Smart Gardening Tips

Flower gardens are simple to install and easy to care for. They do, however, require a basic understanding of the natural conditions of your garden as well as the specific needs of the individual flowers. Different flowers have different requirements. Annuals, for example, live for only one season, require a bit more maintenance than perennials and, since they die after the first hard frost, need be replanted each year. Perennials, on the other hand, flower for a period each year and grow larger each season. They die back to the ground in the winter but reemerge the following spring.

Determine which flowers do well in your climate and research their sun and soil requirements. Some flowers thrive in the sun while other prefer a little shade. Also, though most plants prefer organic, nutrient rich soil, some will do actually do better in well drained sandy soil.

Perennials bloom either early in the spring, during the middle of summer or late in the summer and into autumn. To achieve a constant bloom throughout the season, plant many different species. Iris, bleeding heart and a variety of bulbs are notable early bloomers. Daylily and hosta bloom in the middle of summer while aster and sedum “autumn joy” are perfect for late season color. Annuals bloom continuously from spring right through the fall up until the first frost. A mixture of annuals and perennials in the garden ensures a colorful garden from spring until fall.

Plan a garden which compliments your house and overall landscape. For instance, mixing different heights, colors, and varieties of flowers together in a cottage garden style will give your garden a rustic look which is quite appropriate for a country setting. If you want a more formal feel, consider a rectangular garden with a symmetrical layout.

Planting your annuals and perennials is easy. After you have prepared your garden by tilling the soil and adding some compost and peat moss, arrange your flowers in the new bed according to a design drawn out before hand. Make sure you like the layout and that the plants are adequately spaced. To plant, simply dig a hole about twice the size of the plant’s root system and place the flower in the hole then back fill the hole with the some soil, tamp it down and water. All plants, including perennials and annuals, should be planted at the level of the finish grade of your garden.

In you want a low maintenance flower garden, limit your annuals and plant a variety of perennials. Perennials, though quite adaptable to a number of garden conditions, can benefit from an early spring feeding. Slow release fertilizer is very effective in the flower garden as it provides nutrients over the course of an entire season. Another way to provide nutrients to your flowers is to spread a layer of organic compost on the garden each spring.

Flower gardening is very rewarding. Simply decide what flowers you like, plant them and be sure they receive the proper care. Flower gardening gives people excellent reason to spend some outdoors and test out their green thumb.



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Ozone generators are one of the latest, most effective solutions to the problem of air purification when it comes to indoor gardening. Hydroponics indoor gardening can be a rewarding activity, allowing you to enjoy seasonal plants, fruits and vegetables year around. However, without a proper air purification system in place, you’ll soon wind up with a heavy, unpleasant musty smell due to the organic wastes that are a product of indoor gardening. Ozone generators can be among the most valuable gardening supplies you can have.

Traditional Air Purification

Most air filters use activated carbon. The carbon is activated by oxygenation, which results in millions of microscopic pores on the surface of the granules. These “micropores” trap organic particles that cause unpleasant odors resulting from hydroponic gardening.

The main drawback of activated carbon filters is that they can only absorb a limited amount of organic contaminants; except for chlorine, they are useless for filtering inorganic substances, and in any event, must be replaced regularly.

Some companies offer carbon filters in which the granules have been treated with polymers or volatile oils, increasing their effectiveness in trapping and absorbing the odor-causing micro-organisms. Nonetheless, these to have limits and must be switched out at regular intervals.

HEPA filters, while tremendously effective in eliminating many contaminants, have the same drawback – they must be replaced at regular intervals.

The Beauty of Ozone

You may have heard of ozone in science news; it actually occurs naturally in the planet’s upper atmosphere. You’ve also probably smelled it if you have ever been around electric toy trains.

Ozone is what is known as an allotrope of oxygen; instead of a single molecule, it results from the bonding of three oxygen molecules. Most people don’t realize it, but oxygen is actually toxic in large amounts; therefore, ozone is triply toxic.

This is actually a good thing, however; instead of simply absorbing and trapping odors, ozone generators actually destroy indoor gardening odors at their source by killing off the micro-organisms that cause them – including mold, mildew and various kinds of bacteria.

ozone generators have been used for a long time in a wide variety of air purification applications. Available at most online and brick-and-mortar retail outlets that deal in hydroponics supplies, ozone generators have been used to clean and sanitize those difficult-to-clean HVAC systems in the ductwork of residential homes, commercial buildings and sea-going vessels.

