Your Resource for Homesteading and Gardening Information

Square Foot Gardening Flowers | 9 Best Varieties To Plant

A wide variety of flowers growing in a square foot garden.

In square foot gardening, you’ll want flowers that do well in small spaces and don’t become unruly or spread abundantly. The best choices of flowers to plant in a square foot garden include: 1. Marigolds: Compact Beauty Among the many options for square foot gardening, marigolds stand out for their compact growth habit and vibrant …

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Hydroponic Berries | Best Types, System Setup & Growing Tips

A variety of berries piled in a bowl and spilling over onto a table.

If you’re a berry enthusiast with a green thumb itching for a new challenge, look no further. Hydroponic berry cultivation offers an exciting alternative to traditional soil-based gardening, promising an abundance of luscious fruits right at your fingertips. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll uncover the ins and outs of growing berries hydroponically, from selecting the …

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DWC Hydroponics for Beginners | Full Step-by-Step Guide

The upper portion of a simple DWC hydroponic setup.

DWC hydroponics offers a soil-less oasis where beginners and seasoned growers alike can cultivate lush, vibrant vegetation with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the basics of DWC hydroponics, everything from a suitable reservoir and growing media to air pumps and temperature control so you can uncover the secrets to bountiful harvests and discover …

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Is PVC Safe for Hydroponics? Leaching and Other Concerns

Rows of seedlings under grow lights with several PVC pipes in front of them.

PVC is durable, cost-effective, and resistant to corrosion, making it popular in hydroponics. However, leaching of harmful substances is possible if you are not using unplasticized PVC. Alternatives exist, like polyethylene and stainless steel, which balance safety and sustainability. Understanding the material you’re using can lead to a safer, more efficient hydroponic system. Understanding PVC …

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Guide To Using Hydroponic Nutrients for Plants Grown in Soil

A gardener using a metal watering can to water outdoor potted plants with hydroponic nutrients.

You can boost your soil-grown plants’ growth by using hydroponic nutrients if you follow the correct steps. First, ensure the nutrients are compatible with soil environments, and opt for products that work well in both setups. Verify their solubility to avoid nutrient lockout. Adjust the soil’s pH to between 5.5 and 6.5, integrate compost for …

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Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics vs. Aeroponics – Key Differences

A variety of fresh produce on a table with the words Hydroponics, Aquaponics, and Aeroponics.

Hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics are soilless cultivation methods with distinct attributes. Hydroponics immerses roots in nutrient-rich solutions, demanding precise nutrient and pH management. It’s efficient but needs regular solution changes. Aquaponics blends aquaculture and hydroponics, circling nutrients from fish waste to plants. It requires a balance between fish health and plant nutrients, with a higher …

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8 Best Tomato Varieties for Hydroponics With Growing Tips

A large variety of tomatoes covering an entire table.

For your hydroponic garden, consider top-performing tomato varieties like Sweet Million for prolific yield and flavor, Brandywine for size and taste, Roma VF for disease resistance, Tami G for compact growth, Cherokee Purple for unique flavor, Big Beef for reliability, Gardener’s Delight for sweetness, and Sungold for a tropical taste. Each variety requires specific care, …

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How To Grow Hydroponic Melons of All Types Successfully

A variety of melons on a rustic table.

To grow hydroponic melons successfully, start by picking the right varieties. Opt for those that thrive in hydroponic settings, like compact and disease-resistant types. When choosing your system type, consider scalability and spacing limitations. Keep your water’s pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and ensure it’s rich in nutrients. Use adjustable LED lights, and control the …

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Hydroponic Spinach | Getting Started & Key Growing Tips

Freshly harvested spinach leaves in a wooden bowl on a kitchen counter.

To start growing hydroponic spinach, select a scalable system like modular Deep Water Culture (DWC) for easy expansion. Opt for LED grow lights to customize the light spectrum, which enhances photosynthesis and growth. Balance macronutrients and micronutrients in your nutrient solution, ensuring water purity with a reverse osmosis system. Plant your spinach seeds in a …

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