As another cold winter approaches us in Minnesota, I find myself struggling with seasonal depression early this year. In a stubborn attempt to keep my mental health afloat, I've been throwing myself into various studies, and projects. One of which, has been hydroponic gardening!
Image credit:pixbay.com
For those who are not familair, Hydroponic gardening is a method where plants are grown without soil, and the roots submersed in a nutrient rich mineral solution mixed with water. After a lot of research, videos, and tutorials, I decided to give it a try and set up my own indoor hydroponic system. I will be attempting to grow lettuce, since it's easy, and it's Luna's (rabbit in photo) favorite. Here's what I purchased for supplies :
Photo credit: Me
- 20 gallon plastic bin ( for deep water culture method)
- 5 inch net pots
- Hydroton pellets (growing media)
- 3 part nutrient solution (GeneralHydroponics)
- CFL light bulbs (light source)
- Aquarium pump (for aeration of water)
- TDS meter (to monitor PPM or parts per million)
- Rock wool ( to start seedlings)
- Ph up, Ph down, Ph tester ( to control water's ph levels)
Photo credit:Me
I haven't put my system together just yet, but I will be making an updated article this weekend. Pictures of the system will be included. My lettuce seeds were planted on 10/20/17, and sprouted on 10/23/17. I added a very small amount of nutrients to the water today, in an effort to get them going a little more. The spongy looking material they are growing out of is rock wool.
Day 1, photo credit: me
Day 3
Day 5
My long term goal in this, is to have a large hydroponic greenhouse, with a variety of vegetables. Id like to sell my produce at local co ops, and farmers markets. I will be documenting my progress and discoveries here on Steemit! Please follow and upvote if you'd like to tag along on my journey :) Take care, until next time!