The first time I ever came across a hydroponic system, my brain shrieked and ran for the door. At that moment, I couldn't get my mind to move beyond soil. The intricate web of tubes, PVC pipes, and fittings complete with lights and bubbly sounds seemed as easy to grasp as a math placement test for NASA students. Once I talked my brain down off the ledge, I found learning hydroponics to be relatively simple. It basically comes down to gravity, timers, and understanding how water and … [Read more...] about The Hydroponic Chronicles, Act 1: Going Deep with Water Culture
Hydroponics
From the Books to Grow on Page: How to Hydroponics
How-To Hydroponics by Keith Roberto How-to-books tend to be as portly as a "War and Peace" novel. Attention spans are on the decrease, yet books on difficult subjects can't shake the excess pages. Luckily, Keith Roberto's indepth guide, "How-to Hydroponics", sacrifices the fluff in favor of efficient facts. Weighing in at a mere 104 pages, "How-To Hydro", simplifies the complicated world of growing in water. Roberto not only provides layman term explanations on things like color … [Read more...] about From the Books to Grow on Page: How to Hydroponics
Indoor Grow Lights: Bringing Couches and Tomatoes Together Act Three
The last section on indoor grow lights explained the tiny attributes of the timid looking (but ferocious) T5 fluorescent bulb. The next two bulbs, the Metal Halide and the High Pressure Sodium, are much larger in stature and light output. However, their reputation alone can occasionally send the fledgling indoor gardener into a state of internal panic. Hellish images of five digit power bills dancing around a bonfire of cash frequent the paranoid mind. The fears have some validity. … [Read more...] about Indoor Grow Lights: Bringing Couches and Tomatoes Together Act Three
Indoor Grow Lights: Bringing Couches and Tomatoes Together Part Dos
The T-5 Bulb: Friend of Plants and Wallets Everywhere The first glance at a T5 fluorescent bulb will elicit snickers from the unaware. Eyes used to the bulkiness of a T8 or T12 fluorescent grow bulb will look at the slender T5 and ponder if the lighting industry has a cog loose. Ecologically speaking, Al Gore would pin a medal on the lithe grow light. It's constructed with 40% less glass than the T8 as well as 30 % less phosphor. The T5 contains only 3 mg of mercury, which is 70% less … [Read more...] about Indoor Grow Lights: Bringing Couches and Tomatoes Together Part Dos
From Books to Grow on Page: Gardening Indoors with Soil & Hydroponics
Gardening Indoors with Soil & Hydroponics By George F. Van Patten The word ,“bible”, is frequently used to describe an indispensable book. Unfortunately, it gets tossed around more than breadcrumbs at a duck infested lake. Still, it’s hard not to call George Van Patten’s book the holy script of indoor growing. “Gardening Indoors” caulks every topic crevice and is complete with over 600 photos and step by step instructions on subjects like room ventilation and plant … [Read more...] about From Books to Grow on Page: Gardening Indoors with Soil & Hydroponics
Indoor Grow Lights: Bringing Couches and Tomatoes Together Part 1
Inside grow lights can be a daunting thing to the untrained brain. Scary images of astronomical light bills and out of whack feng shui frighten folks unwilling to investigate the potential of indoor growing. Yes, high energy consumption is a valid concern, but smart planning (i.e. mapping out exactly what veggies, herbs, or flowers to grow inside) can deride some of the costs; not to mention the deep well of satisfaction derived when contrasting the grey blahs outside to the floras of reds, … [Read more...] about Indoor Grow Lights: Bringing Couches and Tomatoes Together Part 1
Introducing: How the @#$% did they grow that?
Due to the growing number of plants in Fifth Season, we felt the need to give them a voice. Periodically, we will introduce a plant grown in our store, as well as the fertilizing and environmental techniques we use. Thus, the intro to our new page--"How the @#%& did the grow that?" Below is a sample of things to come. Enjoy! Plants retain their mystique for many reasons. Some provide nourishment that can't be replicated in labs. Others show off their beauty more arrogantly than a … [Read more...] about Introducing: How the @#$% did they grow that?
A Cut Above: Act Two.
A successful clone can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a grower. Essentially, a gardener-turned-cloner steps into the triad role of surgeon, scientist, and anal retentive clean freak. Preparation is key (consult, "A Cut Above: Act I" for cloning mise en place) as well as a sanitary environment. Ready? 1) Once the prized plant has been selected, take a sharp clean blade and make a 45 degree cut across branches two to four inches long. Before putting the clone into the grow … [Read more...] about A Cut Above: Act Two.
A Cut Above. Act I.
Human nature relishes in caging a fleeting moment. Photographs, videos, or journals capture events that would otherwise erode in the mind over time. The same can be applied when a person looks at a favorite plant that will expire at the season change. Fortunately, those moments of plant bonding (through eating fruits, admiring foliage, etc.) can continue with some easy science. The most common form of propagation (besides the sexual form of seed dispersing) is through the asexual or … [Read more...] about A Cut Above. Act I.
Friday Favorites: Nature’s Nog
The great duos of our society--Peanut Butter and Jelly, Burger and Fries, Hall and Oates--will always be a part of our everyday pleasure. Sure, they're good apart, but once united, the impact is exponentially infinite. In the growing world, a duos' impact can turn a meek plot into a thriving garden. One of the best combinations for this transformation is the union of humate and seaweed extracts, more specifically found in Nature's Nog. This organic growth stimulant was developed by Dr. T.L. … [Read more...] about Friday Favorites: Nature’s Nog
