What do I need to get started with hydroponics?

hi ron,

i bought some Habanero pepper seeds. do you think this will grow well in hydroponics ? got any tips in growing pepper ?

thanks

castro

Peppers grow very well in hydroponics because they are water loving plants. Start your seeds in vermiculite or dirt before you put them in the hydro system.


This is the best web page on hydroponics, the format and the picture illustration are great!!! I am a beginner in hydroponic in Thailand. I am growing lettuce with NFT ,after a few weeks of perfect growth, the roots become brown color and the plant growth is stunt. What is the problem and how to cure them?

Something isn't right with your nutrient solution if your roots aren't white. PPM or pH or both.

Very nice site and various design setups. I wish I could have read this material about 10 years ago when I was experimenting in hydroponics. I have recently been reading about fish ponds and various types of filters, one type being a vegetative filter utilizing water plants. These seem quite effective in removing excess nutrients from the water. I recently found a site http://koi.ajiang.com/ where the pond owner has used a hydroponic filter stocked with land plants to remove excess nutrients from the water in a balanced ecosystem approach. I am intrigued by this strategy and would be interested in your comments on such a concept. I would also be interested in any design and suitable plants recommendations you could offer for an application of this type.

sharkdude1@yahoo.com

Ask Aquatic ECO-SYSTEMS, INC  www.aquaticeco.com  to send you their product catalog. They specialize in fish and hydroponics systems and supplies. You can get a ton of information from their catalog even if you don't buy anything.



ron, last september i purchased a 1000w sunagro light for my eb-flow system(s). since this purchase, many generations of healthy sprouts have dwindled and died by the time they should have been ready to pick and eat. It's been eight months, and now the life of the bulb will be questioned...but i don't believe it's the life of the bulb. I believe there is something genuinely wrong with the spectrum or the quality of the light being emitted. I have grown hydroponics for many years now with metal halides and this is the first time i made the switch to a high pressure sodium. I have questioned everything (pH, fertilizer, quality of clones, ventilation, insects, ........), and I have still no answer as to why my once buldging tomatoes now look like cherry tomatoes by the end of the flowering cycle. I honestly believe it is the light I purchased. With the price of the light close to 500 smackers and all the electricity and time wasted, my faith in my favorite hobby is soon to be lost. So, my question to you is...

Have you ever heard of a high-pressure sodium light (sunagro to be specific) having a faulty spectrum (maybe showing a visible light that is possibly too red?

I contacted the dealer and he insisted that out of 17 years he has never heard of this problem before. But, i think the dealers are full of shit and they often times try to remedy the most pressing problems by getting you to buy their other products which don't even have enough evidence of being any type of help. I can give you a list of all the shit i've bought to fix this problem (ionizers, box fans, co2, bug repelents, hormone boosters, shock resisters, ......)

I am fed up spending the money on such a rewardless hobby. Help, before it's too late!

Because HPS lights are at the red end of the light spectrum and are more for flowering I can understand having a problem in your early growth stages of your plants but not threw the flowering stage. 
I would add a 400 MH on a sun circle to cover any missing light spectrum. But that means spending more money.


hello, my class is learning about hydroponics. Like how they work and stuff like that.Right now we are growing lettuces the hydroponic way.the way we are doing it is we have a container with stones with our lettuces in it we the lettuces up the top and the roots hiding under the stones and another container with the water and when we put them together the roots dangle in the water and we have a straw to blow bubbles.Is this just home made way to do it or is there some fancier way of doing it? plese give me an answer!!!!


Has anyone used the new organic hydroponics solution called Metanaturals


Ron and anyone else who could provide useful input:

I realize that there is no one "perfect timer" for all aero/hydroponics setups, but I believe I'm on the right track. I've drawn up a schematic for a programmable timer (yes - it can be programmed by just about anyone!) that will have programmable ON and OFF times. The ranges for both are 1-255 seconds, or 10-2550 seconds (in 10 second intervals), or 1-255 minutes (in 1 minute intervals), or 10-2550 minutes (in 10-minute intervals). The On and OFF times do NOT have to be the same, as both will be programmed separately.

I realize that the upper range of this timer is a bit ridiculous; however, should anyone want to use it as a light timer ON for 16 hours and OFF for 8 hours, it would work for that, as well as for an aeroponics setup, where it might be required to come on for one minute, and off for four minutes. My 11-plant system that I built from Ron's plans requires 3.5 minutes to hit the overflow, so I can set the timer for that application to 210 seconds of ON time, and 20 minutes OFF time.

The timer is in the construction phase now (prototype), and I still have to program the microcontroller. Programming the timer will be an easy task - just look the required time up on the chart and flip the switchs for the ON and OFF times. Just to make sure I had an easy to use system, I showed it to my 12yr. old daughter and asked her how would it have to be set for various times. She aced the test every time, so I know it wil be easy to understand & use.

If this were to be the perfect timer for aero/hydroponics, would it require any other features? The reason I ask, is if I take this thing to a commercial level, I'd want to include all the features I could in it. I've already heard someone mention multiple outlets on it so as to use one outlet for the pumps & one for lights. Would there be an interest in this timer when finished?

Ron - I am looking for info here. If this qualifies as someone selling a product, I apologize. This isn't a product - at least not yet. I'm just trying to find out some info so that the final version could be pretty much universal as far as useability in the hydroponics/aeroponics world.

I thank you for your input.

Jim


I can't seem to find any info on this, so if someone could direct me...

I get the concept of hydroponics, but what do you do when the plant becomes too big for the system? Or does it? The roots have to expand, but does this sytem "keep them in check" or do you just have to eventually transplant to normal soil?

-DJ YoYoBLitZ


Hi, recently I have watched a TV program about world news and that was this segment on hydroponics research in UK (Dr David a famous scientist with TV program on nature discovery) They claimed that they use very little water. Can I have most info on this new hydroponics. Pls. advise, Thanks Eric Khoo


could hydroponics be used in an extremely large-scale basis?


Hydroponics is currently used on an extremely large scale on the west coast of Canada, you should see the size of some of these greenhouses. Some of them are over 5 acres. They grow awesome tomatoes, as the plant grows they keep hoisting it up to the roof of the building. The plants grow to 10 feet tall.


this may sound like a dumb question, but when starting off your hydroponics garden, i am wishing just to start the seeds off from the get go n the rockwool cubes, do i just put them in the cube hole and germinate, ,do i have to cover the hole with another substance, , how do i go about it? also i am using the 11 plant system, but i think i am going to make it with 3 liter bottles instead of 2 liter bottles, how much rockwool should i put in there? should i use the small bag of cubes, or should i intermix it with the slab? thanks for all your help:)


is this process cost effective, it sounds as though it takes a lot money to get setup and then to run atmosphere control. what i actually mean is can hydroponics be cheaper to run than normal outdoors soil grown farms?


Ron, I think the site is great. I have it bookmarked and come back often. I have built my own 2 plant system based off of the 11 plant system you sell. I have run into a few problems and have over come them.

Now I need some advice. I am still learning this stuff and I am only growing one tomato plant...well it was growing.

It looks half dead. I think I may have over feed it. I have a 10 gallon tank. I added 5 gallons of distilled water, with a tablespoon of Miracle-Grow for plants and tablespoon of Miracle-Grow for tomatoes for each gallon. I let it run a couple of days and then thought that it should have been 1/2 tablespoon for each gallon and added 5 gallons of distilled water to even it out. So I have 10 gallons of water, 5 tablespoons Miracle-Grow for plants and 5 tablespoons of Micacle-Grow for tomatoes. The tips started to brown and curl under. I then added 5 tablespons of Epson Salt. Any words of wisdom?


We are considering applying for a grant for a small hydroponics project for our kindergarten-1st grade classroom. I know this is great science learning, but I've no idea what we might be able to grow. Most importantly, I'm not sure what essential questions we should explore/generate or what daily activities we could pursue.

We would appreciate any responses or suggestions. I might add that we are in rural, remote Alaska with winters down to minus 50 below, so a successful hydroponics class would have implications for a much larger community project.

I look forward to any and all responses. Sincerely, Thomas Brock and the Aniak K-1 Class


dear ron, i am new to hydroponics and im on a budget. recently i was looking for timers or my pump, but i could only find a 24 pin one. i was wondering if i could do an hour on hour off cycle to water my plants Thnx smalls


Dear Sirs,

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affiliated to Kish Free Zone Organization (KFZO) Intends to hold & organize the

The Second International Greenhouse Produce & Related Equipment Exhibition

in Kish Island from 11-16 feb.2003, with the cooperation of Ministry jihad Agriculture

, Bank of Agriculture & Mahestan Kish Hydroponics Company.

We would like to officially invite your esteemed company to take part in this exhibition.

Confident that your participation will enrich the content of this show.

For more information please visit our site, http://www.kishtpc.com

Looking forward to receiving your letter of interest.

Kinds Regards,

M.Kouhestani

Secretarial of Greenhouse Produce Exhibition


I would like to know if the hydroponics System would work on a tropical isalnd like Puerto Rico. And what types of plants would work here. Also waht would be the best design to use for a Hydroponics system. Does anybody have a design that I can use down here, it should be simple and cost effective? Thanks.


