I did a five bucket hydroponic system for tomatoes and peppers a few years ago. Timed nutrient water and aeration. Perlite as the growing medium.
Worked quite well but the tomatoes had absolutely no flavor at all. (Watery?) I’m used to Eastern Shore Maryland tomatoes…
Also, as addressed below, we have loads of Fruit Rats down here who seem to start chewing just as we are getting ready to harvest the tomatoes.
Got rid of the five bucket system and replaced it with a yardsale purchased “Tower Garden”. 28 vertical cups with a 20 gallon nutrient tank below with a timed pump where the fluid is pumped up the middle and flows by drip gravity back down the inside of the tower flooding the cups.
Very good system. Had more Lettuce (many varieties) than we could use. Gave away lots.
Now Marigolds at the top, Strawberries, Calendula flowers and a more conservative variety of Lettuce’s.
We start all our flowers/vegetables/Sunflowers, etc. in plastic cups (with holes drilled in the bottom), potting soil and placed in trays to contain the water.
So that’s a description of our little “garden”.
As noted, this big deal here are the various varmints that eat the newly planted seeds, the seedlings and the finished flowers/vegetables.
Tried powdered Cayenne Pepper but it’s a big deal to constantly refresh it.
The most recent deterrent that seems to be working quite well is liquid Peppermint Extract mixed in a spray bottle with water. Seems to confuse the seed smeller’s noses so they go elsewhere. Very easy to apply anytime.
Feel free to pass along any other varmint deterrent hints, Thanks…
That’s a great idea, peppermint extract is very aromatic.. probably works in the same way as the soap.
How often do you spray it to keep it active? Do you find any of your fruits and vegetables are pepperminty? :-)
Hmm, now I’m wondering if planting peppermint and spearmint near the crops would work. I have some lovely spearmint in the backyard but it is all by itself. And nothing eats it.
I scatter marigold seeds throughout the garden, I’ve heard those keep the insects away. Unfortunately the marigolds don’t seem to germinate until half the crops are already quite large. But maybe it helps, I don’t know. It is pretty to see all the yellow and gold out there.
Another thing I heard but haven’t tried until this year is to plant basil among the tomatoes. I think that is for the insects, not sure how would it affect your rats.
Your ‘tower’ sounds awesome!
I hear you on the lettuce! We are about 8” AHEAD on rain for the season, so my lettuces are happier than ever - and VERY abundant!
While I love to garden now, and would find my life sad without a big veggie garden, I will say I AM looking forward to my Condo Years and I will want a system like that on my patio, too!