Although ozone generators are not the cheapest indoor gardening supplies you’ll invest in your hydroponics gardening career, they definitely have the highest performance-to-cost ratio – and best of all, there are no filters to replace! Ozone generators give you the most air purification “bang” for the buck.



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If you’re planning the construction of a greenhouse on your property you’ve probably already purchased a kit of some sort and are looking forward to putting everything together.  But when you do construct this greenhouse, you need to remember that you’ll probably need some greenhouse supplies in order to get it up and running and to maintain it as well.  People often don’t realize that there are things they need to purchase separately from their kit but without certain greenhouse supplies you won’t be able to grow and maintain healthy and thriving plants of any type.

 

Heaters are very necessary greenhouse supplies.  While your greenhouse traps sunlight and uses it to keep the structure warm, you still need to use space heaters during the winter months, especially at night.  Many people hook their heaters up to a timer so that it can go on and off automatically and they don’t get it too warm or forget to turn it on altogether.  You can purchase heaters where you purchase greenhouse supplies or use a typical space heater, as long as it’s the appropriate size for your greenhouse.  And speaking of heaters, you’ll also need an electrical outlet for your greenhouse.  You can use a power strip hooked up to an extension cord if you want or buy one especially made for greenhouses.  These too are sold where you purchase greenhouse supplies and work much like power strips in that they plug into the garage or other place where you have electricity.  Of course you can run electricity to your greenhouse if you’re up for the expense but this is very costly.

 

And for those overly hot summer days, shade cloths are important greenhouse supplies as well.  A shade cloth can keep part or all of your greenhouse covered during those very hot daylight hours when you might be getting too much sun in the greenhouse.  You can of course use any type of tarp that you want but it should be something that can withstand the elements and that can be clipped or secured to the greenhouse itself.  Again, look for these where you shop for greenhouse supplies and note the size as well.  Some are very large and these may be too bulky for your house and difficult to use.

 

Thermostats and hydrometers are also necessary greenhouse supplies.  You need to maintain the proper temperature and humidity in order for your plants to thrive.  Grow lights might also be needed so that your plants get adequate light during the off-season.  Many gardening supply centers sell grow lights which are specifically designed for plants.  Like other greenhouse supplies, these can be hooked up to timers so that they can go off at night, as plants need rest and time without light just like humans do.

 

Remember to figure your greenhouse supplies into your budget when shopping for greenhouses, or else you’ll have a beautiful greenhouse but won’t have the necessary equipment in order to maintain it!



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Many of us think of a beautiful garden as an almost unattainable goal, and certainly, a rose garden seems even more intimidating. Rose gardening has earned a reputation as being very difficult, a task only the most ambitious gardener with plenty of time on her hands would undertake. In reality, however, rose gardening just takes a little planning, a bit of maintenance and some patience.

As with any garden, a rose garden should be cleaned regularly. Keeping fallen leaves and other garden debris away from the roots of the plants will enable you to water the plants directly at the roots as well as keep fungus and other problems at bay.

Mulch is a wonderful ally to rose gardens. It weeds away and helps to keep the moisture level of your plants consistent. For this benefit, add mulch to your regular care shortly before the first bloom appears. In winter, careful mulching will protect your roses from a dangerous cycle of freezing and thawing, causing the plant to shift underground, damaging the root system. By reinforcing the plant with several inches of soil and covering that soil with mulch, you will protect the plant’s root system from the harsh conditions of winter and you will see a healthy plant emerge in the spring.

One of the most important tasks in any garden is watering. It is always important to maintain adequate moisture content for your plants, not too wet and certainly not too dry. Both extremes are detrimental to the health of your whole garden. When watering your rose plants, it is essential to water only around the base of the plant. Introducing water to the leaves and stems of the plants invites both rust and fungal diseases to your plants. The roses will enjoy a good root soaking when the weather conditions require it, saturating the soil to a depth of six to eight inches, rather than simply spraying the plants.

Careful feeding of your rose bushes will keep them looking their best throughout their flowering season and will keep the plants healthy during the dormant period. Your local garden center will have many choices for fertilizer for your roses, and you should carefully follow the instructions for the product you have chosen in measuring the fertilizer according to your type of rose. In general, you should feed your roses in early spring, as soon as you can see buds beginning to swell. Feed again after the plants have produced a full bloom. Another feeding should follow in late summer for most climates. If you have a long growing season, a fourth feeding in early October will hold your plants through the winter.