Dear Ron. I am a student at Warwickshire college in England and i am trying to research a project on growing trees using hydroponics. So far i have only found information regarding herbaceous plants and tropical plants like banana trees. Have you any links/information that may be of use at all. -Thanks- Richard Johnson . e-mail. PIGLET1969@hotmail.com


I get tired of pulling weeds so I am building three 11 plant systems per your website's design. My questions are - 1)If I added dishwashing soap to the circulating brew to reduce surface tension, would that increase the plant uptake of nutrients or could it cause problems. Also I saw your banana plant picture 'Wow"! 2) Can Hydroponicly grown plants or trees be transplanted to soil without any problems?. Florida Fred -first timer at hydroponics


some one help im growing about 20 plant in a closet. i have 1 150 hps lamp...and no funds to buy anymore. how can i supplement the light? also i recently purchased "general hydroponics" flora series, grom bloom micro in what concentrations do i use these's? i want some good smoke this fall thanks please respond soon:)

please read answer above.


hi, how much water do you put in for the 11setup garden? also i couldn't find marical grow that say for hydroponics, only for veggs. steve

10 gallons and I refuse to answer the second question.


Here's an interesting site if you're into tomatoes.

http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/hydroponics.tomatoes/expert/decision.htm

This algorithm is set up for greenhouses, but gives useful nutrient and growing information anyway. Just slide the scale until you get 100% in the right side window, then read what you have to do to get optimal growing conditions.

Tailwheel


hello Ron. well your web page has really inspired me i first came here to learn how to grow a certain "bud" that u self said to learn to grow tomatos before attempting to grow that plant but im not asking you to tell me how to grow it just to tell me if what i have learned from this site is correct. the 11 plant system with the bottles about 6 to 12" apart. grow lights: florescent to grow them then hps (dont know what that means) light for flowering. (the super big question i have no answer 4): not sure what to use as a nutrient??? mirical grow?flooding 15 on 15 off. light 24hrs on then when it matures 18 on,6 off hrs. can i use a sump pump? got one really cheap. keeping temp at 72 degrees. and im going to use rboken up cleaned lava rocks for the fact of unavalibility/expence of grow rocks. and it would be computer controled. and hopefully if it grows ill keep it all to my self. if it makes a difference hydroponics from your site has inspired me to look into taking a course in collage next semester as a elective. thanx again for your help whether u answer me or not! great site!


Hi Ron. I am new at hydroponics. I was wondering how long to you have the timer to come on and how long do you flood the plants for? I am using a homemade 7 plant system, Thank You, S.

15 on 15 off 24/7


TDS ( total dissolved solids ) means just that. Even though your TDS reads OK for the maturity of the plant you are growing it does not tell you if the combination of ingredients are correct. That is why you change your solution every two weeks because there is no way of telling how off you are with only a TDS meter.

Ok so yall say this over and over... I am new to hydroponics. I started in jan this year. I tested my Ph 3 times now. It was always near 6.7 I added Ph down and it goes right back up... I have never used a tds meter, when my water gets low I replace it and throw in some of Rons hydro food. I haven't changed my water once. My garden is gorgeous. I have already ate many spinach and bibb lettuce salads. I have zucchinis out the wazoo and 40 or 50 tomatos getting ready to ripen. I think all you need is some water and some hydro solution. Keep yer bells and whistles, they aint needed. Ttucker406@aol.com

Now that's what I like to hear. I really think it's got something to do with Karma. I tell people to get your Karma right and you won't have a problem growing.


Hello -- I just want to mention that Art Smith from Alabama Hydroponics (http://www.alabamahydroponics.com) is kind enough to host Tomato Challenge 2002. The basic objective is to grow tomatoes hydroponically and you can use any system to achieve that objective. In case you are curious about the rules, please visit his website and learn about them. As a matter of fact, that site should be viewed as an excellent place to get feedback from other tomato growers. I had a lot of fun with Tomato Challenge 2001 last year and met some really cool people on the internet. hydroponically. Hope to see you all at the contest. Happy Growing, Wayne


looking for cheap, reliable, and easy to use hydroponics systems up to 3 to 4 m2.muchas gracias JV


I am doing a science fair project about hydroponics and need some more info and thought that this might be the place. e-mail me info at cockatiel8@juno.com

Thanks

Sorry I don't do homework.


HI Ron: I'm a novice to hydroponics. I built already my 11 plants pvc system. I have a fertilizer called: DYNA-GRO and the formula on the label reads: 7-9-5. and also says that it contains 11 trace elements (don't know what that means) but it has no indication about the correct amount of fertilizer per gallon for, say, tomatoes or peppers. I'm assuming that 1/2 tsp of fertilizer for a gallon would be enough to start. Do you know the brand? do you know the correct amount per gallon? PLEASE !!!HELP!!!. CARLOS ESPINOZA PLANTATION FL.

That's what my guess would be. 1/2 teaspoon is about standard for young plants then I would increase that to a full teaspoon as they mature. Trace elements are needed along with N-P-K for healthy plant growth.


Ron, first off GREAT SITE! I cant believe I've been working with hydroponics for ten years and haven't searched out this place before. Q- I've always used the same old drab system, double buckets an hydrocorn with a drip and just need a change. The system Im going to is 4" PVC, with 4" mesh pots inserted into precut holes in the pipe. Now... can I have a constant flow just running over the roots throughout the lighting cycle or would I be better off with a timed feeding? Theoretically I would feed in one end and drain out the other with the roots suspended into the solution. I looked around the site for the answer but didn't see this discussed, if it's staring me in the face somewhere (probably is) my apologies. Thanks in advance

That is just a form of NFT growing. Yes the water has to flow continuously.


Misc Comments:

To the person who doesn't have access to electricity... I think you mean, to 120 V AC (like from the power company) -- hey, most folks in California are in the same boat (grin).

You have a couple of options for pumping water. One is not to hard and will let you use standard Rio pumps: Get a marine battery or deep-cycle batter (Wal-Mart, about $36) and run a power inverter ($30, if you shop) from it. The standard ($36) battery has about 1380 watt-hours energy (115 AH * 12 v). The converter is _supposed_ to be about 90% efficient, so that leaves you about 1242 WH. If you use the Rio 180 (rated at 3.4 W for about 45 gph at 2 foot head) you can run it for 400 hours continuous before needing to recharge the battery (remember, DEEP cycle or marine -- this kind of discharge will ruin an automobile battery). Seeing as you don't need to run it CONTINUOUSLY, you can get a longer time between charges. Suppose you use a timer and set it to do 10 minutes every 1/2 hour... (20 min/ 60 min), that's three times the amount of time... 1200 hours to max discharge. About 50 days. Personally, I'd do it much less -- how about once a month, give the battery a good charge. Heck, get two batteries and charge one while it rides around in the trunk of your car... once a month, swap'em.

Even easier -- the heck w/ the inverter, get a marine bilge pump. Get the smallest on you can find, as the larger ones will pump a LOT of water. Figure it this way... if you've got a multi thousand dollar boat at the dock, if there's ANY water building up in the bilge, you want it out ASAP. Anyway, if you get a 12v marine bilge pump, you run it directly. All you need to add is the timer.

If you've got more $$ than I do, you can charge your battery where it sits... The 3.4 W pump, run for 10 minutes every 30 minutes, will only use 13-14 watts per 12 hour day (you don't have to run the pump during the dark, accord to the stuff I've read here). You only have to replenish those 14 watts to the battery each day. ASSuME 6 hours of good strong light a day, you only need about 2 and a half watts at 13.8 volts, or 175 milliamps to fully charge the batt. You can get some great solar battery chargers that will more than top that for not much $ (current prices are about $7/watt for solar cells). Heck, you can do even better with a stack of cheap surplus NiCd batteries to run the pump w/ the solar battery charger to recharge them. Wow, I think I'm on (to) something here... too much caffiene, I think. Sorry, I got a little carried away. Suffice it to say, if you've got enough sunlight to grow yer plants, you've also got enough to power pumps to circulate your nutrient. (I think I figured out my summer project... grin).

To the person who was talking about the "patio container system" (box), filled w/ soil (earth), with the reservoir in the bottom... it's call an "Earthbox" and there are a ton of pages that talk about it. OK, maybe only 50 pounds of pages. It's an over-priced system, meant for those who have no interest (or confidence) in experimenting. It's a very simple system -- water reservoir in the bottom, media (soil) area on top, and the two meet through capillary action where two columns of the media (soil) descend into the reservoir. From what I've read, you may have to replenish the reservoir a couple of time each WEEK (not each day) in HOT weather... in normal wx? Who knows. If you're lazy (I am), You'd hook up a hose and a float-valve in the reservoir, and let it replenish itself when it gets low. Because fertilizer is added directly to the media (in a "band"), you don't mess with mixing nutrients. Personally, I think that their way is probably not as good as good old hydroponics -- nutes in the fluids, nothing in the media -- but then, I'm not selling an over-priced system to old folks who don't want to build stuff. I'm all FOR building stuff (hm... where did I put those solar cells?)

You could build a similar system for about $10, or, you could pay $30 (and about $7 shipping) to buy one. The earthbox site tells you everything you need to know about it, including their "magic" "fertilizer band" -- it is not a hydroponics system, although it could be converted into one easily. For more info, read the container gardening forum at Garden Web... http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/contain/

Hey, they also have a hydro forum, but there's better info here, by far. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/hydro/

Luck, folks


what is hydroponics and how is it similar and different from soil growing


RE: what is hydroponics and how is it similar and different from soil growing

Hydroponics is the growing of plants in a nutrient solution. There is no soil involved, only an inert medium in most cases.


all you new people learning hydroponics, go threw the pages on this site. learn that way before you ask simple questions, i did. give ron a chance to get to some of us with real grow questions.


what can you tell me that is bad about hydroponics?

my e-mail is myonlyloveisu@hotmail.com

finding the correct nutrients and chemicals for pH control and the equipment needed like pumps, timers and lights at a decent price. 


When you plant in the bottles using the cups, what medium are you putting into the plastic cups that you have your seeds in?

I start my seeds in vermiculite and then transplant them to the 16 oz solo cups with grow rocks.

