find that it will have difficulty producing any new products.

Now, to get started, cut your seed potatoes in half. Allow them to dry just as they are for as long as a week. When they have dried, plant the halves within your choice of growing method. It will only take a few days to sprout new potatoes.

As mentioned you want to keep the plant dark, no sunlight is necessary. In fact, using straw to cover the entire thing will do the trick and it is cheap at the same time. As time goes and you are ready to harvest, all you need to do is reach in and grab. This is important because it will provide room for the others to keep growing.

If you have troubles at first, growing hydroponic potatoes in your home, do not fret. Potatoes are very difficult to achieve in this medium simply because they require so little, which makes it so hard. When growing hydroponic potatoes, just remember that you need dark, cool, and seed plants to get started.

Hobby Hydroponics

2009-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

In this wonderful indoor hydroponic garden, Emily's Garden, each plant thrives in its own small one-gallon container. These stand in a reservoir filled with nutrient solution.

Fresh air is bubbled through the solution to provide the high oxygen level needed for robust growth. As you can see, the plants just love it. The garden comes complete and ready-to-run; just add seeds of your choice, light and water!

All-In-One Nutrient

2009-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Moon Dust is an All-In-One nutrient designed specifically for hydroponic cabinets.

Instead of purchasing over 10 different products, Moon Dust combines the best of several well tested plant additives and base nutrients for a well balanced start to finish formula.

Simple for beginners, but powerful enough to out grow nutrient programs the pros use.

Outstanding for all plant types.

# Super concentrated, pH stabilized, and superior chelating (the way the plant foods interact with each other).
# Includes beneficial additives such as Carbohydrates (similar to CarboLoad), Humic Acid (similar to Grandma Engy's), Silica Blast (similar to Barricade), Kelp Meal (similar to Iguana Juice), and other vitamin complexes (similar to Vita Boost Pro).
# Includes over 18 Beneficial Funguses (similar to Piranha), 19 Beneficial Bacteria (similar to Tarantula), and 2 Trichoderma Species for outstanding symbiotic assistance for accelerated plant health.
# Moon Dusts base fertilizer consists of 19-8-13, with a well balanced formula for growing from start to finish, instead of difficult to use grow and bloom formulas. It also includes added Calcium and Magnesium for extra strong cell walls, and higher insect tolerance.

Healthy eating with Hydroponics

2009-07-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Everybody values good health and staying healthy means eating healthy. To stay healthy, you should always be sure that you eat a balanced diet. This means eating a good variety of fresh foods and giving your body the essential resources it needs.

With an hydroponic growing cabinet or garden in your home, the task is easy. You know where the food comes from and when it was picked. Couldn't be fresher. The plants have the oportunity to develope their natural sugars and so pass them on to you. It's a good lifestyle habbit to maintain.

Hydroponic Lettuce all Year Round

2009-07-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics - growing plants without soil. What could be easier? No more recalled lettuce because it has been contaminated on the long journey to your local store. These highly efficient cabinets will allow you to grow your lettuce year round with no more scares. Tastes like real lettuce, too!

You are what you eat - someone smart said that.

Soilless Gardening

2009-07-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Many gardeners are beginning to switch to Hydroponics gardening for a variety of different reasons. These types of gardens are small and can easily be grown inside the home and are perfect for most vegetables, especially the red tomato. Also the equipment required for Hydroponics gardening is not expensive and they are relatively easy to manage.

Hydroponics gardening is the growing of plants without soil, in other words, “dirtless gardening”. There are many methods of Hydroponics gardening, most of which work better than regular soil gardening because it is easier to give the plant exactly what it needs when it needs it. Plants will only receive what you give them; therefore you will be able to regulate the pH, nutrients, nutrient strength, water amount, and light amount. This makes it imperative that you research the kind of plants you will be growing so you know what they need to survive.

2009-06-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

The SuperCube is for the hobby grower looking for a completely enclosed, counter top growing cabinet. It is set up to flower 12 plants up to two feet tall. Perfect for the kitchen or anywhere where space is a constraint. Perfect for four-season growing!

The SuperCube's growth potential is 1-12 plants which can mature up to 2 feet tall. Great for tomatoes. The custom powder coated cabinet 3.5ft tall x3ft wide x2ft deep. It comes equiped with full spectrum 400 Watt HPS light and automated custom Hydro-Drip System for soil or hydroponics.

Harvest and enjoy fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs right from the comfort of your own home.

Preventing micro-nutrient deficiencies in your plants

2009-06-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

From the vegetative to the flowering stages, your plants explode with growth. That
requires a lot of nutrients and can tax the plant's delivery system.

As a result minerals such as iron, zinc and copper may have a hard time reaching all areas, particularly in the upper portions. This can slow down growth and eventually affect the quality of your flowers.

To increase the mobility of elements throughout your entire plant, use products containing fulvic and humic acids. They will help keep your delivery system strong and enhance the quality of your flowers during the final stages of growth.

If your crop experiences a trace element deficiency and you're confident you've diagnosed the problem accurately, a foliar spray will help green-up your plants. You can also use a solution containing a full spectrum of trace elements.

Harvesting Fresh Food in your Kitchen

2009-06-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Whether you are preparing a fancy meal or a quick dinner, nothing enhances the flavors of food like fresh herbs. What better place to find them than right in your own kitchen!

Many herbs can be grown successfully on a bright, sunny indoor windowsill. Better still, set up a little hydroponic garden anywhere in your kitchen. The one I'm thinking of has its own built-in light. Quite self-sufficient, it only needs the water topped up now and again and a little nutrient added.

Buying the right nutrient product for your flowers

2009-06-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

When considering a fertilizer for your flowers, first check to see if it's been tested on the type of flower you'll be growing. Many manufacturers only do limited testing so using their products can be something of a gamble.

Of course, the fact that a product has only received limited testing won't be announced on the package. However, manufacturers who go to the expense and effort to test their products on a wide variety of crops will generally announce this on the container or in their literature.

