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Question and Answer Page 62

Subjects

why the cups inside of the 2-liters? the chemicals you put in the water nutrient solution for chile peppers
how do we put the plants in it? Do I need to use a mild nutrient solution for clones? What is needed to produce 600-900 heads of lettuce per week?
does lettuce grow ok in Grow-Rocks? how big does a unit have to be to make money Yellowing bottom leaves/older growth
big gardens seem to not have the ebb and flow co2 Enrichment 11 plant garden only suited for smaller plants?
clearing solutions are not needed before harvest? pump aerates as well? WHAT LEVEL MUST I FILL THE 2 LITRE BOTTLES WITH MEDIUM
Date:
07 Jan 2001
Time:
07:16:30

Comments

hi ron,

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

thanks

kiwi

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

Date:
07 Jan 2001
Time:
08:03:09

Comments

Anyone who needs them and can't get them, pay attention. I'm only going to say this once. All others will have to read and study this website to get this information.

Welp, there goes another money saving tip. This is DEFIANTLY  the best place to come for practical hydro info, bar none....BTW I am looking forward to Ron stocking the Hydro mix. If you want to learn all about hydro, read the whole bulletin board, more than once! Life is good, Tommy

Date:
07 Jan 2001
Time:
15:48:02

Comments

Great site, thanks! But why do so many systems have little cups inside of the 2-liters? I didn't see anything about that in your plans. Thanks!

Luke

lukathonic@yahoo.com

To hold the medium so it won't go down the pipes and to make the plants removable  or just to be able to lift the plant up to see what the roots are doing.

Date:
07 Jan 2001
Time:
17:20:28

Comments

Want to know if my water systems will help hydro people. WWW.hydroponicwater.com  Aquaee@aol.com

Date:
08 Jan 2001
Time:
07:16:42

Comments

We built your 11 plant hydroponic garden, but how do we put the plants in it? We saw the picture with a plastic cup in the bottle, but how does that work? Lathrop Adv. Tech. Class

Wash the dirt off the plant roots. 
Put a few rocks in the bottom of the solo cup. 
Place the plant in the cup and fill it up with rocks.

 About the little cups again: So plants go in the little cups and cups go in the 2-liter? And the roots are in the cup, or do they extend out? How big should the holes be? Thanks!

It's OK for the roots to grow outside of the solo cup but don't let the roots go down the pipes and plug up your garden. If you water the plants often enough the roots don't need to go looking for water. The holes in the solo cup should be small enough to keep the medium from going through.

Date:
08 Jan 2001
Time:
15:29:24

Comments

does lettuce grow ok in Grow-Rocks? I want to grow lettuce and chives, and like the design of the 11 plant system - will it work alright?

That's exactly the size and type of plants that grow very well in the 11 plant garden. Tomato plants are to large. 

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
05:45:01

Comments

how come all the big gardens seem to not have the ebb and flow but have the drip. it seems that way in the pictures i checked out. is there a reason for this? steve

Because the size of the reservoir and pump needed for a large commercial gardens. The more volume of water needed to fill a system the lager a pump needed to do the job.
I use 50 gallon drums for 100 tomato plants and they use every bit of it every 24 hours. That means mixing fertilizer everyday for each 100 plants. I will be buying a 200 gallon tank soon for my spring planting.

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
05:47:17

Comments

need step by step set up for a round table, also have many table set ups can you run off one pump? tahnks

yes 

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
06:08:29

Comments

How easy is it to grow mint using hydroponics?

easy

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
06:09:04

Comments

What plants are easiest to grow using hydroponics?

most

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
06:12:46

Comments

how do i use a fish pump to use on a hydroponic plant system? --thanx: andrexh@hotmail.com

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
13:08:36

Comments

does the salt in the air in florida hurt the plants? steve

you have to live right by the ocean to worry about that.

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
18:23:41

Comments

Do you think clearing solutions are needed before harvest? I have heard that some people use just plain water. I personally believe that this would not be the best solution because It seems that the plant would suffer due to lack of nutrition.

You only need to flush if you have a nutrient solution problem.

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
21:45:08

Comments

have you tried growing star fruit plants hydroponically and was it successful

If they aren't to woody of a plant like roses or a dry plant like cactuses just about any plant can be grown in hydroponic systems. 

Date:
09 Jan 2001
Time:
22:57:28

Comments

im a little confused about the chemicals you put in the water. Do they come in jugs, if so where can i get them and how much do i put in?, and what type

The more expensive hydroponic solutions come in bottles and can be ordered online from a number of links on this web site. Or if you are on a budget and can wait a week I will be selling 5 lb. boxes of hydroponic nutrient solution cheap.  

Date:
10 Jan 2001
Time:
07:09:35

Comments

Good morning! I wanted to inquire where and when new stores will be built/opening. Please let me know! Thanks, Celeste

Date:
10 Jan 2001
Time:
08:01:58

Comments

how big does a unit have to be to make money growing say tomatoes, beans, herbs

A good indicator for tomatoes is 25 lbs. for every square ft. of greenhouse space. And all you have to do is see what tomatoes are going for at your supermarket to see how profitable it can be.