When you place the cups in the bottles, are the cups "planted" into a medium such as gravel?

The cup with the plant sits inside the 2-liter bottle.

PS: I am new to hydroponics and I found your site very helpful. Thanks for your efforts!


My name is Rock Ishijima, Los Angeles County, have been looking for those who have been enjoying hydroponics in my area. I would like to visit them and learn more about it.


Hello all My name is Ahren And i am building the 11 bay hydroponics unit that is posted on this site (for a school project) I need to ask all you ppl out there for the best nutrient solution that you have found, You can Reach me at Cyberdweeb2@juno.com thanks for your time

-= AHREN =-


I am new to hydroponics, and would like to find a web page with a description and the pros and cons of each of the several hydroponic methods. Does one exist where this info is all together?


Hi there,

Living in Botswana and working in the clothing industry, I would like to start a small commercial operation and I am thinking of growing vegetables. I do think this systems could be an answer in this country. So the question is how much experience does one need on hydroponics or is this only for high qualified agricultural engineers. Any comment on this idea is welcome as well as any information for me to learn more about. Thanks to all of you. ike90@homail.com

It takes money more than experience to build an efficient commercial greenhouse.   


How can I talk to you Ron? My name is Louis Larsen #801-253-7695. I need to get advice on how to start doing hydroponics. I have built the greenhouse, and have different designs. I need to know which is best to suit my needs and space (6 X 10) feet. email: hlarsen@altavista.com

With e-mail Contact Us 


dear ron,

i think i have a problem with my cabbage on hydroponics. after 5 weeks, it just grown by 3 nodes. i dont think its a very good progress.
somebody told me that i might be experiencing bolting. what is bolting ? how can i prevent it and what are the physical manifestation of bolting ?
btw, i am in Philippines where temperature runs above 32 C in the middle of the day. i keep the system cool down by placing it indoor with indoor lamps. i cool the roots with temperature control nutrient solution.
o2ten


glad your back enjoy your site and i like hydroponics as a hobby


I built a 11-plant garden. The sump is getting algae. How to I get rid of it? Should I paint the RubberMade "sump" to keep out light? The "Home Hydroponics..." book by Lem Jones claims that you can prevent it by keeping a tight lid on the sump. I have a small 2.5 inch round hole for the cord, and water line. I can tape this up. Anyone else had this problem? thanks, mark


I want to start a hydroponics system but I have do it on a very tight budget. What are some things I can use to get the seeds germinated at home, without buying anything, or something cheap?


Dear Ron, I am 14 and I am really into hydroponics. I am wanting to make the 11 plant garden but I can't find the pump. What is the estimated cost and also, whats the best brand. I really like your site and I am a member. Thanks Cameron Burnett


Question on transplanting

Last Thursday, I transplanted squash, cucumber, and eggplant. The squash looks like it played 1 game with Michael Jordan. I mean, it's limp. The other plants look as if nothing happened. I went to the hydro shop the other day and the guy there told me to add a little vitamin B-1 to the nutrient solution. I use it all the time when planting in the ground and it works fine, but in hydroponics, Im wondering if I just plain overdosed the transplants cause I started feeding them Rons straight nutrient right off the bat. The plants old leaves seem to be withering, but the new growth is the healthiest green I've ever seen on a plant.

I guess the question is: Should I cut the nutrient dose in half for a week or two after transplanting? Then give then the full treatment. Seems to me that I read that I should do this somewhere on this website, but there's so much info. here, I can't find it now.

I'll send Ron pics when I figure out how to connect my camera to the back of the computer and transfer the images.

Tailwheel

Yes I would cut way back for the first couple weeks. Then slowly increase the dosage every week.


hey ron, george in crescent city fl.you were right about greenhouses are too hot for summer use here in fl. using 70% shade cloth, 2 roof turbines, 2 exhaust fans & a small swampcooler still had temps in the 90's.i threw in the towel & moved 2 of the hydro units outside. peppers & tomatoes are alive but almost no growth. my question is for outside use in this heat does the nuit. solution need to be cooled for good growth or should i just forget about summer hydroponics & go fishing?

My peppers on my back porch are also suffering  because of the heat. I don't think they will make it to maturity because it ain't even august yet the hottest month.
I don't think cooling the solution will help that much.
My Heat Wave tomatoes in my pool garden are starting to bloom but I have to let the garden drip continuously during the hot part of the day. 
I'm just going to get my commercial garden ready for this autumns growing season. 


I'm a newbie at hydroponics. Sorry about the paragraph but without all the info it might be hard to help me out. I recently started a Dwarf Tropical Papaya in a large square of rockwool (2x2x3 I think), kept it in a mini greenhouse, and when the roots began protruding from underneath(about 4-5 inches tall, 10 leaves), I transplanted it into a powergrower. 
This is my second try with this plant and would appreciate it if anyone could help me narrow down what I might be doing wrong. 
The first plant showed the first signs when its older leaves, only one at first, started to wrinkle upward toward the edges. I then noticed super tiny white bugs running around in the rockwool, and kind of summed it up as a bug problem. Couldn't seem to keep them away, used liquid soap mixed in with water and poured it all over until soaked. This seemed to work, for a while at least, then they came back. The plant just got worse and died. I haven't noticed any of these bugs with my second plant attempt, but the same symptom is appearing. Except this time I felt the "mottled" leave which was curling and wrinkled upward around the edges, and it was dried out and crackly. I have some ideas, but need to know the most likely cause, might be a combo of all though. 
1st off, is it a bad idea to mix both growing mediums, will the rockwool end up being too moist while the grow rocks (Hydroton) might dry out=over/under watering? What might be a suggested schedule for water? Or should I start over and start one without the rockwool right in the power grower? 
Could humidity be a problem? It is sitting on a bucket of water, and I do have a humidifier on just about all the time located about 4 feed away from this plant. 
Draft? Its winter here, and its located about 2 feet away from sliding glass doors. I am trying to fix this by putting up plastic walls (saran wrap if I have too), until I find a suitable dome that would fit. Any domes made for a power grower?
Nutrient problem? I switched from Shultz seedling/rooting fertilizer works great!) to General Hydroponics 3 part system micro, floro- bloom) and kept it at mild general use, and only watered once a day for 30min. because the rockwool seemed to stay wet and I dug down a bit and it seemed moist in the grow rocks as well. I'm going to go back to using the Shultz diluted fertilizer and hand pour it until it comes back. it was doing so well before) 
Lighting problem? I don't have space for HPS or Halide lights yet and use a vita-lite(24 in.) and full spectrum reptile light.
Another bug problem? I have recently noticed super tiny white and round things that don't move on some of the leaves, only where the base of the stem meets the leaf. I also saw what looked like sap bubbles on parts of the tree trunk still somewhat green and soft) and leaf stems, as if something might be biting it, never saw this before so don't know if this could be something else. 
I am going to be looking closely every day and remove anything like these things if I see them. I think I summed up everything I could think of. I really need some help because all the books 
I've read have so many possible problems that could be effecting my plant that it's hard to narrow it down without experience. Sorry again for the long paragraph.
Mark

Want to know how to build a garden?


hi, I'm doing a project on hydroponics and i need to know the advantages and disadvantages of it, And i also need to know why it has developed please can u help me and reply a.s.a.p

no


Ron, What size (how many gallons per hour) pump do you use in the 11 plant garden that is made with 1" pipe?

You can use a small pump like a 60 GPH without a flow control. So you can use almost any larger size if you use a flow control valve to slow or redirect some of the water back to your tank. So if you add more units you just open up the valve to accommodate more units. That's why it is a good idea to always buy a larger pump because from experience you will want to expand when you catch the hydroponics bug.  

What size (how many gallons per hour) pump would you use for a garden twice that size?

You could probably fill 3 11 plant gardens with a 120 GPH pump if they were right above the tank. It would just take longer to fill more units which could be an advantage if your timer only has 30 minutes on/off pins. 

How do you figure gallons per hour for any size garden?

If a pump won't fill a certain garden or take to long to fill then I know I need a larger size. If water starts to come out of the little hole in the over flow pipe then the pump is to large for the system. So I can either add a flow control valve to slow down the water to the garden or I could add another over flow pipe somewhere in the garden to handle the increase in water volume.   


I have 2 questions, one about lights and the other about food at the end of a cycle. I am currently working with 2-1000W bulbs on a small 8'x4' bed and I have heard about rotating lights and lights that are on tracks. My question is if I use one of the lighting above, can I reduce the bulb size from 1000W to 600 or even 400W and still not effect the plants. There are two different bulbs at this time and I have been told that the would do good with all spectrums of light. 

I would put just one 1000 W on a 6 ft. track mover. If your garden is square (6X6ft.) then I would use one 400 HPS and one 400 MH on a two arm sun circle light mover. All spectrums is best if you can afford it.

The food question is that I am told that my tomato plants should be flushed with clean water at the before I am going to harvest. I was wondering if this is necessary and if so how long should this be done. By the way I have learned a great deal about hydroponics from your site and hope to learn more in the future.

I have never flushed mine and I sure don't get any complaints on the taste of my tomatoes. Tomatoes are harvested sometimes for months as they ripen so it would be a good idea to flush your system every few weeks anyway. 


the guy from feb 1 has a good idea fitting the caps on the 3 litter bottles i saw those bottles at wallmart there just like the 2s only there 3 with bigger cap im going there


i have a question about hydroponic nutrient solutions i saw one that's called phat hydro from canada, it seems like the nutrient levels are kinda low it's a two part veg a and veg b, a is (1.5-0-2.6) and b is (.5-.5-5.0). then the bloom is a (2-0-2)and b (1-.6-2) what is the best n-p-k for veg and what is best for budding? great site by the way

I wouldn't worry to much about the formula as long as it says that it's for hydroponics on the bag or bottle. The important thing is feeding your plants the right amount at the right time. (the PPM) 


Simple passive hydroponics. I am thinking about going passive. Will this work: Some grow rocks in 2 liter bottles, sitting on a tray in a tub of nutrient about 2 inches deep. Whenever it dries out I add more nutrient solution. Is that how simple it can be? How high should the rocks be and where should the seedling be? And I plan on using fluorescent bulbs. What wattages would work? All I want to do is grow two plants for fun. Sorry for the rambling. I just am pretty excited about trying something new. But I need to really keep it simple, I have roommates. Thanks..


