copperhead 38 #1 Posted January 27, 2013 I've grown tired of eating cucumbers that taste like small watermelons. Forget buying a decent tomato this time of year..even the "vine ripened" leave a lot to be desired. Fairly good lettuce is available albeit at a steep price. So I took a ride on a cold,clear day to learn a little about hydroponic gardening. Ended up buying a small starter setup to get my feet wet...so to speak. Basically it consists of a grow lamp, 5 gallon bucket with a plastic insert, a pump and aerator, a bag of nutrients and a bag of marble sized, clay medium. Gonna start with growing some lettuce and see where it leads. My only concern right now is the effect on my electric bill, but the prospect of year-round edible vegetables is too tempting..at any cost. Anyone here have any experience with hydroponic gardening? I'll post some pictures when I get the system rigged up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
posifour11 723 #2 Posted January 27, 2013 Haven't tried it, but I would surely be interested in seeing how well it works for ya. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #3 Posted January 27, 2013 Knew of a fellow that had all kinds of "growing" lights and a very extensive irrigation system, but the State Police shut him down! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
copperhead 38 #4 Posted January 27, 2013 Guess I should have figured that folks who own 5 or more garden tractors aren't gonna be trying to grow corn in their living room. Well..I"ll still keep you all informed on how it goes.... :royalty-crown: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IthacaJeff 151 #5 Posted January 29, 2013 We've got one of those cheesy little "greenhouses" consisting of 3 shelves covered by clear plastic bag. It is sitting in the window, growing herbs (the legal kind). Wife uses them most nights. The cilantro is to die for, really. Come spring she'll get lettuce and tomatoes growing to get a start on outdoor planting. Jeff Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #6 Posted January 30, 2013 copperhead....Sorry, I wasn't trying to rain on your parade, just thought I would add a little "funny"....(I really do know of this guy....I actually helped the State Police cut it down and haul it out) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
copperhead 38 #7 Posted January 30, 2013 copperhead....Sorry, I wasn't trying to rain on your parade, just thought I would add a little "funny"....(I really do know of this guy....I actually helped the State Police cut it down and haul it out) No problem...I didn't respond to your comment due to my right to remain silent.. I'm really growing lettuce...REALLY. :laughing-rofl: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redidbull 54 #8 Posted January 30, 2013 I have started seeds indoors but have never grown full size plants. I had a timer set up to give the plants about 16 hrs of light. I sometimes used grow bulbs but mostly standard florescent bulbs. I used a Home Depot covered seed starter with the cover and put it next to the heat vent until they sprout. Then put them under the lights. Have the lights close to the plants and raise them as they grow or they get "leggie". Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prater 75 #9 Posted February 12, 2013 You should see the Hydroponic Gardens at Disney World's Epcot Center. I planned to try it one time using 4 inch pvc pipe with baskets and medium in the pipe. After figuring the cost of the pump all the plumbing and baskets I decided to wait until a better time in life to try. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