Another for Tomatoes is they require from 3.85 to 4.75 square feet of greenhouse area per plant. Therefore, the plant population in a 31' x 132 greenhouse will range from 1,060 plants to 834 plants. Production is normally calculated in pounds per square feet of greenhouse area. It can range from 5.5 pounds per square foot to 7.25 psf per year with currently available varieties.

Date:
10 Jan 2001
Time:
17:24:17

Comments

Can you grow green beans and asparagus and squash hydroponic?mrugly1@hotmail.com

yes and yes and yes

Date:
10 Jan 2001
Time:
22:31:35

Comments

Can you post the plans for the little greenhouse/rain cover made of PVC pipe I see in some or your outside 11 plant garden pictures? I want to leave mine outside but want to keep the rain from filling the bottles. Thanks Dude.

I wish I could draw faster but until then use your imagination. Home Depot sells the clear Lexan covering. Just screw it to a PVC frame.

Date:
11 Jan 2001
Time:
08:10:39

Comments

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.

Date:
11 Jan 2001
Time:
17:13:38

Comments

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

Date:
11 Jan 2001
Time:
19:02:32

Comments

ron, i have to give you a lot of credit for your patience with some of the questions you receive. george in cc fl

It's just a sad commentary on how much our elective officials are willing to spend on education in this country.
Now we all can look forward to the government gearing up to spend billons on star wars while I continue to suffer the results of that neglect in some of the questions that I receive. Sorry got to vent sometimes. 
   

Date:
11 Jan 2001
Time:
20:12:16

Comments

has anyone ever grown using co2 from a source of baking soda and vinegar is there any other methods to create co2 for a small sealed grow area. thank you

co2 Enrichment

I know this was asked of a small growing area, but if you have a greenhouse you can compost inside it to produce co2, or bring compost inside and put it on the floor of the grow area. A bale of hay will give off co2 also if you get it wet. It will also incinerate from the inside if you don't watch it. I have a compost bed to the right as I go in my GH door, I also have a 2 can bioreactor inside. http://www.cfe.cornell.edu/compost/garbagecans.html

The co2 levels in my GH are sky high. the vent pipe also gives off heat for these cold georgia nights. Just sayin... Tom

Date:
11 Jan 2001
Time:
20:28:02

Comments

For co2 enrichment methods go to

http://www.hydrofarm.com/content/articles/co2.html

So I go here and it says: When organic matter decomposes due to bacterial action, carbon dioxide is generated. Plants grow lush and vigorously on a tropical jungle floor as a result of this natural decay of dead plant and animal matter. This can increase the available CO2 content from the normal 300 PPM amount to over 1,000 parts per million. This can also be done indoors, for little cost, but is odorous and unsanitary. For these and other reasons, it is not highly recommended. The sterile conditions of a well-set-up hydroponic grow room or greenhouse could be disrupted and adverse bacteria, bugs and disease induced with detrimental effects on your plants.

I have to say that composting does not stink if its done right. Also the bacteria that get introduced to the greenhouse are the helpful types that destroy harmful critters. I would say that this company wants to sell you high priced co2 generators that could be replaced by scraps from your kitchen and 2 plastic trashcans. Tom

Date:
11 Jan 2001
Time:
21:07:42

Comments

Does the price for the parts you sell, for example the reservoir pump for $20.00 include shipping? I notice that pump aerates as well, is that a special feature for that particular pump, or do they all aerate? How do you ship the parts?

It's $5.00 for shipping the pump and the aerator is a small hose that hangs outside the reservoir thus sucking air into the solution. It doesn't have to be used if not needed. 
I ship small packages US Mail and larger ones UPS.

Date:
12 Jan 2001
Time:
08:22:37

Comments

what nutrient solution should I use if i am growing chile peppers hydroponically?

The kind I sell.  You use 1 teaspoon of hydro 10-8-22 mix and 1/4 teaspoon of epson salt for vegetables.

Date:
13 Jan 2001
Time:
00:25:34

Comments

What is needed to produce 600-900 heads of lettuce per week?

how many unit system you have times the growing life cycle of the verity you are going to grow.

example: say 800 heads per week. and it takes 8 weeks from seedling to harvest for the lettuce you want to grow.
multiply 800 x 8 = 6400 you would need a 6400 unit system greenhouse. you would start by putting 800 plants a week until the system is completely full and on at the end of the 12 week you harvest the first 800 heads and replace that 800 with 800 new seedlings every week. That is known as the Sea of Green method of growing on a large scale.

Date:
14 Jan 2001
Time:
03:29:36

Comments

hi ron,

from your own experience, at full maturity how heavy does a leaf type lettuce weigh ?

i was able to achieve 100 grams for those that live the life of 45 days from seeds.

regards,

merdent

Lettuce being a cool weather plant I haven't had any success yet here in Florida growing lettuce to give you an answer. 

Date:
16 Jan 2001
Time:
17:37:32

Comments

I,ve seen the same question asked prior, but there was no reply. I,m searching for Dr. Chatelier,s formula in a powdered form. Do you know any manufactures or sellers?