You also want to make certain the nutrient is formulated for flowers. Otherwise, the
product may contain too much nitrogen which will end up giving you more leaves than
flowers. The rule of thumb is that using any un-balanced fertilizers for the type of plants you are growing will result in a lower yield and affect the fragrance and taste.

Before you begin cutting your plant for cloning

2009-06-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Before you begin cutting, fill a clean sterile bin with the same nutrient solution used for preconditioning your media. You can dilute it a bit and also make certain it is lukewarm so it doesn't shock your cuttings.

Select a bin with enough depth so that you can fully immerse all your cuttings. Remember, if a cut stem is exposed to air for any length of time, an air bubble could develop inside the stem. This will reduce the health and vitality of the plant. It may even cause it to die.

Using a bin to carry or wheel around the greenhouse is a good idea. This way, you didn't have to move the mother plant.

Precondition your Rooting Media

2009-06-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

At least 24 hours before using your rooting media, pre-condition it with a nutrient solution that's balanced and pH adjusted. Using a reputable manufacturer's complete bloom-based nutrient at 1/4 strength will usually provide a balanced fertilizer charge for your cuttings.

Of course, the concentration and type of nutrients used are somewhat dependent on your rooting media. But one nutrient every grower considers essential is a B vitamin product. This will greatly reduce the stress plants experience during the cloning process.

Here is a brief pH guideline for media presoaking:

Rockwool: This media requires a very acid Ph solution because of its high alkaline nature. Go for a range between 4.5 to 5.0

Peat pellets: pH 6.3

Compost/polymer plugs: pH 5.8 to 6.3

Coco Coir: pH 6.3

Cloning Done Right

2009-06-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Get everything ready for your clonning operation

Once you start your cloning operation, you don't want to stop to go fetch a tool or materials. You want everything at hand before that first cut on the mother plant.

Cuttings are sensitive to the environment, chemical changes, insects and disease. So the longer it takes you to treat and plant them, the more problems you may encounter.

Here is a list I have used to check off the tools and materials I want on hand before starting. This isn't offered as a complete list. You may have different needs. But it's a good place to start:

* Pre-conditioned rooting media
* Root stimulator
* Rooting accelerator
* B vitamin supplement
* Spray bottle
* Tray with a clear lid to retain humidity
* Thermometer
* Isopropyl alcohol (99.9%)
* Disposable scalpel or razor
* Sterile high density plastic cutting board
* Tray heating mat with thermostat

Some growers use a box cutter razor which is all right. But remember, they often have an oily surface that needs to be removed before using. A surgical scalpel is a better tool.

Reflector Hood for Hydroponics

2009-06-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

The SuperNova is a high performance, glass enclosed reflector hood perfect for hydroponic grow lights. It is air-coolable and super efficient for a mid-sized reflector.

The SuperNova comes with louvered cooling outlets for standard operation which can be replaced with 4" flanges for additional air cooling. Comes standard with tempered glass.

Germinating Seeds with Hydroponics

2009-06-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hydroponically germinating seeds has several advantages over using soil to do the same job. This is the best way to avoid many common diseases because the hydroponic medium is clean. Soil may contain insects or fungus that can harm vulnerable seedlings.

Using a good hydroponic growing system is also a good way to avoid root rot. The area where hydroponic growing is better than using soil is the control of the growing environment. The gardener is not at the mercy of the soil’s nutrients or water content with hydroponics. This will help to assure that the grower alone will control every aspect of the plant’s growing conditions. This can be a major advantage for young seedlings as they will get the proper nourishment right from the start of their life and will lead to much healthier plants in the long run.

Good results for Hydroponic Gardening

2009-06-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

A well-balanced nutrient solution for your hydroponic garden is the key to success. The nutrient solution circulates around the roots of your plant and the formula will either make your plants happy and fruitful or kill them.

The perfect level must be found for the plants you are trying to feed. The pH level for plants determines what type of nutrient solution they need. Acid loving plants need a pH level below 7 while other plants need a level above 7 to achieve optimal growth. In addition, for optimal absorption of the nutrient solution, air must be allowed to circulate around the roots of the plants.

High Temperatures not good for Hydroponc Growing

2009-06-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

High temperatures in your hydroponics system can cause many problems for the plants being grown. The temperature within your hydroponic system should be maintained at a level where plants are able to survive. A high nutrient temperature can cause your plants a lot of problems. If the temperature becomes too high, it’s advisable to use an extractor fan to reduce it but not a good idea to rapidly cool the environment.

Plants don’t like fluctuations in temperature and practices such as this could kill plants. The extractor can be linked to a thermostat to ensure that the room never reaches the high temperatures again. High temperatures can have a negative growth affect on many plants.

Nothing "new fangled" about Hydroponics!

2009-06-16T19:38:00.000-07:00

A common misconception about hydroponics is that is a new fangled, fashionable trend. Actually, it has been practiced for centuries. Even the ancient Egyptians used hydroponics to grow their food. Great strides have been made in the field since the 1970s, when agriculturalists began studying it in earnest as an alternative means of food production, which perhaps is the reason behind so many people thinking it is a new invention.

Contrary to popular belief, hydroponics has absolutely nothing to do with genetically modified food. While genetically modified food has been offered as a solution to solving global hunger, as hydroponics has, it is a completely separate entity. Because genetically modified food is so controversial, hydroponics sometimes gets a bad rap. In fact, hydroponic food is 100% natural food, not modified in any way, and no chemicals are added to the plants to make them grow that they would not get in traditional fields. It’s simply a different way to grow food; no genetic manipulation involved.

Grow food on your Kitchen Counter

2009-06-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

The SUPERFLOWER is for the hobby grower looking for a completely enclosed, counter top growing cabinet. It has the functionality of a continuous vegetative/clone chamber and a separate flowering chamber.

Imagine reaching into this cupboard and snipping fresh vegetables for dinner! Need some basil for the spaghetti? Snip, snip, wash and chop. What a boon for vegetarians and vegans. Surely adds another dimension for a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of Parsley

2009-06-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Parsley is extremely easy to grow on your countertop with hydroponics. Keep a constant, fresh supply.