Following just a few simple guidelines will enable you to grow a beautiful rose garden that will add so much to your home landscape. Your effort will pay off with blooming, healthy plants that will be sure to impress your friends and neighbors.



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Snowdrops stand guard over tiny daffodil buds. Daylight is lingering a bit longer. The snow is receding and the robins are returning. The big thaw has begun. There’s no denying the signs. Spring is right around the corner.

If you’re like me, you can’t wait to get your hands into the soil. While you’re holding out for higher temperatures, there’s plenty you can do today to jumpstart the spring gardening season.

Sow Seeds Indoors

Take a trip to your local nursery or home store and buy seeds to start indoors.

In March I like to start annual flowers for my pots and containers. Currently, I have Coleus, Zinnias,

Impatiens, Petunias and Marigolds germinating. Follow the seed packet instructions and you’ll get excellent

results. Some plants will take longer than others to bloom or bear fruit, so plan accordingly. This is also a great time for starting culinary herbs and vegetables. If you’re looking for something new this year, try moonflower vine or cathedral bells to climb your fence or trellis. Both can be started from seed. If you have children, get them involved. Many children have a natural affinity for gardening. It’s a great quality to encourage and nurture in them.

Dust Off The Birdhouses

I put my birdhouses out in early March. Small birds like chickadees will be actively searching for appropriate homes to raise their families. Mine were up for less than 24 hours before the home tours began.

Give Your Garden Tools A Checkup

Take your pruning shears and other cutting tools to your local hardware store for cleaning, oiling and a good sharpening. On a warm day you may want to assess your lawnmower. Take it in for servicing or a tune up now-while you can. Many lawnmower repair centers are swamped shortly after the season starts. It’s one tool you don’t want to be without.

Get Inspired

Order your garden catalogs. Purchase your favorite garden magazines. Here in the northeast, there’s nothing like winter time to remind me how valuable my summer garden space is. Create a wish list of new plants, design features and outdoor furniture. With a little planning, you won’t be overwhelmed when May rolls around.

Seek Out Indoor Gardening Events

In March there are countless indoor garden, flower and landscaping expos. If you can’t find anything in your local area, a day or weekend trip to a flower show might be just what you need. Look for a botanical garden or arboretum with indoor facilities. In my area we have Longwood Gardens. It has year round indoor gardens and the displays are fantastic.

Clean Out Your Beds

As soon as the snow has melted and the weather permits, you can clean out your beds. It’s a good time to rake and clear your planting areas of dead branches, leaves and debris. I like to mulch as soon as possible in the spring, while there’s still plenty of space between the emerging bedding plants.

Learn A Landscape Design Software Program

There are so many inexpensive landscaping software programs available today, many of them under $50.00US. During the winter months you’ll have plenty of time to learn how to operate the system.

Create and sample new designs before digging. Take advantage of the overhead and 360 degree views. Many of the programs now offer a 3D walk through feature. It simulates the experience of walking through an actual garden. You can also advance the garden timeline into the future to see what it will look like when the plants and trees mature. It’s a wonderful creative tool to beat the winter blues!

Call Your Landscaper Now

If you’re planning to use a professional landscaper this year, make sure to schedule your work as far in advance as possible. When the ground is soft enough for digging, landscapers will be working overtime to keep up with the volume.

Book Your Garden Tours Now

Scour the internet for local and regional garden tours. Find out when tickets go on sale and plan ahead.

I’ve often read announcement lists in the newspaper after I’ve already made other plans. There’s nothing like

visiting other people’s gardens for encouragement and inspiration.

I hope these suggestions get you motivated to take action. The sooner you get started on your garden plans-the more time you’ll have to enjoy the rest of the season. Happy Gardening!

© 2007 John Conti



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Cultivating a fresh herb garden is a wonderful adventure. The rewards of herb gardening can be gained from any of the herb use classifications chosen by the herb gardener to grow.  The plants are easy to grow, hearty and for the most part insect free.  The following tips can get the new herb gardener off to a good start.

Sizing The Herb Garden



It is helpful to first diagram your garden.  Determine how much space you will need and this will be determined by the type and amount of plants you want in the garden.  A 4 by 20 foot area should be an ideal size for a kitchen garden.  Each herb should be allocated a 12 by 18 inch area.  The type plant should be considered in plant location.  For instance colorful or frequently used herbs such as basil or parsely should be used as border plants.  Annuals and bi-annuals should be seperated from perennials.