No Never heard of it before.

Date:
17 Jan 2001
Time:
02:48:50

Comments

We are now organizing the 2001's China International Agriculture & Vegetable Fair in Shouguang City,Shandong Province, China. China has the biggest population in the world, and over the 60% population's vegetable consumption comes from Shouguang. The biggest national vegetable collection and distribution center is located in Shouguang. Shouguang's vegetables are sold to over 200 large or medium-sized cities of provinces. They are also exported to over ten countries and regions such as: Hong Kong, Macao, Russia, Korea, and the Southeast Asian Countries. Nearly 100 varieties of vegetables from over 10 provinces and cities are sold in this market. So it has become a center for vegetable collection and distribution, price formation and information exchanges for the whole country. Shouguang's Vegetable Wholesale Market was appraised as one of the 10 top specialized wholesale markets on subsidiary agricultural products in the country and was also called the biggest one in China. In 1995 it was named as "The Native Place of Vegetable in China" by the state. At present, more than 500 kinds of famous and fine vegetable categories from more than 30 countries, such as America, Japan, and Holland, etc. are being planted and produced in Shouguang City. China (Shouguang) International Vegetable Fair will open in Shouguang City on 20th to 26th April, 2001.There will be over 8,000 domestic enterprises concerned with agriculture, agricultural machinery & equipment (planting, breeding, aquatic food, fruit trees, green houses, seed, ecotype protection facilities, ecotype fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, pesticide, botany, flower, irrigation works, etc.) will be attending the fair. The State Ministry of Agriculture, the State Ministry of Science & Technology, the State Ministry of Financial, and the Governors in charge of agriculture in local provinces, will in attendance with their delegations at the fair. It is estimated about over 600,000 visitors will attend the six days of the Fair. The Fair will not only show the great achievements of vegetable planting and high-technology used, but also supply the best opportunity to meet the specialized enterprises for trading or hi-tech exchanging on the field of agriculture. You are warmly welcome to participate or recommend the enterprises in your country to participate the Fair. We regard this as a "Hot Commercial Opportunity", and it will make the enterprises much more popular in China--the biggest market in the world.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

Mr. James Lee

Tel:+86 10 67189644/67160307/67157031 Fax:+86 10 67157027 Email:aitabj@263.net Website:http://2001sgfair.51.net

Want to buy a few million hydroponic gardens.

Date:
17 Jan 2001
Time:
14:52:40

Comments

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.

Date:
17 Jan 2001
Time:
20:19:33

Comments

What is the best growing medium for an eleven plant soda bottle system? I am real new at this and I have no clue as to which is better or worse or what size/amount?

Grow rocks

Date:
17 Jan 2001
Time:
21:09:49

Comments

OK here's another stupid "11 plant" question. Why is the 11 plant garden only suited for smaller plants? How come I can't grow huge tomato plants in it when the larger 1 gallon system still uses the same size grow cup? Would I need a larger grow cup to grow a large plant? What difference does it make if the roots are only going to continue to grow through and outside the cup anyway? I want champion size critters, not a bunch of small ones.

The reason the 11 plant isn't suited for larger plants is because of the distance between the plants (about 8") and not the cup size. By no means do you need to use the sizes I provide. Just cut the pieces of pipe longer to expand the distance between the plants. 
And the 2-liter uses 16 oz and the gallon uses 2 qt. size.

Date:
17 Jan 2001
Time:
23:46:10

Comments

i just wanna grow 2 or 3 plants in my closest i got about 7 feet up and like 5 feet wide its a lone closet im gonna use the very right side what is the cheapest and easiest way i can do this

Date:
18 Jan 2001
Time:
10:38:38

Comments

hello ron.....i am starting a few babys in soil as an experiment, and im wondering when i should transplant out of these starter pots.....they are 3x3 plastic and the plants are 5 inches already at 2 weeks old. thanx csaw

The more mature the plant the more of a shock they will go threw when you transplant to hydro.

Date:
18 Jan 2001
Time:
11:02:57

Comments

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME TO WHAT LEVEL MUST I FILL THE 2 LITRE BOTTLES WITH MEDIUM I.E. GRAVEL AND DO I NEED TO USE A GAUZE NETTING TO STOP THE GRAVEL FROM FALLING THROUGH INTO THE PIPE SYSTEM. I AM ALSO NEW IN THE GAME AND AT QUITE A DISADVANTAGE BECAUSE THERE IS NOBODY THAT I CAN CONTACT LOCALLY HERE IN SOUTH AFRICA TO HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEMS. IF THEY DO KNOW THEY KEEP IT A SECRET. I AM VERY INTERESTED IN GROWING EXOTIC FERNS,BUT UNFOTUNATELY CAN GET ANY INFO. LOCALLY. CAN SOME ONE PLEASE HELP????

EMAIL ADDRESS WOLFDOG@IAFICA.COM

KIND REGARDS MIKE SEEGER

Almost to the top. And yes a paint screen can be used or what I use a 16 oz solo cup with holes.

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