Parsley is one of the world''s seven most potent disease-fighting spices. Most people do not realize that this vegetable has more uses than just being a decorative garnish that accompanies restaurant meals. Parsley''s history, its 33 health benefits, nutritional value, how to pick it, process it and store it are discussed.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), the world''s most popular culinary herb is also known as "rock celery" and belongs to the Umbelliferae family of plants. Parsley is one of the world''s seven most potent disease-fighting spices which also include Ginger, Oregano, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Sage, and Red chili peppers. Parsley grows in most climates and is readily available throughout the year. It is a biennial plant which means that it produces seeds during its second year of production and will reseed itself if you let it.

Hydroponic Nutrients

2009-06-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Properly grown hydroponic plants also are healthier and more vigorous because all of the necessary growth elements are readily available. The plants can mature faster, yielding an earlier harvest of vegetable and flower crops. Hydroponic gardens use less space since the roots do not have to spread out in search of food and water. This small space requirement makes hydroponics ideal for home gardeners, and it makes better use of greenhouse space.

The big advantage to hydroponics is the ability to automate the entire system with a timer. Automation reduces the actual time it takes to maintain plant growth requirements. Automation also provides flexibility to the gardener as one can be gone for long periods of time without having to worry about watering the plants.

Hydroponics offers many advantages for commercial agriculture. Cultivating plants without soil eliminates the need for vast farmland and allows crops to be produced in greenhouses or even in the desert sands. Hydroponic techniques also allow for precise water and nutrient application directly to the roots of each plant. Water is reused in these systems and less is lost through evaporation and run-off. Therefore, arid lands, such as deserts, can be transformed into productive lands using limited amounts of water.

Growing plants hydroponically is not difficult if one understands the basic principles. As long as plant growth requirements are met, there are numerous hydroponic systems that can be used.

Hydroponic Growing Media

2009-06-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics is often defined as "the cultivation of plants in water." Research has since determined that many different aggregates or media will support plant growth; therefore, the definition of hydroponics has been broadened to read "the cultivation of plants without soil."

Growers all over the world are using hydroponic techniques due to the lack of a large water supply or fertile farmland. Home gardeners have used hydroponics on a smaller scale to grow fresh vegetables year round and to grow plants in smaller spaces, such as an apartment or balcony.

Greenhouses and nurseries grow their plants in a soilless, peat or bark-based growing mix. The nutrients then are applied to the growing mix through the water supply. Therefore, this is also a type of hydroponics. Soilless gardening offers many advantages to the home gardener. Since a sterile medium is used, there are no weeds to remove, and soil-borne pests and diseases are minimized, if not eliminated completely.

Cloning Plants

2009-06-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Cloning can be a difficult and tricky procedure; however this guide should help eliminate some of your hurdles. To start take a clone from a mother plant while still in the vegetative phase. Use a sharp knife or razor blade and cut a 3inch or so branch from the base of the mother plant at a 45 degree angle. Make sure there are a few leaves on the new clone so it can absorb enough light to take root.

Now at this point, you can take the cut end of your new clone or stick it directly into 2inch neoprene plug so that the stem of the plant fits snuggly in the small hole in the middle and is deep enough that the cut portion of the stem is at least ½ ways down the length of the netpot.

During the next 48 hours your plant may wilt, but this is normal as the clone is being placed under a great deal of stress by being cut. If the plant is still wilted after 5 days then odds are it won't take root and grow, so it can be discarded. Also, if you notice dead leaves you should pull them off and keep any dead matter out of the way.

If all goes well you should see roots forming and your clones should stay upright and begin to grow at an increased rate.

Grow Lights and Bulbs

2009-06-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest advantages to indoor gardening is the regulation of plant growth through the use of artificial sunlight. The most commonly used grow lights are metal halide, high pressure sodium, and fluorescents. Each has its advantages that I will briefly cover. Both metal halide and high pressure sodium lights are high intensity discharge, which mean the light they produce has a better ability to penetrate the plant leaves.

Fluorescent light can grow plants indoors, but produces much smaller plants and is generally considered to be far inferior to both metal halide and high pressure sodium lights. Fluorescent lights are most often used with seedlings or clones, as the light produced is gentler on fragile plants.

Perfect Indoor Growing Cabinet

2009-06-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Most popular full sized Grow Chamber around!

Caddy Dimensions: 72" tall x 31" wide x 23" deep

The Caddy's Ease Of Use…
The Caddy comes pre-assembled, and requires less than 15 minutes of setup time to start growing. Once your Caddy system is in place you can simply plug it in and walk away for days at a time! One of the most popular features of The Caddy line, as with the Cool Cabs, is that the light and infrared proof exterior chamber which provides an easily controlled environment. It’s simple, watch the instructional video, spend 15 minutes adding water and seeds, then walk away and watch your plants grow! Note that if we built a cabinet larger than the Cool Cab Or Caddy it wouldn't fit through a doorway pre-assembled. This is one of our largest top of the line units!
20 cu. ft. capacity
Light-proof custom Mylar interior doesn't act as an eye-sore
Our custom made interiors have a 99% reflective surface for maximum light absorption by the plants.
Includes ventilation system (450+ CFM of air cooling)
11 plant capacity
Grows 11-17lbs. of dried plant matter per year in the Caddy

Buy now

SuperFlower growing cabinet

2009-06-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

What it is:
The SUPERFLOWER is for the hobby grower looking for a completely enclosed, counter top growing cabinet with the functionality of a continuous veg/clone chamber and a separate flowering chamber. 42”H x 46”W x 24”D

Buy it here

AeroGarden for indoor growing

2009-06-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Aerogarden garden kit grows lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, petunias, and more!

Includes:

# The AeroGarden
# 2 daylight spectrum bulbs
# Pre-seeded bio-dome grow pod
# Time release nutrients
# Tending and harvesting guide with recipes.

Self-monitoring system adjusts for best growing conditions.