Hi Ron. I'm working on a report for one of my classes. I need to know what the biological aspect of bacteria are in a hydroponics unit. Or, How will the bacteria help the fish? Can you help? Thanks. Natasha

I would go to www.aquaticeo.com and ask for their catalog. They specialize in fish farming and hydroponic equipment and you can lean a lot from their catalog.
You can build your own aquaponics garden by placing the 11 Plant Garden without the container on top of a fish aquarium. Don't use the ebb and flow method but instead you need to run 1/4 inch spaghetti lines from the submersible pump in the fish tank up to each bottle/plant. This drip method doesn't use as much water as ebb and flow so your fish wont be sucking air ever time the pump comes on. You need to filter out the fish poop after it has release its nutrients in the water. Remove the old fish tank light and add a grow light above your garden that will serve duel purposes for plants and the fish.
Don't expect to grow high users of nutrients like tomato plants but stick to growing plants like bibb lettuce.
The problem is hydro plants like a pH of 5.5, 6.0 and fish like it at around 8.0 so you will have compromise on that and put it at maybe 7.0.     


What kind of science project could i do with hydroponics for a ninth grade science fair at a magnet high school?


What types of plants grow best using the hydroponics method? If you have any suggestions please email me at pretty_n_pink39@hotmail.com

 


Hi there. im a high school student whose doing my science research project on hydroponics vs. regular soil growing. I need help on how to build a low maintenance passive hydro system. I would deeply appreciate an email with any sites, tips, or advice. my email is FUzzyStarz@aol.com thanks a bunch and please help me out!


Ken..............click on page 1 of this Bulletin Board and start reading. Nearly every question you have has been discussed on this website before. Explore my friend. Everything I know about hydroponics I learned from this site.

Frank


Hi, Stan Putter, Re your reatives in RSA.There is a very good book on the SA market. HYDROPONICS By Dudly Harris ISBN 086977283x.It tells you everything you need to know about hydroponics. I am also prepared to help. My EMail addr. is westa@intekom.co.za


Is there available in USA a hydroponic forage kit or plan for producing livestock feed via hydroponics? I know in Australia the whole system is available, but I am not aware of any such on this side of the pond. Thank you.


What do hydroponics have to do with tetrahydracarbonol content?

nothing


How to grow Lettuce with hydroponics

In a NFT system.


I want to start a passive hydroponics project, and would like to know what kind of materials am i going to need to start?


My brother is into hydroponics. Any ideas for stocking stuffers? He lives in another state, so I don't have any info on the system he uses. Thanks, Colleen


Ron or anyone I was wanting to know if your guys every tried to grow a avocado tree in your systems. I'm starting some plants with my kids and thought i would transplant them in the spring to see how big they can grow. May be will get my greenhouse finished this summer.

Frank

I have had a problem trying to grow woody plants like roses and shrub type plants. Plants that love water do best in hydroponics so if avocado falls in that category it might be possible. 


where can I get some info on hydroponics in this website?

take another toke.


We are learning about hydroponics in our science class, and we are going to be setting up a hydroponics lab in our room. What would be the basic setup for making a lab, and do you have any tips? Thanks a lot!

For learning purposes a lot of small gardens are better than larger systems so they can be compared with one another for testing nutrients and light differences. 
Four students can be assigned to each garden to compare results. 
I will be setting up a virtual reality model this spring that schools can copy or just use the VR one as their teaching model.
Ron  


How's it going, Ron? Listen, I just bought a hydroponics system (250 watt MH) and have a nice a little variety of sprouts. I have already transferred the sprouts (4 leaves - 2 of which are spiked) in their rock wool starter block into the aggregate, lava rock. My question is, should I be using the 250 watt light for the vegetative phase or would fluorescents work just as well? And how far should they be away? I am also running the solution 3 times a day, at 8 hour intervals.
Thanks,
Daddyo

Fluorescents are only good for the first few weeks of plant life. Use the 250 W and put it between 18 to 24 inches from your plants.


Hi Ron I am a beginner in growing tomatoes with hydroponics. I heard i few different things from people on what to do and don't know which to trust

I have been growing a batch for maybe two weeks i am using two different seeds of tomatoes. So far the big ones have a long stem and two leaves. I have been keeping my light on 24/7 and i manually water them twice a day using a pump to fill my tank from a reservoir. I always make sure the rockwool looks as wet as possible.

Keeping the light on 24/7 is that bad for the plants at all?

No

How important is a micronutriunt tester?

I can't imagine growing without one.

How important is a PH tester?

Can get by with an inexpensive test kit that I will be selling nest week. pH meters have to many calibration problems.

What temperature should I keep my plants at?        

 75 degrees

Any suggestions would really help me out thanks...

Brett Kalluminait2001@yahoo.com


I'm doing a project for school. 2 questions - what is hydroponics? Also, what are the benefits of hydroponics?

Hydroponics, from the Greek words (water-working). Hydroponics is a system of gardening without soil. In hydroponics, you provide all the nutrients to your plants through a water/nutrient solution. There are lots of ways to apply hydroponics but, basically, all of them supply nutrient solution directly to the plant's root system. In most cases you mix nutrients into water and feed this solution directly to your plants. Soil doesn't make plants grow. It's just something for the plants to hold on to while they search with their roots for the food and water that's mixed into the soil. Since the food and water are randomly scattered about, plants have to use up energy growing ever-larger root systems to reach out in a constant search for these elements. In a hydroponic garden, a soil-less, inert growing medium is used and food and water are delivered directly to your plant's roots. Your plants grow quicker and harvest sooner because they can direct all their energy into the vegetation growing above the surface instead of the root system below it. Ron

Please copy and distribute!

Thanks for doing my report Ron, I got a B+ it would have been an A but I got some bbq sauce and koolaid on it.


i've heard you can increase yeild of a hydroponics crop with oestrogen. when should it be added to the grow feed and in what quantities?


I am only beginner on Hydroponics Worlds. I wanna know that why we must treat water with ozone and UV light for using in Hydroponics. I mean both UV and Ozone at the same time. Why we must use both for high expenses


Hello everyone. I just joined the club. My question is this. I am planning on making a homemade hydroponics system with a 10 gallon aqarium. Basically the system consists of an aquarium with the nutrients in the bottom and burlap on the top holding the growing medium and a pump for aeration. I am planning on trying tomato plants in this system. Has anybody tried this or would I be better off purchasing a small commercial system?


i am planning on an undergrad thesis on hydroponics could you suggest some possible areas where i could make a study on? please?
-pat


hi guys i am fairly new to hydroponics and want to build the 11 plant garden. i understand all about building it but dont understand the folowing: do you just stick your medium in the pop bottles then plant your plant and turn the water on? what is the whole thing about the PH? what is it suppost to be like? do you use a grow medium? or do you just make something to hold the top part of the plants out of the water? what size of pump shuold you use for the 11 plant garden? sorry for all of the questions but i really need to know. -jon borrderjon@aol.com


I am a student doing research on hydroponics. I am going to test how the different plant nutrients affect plant growth. I'd like to know which nutrients are the most essential (I'm assuming phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium) and how I might go about setting up different nutrient solutions to be able to do the experiment


O.K. I'm a little slow. Looked all thru previous messages for size of reservoir, then found it hiding in "Order Your Own Hydroponics Garden". Thanx anyway, Chris in N.C.


what exactly is hyfroponics? who found out about them or discovered this could work?


Hi My Name is Keena, I'm an 8th grade student in FL. I am in an association called TSA (technical student association). As one of our first activities we have to do a project (of course). In groups of two we had to pick either Aeroponics or Hydroponics and make a display board w/ report and make a working model. I picked Hydroponics, but I don't really know too much about it. I know what Hydroponics is, but I'm still kind of shaky. I want to do a really good project to help me on competetion level but I can't buy a kit, it doesn't need to be big and fancy, and I don't want to spend alot of money..............CaN ANYONE HELP ME??
I saw the picture of the Hydroponics gardens you had, but they are way too difficult, Can you show plans for simpler ones, and cheap parts, also would a fish tank pump work??(tryin to save money)


Hi. My name is Jon Whitsitt, and a friend and I are conducting and experiment with hydroponics. Our teacher wants us to mix all the nutrients ourselves, and we only need something called "trace elements" if anyone could give us a hand, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.


My group in class has to do a project comparing hydroponics and aeroponics. Can you please tell us what would be the cheapest and quickest way to grow mint with hydroponics?


i love hydroponics, i wish that it actually worked


Hello Ron , l am currently studing year 12 VCE food technology and are featuring a topic of our studies on food and technological development. l am focusing my main topic on the hydroponic farming of tomatoes. l was wondering whether you could help guide me in the right direction and answer some of these simply questions The advantages of the hydroponic tomatoes over other similar traditional products? The growing, which enabled the prodcut of hydroponic tomatoes to be developed? And whether you have any significant points about hydroponic tomatoes? Or a diagram on how hydroponics works? Any of this help would be greatly helpful to help for my furture studies. And whether you have any other websites that focus on hydroponic tomatoes Hope to hear from you soon and thankyou for your help Thankyou


when did singapore started hydroponics?


