Tips and Tools
The following images and comments are intended to support one's experimentation into hydroponic gardening.
The following images and comments are intended to support one's experimentation into hydroponic gardening.
Tips
Tips
Tip: Make sure the container doesn't leak prior to set up with nutrients.
Tip: Mix nutrient solution in a bucket and then pour into the container. This allows for the initial chemical reaction when combining vinegar solution with fertilizer to occur in the bucket rather than in the container where the reaction can cause micro leaks.
Tip: If plants begin to exhibit nutrient deficiency, check the pH of the solution. At a pH of 7.5, iron uptake by the plant roots becomes limiting. Note nutrient deficiency in this spinach plant.
Tools
Tools
A pH meter or pH testing strips along with a Total Dissolved Solids meter are essential tools for setting up and monitoring the nutrient solution,
A drill with a two inch hole bore makes the job of preparing the container much easier. Utility knife and or craft knife are also useful.
Buckets to measure and mix the nutrient solution. Also, a dedicated set of measuring spoons is handy.
Leaf miners and white flies can be problematic. Suspending yellow sticky tape near the plants helps to manage this problem.
Mod Podge for outdoors includes a sealant to water proof the container. Yes all purpose glue does not contain a sealant.
Garden seal is a safe non toxic sealant. If using Yes glue, follow with a coat of sealant to waterproof container.