# Automatic alerts notify when more water or nutrients are needed.
# Organic-based, 100% natural tool requires no dirt or natural light
# Grows 5 times faster than soil!
# Grows 7 plants

Buy it here!

More information...

600 Watt Power Plant Lighting Kit

2009-06-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Our All New “Power Plant Kits” are custom designed lighting systems with all of the latest horticulture technology.

Rather than try to mix and match a variety of different ballasts, bulbs, and reflector from different manufacturers, we put the best of everything into one spectacular offering.

We suggest you shop around and realize what an incredible deal this kit is!

Each kit includes:

# Digital ballast
# 6” air cooled reflector
# MH bulb
# HPS bulb
# Timer
# Two light mover pulleys
# 120 Volts
# Video grow guide, and more!

Buy now - price includes shipping!

Volksgarden grows 80 plants at a time!

2009-06-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

This unit could feed your family fresh vegetables and fruits for a whole winter. It would also save you a lot of money.

AeroGarden

2009-06-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

This is the most perfect way to grow your own vegetables on your kitchen counter-top.

Sun Speaker

2009-05-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Five plant system grows start to finish!
Dimensions: 20" x 54" x 12" (WxHxD)
115 CFM internal cooling fans
Can be run in room temps. up to 90°F!
Light proof and completely discrete design
Really plays music as a working speaker!
All custom machined parts
Grows over six pounds of plant matter annually!

Super Closet's the one!

2009-05-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

Super Closet won the award for the "Best Growing Closet" last year. Check out the Side-by-Side here.

Growing indoors

2009-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect way to grow indoors and extend your growing season to all year.

HydroHuts are very useful

2009-05-20T18:08:00.001-07:00

Build your own garden inside the hut!

Which type of Rock Wool to choose

2009-05-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

There are several types of Rock Wool designed for the propagation of seeds and cuttings. The best for hydroponic hobbyists is considered to be the Single Block System known as SBS.

This system consists of small individual cubes or mini blocks of Rock Wool on a small plastic tray. This makes the plants easy to handle and are ideal for selling or giving away.

Be certain to pre-treat the rock wool for 24 hours before use. Use a product that will reduce the alkaline nature of the media until it balances out at between 5.8 and 6.3.

One advantage of Rock Wool is its ability to hold enough water to last through the average period of time required for the cuttings to root. However, you will need to use a humidity dome.

Gardening without soil? Is it possible?

2009-05-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

Every child knows successful gardening requires soil, water, plants and sunlight and that if you are missing any of those ingredients; your efforts are doomed to failure.

Every child is wrong.

It may not be possible to replace all of those four options as yet, but along with artificial lighting as a replacement for the sun, soil is one more element of gardening we our learning can be successfully omitted under the right circumstances.

Yes, it is possible to grow plants without soil. It is called hydroponic gardening and although it may seem to border on science fiction, it actually works quite well and can be a great deal of fun.

Hydroponics is not a new development. It has been around since nearly the beginning of recorded history. That wonder of the ancient world known as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon was an exercise in hydroponics and rice has been grown hydroponically for centuries.

Today, hydroponics is used in a variety of settings. Wherever soil is unavailable, hydroponic gardening seems to appear. Wildcatters on offshore oil rigs grow their own tomatoes. Cooks on nuclear submarines hydroponically grow vegetables to use in there crew’s meals. Right now,plants are growing on orbiting space stations without a single grain of soil.

Hydroponics may fly in the face of convention, but it does work. In some situations, it is far more practical than traditional gardening, as well,because it requires very little space and other resources and can produce such amazing results.

Hydroponic gardening is not simply something at which to marvel at from afar. It can be something you can do at home, as well. You can grow your own plants, fruits, vegetables and flowers hydroponically. Hydroponics makes for a fun challenging and ultimately very fulfilling hobby.

Not only is it possible, but also Hydroponics Gardening is fun. That’s right; I said Hydroponics Gardening is fun! At first, the thought of plants suspended in liquid, growing without soil may seem the subject matter for the latest science fiction novel, but Hydroponics Gardening is a reality and it has been around for a long, long time.Hydroponics is simple to learn and makes an excellent hobby.

For the complete book and audio on Hydroponic Gardening

Stuck with Hard Water?

2009-05-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Do you have no choice but to use hard water? If so, look for 'hard water' nutrients. They are formulated with fewer of the minerals, such as bicarbonates, normally found in hard water.

As mentioned in an earlier article, you want to use the best water you can obtain. But sometimes there is no avoiding tap water. If this is the case, do what you can to make the water more suitable for improved hydroponics.

Another alternative is to use quality organic mediums and 100% organic nutrients.
Remember, unlike growing in soil, there is nothing to buffer nutrients and imbalances that may be caused by hard water.

Organic products tend to allow beneficial nutrients to be delivered while holding less desirable nutrients or excess imbalances away from the plants. This will produce bigger yields that might otherwise be diminished by poor quality water.

Confused about Nutrients?

2009-05-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

With so many different hydroponic products available, it's easy to get confused about what, when and how much. It helps if you remember that, generally speaking, there are just two types of hydroponic nutrients.

There is a 'grow mix' which is used for young plants... plants in vegetative growth... and plants which do not flower or produce blooms or fruit. Then there is a 'bloom mix' used to stimulate flowering and fruiting.

And here's an extra tip. A new advance in nutritional science eliminates concerns about
selecting and using the right products. As an extra bonus, it also eliminates the need
for measuring pH and ppm. Ask your favorite hydroponics retailer about this new feeding system.

Develope Clean Habits for Growing Hydroponics

2009-05-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

Clean Grow Rooms invite healthy harvests. Develop the habit of giving any growing area a clean sweep with your eyes. Too often problem areas can develop unnoticed unless you take a few moments to really look for them.

Pay particular attention to severely damaged foliage and remove it immediately. Left to wither and die, these damaged leaves will attract both disease and insects. Also, during your 'clean-sweep' inspection, look for fallen leaves decaying on the base of your growing media, flood tables, floor or other places. Remember, dust, dirt and debris on the grow room floor can harbor insects and their eggs.