Hi, you seem very helpfull with this stuff so I would like to ask you some questions. Is it possible to take a Cuting dip it in rooting Gel and grow roots in well filtered water with plant gravel and an air pump? The cuttings end would always be in the filtered water in gravel and in high humidity and low light. also What is the proper PH level for Hydroponics.. I have seen 5.8 - 6.8 Would it be better lower or higher here. Thanks


I am looking to set up a Hydroponics garden and I am just looking for a list of the required elements such as chemicals.. and lighting requirements...



where does hydroponics first develop?


will this work & whats it called?? a five gallon bucket filled with water/nutrient an air rock on the bottom, the plant being held in standard basket with hydroton clay,the roots are in water 24/7 the bucket is emptied,cleaned and fresh water/nutr. added every 7-10 days.comments?? suggestions???


Hello I am just starting with Hydroponics. My first plants are so weak and and of are beginning to die. What it is supposed to be wrong. I live in Venezuela. Regards Hugo Perdomo


Fertilizer For Hydroponics. My ? is where in southern california or online can i purchase the ingredients to mix my own formula based on dr. hoagland formula? email me liquid_smoothe@yahoo.com or reply here on the boards


i want to do hydroponics for a science fair project but i have some questions. Does it still count as hydroponics if you water your plants once a week but don't use any soil? could i just make a little rack that the plants are clipped to through a water bottle top and have the roots dip in the water? Do i have to have a "system" or is there anything way less time consuming and inexpensive i can do for my project?


I need advice. My name is Kiyon an I am 24 years old, I live in the caribean. There is greate demand for short crops in my country, example tomatoes, lettuce, sweet pepper and cucumbers. I would like to start growing tomatoes hyderponically, but there is no help or info on such. I have a market to tap into which is to provide 5,000 lbs of tomatoes pre week. I need to be educated. A system best suits my climate,size of greenhouse, seed that can be used, equipments and plans needed for construction, training in the field of hydroponics so I can also help others help themselves. kiyonhenry@hotmail.com what ever you offer will be of use to me in developing my business plan. Thank You.


I'm reading a book on hydroponics, and it has an example that I want to try, but I am having trouble finding some parts. The list is as follows: • One length of Marley Flowline UPVC square section-guttering 6.5ft (2m) long by 4.5in (11.4cm) wide. • Four stop-ends for the square-section guttering. • Four support brackets for the square-section guttering. • A length of black UPVC electrical conduit, 0.8in (2cm) outside diameter. (This is sold at DIY stores as ‘PVC round conduit heavy gauge black 2cm X 2m’. • Two tank fittings to adapt the conduit tubing into the UPVC house guttering. These are sold as ‘20mm adapter with male bush black’. An alternative to the conduit and tank fittings could be the downcomer unit sold with the guttering; this is, however, much larger and more suited to the greenhouse system. • A cold water UPVC tank sold as ‘4 gallon/18 litres with lid’. If a larger tank can be accommodated then this would give longer periods between solution changes; the nutrient balance should be maintained using a cF 1meter while topping up with water. • A spreader mat. • An 18W submersible pump with a head of 5ft (1.5m). • A tap to control the flow. Ok so I think I can use stuff from www.warwickshirefascias.co.uk for the guttering, but where the heck am I supposed to get the two tank fittings to adapt the conduit tubing into the guttering?? (it says there will be a hole cut into the guttering for the adapter thing) And what the heck is a spreader mat? I found some stuff for the conduit but I don't think it's UPVC. And where am I supposed to get a tap? I'm completely LOST LOST LOST. Help?


hi, i set up a hydroponics system that has about 12 plants growing in it right now. I use the formula 1 A and B for the solution. i am having somewhat good results, but i dont know what kind of lighting i should use. what do you recommend as the best for the cheapest price. thanks, cc

HPS or MH 


Re: Difference between HPS lights

There is no real difference between the lights you buy at the hardware store and at a hydroponics store. The ones at a hardware store often times have a built in ballast, and a grow light has a remote ballast, making it a bit cooler. The light they put out is the same, given the same reflector, which you can build. If the wattage is the same, go for the cheaper light.

Brett


Science Fair:

I'm 15 and am in 10th grade. I wanted to do something with hydroponics and so I started researching. I don't know what the certain percentages are for the nutrients that must go into the plant solution or where i could get them. Any ideas?

Please read Q & A Page 2 thru 53 above. Or use the Search Page to narrow your search.
 It's just like homework ain't it. 


Hi:

I am new to hydroponics and wanted to know if a pump that circulates the water is necessary. Is it okay to have free standing water if you have an oxygen pump. Also, is it okay to have a clear tank, or should it be so that light can't get in. Answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Yes a pump is necessary and yes a clear tank will get slimy from the light hitting the water.


What would you use for a nutrient solution in the 11 plant hydroponic system displayed on this site? Also I would like to thank the maker and members of this site it has been a big help with my project for school.

Any nutrient solution formulated for hydroponics will work fine.


Hi Ron. Here at unc charlotte scanning last years questions and comments pages. my assignment is to write a paper on growing a hydroponics garden in a limited space such as a small section like 3x3 ft. What would be the beginers garden and what to expect out of it when following instructions precisely. My example is using bean plants and what kind of maximum yield can I expect from using the basic elements. Food light pump water. sincerely henry ridenhour


Can I use Shultz Fertilizer in an EBB and flow system. Like the 10-60-10 stuff.

Thanks


We are a group of engineering students and we have been asked to submit a proposal for an urban gardening center. Where would be the best place to find information on hydroponics and where hydroponics will be in the twenty first century? We would apperciate your reply. Thanks, Team Solutions


I have been wanting to start with hydroponics for some time now and bought some nutrient off the shelf 3 years ago. I eventually built a experimental plant now and used the nutrient,planting cabbage without success.

Does the stuff go off

Hannes Richard


This is one of the most comprehensive sites about hydroponics I have run across yet! Glad I found you but I have been looking so long my eyes are swimming and I can serach no longer.

Can you reccommend an approach for a classroom hydroponics system? We already have equipment and basic understanding of the technology. I am looking for guidance on plant selection and the mixing of several plants in one table. I want the middle school students to track growth rates, adjust pH etc but last years group just had a tomato plant race.....seems like underutilization of the benefits of hydroponics (and I do not like tomatoes anyway).

I am thinking that a kitchen garden would be a practical application which could easily be replicated in a students home life. If I have four groups each grow a different plant and compare growth rates among groups, what plants would work well. Since we are in a school situation, fast growers are critical in order to have mature plant beofre the semester ends. Any ideas? This is a teachnology class in Idaho with a space station simulation which is an excellent application of the technology and the the primary educational link in the class to hydroponics.

Thanks, Gina Sartor gsartor@geocities.com


Hi. We are students at Providence College working on a hydroponics website for our environmental politics class. We are unable to find information on large-scale hydroponics operations. If anyone could be of assistance in providing us with information about publications or websites pertaining to this, please e-mail us at jyande00@providence.edu Thanks so much!!!


Hi, i´m very impressed of your work with bottles and pvc pipes, but how many pounds of tomatoes do you get for each plant a harvest ? , and how many harvest do you obtain a year crop ?. I´m thinking like you, that the hydroponics crop could be a very good business for now and especial in my country (Venezuela) where every thing is becoming expensive and bad quality. I´be happy if you answer me the question before, because is very important the fiel data in a system like yours.

from venezuela, please to meet you,

rob.


can i get info on hydroponics


Do you have any "how to" videos available for sale? It would help me a lot to be able to see how to build one of your units.


I would like to know if it is alright to grow hydro tomatoes in Eucyliptus, oak, poplar ,and pine shavings

Bruce McDougald mertis@lantic.co.za


If anyone has or knows of a site with detailed designs of a hydroponics center, please email me at diehard_3fan@yahoo.com I'm working on an engineering project and have to design and urban gardening center! Thanks


Hello there Hydro World,

We are starting a commercial lettuce operation in Mexico and I am interested on people who want to share experiences on the Deep Flow Tech. We are in the lettuce growing business. Any Ideas about controlling Algae? Good growing to you all!

JPS.

Algae is your friend when it comes to hydroponics. Without algae there is no nutrients in the water. 
Have you ever seen plants growing from of a swimming pool? 


Check out the lastest and great resources for Hydroponics!

Http://www.hydroponicshangout.com

Remember a good over all pH is 6.0


I have been growing a certain plant now for a number of years. I have been using soil i have had success i have become quite good at what i do. However I live in the UK and this particular plant is frowned upon by some (lets call them uneducated) people. I have decided to start growing hydroponically as people i talk to tell me i would get a better crop. Obviously i have also been reading all about hydroponics from a number of places. I have to say this site is definitely one of the better sites i have visited you explain in very good detail how things should be done. When i set up, this site will be visited over and over until i get it right..... keep up the good work......KENNY SWANSEA WALES UK


Happy Holidays! I recently found a Phototron II and it is fully operational (lights anyway). However, I am a complete novice on the system and how hydroponics work in such a device. What do I need to acquire to get started (i.e. growing medium, fertilizer solution, pumps, BOOKS, test kits, etc.). I dreamt of owning one of these thing since high school so I hope it has been worth the wait!

Sorry that garden is all hype. You can't grow much with florescence lights, the light source in them. 


Hi All,

I recently opened a website/store that offers hydroponic supplies. I did this for two main reasons: first, I'm a software engineer and wanted to build an ecommerce web site; second, hydroponics is my hobby and I wanted to get stuff as cheap as possible.

