Hello Again

Sorry it's been so long since I've made a post.  I am seriously considering resurrecting this website.  I still have many more ideas for building your own hydroponic systems.  I've just been busy with other projects. Thank you for your patients.

Hydroponics in a SHTF or WROL Situation

I keep seeing more and more videos on You Tube and writings in blogs about preparing for some type of Armageddon. With the way things are going I can see why some people are really getting concerned. If you really think about it, most of us rely heavily on our local grocery store. If society broke down for what ever reason could you feed you and your family for a year, a month, a week?

I not talking about a bad storm that knocks out your power for a few days. I'm referring to a collapse of society that lasts a year or more. A real Mad Max-The Road Warrior, gun toting bandits out to steal the remaining few drops of gasoline, and YOUR FOOD.

Happy New Years! - I have questions

Happy New Years everyone! Here's to 2011 being the best year yet. :)

As you know I am getting ready for a new project. I want to make an indoor hydroponic herb garden. I'm thinking of making it a NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) type system. My main reason is I want to design a new NFT system because I think it will be a lot of fun. The second reason is from what I've read it is an excellent system for growing herbs.

My major worry is unlike most systems NFT systems are prone to catastrophic failure in the event of a power outage. Maybe I can design some type of a back-up system just for such an event. Living in N.W. Ohio we have had power outages before but fortunately not very often.

My questions are, what are you thoughts about NFT systems? Have you used one? If so, do you have any advice for me? Also I would like to hear suggestions on what herbs you think I should grow and why.

Thanks for checking in and see you next year.

Indoor Herb Garden: Introduction

If you've never tried fresh herbs in your cooking you don't know what your missing. Like a lot of people I have several small jars of dried herbs on my counter next to the stove. I never really understood the big deal or the expense of fresh herbs in cooking.

When I first got into hydroponics I was looking for plants that not only grew quickly but were also useful. Unlike peppers and tomato plants, my favorite plants to grow, herbs can be eaten when only a few weeks old.

Seed Sprouting for a Hydroponic System

I will continue my short series of answering questions. A subscriber asked how can he go about sprouting seeds for his home built hydroponic systems. Here is my answer.

Can I use River Rocks in my Home Built Hydroponic System?

This Hydroponics Hobbyist wants to know if he can use river rocks in his hydroponic system. Below is where I answer his question along with my opinions about other hydroponic media.

Water quality issues in a Hydroponic System

This question is from a guy who has been having trouble with his bubble cloner system. I have tested and proven you can successfully grow clones of your favorite plants with nothing but water. No chemicals or Hydroponic Fertilizer is necessary for the cloning process.

The issue he seems to be having is his water quality. His first problem is he used tap water which may be harming his cuttings.  The second is his PH has gone too high. The following is my response to him.