It takes only two or three minutes to walk around a growing area with your mind focused on dirt build-up, decaying vegetation, damaged plants and other unsanitary conditions. Cleaning them up can be done quickly. Ignoring them can cost you extra hours and money spent battling disease, insects or having to replant a crop.

You might also consider spraying a high quality pyrethrin based insecticidal spray on floor areas surrounding plants. Just keep the spray away from the plants.

By doing this, you'll be setting up a kill zone. This tends to eliminate insects before they can become a problem.

Quality of Water for your Hydroponic Plants

2009-04-30T17:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Treat Your Plants to Tea Time

2009-04-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Growing Onions in Hydroponics

2009-04-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

Growing Leeks in Hydroponics

2009-04-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

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

Growing Ginger in Hydroponics

2009-04-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

Growing Garlic in Hydroponics

2009-04-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

"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.

Growing Carrots in Hydroponics

2009-04-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

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

Growing Hydroponic Beets

2009-03-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

Beets
(Beta vulgaris)
Planting Info:
Can be seeded or transplanted
Seeds per gram: 50
Directly seeded
Space between rows: 15 cm (6”)
Space between seeds: 10 cm (4”)
Germination: 10 days
Germination and Transplant: 20-25
Harvest: 60 days
Depth: 3 cm (1.25”)
Seed for Transplant:
Space between rows: 8 cm (3”)
Space between seeds: 1 cm (1/3”)
Depth: 1 cm (1/3”)
Plants per m2: 54
Beets form over the top of the media so they can be
grown in a 5” deep bed grower. Each beet seed pod
contains about three seeds so the young seedlings
may have to be thinned.
Beet roots also have edible greens so the entire plant
is useful. They grow well in hydroponics and can be
harvested when about 2” in diameter. Beets can also
be grown for winter storage, stored in boxes of dry
peat moss.
Pests: Black fly
Diseases: Damping off, leaf spot and heart rot.
Harvest: Harvest the entire plant as roots get to be 4
cm (2”) diameter. Break off the leaves to reduce bleeding
from the beet root. Use in stews or salads.
If beets have black bitter spots they are low on boron.
Add 1/6 teaspoon of borax to 2 gallons of water and
water the plants.

From "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Marulanda

Root Vegetables in Hydroponics

2009-03-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

I've found this amazing hydroponics book with information that I've been looking for for a long time. I'm going to post information on the ten root vegetables that are listed with instructions on how to grow them. This is the introduction to the chapter:

"Root vegetables and tubers, such as potato and sweet
potato, can also be grown in hydroponics. This important
part of the diet can be very productive in
deep media hydroponic growers.
Roots will need more space to grow under the surface
so media growers for roots are constructed at least 30
cm (12”) deep. The media should be deep enough to
keep the root area in a environment that is not saturated
with water, but still kept moist.
Root vegetables can be a part of everyday diet. A
soup can be made with soybeans and fresh vegetables
from the garden. A basic soup that includes a cup of
cooked soybeans should provide each family member
with about 400 calories, and about 1/2 of the protein
required for the day.
Potatoes were one of the first crops grown by Gericke,
the modern day father of hydroponics. He grew a fine
crop of potatoes under his tomato plants in a California
greenhouse. Potatoes are very high is carbohydrates
and provide daily energy.
Many root vegetables can also be kept through the
winter or slower growing season by harvesting and
storing or drying. They can also be kept alive in the
hydroponic beds if the temperatures can be kept
above freezing. Even in the northern temperate climates
the root vegetables can stay alive through the 8
hour sun days, although don’t expect much growth.
Many root vegetables take a longer to grow, sometimes
as much as 120 days to harvest. Many, such as
carrots, cannot be transplanted. This means that the
areas of the grower which are being harvested should
be replanted as soon as possible to keep a supply of
roots from the garden."

Quoted from "Home Hydroponic Gardens" by Peggy Bradley & Cesar Maruland

Hydroponic Gardening- What are the Benefits?

2009-03-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

March 23rd, 2009 by plrposter

Hydrophonic Gardening

Gardening has been considered to be one of the most therapeutic rewards for North Americans.You will feel very happy and rewarded since gardening stimulates your senses. Hydroponics is the growing of plants without the use of soil. A variety of hydroponic gardening techniques exist and just about any plant can be grown with hydroponics. Hydroponic gardening is considered to be quite easy and many teachers use this method of gardening with their students when working on science projects.

There are a variety of benefits associated with hydroponic gardening. When plants are grown using hydroponics, the roots do not need to search for required nutrients. The nutrient solution is provided directly to them, which results in plant growth, which is more abundant.The use of hydroponics in an outdoor garden helps to add intrigue and interest.The right time to experiment with the various types of hydroponic cultivation is during the summer time due to the natural conditions available outdoors.Hydroponics benefits annual flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

You can control growing factors such as temperature, humidity, and light with the use of hydroponics. Since there is no soil, there is less maintenance involved with hydroponics.The concern over soil borne diseases or pests is almost eliminated and weeding is not required.Not all soil less cultures is considered hydroponics even thought hydroponics is always a soil less culture.The nutrient solutions that are mandatory for hydroponics are not used by many of these cultures. There are two main types of hydroponics, which are solution culture and medium culture.Solution culture does not use a solid growing medium for the roots, but it does use a nutrient solution. The medium culture has a sound growing base for the roots such as perlite, gravel, or sand culture.With the different ways that a nutrient solution is supplied to the plants creates multiple ways that hydroponic plants can be grown.

Read more.....

Is this true?

2009-03-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've just come across this tip for getting your trees going in the spring. Take a baseball bat and give them a good whack! Apparently, this will stimulate the running of the sap inside the tree and will get it growing faster. Amazing but true?!