I talked to Ron about offering you guys a special deal. Everything I have is at least 10% off list (some 15% off and most following in the next couple of months) and you guys can get an extra 10% off with this coupon (at the checkout cart use the code: hydroponics). That will likely bring my profit margin to about next to nothing.

I'm adding new stuff to my database all the time. I'm a dealer for a couple garden supply wholesalers and one light wholesaler. If you want something that's not on my site let me know. Most likely I can get it but just haven't listed it yet.

So, please check out www.dogstarlabs.com and see what I have available.

Jeff jeff@dogstarlabs.com


Hello my name is John W. .I'm in the 6th grade. I'm using hydroponics for my Science Fair at school. My teacher wants us to have an expert comment us on our hypothesis. My hypothesis is: I believe the plants in potting soil will grow bigger, stronger and faster because of minerals in it. Could you please comment on my hypothesis? Thank you John White at jpwjr2002@yahoo.com.


ron: i am planning to make your hydroponics kit which you show in the 8 lesson hydroponics tutorial, and i probably plan to place it inside in a room with little to no ambient light. If i grow beans, what type of light/lights would be the best setup in terms of cost effectiveness vs. how well they provide the plants with light? i would welcome any input that anyone has on this topic.

P.S. i am building this for a science project


This is John White again. My science fair hypothesis says that plants in potting soil will grow better than in a hydroponic garden. I said this because I don't know about hydroponics yet and wanted to learn if it was just as good as growing in soil. After reading my research I learned that hydroponics gives plants the same nutrients as potting soil but in a different way. I was hoping you could comment on my hypothesis for my project by saying whether you think plants do better in hydroponics or just the same as in soil. Thank you for your time. I think hydroponics is cool! John White


Attention: John White

There is NO comparison between growing in hydroponics and potting soil. Hydroponics wins hands down. Keep in mind that in hydroponic growing, the plants are being force fed nutrients whereas in soil, the plants put out more roots seeking nutrients in a form it can use.

I usually buy 6 packs of seedlings at my local Home Depot. Those that I don't put in a hydroponic setup, go into the ground. The difference in the growth rate and production of fruit is almost unbelievable using a hydro system. An added benefit is that I hav'nt had any bug problems in the hydro garden and am able to grow without using any poison sprays.


what is the environmental impact of hydroponics?


How can you recycle Nutrients using hydroponics?


What is one future use of hydroponics?


Hello, i am a 4th grader with a science project on hydroponics. i need as much information as you can possibly give me. step by step procedure, list of materials, authors of books on this subject, sources, my teacher told me to get it from encyclopedia, researchers, librarians, or from my computer. if you can help me please send information to my mommy also phylliscarter66@netscape.net thank you


What is some statistical information about hydroponics?


I would like to know if any1 know a good source for hydroponics


I have to do a chemistry project for school using hydroponics. The thing is I don't have any experience in hydroponics. I already did some research and i have purchased the following equipment: 400 watt MH lamp, 5 and 10 gallon Rubbermaid containers, air pump, water pump. I don't know what kind of nutrients to use or growing medium. I also need ideas on something easy to grow that would react well to different types of nutrients. Ideas on home-made nutrients are the main point that iam aiming for. And you have to keep in mind that this is for a school chemistry project.

You can Email at sub4chaser@yahoo.com


Hello, I am new to hydroponics and am going to build the basic 11 plant garden to try to grow tomatoes. There are two questions I have at the top of my head.

1) what kind of pump should I use:

2) is there anything I should know about growing the tomatos?


Can I use calcium chloride for hydroponics, I have no access to calcium nitrate.


I'm a small-scale veggie grower, using hydroponics for some of my crops. I'm thinking about starting up a hydroponics ezine (online magazine), to share information I've found about cost-effective building methods, growing strategies, online resources, etc. I'm trying to determine how much demand there would be for such an online magazne, before I go through all the work of creating it. Would any of you be interested in subscribing to such an ezine, for about $10 a year?


What are some negative things about hydroponics?


Many people seem to have no idea as the the chemicals involved in hydroponics, so I'll take a shot at these. Fist off, Calcium chloride is NOT a substitute for Calcium nitrate. Some of the chemicals that are absulutely necessary include: Calcium nitrate, Potassium phosphate, Magnesium sulfate, small amounts of chelated metals (Fe,Cu,Mn,Zn EDTA) and trace amounts of boric acid, molybdic acid, and cobalt sulfate. Other chemicals are necessary for pH control, acids to lower pH -phosphoric or nitric acid, and Potassium hydroxide to raise pH if necessary, or sanitation chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. For those people who are not chemists, it is best to use a nutrient specific for hydroponics - Look for high percentages of nitrate verses ammonia/urea. Stay away from soil nutrients like miracle grow as they do not use calcium nitrate, but rather urea.


Hi Ron i am interested in hydroponics, i live in Cavite philippines, can you advise me of shops/businesses that supply nutrient and hydro growing equipment in my area or Manila Thanks Ray (aussie as well)


FYI CoCo Bricks
For the article, go to http://www.hydroponics.net/
Upper left hand corner, click on : "General Hydroponics"
On the next page, in the left hand column, click on: Growing Media, click on "CoCo Peat"
On the next page, click under Description, click on: CoCo Peat (Case of 24). The article is here.
Sorry, but you must go through all these pages to get it.
More information is at http://www.groworganic.com
Haven't been signing my posts, but I'm Tailwheel


i need some help with a class project where i want to compare growing plants w/hydroponics to growing plants in soil, & vice versa.


Hello, my name is Ian. I have to do a science fair project at school, and I was thinking of doing something involving hydroponics (I'm not quite sure what to do, but I'd like to use hydroponics). If anybody could help me out with this (where to get hydroponic stuff, info. on hydroponics, etc.) it'd be greatly appreciated. If you could help me, my email is Malchori@aol.com Thanks! Ian


Been busy building a list of on-line suppliers for us hobbyist. Lights, medium, nutrients & pumps. For lights go to www.hydroponics.net. The grow max jr mh is $154, the hps-$189. For water pumps go to graystonecreations.com. Cheapest anywhere. Nutrient is hard to figure out cause mixing ratios are different but if your looking for cheap, quikgrow.com has a 3 part solution for $6.00 per liter. Medium, depending on how much you need is $30 for 50ltr at futuregarden.com or hydroponics.net has the best price for a smaller quantity, 3.5 gallons for $10. I got all my supplies, except nutrient, from these people and am happy with all of it.


what is hydroponics

growing plants without dirt


I love the sight, so in appreciation, and to keep this sight the last word on the subject, here's a bit of trivia.

The only song (as far as I know) ever to mention Hydroponics Is the Title song of Donald Fagan's (Steely Dan) Kamakiriad. The Song (whole album) is about a futuristic car and the lyric goes

It's not a freeway bullet or a bug with monster wheels It's a total biosphere The farm in the back is hydroponic Good fresh things every day of the year.

I take comfort in the fact that somebody in pop culture not only knows what it is, but that he knows that it's not just for growing the #1 cash crop.


I'm a High School student, and I'm doing a science fair project on growing grass in hydroponics,and seeing which type of fertilizer works best. If yall could give me any info. about what types I should use and which types work best, I would appreciate it a lot! Thanks for yalls time! P.A.


back to dirt it was nice at first then low water fert. burn next time pump burn out whats next back to dirt will still read your great site iv done tests & dirt seems to grow faster hydro no way you just have to judge for your self

All you have to do is watch as my tomato plants mature then you will have good idea how fast one can grow with hydroponics . Read the dates on the pictures as I post them everyday. Pictures don't lie. 
You can also watch them all die if we get an early freeze here in Florida before I get my greenhouse enclosed.


Does anyone have the pdf file edition 2 of How-to-Hydroponics? This is one that used to be able to be downloaded, but required the Soft-lock key that you had to purchase before you were able to open the pdf file. I've managed to screw up my drive, and don't have a copy, and you can't download that version any more. I doubt that it has enough info to be worth another $20. And, I've already purchased the key to edition 2. Thanks for your help. Jim Bradley -- Maryville, MO USA (jbradley@msc.net)


Please disregard my question regarding a copy of edition 2 of "How-to Hydroponics" that I'd posted earlier. I found a copy on an archive CD that I'd burned. Jim Bradley


I would like to know if anyone has tried growing Okra using hydroponics and what the average yield might be. You can email me at wilkinson@intellex.com

I got four okra plants just starting. I will let you know how they do.


first off would like to compliment on the wonderful site. my question is i would like to start in hydroponics and i am planning on building the system out of two 5 gal. buckets can i use aquarium gravel as my medium or should i use clay, i want to grow bananas so any help with that would be helpful thanks

The more porous the medium the better.


I'm doing a science fair project on hydroponics and it is very hard to find information on this topic. It would be very helpful if you could help me find valuable information on this topic. Thank You.


Hi my name is Matt! I am doing a project for PJAS (Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science) and I want to do a topic dealing with hydroponics. And I was wondering if anybody had any ideas. If you do please post them on. THANKS!!


Information about hydroponics is all over the web. You can start by looking through this site. If that ain't enough, try the below sites for info & do it yourself units. There are a bunch more, you just have to look!!!!!

INFORMATION: http://www.foothillhydroponics.com/brochure/brochure1.htm

http://www.maximumyield.com/index1.html

http://www.gtghydroponics.com/webfaq.htm

BUILD YOUR OWN:

http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/11plant1.htm

http://www.ns.net/~bennu/

http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/build_ebb_flow.asp

http://www.overgrow.com/iss2/bubbler.html


Hey Ron! I am wondering what plant will grow good in this weather using hydroponics.

