Episode 129 - Indoor Gardening
Segment #2 - Hydroponics
Activity - Hydroponics

Hydroponics means the growing of plants in a nutrient liquid instead of soil.

LET'S GET STARTED:

Here are some tips on growing vegetables and flowers using hydroponics:

1. You can use any clean container that will hold at least six inches of water.
2. It is important to use a nutrient solution fertilizer made especially for hydroponics. Add one teaspoon of fertilizer per gallon of water. Hydroponics fertilizers are available at garden stores, some hardware stores, and nurseries, or search online for hydroponic gardening website
3. Start seeds in floral foam oasis that will soak and absorb water. Peat pots are an alternative that you can use. Follow the directions on the seed package to determine how deep and how far apart you should plant your seeds. Examples: lettuce seeds should be barely covered, and they should be planted at least 4 inches apart. Most flower seeds can be planted closer together.
4. Insert the absorbent floral foam chunk containing the seeds into a sheet of styrofoam that has holes cut out just large enough to hold the floral foam. Make sure the styrofoam goes from edge to edge of your container so that no light can get in.
5. Light is critical to growing the plants on top. However, the roots need complete darkness. If your container is not dark, algae may grow and it will consume nutrients that should be feeding your plant. Cover the container with cardboard or aluminum foil or any other material that will block out all light.
6. Constantly check the level of the water to keep it at a minimum of 6 inches, because it will evaporate.
7. Plants grown with hydroponics can be successfully transplanted outdoors, provided the climate is right. Consult your seed package.
8. It is always fun to stagger the planting of lettuce and other vegetables, so that you always have a fresh supply. Plant new seeds regularly every 3-4 weeks, and you will enjoy fresh salads throughout the winter months!

OTHER ACTIVITIES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Terrarium
Shark-erarium
Hydroponics
Hydroponics
Pasta Tutto Giardino
Pasta Tutto Giardino