Heirloom Vegetables

2009-03-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

Taken from Wikipedia:

"An heirloom plant, heirloom variety, or (especially in the UK) heirloom vegetable is a cultivar that was commonly grown during earlier periods in human history, but which is not used in modern large-scale agriculture. Many heirloom vegetables have kept their traits through open pollination, while fruit varieties such as apples have been propagated over the centuries through grafts and cuttings. The trend of growing heirloom plants in gardens has been growing in popularity in the United States and Europe over the last decade.

Before the industrialization of agriculture, a much wider variety of plant foods was grown for human consumption. In modern agriculture in the industrialized world, most food crops are now grown in large, monocultural plots. In order to maximize consistency, few varieties of each type of crop are grown. These varieties are often selected for their productivity, their ability to withstand mechanical picking and cross-country shipping, and their tolerance to drought, frost, or pesticides. Heirloom gardening can be seen as a reaction against this trend.[citation needed] In the Global South, heirloom plants are still widely grown, for example in the home gardens of South and Southeast Asia, although their future is uncertain.

Heirloom growers have different motivations. Some people grow heirlooms for historical interest, while others want to increase the available gene pool for a particular plant for future generations. Some select heirloom plants due to an interest in traditional organic gardening. Many simply want to taste the different varieties of vegetables, or see whether they can grow a rare variety of plant."

Growing Organic Food in the City

2009-03-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

For city-dwellers living in condos and apartment buildings, organic gardening is still an option.

You can grow beans and tomatoes in flower pots instead of flowers. There are people growing huge gardens on the rooftops of buildings, erecting plastic coverings so essentially making greenhouses. The qualtity of vegetables grown is excellent and taste, far beyond anything in the store that's been stored for a couple of years and then shipped hundreds of miles.

You don't have to be in the country to grow vegetables of the highest quality.

Urban Gardens

2009-03-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

"As the economic depression worsens, every day there is more and more new urban gardening news; this time from Flint, Michigan where urban gardeners are looking at some 2,477 vacant residential lots in the city. They want to fill them with vegetable gardens to feed the growing numbers of hungry, out of work people. The urban gardens would also create new business opportunities and improve people’s lives for people who are hurting ecomomically."

Read more

Worldwide Hydroponics

2009-03-03T18:36:00.000-08:00

Growing greenhouse vegetables is one of the most exacting and intense forms of all agricultural enterprises. In combination with greenhouses, hydroponics is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Japan. It is high technology and capital intensive.

It is highly productive, conservative of water and land and protective of the environment. For production of leafy vegetables and herbs, deep flow hydroponics is common. For growing row crops such as tomato, cucumber, and pepper, the two most popular artificial growing media are rockwool and perlite.

Computers today operate hundreds of devices within a greenhouse by utilizing dozens of input parameters, to maintain the most desired growing environment. The technology of greenhouse food production is changing rapidly with systems today producing yields never before realized. The future for hydroponic/soilless cultured systems appears more positive today than any time over the last 50 years.

Read more....

How to Grow Healthy Food

2009-02-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

To grow healthy food, you literally have to start at rock bottom. No matter what you're growing, from chickpeas to chickens, the truth is that you are what they eat!

It's no secret that all life begins with the soil. Although it may look like dirt to the naked eye, organically rich soil is a living, breathing community of microorganisms. These little denizens of the dirt are born, grow, breed, give birth and die leaving an estate of nutrition-filled remains to the soil. While they live, many of these little critters feed on undesirable elements like harmful bacteria. A good balance is very important if you want to grow healthy food

Every year, gardeners spend thousands of dollars on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides that are little more than a quick fix to gardening problems and create long-term health hazards for everyone, from humans to single-celled organisms in the soil. If you really want to grow healthy food, the first step is to keep your underground colony in good health.

You need to do two things to maintain healthy soil. The first is to keep out of the chemicals. The second is to add rich organic matter to your soil at regular intervals.
Keep out of the chemicals

No matter what amount of chemical you use in your gardening, a drop is a deluge to a microorganism. More to the point, most chemicals don't fade away. They leech into your garden and wait to attach to some growing thing… like your plants. One example is a gardener who claims to grow organic apples. He doesn't spray his trees, but he does use a chemical "weed & feed" application on his lawn, seemingly unaware of the systemic consequences of using chemicals. Of course his apple trees take their nourishment from the soil. Sometimes chemicals seem convenient, but when it comes to growing healthy food they are a definite no-no!

Read more...

Where to find the best Hydroponic Gardening Cabinets

2009-02-22T18:45:00.000-08:00

Easy to grow vegetable ideas

2009-02-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

Cherry tomatoes are a real delight to grow.

You hear a lot of talk these days about how good vegetables are for you. The daily allowance is of five portions of fruit and veg today. But it costs a lot to buy fruit and veg at the supermarket. Despite all the guff about supermarkets being low cost places they still charge a lot for vegetables. It is not uncommon for a couple of lettuces to set you back over $4. You can get veg much cheaper if you go down to the market, but it can be out very cost effective to grow your own.

Here are the top ten vegetables to grow on your own. I have based this list based on my own hard experience. These should suit the lazy gardener who has little time to carefully tend their crops every day. I like to grow in a largely organic way. The only chemicals that I ever use are a few slug pellets.

Read more.....

Growing Blackberries in Hydroponics

2009-02-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that fresh, succulent blackberries, usually associated with warm summer days, don't need to be confined to a brief few moments each year? With the use of greenhouse and hydroponic technology, blackberries can be produced all year round.

Hydroponic Cabinets

2009-02-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here are hydroponic cabinets and grow boxes to please just about anyone They are the best on the market, growing anywhere from 2 - 24 plants at a time. Check them out!

Micronutrients and their benefit to plants

2009-02-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

The most common micronutrients and some of their most obvious benefits to plants include:
o Iron: Iron is vital to chlorophyll production.
o Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the components of chlorophyll. Magnesium is also involved in distributing phosphorus throughout the plant.
o Boron: Boron is needed in very small amounts. No one has yet to discover how plants use Boron.
o Calcium: Calcium encourages root growth in plants. It also helps plants absorb potassium.
o Zinc: Zinc is essential in the transference of energy in plants.
o Manganese: Manganese aids a plant in the absorption of nitrogen. It is also an important component in the energy transference process.
o Sulfur: Sulfur heightens the effectiveness of phosphorus and assists in the production of plant energy.
o Molybdenum: Molybdenum assists in the chemical reactions that take place in plants.

