No Hoe Gardening - Hydroponics

[XxLT250RxX]

This may not fit these forums exactly but I thought you guys might like to see a different kind of garden.  This will be my seventh year doing this.  Seven years and no hoeing at all.  These were taken about a month ago.  Plants are much bigger now.  Most of the broccoli has been harvested now.  Strawberries are beginning to produce a few along and some of the tomatoes have small tomatoes now.  The tomatoes will reach the the supports running horizontal above the buckets and fall back over on themselves in a few weeks.

[Victor3]

 I always wanted to try it on a small scale just to play around with. Do you find much advantage over soil that makes it worth your while?

[jlwilliams]

I'm also fascinated by the process.  What makes it better than dirt gardening?

[charles p]

How are the plants suspended over the solution?

[XxLT250RxX]

I always wanted to try it on a small scale just to play around with. Do you find much advantage over soil that makes it worth your while?

I'm also fascinated by the process.  What makes it better than dirt gardening?

There are several advantages:

1.  Yield is much greater. One source compared the yield for hydroponic and conventional farming of tomatoes.  They showed 5 to 10 tons per acre for conventional farming and 300 tons for hydroponic farming.

2.  Plants are usually healthier. The plants receive all the water they need.  They are not dependant on rainfall.  They also receive the exact nutrients they need to to flourish.  The fertilizer can be blended and targeted for a particular plant.  A more general blend or all purpose fertilizer can also be purchased if you wish to grow a variety of plants. 

3.  Less work.  I spend about 3 minutes a day checking the nutrient solution each day.  The best part is I never need to hoe or till.

4.  Did I mention I never have to hoe or till!!!! 

5.  It is perfect for people with limited space.  Although I have several acres I could use for a garden I will never go back to using a hoe or tiller.  Too hot, dirty and time consuming.

How are the plants suspended over the solution?

The plants are “planted “in some sort of inert media.  There are commercial mediums available.  Many people use coconut husk, washed gravel, sand, or Cyprus mulch.  The solution is pumped to the top of the medium and drains out the bottom and is returned to the reservoir to be recalculated.  This in only one way of delivering the nutrients to the plant.

I have to go now.  I wrote this on the fly. If this is not clear or you have more question I will try to answer them later tonight.

[Victor3]

 You've inspired me to try it next year. Just found a hydroponic store locally. Looks like a fun learning experience for my family. 

 Practically speaking though, what you've invested in materials and space to support ~25 plants would be more than I could afford. Are you planning to add more containers to the deck in the future?

[XxLT250RxX]

You've inspired me to try it next year. Just found a hydroponic store locally. Looks like a fun learning experience for my family. 

 Practically speaking though, what you've invested in materials and space to support ~25 plants would be more than I could afford. Are you planning to add more containers to the deck in the future?

Possibly.  The strawberries in the white PVC pipe are just an experiment this year.  If they do well and they should, I may build a new system just for them.  I don’t need any more tomato plants or pepper.  I always end up giving quite a few buckets full away.  I told my wife I was going to cut down on them this year and see reminded me the neighbors would be disappointed.  As far as the cost goes to get started it cost me about the same as buying a new garden tiller.  I scrounged up most of it.  I had to buy the pump, EC meter, timer and a few other small items.  The good thing is most of the stuff you will have to buy will last for years.  I am still using everything I bought seven years ago.  I could easily have made my money back by selling the extra produce locally if I would take the time.