What is hydroponics?

From the Latin “working water”, hydroponics simply means growing plants without soil by supplying all needed nutrients in the plant’s water supply.

 

How much space is required to have indoor garden?

Any space can be converted into a garden. If this is your first time gardening indoors, you may want to try a couple of different sized plants on the first cycle. This will help you find the proper size and height of plant to fruit or flower.

 

What is the difference between Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium lighting systems?

Although both types of lighting systems appear very similar, the main difference becomes readily apparent when you turn them on. A Halide system emits a balanced white light similar to the spectrum of sunlight. This type of light promotes vegetative growth. A Sodium system emits a light spectrum and gives off a warmer colored light. This type of light helps stimulate a plant to produce flowers and fruit.

 

You can calculate the approximate cost by using the following: kWh (Kilowatt/hour rate in your area) x kW (bulb wattage) x H (hours in use per Day) x D (days used per month) = approximate monthly cost.

 

How often do I need to replace my bulbs?

We recommend that HPS bulbs should be replaced at least every 12 months (8 months or less is ideal). MH bulbs should be replaced every 9 months (6 months or less is ideal) for maximum efficiency. The use of a light meter would be the best and most accurate way in which to measure your bulbs output as well as to help with bulb replacement timing.

 

What kind of maintenance is required for a hydroponic setup?

Maintaining hobby hydroponic systems is really very easy, requiring a minimal amount of time. Daily maintenance should take no more than about 5 minutes, just checking to make sure the nutrient reservoir is topped off and the pH levels are correct. Every couple of weeks, your nutrient solution should be replaced with a fresh batch. The old nutrient can be used to water houseplants or landscape plants around the home.

 

What is a recommend lighting schedule for Vegetation and Flowering?

For Clones/Seedlings and Vegetative Growth use an 18 hours on/6 hours off lighting schedule. In order to induce your plants to flower we recommend subjecting your plants to a 12 hours on/12 hours off lighting schedule.

 

What size (wattage) lighting system do I need?

There are two things to consider when deciding what size lighting system to use: the actual area in which the plants will be taking up, and how tall you want your plants to grow. 150-175 watt lights are primarily used for seedlings or cuttings, though they can be used for growing plants to maturity if the plants are kept short. 250 watt systems are good for areas up to 2.5' square at the most, as long as the plants don't get taller than about 2'. 400 watt systems cover a primary area of about 3' x 3', or up to 4' x 4' max. 600 watt systems cover a primary area of about 4' x 4', or up to 5' x 5' max. 1000 watt systems cover from 4' x 6' up to 5' x 7'. The taller you plan to grow your plants, the higher the wattage needed. This is because the light intensity diminishes by 50% for every foot you move away from the bulb. So, if your plants reach 4' tall, then the leaves at the bottom of the plant are receiving only around 12% of the light that the top of the plant is getting!

 

How do I take clones from a plant?

Select a branch or stem that has at least 2 or 3 sets of leaves. Locate a spot on the branch between, or next to, a set of leaf nodes where your cut will be made (leaf nodes are where the branches come out of the stem). Leave at least one set of nodes above the cut. Make a clean, neat, 45 degree slice with a razor blade or knife. It is important that you do not damage the branch while handling. Remove the lower 1 or 2 sets of branches (stems and leaves), leaving the upper sets of leaves to be placed above the growing medium line. Trim any flowers or buds that remain (if necessary; refer to picture below). To prevent an air bubble (embolism) from lodging in the stem where the cut is, immediately dip the base of the cutting into a quality cloning gel, like Olivia’s or RooTech. Place cutting into your growing medium. Keep your growing medium moist and warm with bottom heat at all times for best results. Never let your growing medium dry out. Check your growing medium and transfer cuttings once roots appear or a strong root ball is established.

 

What book would you recommend for a beginning grower, an intermediate grower and an advanced grower?

Beginners

Gardening Indoors by George van Patten – This book contains everything a grower needs to know about indoor hydroponic growing. It is detailed and easy to read. Every grower should have a copy of this book from beginners to experts. 

Intermediate

Hydroponic Questions and Answers by Howard Resh– This book is for the seasoned grower, and will help the grower to reach the maximum production from their garden.

Expert

Hydroponic Food Production by Howard Resh – This book is for the serious commercial hydroponic grower.