Growing Wheat Grass in hydroponics

2009-02-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

"Hi guys, I just wanted to take a moment and say THANKS for one incredible product. I got my wife to break down and let me order the pc planter 4 weeks ago to grow wheat grass. I'm not sure if your familiar with wheat grass, but for us organic salt-of-the-earth nuts, this stuff is heavenly. Anyways, I grew more than I could juice in days, which blew my mind! We ended up with so much extra over the past month we've switched over to cherry tomatoes just for fun. Anyways, just wanted to drop a line and say it's nice to receive a product AS DESCRIBED for once, and a damn good one at that. Take care, and look for a Cool Cab order within the next few weeks!
Jason. T "

What a great idea!

2009-02-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

"On behalf of First United Methodist church I'd like to extend our thanks for your phone and e-mail assistance with setting up our indoor greenhouse. It is up and running just as we had hoped. As promised I'll send you updated pictures of our growing progress for our new Sunday school indoor veggie program. Hopefully we can pay off our purchase in a few months with our vegetable and herb sales.

Thank you again and God bless..... Pastor Mitchell"

Successful Hydroponic Cabinets

2009-01-30T07:51:00.000-08:00

This is the cabinet that these happy growers are talking about. You can find it by clicking on the title.

"I’m on my fourth Side2Side and coming back for a fifth! I can’t thank you guys enough. - Justin P."

"My friend’s an engineer and when he looked at my Side2Side, he said, “Wow!!” Thanks for giving me bragging rights! - John F."

Commercial Hydroponics

2009-01-28T17:56:00.000-08:00

Hydroponically-grown produce is available at all major supermarkets across the country regardless of the season. In North America, 95 percent of greenhouse vegetables are grown hydroponically. The hydroponic greenhouse vegetable industry is valued at over $2.4 billion dollars and is growing at 10 percent per year. The industry is expanding because it is economically productive. Controlled environments and controlled growth techniques maximizes production and is much less labor intense. In addition, the resulting produce is clean, healthy, and nutritious, and growing hydroponically significantly conserves the earth’s resources.

Increased yields, improved and more consistent quality, and elimination of herbicides and pesticides, are major advantages of using hydroponic growing methods for commercial food production. Because hydroponics is almost always used with controlled environments such as greenhouses, the additional major benefit of extending or eliminating growing seasons provides continuous crop production, which again provides extensive increases in productivity.

Read more here

Another happy grower

2009-01-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

My Supercube is perfect for my little studio apartment. I put my TV on top of it and pictures of my friends on the front. It saves space and it’s a great hobby for me since I go to school full time.

- Eric C.

A happy grower!

2009-01-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

I purchased my PC Planter in Aug. of 08. My first attempt at growing was somewhat less than successful due to the fact that I damaged my plants by not monitoring my plants as I should have. I am now into my second attempt and am more than happy with the results. The growth rate is phenomenal. I have learned quickly to not rush the growth...stay at the lower end of the recommended PPM...keep the PH balanced...use purified water....use the best seeds available, then wait for maturation of your plants then enjoy....it is worth the wait.

James R.

Drying Herbs

2009-01-23T18:43:00.000-08:00

Now you've grown your own herbs in your hydroponic cabinet indoors, what about drying them?

Drying herbs is a fine thing to do because you’re going to get the maximum freshness and taste.

Quite frankly, you’ll also know your herbs are organic as many of the herbs purchased in stores have had herbicides or pesticides used on them to control insect pests.

I know they don’t tell you this but in order to get large quantities of herbs into stores, you need large farms and most of these farms are “offshore” and the use of chemicals is not as regulated as it is in North America or Europe.

Grow your own herbs and you guarantee both freshness and quality all season long.

Tips for Drying Herbs

The best system for retaining quality herbs is to air dry them and this is also the cheapest although one of the slowest. Moisture evaporates slowly in the air drying herb system and this leaves most of the sought after oils behind in the leaf.

Some folks love their dehydrators and these are terrific if you are drying large quantities. Instructions will be in each kit but if you only have a few herbs to do, the cheapest way for drying herbs is the air-drying system.

Recipe for air drying herbs

Plan on harvesting your herbs in the early morning before they start expending energy for the day and are in the best condition right before flowering.

Using a sharp knife or scissors, cut the large stems or branches away from the plant. Shake (gently) each branch to dislodge insect visitors. Remove any damaged or diseased leaves.

Growing the best and safest food at home

2009-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Hydroponic cabinets use a unique growing technique to produce fantastic plants without a drop of potting soil. There are actually people who grow some vegetables in a corner of their basement or on a small balcony because they have a hydroponic cabinet. Most people assume that you need soil to grow some plants. Of course, that means that you have to have a garden, a farm or some containers with potting soil. Most people do not realize that methods have been developed by experts to grow plants without soil. People who would like to grow some nice fresh vegetables free of pesticides can do this if they have a hydroponic cabinet.

Hydroponic cabinets come in a variety of sizes so people looking to grow some plants at home can buy a hydroponic cabinet that will fit into their available space. There are some hydroponic planters that are small enough to grow some vegetables or other plants on a kitchen countertop. These planters like the larger hydroponic cabinets will grow the plants at any time of year. Although there might be piles of snow in the family garden, a hydroponic cabinet or planter will work in the home. People can grow fresh tomatoes, lettuce or peppers right in the kitchen where they make their salads.

Hydroponic Cabinets Come With The Necessities

Plants do not need soil to grow, but they do need nutrients. Experts have designed hydroponic cabinets with the facilities to supply the nutrients to the plants without using soil. The hydroponic cabinets usually come with plenty of information on growing different types of plants without the soil normally used. The plants grown with these techniques often grow just a large and more quickly than the normal plants in the garden or on a farm. Some of these hydroponic tools are equipped to guide the grower in the process.

