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I Love Clams Casino : 5/29/2024 1:42 pm
How's it going this year?

For me, I've ventured into a new area....hydroponics.

I purchased a DWC system that pumps air into each bucket through and air stone. Normally one would think of hydroponics as an indoor thing, but I have mine setup outside. I ran power to the area and have 2 8 bucket systems running on 2 air pumps. I weather proofed the air pumps inside of clear plastic containers with drainage holes in the containers. I raised them off the surface with a brick in case any water does get inside as I don't want the pump sitting in a pool of mucky water.

Why? Plant diseases. Please don't go down the road of prevention and cures...I have done them all.
L I T E R A L L Y....for years and years. Not getting into it.

Having said that, I can't guarantee I won't get the same this year, but I am hoping with the combination of no soil, and a nutrient rich bath, that I will have a good year.

1st 8 bucket system....all tomatoes.....a few hybrids to help ensure at least some success and the rest are unique heirloom type tomatoes. I found a guy in California who has been mixing his own batches of heirloom tomatoes and producing his own varieties which have all been bred for taste. This guy is a true tomato guru. Purchased a few varieties from seed and grew them myself. I can't wait to see if I have some success....check him out - Link below

In the other 8 buckets, I have pimento peppers (which I've been told are delicious), Regular ole eggplant, and sweet bell peppers.

Wish me luck!

How is your stuff going this year???
Wild Boar Farms - California - ( New Window )
My wife is much more the gardener,  
Beezer : 5/29/2024 1:45 pm : link
but I dabble and help at times. I can say only this - our tomatoes are VERY happy, and our herbs and varieties of hot peppers are all taking off like shots. Lots of rain upstate, with a fair-ish amount of sun.
hey clams I'll retype after the deletion  
oghwga : 5/29/2024 2:06 pm : link
If you're having disease issues it's because you're constantly reusing the same soil. Try solarizing it by leaving a section fallow, soaking it down and then covering it with thick plastic and letting it cook in the hot sun. This will kill weed seeds and pathogens in the soil organically.

No garden for me this year due to construction but I'm excited to be back in the northeast and my neighborhood has zero deer so I'm looking forward to next year. In the meantime, we are blessed with a lot of good farmers markets so I'll let someone else do the work for a change.
RE: hey clams I'll retype after the deletion  
I Love Clams Casino : 5/29/2024 2:37 pm : link
In comment 16526789 oghwga said:
Quote:
If you're having disease issues it's because you're constantly reusing the same soil. Try solarizing it by leaving a section fallow, soaking it down and then covering it with thick plastic and letting it cook in the hot sun. This will kill weed seeds and pathogens in the soil organically.

No garden for me this year due to construction but I'm excited to be back in the northeast and my neighborhood has zero deer so I'm looking forward to next year. In the meantime, we are blessed with a lot of good farmers markets so I'll let someone else do the work for a change.


I grow in raised beds/containers mostly. I've completely renewed the soil and the containers they are in....still get the diseases....I've tried everything
I've done a bunch of research on Hydro, but...  
Kev in Cali : 5/29/2024 2:43 pm : link
Not sure if you are aware; I want to give you a heads up:

- Monitor your PH balance closely
- Monitor your PPM(parts per million) and EC of your nutrients
- Higher water temps (outdoors) may lead to algae and root rot

I was gonna give it a try, but decided not to cuz it seems like more work, and investment in equipment...so I couldn't justify.

SO....I'm doing 100 organic where I made my own soil mix, worm casting w/worms, various nutrients like kelp, fish, bone meals....and some natural extracts. So far so good. My mortgage lifter tomato are gonna be giants, and all the plants are thriving with this method I'm trying.

Happy growing all!
Enjoy and you are on the right track.  
solarmike : 5/29/2024 3:55 pm : link
I'm growing in raised beds now but had a similar setup to yours when I lived in NM. You might want to monitor the water / media temps with a simple probe thermometer if you live in a hot climate. I freaked out a couple of years ago in a very hot July when I measured "soil" temps of 90F! Shading the system cured that issue.

What is Too Hot for Plant Roots?

The ideal temperature for plant roots varies depending on the species, but most plants prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause plant roots to become stressed, leading to reduced growth, wilting, and decreased water uptake.

Temperatures above 95°F (35°C) can cause root damage, leading to root rot, stunted growth, and even plant death.

Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) can cause extreme stress, leading to rapid wilting, leaf scorch, and plant death.

Thanks for the link and I'd be interested in what you think of the tomato's!
RE: Enjoy and you are on the right track.  
Kev in Cali : 5/29/2024 4:24 pm : link
In comment 16526871 solarmike said:
Quote:
I'm growing in raised beds now but had a similar setup to yours when I lived in NM. You might want to monitor the water / media temps with a simple probe thermometer if you live in a hot climate. I freaked out a couple of years ago in a very hot July when I measured "soil" temps of 90F! Shading the system cured that issue.

What is Too Hot for Plant Roots?

The ideal temperature for plant roots varies depending on the species, but most plants prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).

Temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause plant roots to become stressed, leading to reduced growth, wilting, and decreased water uptake.

Temperatures above 95°F (35°C) can cause root damage, leading to root rot, stunted growth, and even plant death.

Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) can cause extreme stress, leading to rapid wilting, leaf scorch, and plant death.

Thanks for the link and I'd be interested in what you think of the tomato's!


A quick search resulted this:

between 65°F and 75°F

In summary, while the recommended range for hydroponic water temperature is typically between 65°F and 75°F, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your plants and system. Regular monitoring of water temperature, nutrient levels, and overall system health is key to successful hydroponic gardening.
Link - ( New Window )
The more consistent  
Kev in Cali : 5/29/2024 4:27 pm : link
the better....but I've never actually done hydro before. I'd venture to say, don't do anything too drastic and make mild changes the first go around.
RE: RE: Enjoy and you are on the right track.  
solarmike : 5/29/2024 5:58 pm : link
Yup and I'm enjoying this thread.



A quick search resulted this:

between 65°F and 75°F

In summary, while the recommended range for hydroponic water temperature is typically between 65°F and 75°F, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your plants and system. Regular monitoring of water temperature, nutrient levels, and overall system health is key to successful hydroponic gardening. Link - ( New Window ) [/quote]
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