Hydroponics

Hi All,

Has anyone on here tried hydroponics for either propagation or growing crops on.

I'd be interested in any opinions or experiences that anyone has had as I'm planning to use such a system for my tomatos and chillis this year.

Cheers,
Steve.

 

Sorry Steve way over my head swish.....but I'm sure there will be someone who can help you out even if it's just pointing you in the direction of a good web site.Hel.xxx.

 

I don't know anything about it - Agaveman. But I once went into a hydroponics warehouse (you could hardly call it a shop) in Leeds with a gardening friend hoping to learn something. After a while we realised it was entirely devoted to growing Canabis. So perhaps you should ask those guys. :D

 

Thanks all,

I've taken the plunge and am having delivered one of these on Saturday http://www.growell.co.uk/p/3877/Amazon-Aeroponic-Systems.html

I didn't pat nearly as much as I've got it off of eBay.

The system sprays the roots with a fine mist of nutrient solution and the growth is supposed to be phenominal. Lettuces to maturity in 5 weeks. I'll post some photo's of the system when I get it and if anyones interested I'll post weekly updates to track the development of my first crop.

Cheers Steve

 

Yes Steve, please do post photos and updates. It sounds very interesting

 

Okay,

I'll take some shots of it tomorrow setting up
and my first crop is going to be lola rossa lettuce and some mustard leaves.

Cheers
Steve.

 

Steve is the solution temperature controlled and are there any growlights with it?

 

Walnut,

The solution is thermostaticly controlled using a fish tank type heater which I've already got. Grow lights are extra although I already have a 200W CFL and reflector with a timer attached which I'm going to use.

I have mustard and lollo rosa seedlings I've just propagated in 'Root Riot' cubes which by next weekend will be ready to transfer into the aeroponic growing system.

To get maximum light I'm going to run this in my greenhouse and just use the lamp to extend natural daylight.

Cheers
Steve

 

Steve, you will need to have the light as close as possible to your plants, good luck.

 

Walnut,

Thats the main problem with CFL lights, you do need them close to the plant but not close enough to damage the foiliage due to the heat.

I'll rig something up today to suspend the liamp and reflector from.

 

Agaveman - I know nothing about hydroponics but while you are around can you please help. Have just bought a large Agave plant and would like some info re it's hardiness. I do not possess a greenhouose so it is in the garage for the time being!

 

Chobart,

What variety is it ? If you don't know then take a picture and post it and I'll be able to give you a view on it's hardiness.