Some of the hydroponic tools are specifically designed for certain types of plants. There are cabinets that are best for growing flowers while other cabinets are best for growing vegetables. These cabinets can be used to keep plants growing at different stages so the grower always has some plants or vegetables ready for use. You will not have to worry about too many peppers ripened at once. Some of the best cabinets are designed so an amateur grower will not have to worry about the roots rotting from too much water or the flowers fading from too few nutrients.

Pakistan: Hydroponic technology may help boost crops yield

2009-01-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

Pakistan may enhance vegetable and fruit crops yield with hydroponic farming technology to overcome the food shortages and price hike tendency. According to the Ministry of Agriculture sources, this technology would not only raise yield, but would also enhance nutrition abilities of plants. A hydroponic pilot project has recently been started in Rawat (Islamabad) under the name bio-blitz over just five acres of land.

The state-of-the-art five-acre Green House facility is producing hydroponic tomatoes of all varieties, including tangy, elegant, cherry and others. If hydroponics farming technology is introduced properly, then country can triple the revenues earned on agriculture exports.

According to agriculture scientists, there are two main types of hydroponics culture, namely solution culture and medium culture. The solution culture excludes roots as source of nutrition, while the medium culture is based on roots as part of the process.

The solution culture method is further divided into three types - static solution culture, continuous flow solution culture, and aeroponics. The medium culture, on the other hand, is based on medium through which the root is routed - sand culture, gravel culture or rock wool culture. These media of nutrition are again sub-divided into two categories - sub-irrigation and top irrigation.

In all these techniques, mostly plastic is used for hydroponic reservoirs, though other materials have also been used, which include concrete, glass, metal, vegetable solids and wood. Experts advise that the containers should block light to prevent algae growth in the nutrient solution. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants, using mineral nutrient solutions without soil. Terrestrial plants may be grown with their roots in the mineral nutrient solution only or in an inert medium, such as perlite, gravel, or mineral wool.

This technology was discovered in the 19th century. In this technology plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. In natural conditions, soil acts as a mineral nutrient reservoir, but the soil itself is not essential to plant growth.

When the mineral nutrients in the soil dissolve in water, plant roots are able to absorb them. When the required mineral nutrients are introduced into a plant's water supply artificially, soil is no longer required for the plant to thrive. Almost any terrestrial plant will grow with hydroponics.

Hydroponics is also a standard technique in biology research and teaching. In recent decades, Nasa has done extensive hydroponics research for their Controlled Ecological Life Support System or CELSS. Hydroponics, intended to take place on Mars, are using LED lighting to grow in different colour spectrum with much less heat.

Researchers have obtained groundbreaking results in various countries, however the process has proved it to be thoroughly practical, having an edge over conventional methods of horticulture.

The two major merits of the soilless cultivation of plants are: (1) higher yield, and (2) hydroponics may be helpful in places where ordinary agriculture is impossible. That has removed constraints of cultivable land.

THE FOLLOWING ARE OTHER BENEFITS:

-- It saves water - it uses as little as 1/20 the amount at a regular farm to produce the same amount of produce.

-- Faster growth.

-- Freedom from soil diseases and weeds.

-- Very consistent crops mean uniform quality.

-- Less labour needed and cost effective. Scientists agreed that hydroponics fruits and vegetables are sweeter and more luscious than those grown in ordinary soil are. The technology is being utilised around the globe, including the US, European Union (EU) and African countries.

Source: pakissan.com

Publication date: 1/16/2009

Plant Lifecycle

2009-01-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

It is difficult to give an exact description of your plants growth rate and lifecycle, since the difference species of plants that can be grown varies greatly.
You can start your plants either from seeds or clones. They should be allowed to grow in the germination and/or vegetative plant stages until they reach about 12-18 inches in height. Also make sure that roots are visible coming from the bottom of your netpots. At this point, you will switch from the vegetative to the flowering stage by changing the photoperiod, as described in the lighting section. During the flowering stage of growth your plants will continue to flower.
Gender Identification: Some people find it necessary to remove male plants to eliminate pollination because female plants are often the ones that produce prized buds and flowers. In order to remove the male plants first you must sex your plants. This is only necessary if starting from seeds, since all clones will be the same sex as the parental donor. First, get a magnifying glass and look at where your stem branches off into new growing tips. With males you can see they have a more bulbous, almost nut-shaped growth, which clusters together at the base of the nodes and tips of the growing terminals. Females on the other hand have tiny white or yellow hairs, known as pistils, protruding.

If you want to figure out which plants are male and which are female early on, then get a small black plastic bag or something similar that is lightproof, and a plastic coated twisty tie. Select a plant that you would like to sex and choose a growing tip. Take the paper bag, place it over the top of the selected tip and seal with the twisty tie. Then, to simulate the flowering phase, simply remove the bag after the 12hr dark period, and replace when the 12hr day cycle ends. After 7-10 days the growth-tip you covered should start showing signs of its gender.

Soilless Growing

2009-01-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

Greenhouses and nurseries grow their plants in a soilless, peat or bark-based growing mix. The nutrients then are applied to the growing mix through the water supply. Therefore, this is also a type of hydroponics. Soilless gardening offers many advantages to the home gardener. Since a sterile medium is used, there are no weeds to remove, and soil-borne pests and diseases are minimized, if not eliminated completely.

Properly grown hydroponic plants also are healthier and more vigorous because all of the necessary growth elements are readily available. The plants can mature faster, yielding an earlier harvest of vegetable and flower crops. Hydroponic gardens use less space since the roots do not have to spread out in search of food and water. This small space requirement makes hydroponics ideal for home gardeners, and it makes better use of greenhouse space.
The big advantage to hydroponics is the ability to automate the entire system with a timer. Automation reduces the actual time it takes to maintain plant growth requirements. Automation also provides flexibility to the gardener as one can be gone for long periods of time without having to worry about watering the plants.