Hydroponic Gardening

[kebee]

Thanks rrog13 , that was about what I had in mind, in other words about the spacing you would plant in the garden.

Ken

[rrog13]

Yeah....by the end of the growing season, the root system will completely fill the pvc pipe. 

[Waverlybees]

Ken, here is a good alternative system for growing tomatoes.  Looks pretty simple and cheap.

http://m.

Dan

[rrog13]

That is a nice setup.....I may have to add that to my project list.

[Waverlybees]

I'll be growing maters, squash and beans with that setup. I also plan to have a nft system using PVC pipe for growing strawberries, herbs and other smaller veggies such as peppers. Is it spring yet???

Dan

[kebee]

 I picked up the rest of my supplies to make the ntf system, and do you believe that home depot has the pvc pipe and fitting cheaper than a plumbing supply or lowes. Anyway have around 200$ in it even with some lumber I have to use, just waiting for spring and a couple items I order to come in. Dan that does look like a better way for big vegetables than the pipe system, but I am going to get my feet wet with this system first to see how I like it and also there is only my wife and I that I will be growing for.

Ken

[Waverlybees]

I was in Atlanta a few weeks ago and stopped by a hydroponics store and picked up some perlite, hydroton, nutrients and net cups. I hope to get everything built in the next couple of weeks. Still need to order a couple of pumps, air pumps and air stones. Will start seeds indoors soon.

Dan

[kebee]

 May I ask why an air pump, and where dose it pump the air to, in the tub or else where, don't under stand about the pump and do you need one.
I have got a good start on mine as you can see here.
hhttp://postimg.cc/image/jdmd1xiu
http://postimg.cc/image/jdmd1xiuh/
http://postimg.cc/image/5paye1cbt/

Ken

[rrog13]

Ken,
  Looks like you're off to a great start.  The air pump helps oxygenate the water and promotes root health.  With the temperatures here in the upper 60's, I'm getting the urge to start getting my systems ready to go.  I'm so ready for the warm weather to stick around but it looks like we'll be back in the lower 20's by Wednesday.  ugh!

[blueblood]

Kebee, you may have have inspired me to build one of those.  I was going to build raised gardens again with 2x12's but I like the science behind that. 

Dan, great thread!  Here is an article I read about this just weeks ago: http://futuregrowing.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/amish-farm-leads-the-way-to-local-food-security-in-indiana/

[Waverlybees]

Looking good Ken. I built bee boxes this past weekend while it was nice outside. If the weather cooperates, I will start on the hydroponic build this weekend. Already have some seeds started in the house.

Blue, I hope this works as well as it appears. I know there will be a learning curve, but I am ready to get started.

Dan

[blueblood]

I might use the cheaper, smaller veggie plants available in small flats for starters found at Walmart and other big box store.  Still trying to decide on which Hydro system to go with.

[rrog13]

I might use the cheaper, smaller veggie plants available in small flats for starters ...

When you buy your plants at the local nursery/store with plans to grow hydroponically, you can get multiple plants for the price of one if you look for the ones that have multiple sprouts.  With a water sprayer and a little finesse you’ll be able to separate the roots of each sprout and plants them separately.  Also, smaller plants are easier to work with and seem to accept the transition from soil to water more readily.  Normally I start seeing additional root growth after 2 to 3 days and significant top growth tends to begin about 7 days after planting.   

[blueblood]

Good point Richard.  Do you have a proven method that you like and willing to share the plans for a hydro system?

[rrog13]

Do you have a proven method that you like and willing to share ....

Absolutely!  I'm not sure if you've seen the beginning of this post but, there's some information and pictures I posted of two systems I built.  Once this crazy cold weather passes,  I'll be spinning them up to get ready for planting and will post some addition information and pictures. I may even build one of the Dutch bucket systems from the video that was posted ....as if I have nothing else to do.  So much to do so little day light time to do it in.     

[kebee]

Took a quick trip to Collage Park just this side of Atlanta yesterday to Atlantis Hydroponic and pick up nutrition for the system and a few  other items. Found out why I need air to the roots and the liquid nutrition also but forgot to ask how long it is pump in and how often, will write me a list the next time. I see I am going to have to build me an rain proof enclosure to house the timer and air pump and wire an electric plug to it also, more work to it than I first though.

Ken

[blueblood]

Thanks Richard, yeap, I see it up at the top.  Been a few days since I read the beginning of the thread.  I really think this is going to be fun to do.

[rrog13]

I see I am going to have to build me an rain proof enclosure to house the timer and air pump and wire an electric plug to it also...

Ken,
  I use a Weather proof Powercord Connection Box.  Might save you some work.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/SOCKiT-Box-13-5-in-Weatherproof-Powercord-Connection-Box-Black-FL-1859-285/203131960?keyword=extension+cord+weather+proof+box

[kebee]

Well today I finish the hydroponic garden, now to wait on the weather, 80 today and 55 tomorrow with a few lows into the lower 30, be glad when it finally stables out so I can plant and get it growing, here some pictures.





I am adding some picture of my hives I painted, don't they look good, oh and one with activate.

[blueblood]

That looks great, the hydro and the hives! Did you build your hydro off of specific plans or put it together with several ideas.