I am growing tomatoes, peppers, and herbs of all kinds. It is getting kind of cool at night (45 degrees) now. My tomatoes are just showing and if we have an early frost they will be history. I will try to cover them if that happens. 


the pH level in my hydroponics solution is to high. how do i lower it?


Can you tell me how my daughter and I can make a hydroponics system for science. She is in 6th grade so I would like to make something easy for her to understand. Is this possible?


Hi all, I am stuying on black pumice rocks- volcanic lava rocks for Hydroponics uses and about the demand of it in Hydroponics market. I need all kind of information about it... Even only one sentence!!! Thanks, Yonca


I want to grow blackberries with hydroponics and controlled lighting to increase the harvest season. Is this being done anywhere else? How can I get reliable advise on the system I should build and the nutient solution? gasmike2@aol.com


hello i am trying to grow some of that indoor, where can i find a a sealed and odor less hydroponics or some other indoor(greenhouse) jay69ela1981@yahoo.com


hello i am trying to grow some of that indoor, i am trying to grown some northern lights. where can i find a sealed and odor less hydroponics or some other indoor(greenhouse)..easy to use ,,i looking for something new or used..a good price.. thanks,,JPitz jay69ela1981@yahoo.com


hello, i hope someone can help me with this.i am doing a feasibility study on hydroponics as part of my college curriculum...its my thesis.can anyone send me info on the equipment needed, materials, and the cost and where can i purchase them? im from the philippines...thank you.email me at baby_joy_19@yahoo.com


hello, i hope someone can help me with this.i am doing a feasibility study on hydroponics as part of my college curriculum...its my thesis.can anyone send me info on the equipment needed, materials, and the cost and where can i purchase them? im from the philippines...thank you.email me at baby_joy_19@yahoo.com


I just came from one of your stores, which I had visited for the first time since it opened. Although your prices are quite high I was pleased with your selection of gluten-free products, and was planning to shop there frequently in the future. That was changed when I heard my car and license plate described over the public address system. When I responded, I was told that they page people routinely when they think a care has been parked for too long in their lot. The car owner then must come to the customer service desk to demonstrate that he or she is, in fact, in the store. I don't like being harassed when I'm shopping, so I will use your store only when I cannot get a product anywhere else. I suggest that this policy is counter productive from your viewpoint, and extremely distasteful for customers. James Duffy, jim-jane @erols.com

That would be hard to do considering I don't have a brick and mortar store yet. I wish I owned every hydroponics store you happen to walk into I didn't invent hydroponics. And if you are talking about Worm's Way, they only advertise with me. I don't own them or any other hydroponic company that post on this web site except Pipe Dreams Hydroponics. 


RON

do you grow marijuana not that u would post it if u did but u mite

I am a marijuana decriminalization  proponent and not afraid to speak out after living and learning the facts of our 30 year old drug war. 
Everything I learned about hydroponics was from pot growing books and magazines like High Times in the early 80's because that's all I could find. "Ask Ed"
After building my first greenhouse in 1991 I had a sheriff helicopter hovering over it checking what I was growing.
My neighbors freak out. I don't know what they were growing but I was growing veggies.
I didn't realize I bought land in an area known as marijuana row. 
So with a sign like Pipe Dreams Hydroponics out in front of my place do you really think I got balls big enough to try and grow pot.
I will admit that this web site was first started as my way of thumbing my nose at our elected officials for being so stupid but now has grown into a business.
And because of that you may have noticed that I do censer some pot questions because our paid politicians have passed a law making it a crime to answer such questions over the internet. 
So until you pot heads start getting involved and petitioning your elective officials  we will only be growing veggies on this web site.
Ron       


What are the differences between Hydroponics and Aeroponics?

Why Hydroponics are more common in Singapore?


Anyone have experience doing hydroponics outside in South Florida?


concerning hydroponics outside in florida. i am goin to try it next week after this cold gets out of here. ron doesn't seem to have a problem. he has some outdoor gardens on his site. i'm in crescent city & i am getting temps. of 115 in the greenhouse already. time to move outside. george in cc fl.<bmmcnaught@usa.net>


what kinds of nutrients does a plant need in hydroponics.


what are the disadvantages of using hydroponics?

Cost


Ron,

First, I have to thank you for such a wonderful web site, and the obvious time and effort you have put into it at no charge to us. I've been able to establish some great hydroponics garden setups on my apartment patio. This hydroponics thing is so cool.

Question - I've been using Formula One nutrient and my plants have been blooming and producing fine for a while now. In your opinion, is it any benefit to use the Florabloom (General Hydroponics product I think) during the blooming stage or does the Formula One work just as well. Thanks again.

I have been using Formula One for 15 years and I swear by it. You don't need to add anything. Just increase the ppm for blooming. 1500 ppm or higher.


hi ron,

i am growing my lettuce on hydroponics. well, its 2 weeks to harvest, yet the leaves are still too open as in its not closing.

is it a problem of K ? will a higher K keep the lettuce open ?

thanx

rapala

Here is a head of lettuce I grew that wouldn't turn into a head but it still tasted good. Bibb or Leaf lettuce is better for hydroponics. 


heres a cheap and easy to build and maintain system that can built for around 20,30$ or so materials required: (1)rubbermaid type container (10 to 20 gallon) (2)16oz. minimum to (whatever)24-32ounce solo brand (solo more durable than dixie brand)plastic cups. with holes either melted with wood burning tool or cut with razor knife or similar implement. (3)gro-rocks or lava rock 1/4" to 1/2"approximate size (4)aquarium style air pump with hose and air stone(s) (5)aquarium ph test kit and a 1 part hydroponic nutrient (aquaculture hydroponics in az. and eco hydroponics in washington state make good inexpensive products)2 and 3 part may be used but get costly to use year round.liquid sea kelp 4oz. liquid measure per ten gallons water can be used as micro nutrient supplement/growth stimulant if desired. trace cup lip onto lid of container then trace a magic marker line inside that line so solo cup will be suspended in hole. carefully cut out with a razor knife.2 holes about 6" from handles works well for tomaters or pepper plants 6 or 8 works for leaf lettuce. fill container almost full,add 1/2 strength nutrient for sprouts to seedling stage,adjust ph to 6 to6.8 range ,add bubbler to nutrient tank add cups so nutrient is approx 1/2 to 3/4 covering cups kick back and watch em grow.top off tank with water as needed.more nutrient may be added as plants mature to bring up to full strength. thats all for now,happy growing! dudley groright says grow your own vegies, they just taste better.


p>hi!it's JS of FL, to answer your question Ron, i'm from the planet Zorglon3,[just kidding], i am however, from the space coast, which is why i'm doing this project, because i figure that it'd be awfully messy 2 bring soil into space, so we may have 2 use hydroponic farming. Also, if we ever do settle on other planets, most of them, including Mars, have stronger gravity, [could ya'tell i want 2 work at NASA someday?]so i want to see how well hydroponics would work in stronger gravity.btw, thanks for the info on the lettuce fertilizer!


Hi Ron, My name is Leslie and im new to hydroponics. I have my 9 plant garden in the works and a couple questions arose.

1) I have a 11.5 Rubbermaid reservoir and the only pump that I can locate is a 150 GPH. I already built my overflow pipe , is this pump considered small enough? I don't need a valve controller do I?

That size is fine and you will know if you need a flow control valve if water comes out the little hole on top of the over flow pipe.

2) Also what is a good timer? What timer do you use??

I use the cheap kind for some gardens with overflow pipes and an $80. Dayton cycle timer for my large gardens without overflows.

3) I know that you cap off 3 corners of the tees in the 9 plant garden, but the 4th is where the pump hose goes through. I know that but if im using 1 inch pvc, do I use a threaded tee and 1/2 in hose connector for the 4th corner??

That is correct.

Thanks Ron Ill keep in touch!


Hello Ron! Thank you for the opportunity of this site.

I'm looking for a job with hydroponics in Florida. I have good experience with lettuce and other folliages. My home phone is (813) 661.4841 or e-mail: fsantanaus@yahoo.com

If this could be posted, I'd be most grateful. Yours, Fernando Santana.


Hi would anyone want to stop by this MSN community?

http://communities.msn.com/Hydroponics

Post some pictures share some knowledge!

I posted the first hydroponic picture on MSN when it first started years ago. I wonder if that black and white picture is still there.


I am just getting started in the hydroponics world and wanted ordered a 3-way light, soil, water PH tester. The company I ordered it from said they were out of stock and would not get any more. I have looked elsewhere online and have not yet found another. Do you know where I can find one or are they reliable? What kind of tester should I get? I did not want to spend a lot of money. Any info would be appreciated.

Careful those dirt pH and soil testers are different than hydro testers. It might be a good thing they were out. 


hi, I´ve built the 11 plant system and I have some tomato plants growing in grorocks & Flora series. I put the tomatoes in the system less than 2 month ago. The tomatoes don´t grow very much (are 7 or 8 inches high) but they started flowering already. Should I leave these flowers or prune. This is my first attempt with hydroponics. I'm in Mexico City, lots of light and warm weather, not very hot yet. Thanks a lot, Victoria victoria@quetzal.innsz.mx

Flowers turn into tomatoes so if you prune the flowers then you just lost your fruit.


hi, I have to do a science fair project. So I chose hydroponics because it looked interesting. I am growing yellow peppers. My set up is my plants are in a small tin with different watering solutions because I want to see which one works best. I have been trying to grow my plants for about 5 days but they just aren't germinating if you could please give me some advice please write me back at LewisT@grenvillecc.ca


Hello -- I just want to mention that Art Smith from Alabama Hydroponics (http://www.alabamahydroponics.com) is kind enough to host Tomato Challenge 2002. The basic objective is to grow tomatoes hydroponically and you can use any system to achieve that objective. In case you are curious about the rules, please visit his website and learn about them. As a matter of fact, that site should be viewed as an excellent place to get feedback from other tomato growers. I had a lot of fun with Tomato Challenge 2001 last year and met some really cool people on the internet. hydroponically. Hope to see you all at the contest. Happy Growing, Wayne


This is going to be the first year I will not have a garden of tomatoes and peppers in my yard since I retired 14 years ago. Arthritis has claimed most of my body and my ability to garden has been cut by 90%. I would like to try hydroponics so I can still have a crop. I need something simple and with low maintance. Please can anyone help me.