Soil and Site Conditions



The most important component in the herb growing success formula is soil drainage.  Herb plants hate wet feet and will not grow in overly damp ground.  With that in mind let soil drainage be your first consideration when selecting the location of your herb garden.  If you do not have a well drained spot for your garden, not to worry.  A well drained garden area can be created by removing the garden area soil down to 16 inches and then putting down a three inch layer of gravel.  Mix a little sand with the soil you removed earlier and then replace it on top of the gravel.  Now you have a well drained garden plot.  

The soil for herb growing should not be overly rich.  Usually highly fertile soils will cause herb plants to produce more stems and leaves than flavor and aromas.  Some herb plants such as lovage, summer savory, fennel and chervil need small amounts of fertilizer.

Sowing Herb Seed

With few exceptions herbs can be successfully grown from seed by the gardener.  Herbs are resistant to almost all insects and diseases.  One of the few exceptions is that anise, caraway, fennel and dill sometimes bothered by aphids.

It is recommended to sow seeds in boxes in the late winter and then transplant the seed sprouts outside in the garden in the spring.  Herb seeds can be very small so care has to taken to not sow them too deep.  Usually one eight of an inch of soil is sufficient for finer seed like savory, thyme or marjoram.  During germination finer seed should be covered with burlap to keep the soil moist during the process.  Fennel, dill and coriander seed should be planted straight into the garden because they are not amenable to transplanting.

Harvesting Herbs

You can begin harvesting fresh herb leaves as soon as there are enough on the plant to maintain growth after you take what you need.  Good oil content insures excellent flavor and aroma.  The best time to pick leaves or seed heads to get the best oil content is just after the dew has gone away and before the sun gets too hot.

Now you are ready to start your herb garden adventure.



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Container gardening is a great way to decorate and accentuate your house and your outdoor area. Plant containers such as clay urns, metal pans, terra cotta pots, wine tubs, wood boxes, bath tubs, glass bowls, wire baskets, sisal rope planters, cement hollows etc. all work well. You want to be sure to have an assortment of beautiful flowers and plants of varying heights as well as shapes and textures when planning your garden.

Organic gardening requires much more attention and involvement in the whole process. When you grow the plants organically, you do not add any artificial or chemical substances to the soil to avoid their negative health consequences. In organic gardening natural compost is needed to fertilize the soil. Natural compost is derived from plant, fruit or kitchen waste and contains no harmful chemical pesticides in it.

Whether you go for container gardening or organic gardening, the preparation and gardening methods are pretty similar. After you decide on what type of gardening you want to do, prepare your spot and soil for planting. You must remove all weeds, grass, stones, etc using various gardening supplies or herbicides. When this is completed, you can plow the planting area and add nutrients such as manure, compost, peat or sand to the soil. If your soil is too sandy, you will need to add compost to give it the necessary nutrients it needs.

Gardening supplies are essential for good gardening. They make gardening easy, and there are certain gardening supplies that gardeners find indispensable, including gloves, spade, scissors, pruners, levelers etc. Make sure to buy good quality gardening supplies for ease of use, such as gardening gloves made of high quality leather, and gardening spades or pruners made of stainless steel.



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Are you looking for some inside information about gardening? Here’s an up to date report from your garden experts who should know.

Gardening methods are as varied as the gardeners who use them, and it seems like every gardener has his or her own preferred method of achieving a beautiful garden. Many beginning gardeners find that the best way to learn how to garden is directly from an accomplished garden. One of the best ways to find those master gardeners is to join your local garden club. These clubs can be invaluable for the beginning gardener, as the members are able to swap tips and tricks picked up through years of successful gardening.

The importance of proper watering

One of the keys to a successful garden is to water the plants properly. A weekly deep watering is preferable to a daily spray with the hose, as most plants prefer a thorough but deep watering to a frequent more shallow source of water. One great watering method many gardeners use is a soaker hose. A soaker hose is a great way to make sure the roots of the plant get sufficient water.

Grow your own compost

Another thing many experienced gardeners have picked up is the importance of creating their own compost. Using a compost bin is a great way to recycle household waste and turn it into rich organic soil that will be useful for every plant. Items that can be successfully composted include leaves, kitchen scraps and other organic materials. A home compost bin is a great way to reduce the overflow of landfills while helping your garden grow its best.

