Hello Friends
It's getting CRAZY out there.
We're seeing more threats to our health and well being.
I'll start posting more on my blog. I'm still on my low carb journey. Working to get BACK ON TRACK. If you live the LCHF, PALEO, or KETO lifestyle you know all about CARB CREEP. I'm struggling to lose 50 pounds. I lost 160 when I first started my LCHF lifestyle. Now more than 10 years later I've put an unwanted 50 pounds back on. There was an injury that required surgery and a long recovery that helped the weight gain. But CARB CREEP has a lot to do with it. I'm making an effort to get back on the wagon.
SO NOW, I'm going to be posting here more often.
The Tanks
It's been a fairly mild winter here in central Kentucky. We did have a short bitter cold spell. I've seen worse. No matter the outside weather I still have an indoor garden in a spare bedroom turned office and now hydroponic room. I use the Kratky Method. It's so simple. No hoses, no pumps. Just set it and forget it. It's so nice to be able to harvest fresh greens in the comfort of your home, in your pajamas. YEAR ROUND.
I've planted many vegetables. A few of my favorites that are so easy are. Kale, Spinach, Lettuce, and Onions. I've planted Tomatoes, Peppers, and even Bush Cucumbers. I love to make my own Kale chips. I'll post more on that.
Here is my Kratky Hydroponic garden. I use 10 gallon Rubbermaid Totes I buy used at Goodwill. New Rubbermaid Totes will cost about $20 each. Used ones from Goodwill run around $3. I found the 10 gallon to be the best size.
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| Used 10 Gallon Rubbermaid Totes from Goodwill Stores |
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Used 10 Gallon Rubbermaid Totes from Goodwill.
Color doesn't matter. Make sure you get lids to go with them.
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| Use a Hole Cutter to cut various size holes for Net Pots |
Net Pots
You will need to cut holes in the Rubbermaid tote lids. If you buy used totes from Goodwill stores make sure you buy ones with lids. If you can't find them with lids, you can always use styrofoam sheets cut to size. You can buy the green styrofoam insulation board from a hardware store and cut it to size your self. Use a hole saw the size of the net pots you will be using in the tote. I use 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch Net Pots.
The next thing you have to consider is nutrients for your tanks. There are many sources of nutrients available. I've tried a few different ones. There are organic nutrients. And you can make your own. Learn more about nutrients here.
Along with nutrients you should have to consider water. I do not recommend tap water. I use rain water. I have several 275 gallon IBC totes hooked to the downspouts on my shop. If you use IBC totes make sure you use food grade.
Grow Lights
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LED Grow Lights
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The nice thing about hydroponics is you can grow indoors or outdoors. If you have a green house or bright sunroom that's all the light you need.
If you are going to be growing indoors you will need grow lights. I started out with Fluorescent tube grow lights. I still have them. NOW I use LED grow lights. LEDs are much lighter, cheaper and cost about half to operate than the fluorescent lights.
Planting Medium
You will need Planting Medium to put in your net pots to start your seeds and grow plants.
There are a couple things you can use. Some people use Rock Wool, some use Coconut Coir. I've tried both. I prefer the Coconut Coir. Coir, also called coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of the coconut.
Here is a picture of Coconut Coir in Net Pots, ready to plant and place in the Rubbermaid Tanks
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| It's So Simple. Harvest Fresh Vegetable Year Round |
So you see, it's very simple and inexpensive to have fresh vegetables all year round in the comfort of your own home. You can grow for yourself if you're single. For a family, and even grow to market.
With the all the uncertainties we face, with rising food costs, chemicals in the food.
NOW IS THE TIME TO GROW YOUR OWN.