Thanks

Steven


I am trying to grow a a 2-4 plant-hydroponic garden. I ordered the following unit, for $70,

from Harvest Moon Hydroponics.

here is the description The recently redesigned HomeGarden System is an outstanding unit for the beginning hydroponic gardener. The submerging the grow rocks. A full-length airstone and external air pump continuously supply oxygen to the reservoir. Capillary matting surrounds the grow rocks and keeps medium moist and helps deliver nutrient-rich water to the starter cubes on top of the system.

total cost is a factor (limited budget), my question is can someone rank in order from most important to get exactly what is listed on here and what items you can cut costs by purchasing something like what you need.

Example could be Lights or is what I already purchased really not needed ?

PLEASE HELP ME! thanks


YOU ARE INVITED...to attend the 2nd Annual International Indoor Gardening and Hydroponic Expo at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre on May 4th and 5th. There will be over 100 booths and displays and experts from all over the world will be present to share there knowledge of indoor gardening and hydroponics. This is a truly unique opportunity for all those with interest in these areas or someone looking to get a start in this rapidly growing industry. Saturday May 4th is designated as 'Dealers Day' with the doors open from 1pm to 7pm. Sunday the general public is welcome and the doors are open from 11am to 5pm. Entry to the show is FREE! Please contact us for more information via email. Hope to see you there. Cheers Steve


Attn: All Tomato growers

Here's a list of URL's that you may find interesting on different things that may harm or kill you plants.

http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/nutrient_deficiencies.asp

http://www.orst.edu/Dept/NWREC/vegindex.html

http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/garden/vegetable/veggieflowers.html

 


I am really interested in Purchasing a Pipe dreams 160 but I am concerned that it may not produce the same weight you might get with soil. The cup spaces look to be too close together. I would like to get at least an ounce of my favorite vegetable after a seven or eight week flowering cycle. I know it can be done in soil with a 3 week veg. cycle first but can the same thing be done with this system? If so what is the recommended veg. time to do this or maybe recommended plant height. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, James

Weight has more to do with seed verity than with growing in soil or hydroponics. 


hey, ron where do you go to buy grow rock and will fish tank rock work.If I use merical grow for my nuteints will it work. I am doing this for a scince project and think that Hydroponics are really think that it is COOL!!!!! I built your 11 plant system and everone thinks it's COOL. Thank you for your site and hope your buiness does Great this spring and summer.

At the grow store. No. And No.


This week I was going through the web and found so many places to buy pumps and so many pumps to choose from. The best I found so far was http://www.fountainology.com/outdoor/via_aqua_pumps.html

Any insight on this or any one of you tried this company before?

A friend of mine on-line said that the VA2600 worked well for him but I would like a more expert outlook on this.

Thanks!

I have just got into hydroponics and started looking on the web for pumps. The best place I found was: http://www.fountainology.com/outdoor/via_aqua_pumps.html The VA1300 and VA2600 are working best for me and prices are so low for the quality.


I have a multipart question. What is most important in a hydroponic environment or what gives hydroponics a greater advantage, the oxygen rich environment or the amount nutrients it can absorb in a given amount of time. Because I was wondering if it is possible to use a growth chamber that incorporates hydroponics with soil. Neo

No they are totally two different ways of growing. 


Hello, does anyone out there know much about growing strawberries hydroponicly. I live in Taiwan and its hot and humid most of the time. I know the plant likes cool temperatures and have read that you can cool the nutrient solution, and use shadecloth with fans to reduce air temps. Is there any problem with nutrients at 60 or 65 and air temps at 80. If you have any information, I would appreciate it. Its especially hard to find much information on hydroponics in tropical places. Thank you. Jack


I am a South African who would like to establish a commercial hyroponics operation. I have absolutely no experience in hydroponics, but strongly believe that it is the way to go in SA, particularly as we do not have a lot of arable land. please advise on I should go about establishing a commercial hydroponics operation, in terms of costs, requirements, crops, etc.

Thanks MN


Dear Ron, Thanks for a great site, I really has helped me with various questions. =) I have a Hydroponics Waterfarm and a drip system using a aquarium pump (aerophonic?). My plants are in Grodan Rockwool and planted in legga. Can I leave the drip system om 24/7 or how often?

Regards Dan from Denmark, Europe

That might be to much for rockwool. Rockwool stays wet longer than grow rocks so you might have a root rot problem.


hi ron,

just wondering ... can one grow orchids using hydroponics ?

thanks

kiwi

Yes but what nutrient mix to use I don't know.


How easy is it to grow mint using hydroponics?

easy


What plants are easiest to grow using hydroponics?

most


I am new to hydroponics, and i have a few plants in soil and a few in the 11 plant garden. I have taken clones from the plants in soil, and they are doing fine in vermiculite and plain water. I also have taken a few clones from my hydro-plants, and they are not doing fine in only vermiculite and water. Do I need to use a mild nutrient solution for theses clones? Is vermiculite o.k. or should the clones be put in the 11 plant garden? and watered 3 times per hour? any info will help out alot, thanks

Yes you should use 1/4 strength solution for clones.


Growing Asparagus hydroponics how long before you would get to harvest it? And can you make a profit at growing it hydroponics? And do you know of some one that is doing it now? mrugly1@hotmail.com


Hi folks, here are a few real good tips I would like to share with you. most common Problems

These are the most common problems people encounter growing hydroponically:

Yellowing bottom leaves/older growth

The Nitrogen story:

Nitrogen is a transferable element (this means the plant can move it around as needed). If a plant is not receiving enough Nitrogen from the roots then it will rob Nitrogen from the older growth. In Hydroponics, usually the pH is too high and has locked out the available Nitrogen. Always check the pH before increasing nutrient level.

Save the plant: Leach! Check the pH, and adjust if necessary to 5.8 - 6.3. Check and maintain nutrient level. You may foliar feed (spray) with a pinch of CaNO3 (Calcium Nitrate) in a Litre of pH balanced water for quick results.

Leaf tips curl up

This is usually a Magnesium deficiency caused by a too low pH level.

Save the plant: Leach, check and adjust the pH level. You also may foliar feed (spray) with a pinch of MgSO4 (Magnesium Sulphate) in a Litre of pH balanced water for quick results.

Leaf tips curl under / leaf tip burn (browning)

The Nutrient level is too high.

Save the plant: Leach and decrease the nutrient level.

Leaching

Leaching should be done at every reservoir change and before countering any problem. This will rid the medium and root zone of toxic salt build up.

To leach, rinse the root zone with straight pH balanced water.

Use twice as much liquid as the hydroponic container would have held when empty.

I hope this info helps some one out there and thanks for all the info I have gotten from you all. Montana Mogy P.S. Ron I love the old bus.


Geez Ron!! From looking through your pics I must say, you are very ingenuities. Very impressive!! Just curious, are you making a living with your Hydroponic ventures??

Barely and only because I don't have a family to support. Also I work 12 hours a day every day including holidays. Can't afford to higher help yet. But my goal for the future is to open the largest home hydroponics grow store in the country in Deland Florida in a couple years. 


In my hydroponics system, I'm growing basil. We have a major whitefly problem. I'm afraid of spraying with organic pesticides because the leafs will go black. How do I get rid of the whiteflies organically???

The only real safe way is with predator mites ( Encarcia Formosa) that lay there eggs in whitefly larvae. But you have to introduce them to your garden early and a lot of them to be effective. 
Or just use Safer Soap bug spay and yellow sticky traps like I do.  


Have you ever heard of Peter's Fertilizer? I cannot find it in the stores anymore. I read something about the Scott's Company selling the Peter's line to Alljack Celex. Then I found Alljack makes the KGRO GRO BEST products. Is this the same as Peter's?

Melissa

Peter's is a well known company that makes fertilizer for dirt and hydroponics. 
In this age of big business who knows who owns what. Pretty soon a few companies will own everything. They already own our government.


Dear Hydroponics enthusiasts,

I am a science writer, currently residing in Massachusetts. A few weeks ago, I e-mailed several United Nations refugee relief organizations, in the countries surrounding Afghanistan. I thought that, during the hard winter coming up, they might want to learn about possible ways to use hydroponics to help feed refugees. They responded to my e-mail today, and they are very, very interested.

They are anxious to hear more about websites or companies that focus on educational materials for hydroponics. Their return e-mail to me is appended to the bottom of this e-mail. I thought some of you might be interested in helping, and capable of doing so.

I don't know how you might wish to work things from a commercial standpoint, but it seems like this could be a terrific way to save some lives in Central Asia. They are interested in hearing about educational materials that would help them teach hydroponics. Here is the e-mail address of the UN's FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) office in Iran, followed by a website you may wish to peruse before contacting them, if you do decide to contact them. FAO-IRN@FIELD.FAO.ORG http://www.fao.org/ag/AGL/AGLW/AQUASTAT/iran1.htm

In the e-mail I sent to the FAO, I very succinctly put forth the suggestion that hydroponics might be a way to help freezing, starving refugees make it through the winter, by helping them learn to grow some vegetables indoors.

I sincerely hope that you are able to come to some kind of arrangement with one another. Please only e-mail them if you