Hydroponics: An Update, by D.P.

The Survival Blog (James Rawles) ^ | 2 January, 2014 | D,P.

[Errant]

How about spinach?

I understand spinach does really well, and cucumbers. I plan to try to grow both. A big advantage with greens is how clean they stay verse being grown in dirt.

I'm a big fan of salads as well. Plus fresh lettuce for sandwich's.

[greeneyes]

Thanks for the ping. I’ll stick to dirt too.

[JRandomFreeper]

It is interesting and informative to see what those that are using hydroponics are doing, from a garden point of view. I can't learn enough about all types of horticulture. ;)

/johnny

[Errant]

You and I live in areas blessed with some of the richest soils in the world. Most of the world isn’t so blessed. That is where hydroponic technology offers huge possibilities. They’re using it already ( or hybrid versions ) on massive scales in Europe, Asia, and in the Middle East.

[JRandomFreeper]

I know Israel is doing some amazing things with technology to allow the desert to bloom. They use some hydroponics.

/johnny

[quimby]

I’m looking to try some seed production in next years crop.

[Two Kids' Dad]

I’ve become really interested in hydroponics over the past couple years but still do a soil garden because it seems like the transition might be daunting (expenses, learning curve, etc.) and I’m still a rookie.

[roamer_1]

I am getting ready to venture into Aquaponics - The principle being somewhat similar, except the water comes from fish tanks... Talapia perch or etc...

The fish create urine which when flooded into the beds is converted by bacteria into fertilizer, which cleans the water, which is then sent back to the fish tanks. A friend of mine is growing almost year round (in the Montana mountains), and in the process turned $50 in fingerling perch into nearly 200 pounds of fish. There is an added gain in that the water of the fish tanks (built low around the interior circumference of the greenhouse) tends to keep the greenhouse warmer... If one can figure out a means of concentrating poor winter sunlight into them for heat. As it is, a small wood stove in the daytime warms the water enough to keep it warm through the night - at least that is how my friend’s works... Adds two cord of wood to his winter costs, but that ain’t so bad.

[Errant]

Sounds like the way to go for the experienced. I thought I'd start with the easiest ( hydroponics ) before venturing into aquaponics. Less chance of a smelly disaster. lol

I hope to one day though. ;)

[Errant]

I’m still a rookie.

Me too! You are certainly correct about the leaning curve. It's a little expensive to get started in, but not too bad. I've collected most of what I need for a four - five shelf system, all on a single 48" wide steel rack. In the spring I'm planning on a few outdoor systems as well.

I've been playing with tomato plants and bell pepper plants - both doing pretty well. The pepper plant still hasn't had a bud to set, but about 1/2 dozen blooms have appeared and I'm hopeful. lol

A lot to learn for sure...