-Chris Amaya- Beneficial bacteria is the heart and soul in all living soil that lays beneath our feet, but when it comes to observing beneficials in hydroponics we learn that microbes are not only for organics. The constant interaction between bacteria and plants play a large role in factoring soil fertility and plant health. Although there are hundreds and hundreds types of microorganisms on this earth, plants especially thrive when they have a good mix of mycorrhizae, bacteria, and … [Read more...] about More About Marvelous Microbes
hydroponic gardening
Beneficial Microorganisms and Why We Love Them
-Luis Guerra- Working indoors with hydroponics or bagged soil is a great way to get the results you need without some of the hardships that arise when growing outdoors. But some thing indoor plants are not exposed to that is crucial in plant development and health is beneficial microbes and fungus. Just beneath our feet, these microorganisms are quietly working symbiotically in nature to enhance plant health. Lucky for us there are devoted scientists studying and identifying which of … [Read more...] about Beneficial Microorganisms and Why We Love Them
Autopots All The Way
Many people have the desire to learn about hydroponics, but many times they are intimidated by all of the pumps, timers, and equipment associated with the hobby. Here’s a spotlight on one of the systems we feel is a great starting point for automation without needing to have a full understanding of hydroponics. The Autopot is one of our favorites because it is so easy to maintain. Unlike other growing systems, the Autopot does not require electrical power, making it reliable and easy just … [Read more...] about Autopots All The Way
Advantages of Ebb & Flow
-Gabrial House- Today we are going to look at the advantages of setting up an Ebb & Flow hydroponic garden. Ebb & Flow also known as “flood and drain” is an effective, easy to use, hydroponic system for both expert and novice gardeners alike. Ebb & Flow consists of a flood tray, tray stand, reservoir, and pump. You will also need a couple feet of black vinyl tube, ebb and flow outlets, and screens. The setup is super simple. The flood tray sits on the tray stand above … [Read more...] about Advantages of Ebb & Flow
It’s As Simple As Water
-Gabrial House- Water is the lifeblood of any plant growth. When choosing to grow plants hydroponically, a clean fresh water source is the foundation of success. The water acts as a catalyst to the plant for transporting nutrients and oxygen, which is a key element of a plant’s life cycle. In this blog we will go over appropriate sources of clean water, water temperature, and the maintenance of a healthy root system. Whether you are growing indoors or out, selecting the right water … [Read more...] about It’s As Simple As Water
Hydroponic Growing Media (Part 2)
-Luis Guerra- In my last submission for the Fifth Season blog, I spoke about three types of media used in hydroponic growing: Canna coco, expanded clay pebbles by Hydrocorn, and Sunleaves ‘Rocks.’ These are all great choices, but they are not the only options available. This post will cover three additional growing media for use in hydroponic growing. Let’s start by talking about rockwool. Produced by heating basalt rock and chalk into a molten lava, rockwool is then spun out (sort of … [Read more...] about Hydroponic Growing Media (Part 2)
Hydroponic Growing Media (Part 1)
-Luis Guerra- One of the first questions we get asked at Fifth Season when someone is just starting out in hydroponics is, “What is the best medium to grow in?” In this blog post, I will share my experience with various growing media, as well as feedback I have gathered from professionals within the industry. First, let’s get an understanding of what growing media are. Media are materials that physically support plant growth. A good medium supplies a plant’s roots with enough air … [Read more...] about Hydroponic Growing Media (Part 1)
Signature Hydroponic Products from our Top Lines at Fifth Season
Every hydroponic nutrient line has their very own signature product(s). Normally their signature product is unlike any other product found on the market. Countless hours of research are invested into the uniqueness and potency of these products. I have put together a few items I personally believe to be unique within the industry myself. All of these products should be available for purchase at your local Fifth Season Gardening store. First on my list is Canna Boost. Canna Boost is a … [Read more...] about Signature Hydroponic Products from our Top Lines at Fifth Season
Hydroponic Lettuce, Simple!
Hydroponic lettuce is surprisingly easy to grow and a great confidence builder for a beginner hydro enthusiast, myself included. I work part time at Fifth Season Carrboro (one year this month!). When I first started working at the store, there were several young guys who were enthusiastic about hydro and took care of that part of the business. They were dialed in, and it was all a mystery to me. My husband was more enthusiastic than I was. But as I watched the plants cycling in and out of … [Read more...] about Hydroponic Lettuce, Simple!
Chelation: Crucial for hydroponic gardening
Chelation: the interaction between a metal ion and a chelating agent. Chelating Agent: Chemicals that form soluble, complex molecules with certain metal ions, inactivating the ions so that they cannot normally react with other elements or ions. Now that we've gotten the definitions out of the way, here's a quick explainer on why understanding chelation (key-LAY-shun) is vital for hydroponics gardening: The nutrients you mix up to form solutions in water are charged metal ions. … [Read more...] about Chelation: Crucial for hydroponic gardening
