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Hydroponic Systems.

We have a hydroponic outlet near to where we live and I've been on the website this morning - not a lot of information but an interesting variety of equipment . Done a bit of research and I would like to know if anyone has used this system and if so I would appreciate their comments. My questions being - would it be possible to start with a small system and how much room do they take up? I've only heard of hydroponics systems being used in a large growing capacity and would one be suitable for home use. My only experience of water culture is growing cuttings on a windowledge so I guess it would be something similar albeit on a larger scale. Thanks Jean.

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  • Gary HobsonGary Hobson Posts: 1,892

    I think it's an interesting idea, for those who want to grow some of their own food. If the bulk of the country's tomatoes are actually grown this way, then it obviously works, and very successfully.

    TV gardener David Domoney exhibited a show garden at Hampton Court a little while ago, and the main feature was a number of ornamental plants, such as Zantedeschia, growing hydroponically. It's visually eye-catching, and impressive.

    I think hydroponics has a long way to go for amateurs, but I know nothing more.

  • Jean GenieJean Genie Posts: 1,724

    I agree Gary , I read an article in our local paper about it so thought I might investigate .I have no idea what it involves but may take a trip up there to have a look around - worth a visit maybe.  Thanks.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,945

    There used to be a store selling hydroponic systems not too far from here - think they were sold mainly to people wanting to grow marijuana in their attics - reputedly the same store also sold the seeds and lights needed.  It closed down a few years ago and became a takeaway


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jean GenieJean Genie Posts: 1,724

    Omg ! As far as I know this is a bona-fida factory - it's not a store and there was a review about it in our local paper stating who they supply and they have a website . I didn't have anything like that in mind - honest !!!

  • FloBearFloBear Posts: 2,281

    Jean, I am using the Autopot system for the first time this year. I have six pots fed from a tank and it takes up one side of the 8ft greenhouse. My sister has been using it for a couple of years with 8 pots and, being a bit of an intermittent waterer like me, she swears by it. You can start with just 2 but it doesn't seem worth the bother for so few. Everything seems to be happening rather slowly but I'm sure that's just the lack of sun and insect activity rather than anything else.

  • Hydroponic Systems are totally relateted with gardening work. It was starteted in 17th century.

  • Anyone interested in hydroponics should check out www.hanginggardenuk.com

    Tomatoes on left were grown hydroponically

  • Zoomer44Zoomer44 Posts: 3,267

    My fathers neighbour, unknowingly to everyone on the road, several years ago,  grew marijuana very successfully in the bedrooms of his house, using a hydroponic system with heat lights.

    It was two large terrace properties knocked into one and used to be a hotel so there were quite a few bedrooms. When dad said he'd seen people sat in cars watching the house next door, we thought it was part of his illness, and he was going senile image - why would anyone want to be watching dad's neighbours house, we asked ourselves - he even rang the police to raise his concerns and said he was being ignored ...turned out the police had the house under surveillanceimage. It caused quite a stir when it hit the local paper and the neighbour was arrested.

    So, on the subject of hydroponic systems I would imagine with the correct equipment they are very successful in growing plants.

  • Tried these systems made my own to grow toms, much better to make a wooden tray line it with black polythene from a builders merchent or garden centre, use a soaker hose in the bottom of the tray and fill it with compost, then water as the plants need it, if this is in a greenhouse then very little if any will me needed in the winter, where you can grow winter lettuce.
  • I'm thinking of using a Hydroponic system next season in the greenhouse. Can anyone tell me if you can reuse the clay balls that are used in some of these systems. I saw a hydroponic system in use in Holland this year and it was just amazing to see, so thought I would give it a go.

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