From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Covington,Va

I would like to experiment with hydroponics and buld an easy set up. Is there anything that is easy to make, that don't cost a lot?

3/10/2009 6:14:36 PM

Whidbey Island

General Hydroponics has fairly inexpensive pre-built set ups. Check 'em out.
generalhydroponics.com

3/10/2009 9:13:36 PM

Pennsylvania

You can give it a shot, but hydroponics is for the most part unconventional and ineffective for growing AG's.

3/10/2009 9:50:15 PM

ExtremeVegetables.com

I've helped Amigatec build a simple yet efficient system at my place. You may want to check out his set up, I do not know of a less expensive system to build and use. The system is effective and produces superior results.
Materials consist of:
5 gallon bucket
aquarium pump
air stones
hose and t's from pump to stones
Net pot "used for pond plants"
medium, preferably leca "expanded clay pebbles"

As with any hydroponic system EC/ppm and pH levels must be closely monitored.

I wouldn't say that hydroponics is ineffective for growing an AG, just not practical. I've done it in the past and it's been done for several years at Disney's Epcot center. The greatest problem in doing so is building one large enough to contain the plant. A practical plan may be to start the seed in a hydroponic system such as an ebb and flow system and allow the secondaries to root into soil.

3/11/2009 7:36:45 AM

Rhode Island

i to have toyed with the hydroponics idea only because if effective the diseases we associate with soil could be eliminated.
in the end though a pumpkin plant has to many roots to effectively use a hydroponic system. unlike a tomato or other veggie that has only one root mass.

3/11/2009 7:37:52 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

When I did grow the hydroponic pumpkin I had 11 plants going at that time. The hydroponic AG was far healthier looking than the other 10 plants I had in the patch.

3/11/2009 7:39:11 AM

ExtremeVegetables.com

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryView.asp?season=2004&grower=27505&action=L

3/11/2009 7:42:36 AM

Bristol,RI,USA.

I use a mix of hydroponics and conventional on my plants running an ez flow tub under the tap root on the main vine before and after the pumpkin to direct feed and it has work well for me. You can control the feed mix to feed or medicate the entire plant

calcubit

3/11/2009 9:49:00 AM

Alaska

Check this out Kat94. http://www.freshplaza.com/2005/15aug/n2_us_largevegs.htm

3/11/2009 12:56:34 PM

Covington,Va

Thank You so much for the suggestions!

3/13/2009 2:53:41 PM