Composting can also be a great way to balance the pH level of soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. High quality humus, which is the last step in the compost process, is a great, completely natural way to rebalance the pH of soil that has been damaged due to past neglect or chemical use. In addition, a good quality humus contains important nutrients such as iron, phosphorus and manganese, which are often lacking in commercially available fertilizers.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about your garden. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Cultivation methods

After the flowers have been planted, it is best to avoid further deep cultivation. Digging too deeply or too often in the soil can damage the roots of the plants, disturb valuable microorganisms, dry the soil and bring weeds to the surface. It is best to cultivate deeply when preparing the flower bed, then to leave things in place after the flowers have been planted.

Using color in the garden landscape

The beauty of flowers lies greatly in their bright, vibrant colors, and flowers can be used to enhance any landscape. When choosing flowers for the garden and landscape, it is best to choose colors that highlight and enhance those in the landscape. For instance, combining bright, vibrant colors like reds and oranges with more soothing pastels can provide a striking contrast for any area of the garden.

In addition, it has become increasingly popular to combine the home garden with other landscape elements like ponds and waterfalls. These water elements provide a beautiful retreat from the stresses of everyday life.

Landscaping with flowers can even improve the value of your home. Studies have shown that a well landscaped exterior can enhance the resale value of the home, as well as provide a beautiful treat for the senses.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.



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Bell peppers need nutrient rich soil. They do best in well drained soil, and lots of sun. Raised beds are great for bell peppers, with good topsoil, compost, and rotted manure mixed in.

Your bell peppers grow into small bushes, and need lots of air circulation. Give them enough room by spacing them between 12 and 18 inches apart, and in rows at least 24 to 36 inches apart.

Bell peppers need lots of water during germination. You’ll need to keep them moist but not soggy. If they don’t get enough water, they’ll have a bitter taste. You can use mulches to help keep the soil moist.

You’ll know that your bell peppers are ready to harvest when they turn their final color. They can be red, orange, yellow, green, or purple depending on the variety. The more you harvest, the more will grow, so pick them regularly.

Watermelons

Plant your watermelon after the soil is warm and there’s no danger of frost. Watermelons grow best on a sandy soil, and it’s important to plant them on raised mounds.

Watermelon vines need lots of space. Plant seeds one inch deep in hills spaced 6 feet apart. Make your rows 7 to 10 feet apart. After the seedlings start sprouting, it’s a good idea to thin them to about three plants per hill.

Watermelons have deep roots, so you seldom need to water them. In cooler areas, you can get floating row covers, drip irrigation and black plastic mulch to help produce a great crop in a short season.

Watermelons can be hard to tell when they’re ripe. Here’s a list of things to look for:

# Light green, curly tendrils on the stem

# Surface color of the fruit turns dull

# the skin is tough and resist the thumbnail

# The bottom turns a yellowish color.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are sensitive to grow. The seeds need warm soil, and frost can really injure the seedlings. If you want pumpkins for Halloween, plant the seeds from late May in northern locations to early July in southern places.

Pumpkins need a minimum of 50 to 100 square feet per hill. Plant seeds one inch deep, and four or five seeds per hill. Allow 5 to 6 feet between hills, spaced in rows 10 to 15 feet apart. Once they have sprouted, thin each hill to the best two or three plants.

Pumpkin plants need to be kept weed-free by hoeing and shallow cultivation. They do okay with short periods of hot, dry weather.

You’ll know when your pumpkins are ready to be harvested when they are a deep, solid orange, and the rind is hard. This will usually be in late September or early October, before heavy frosts. Cut the pumpkins carefully, using pruning shears or a sharp knife, and leave 3 to 4 inches of stem attached.

Summer Squash

Summer squash needs warm, fertile, and aerated soil. They do well with soil that has compost or well-rotted manure added to it.

One way to grow summer squash is to plant them in a corner of the garden and train the vines to grow outside of the garden. Plant them about 2 feet apart and in rows that are 2 feet apart.

Summer squash need lots of water throughout the growing season. Water them deeply during dry spells. Only water the roots; not the foliage. Watering them early morning helps prevent mildew.

Summer squash are ready to harvest when they turn their mature color (usually green or yellow). Straightneck, crookneck, and zucchini summer squash are ready when they reach 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, while scallop summer squash are ideal at 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

Strawberries

Plant your strawberries in the spring. If you’re planting young plants, be sure that they’re certified and disease frees. Select plants with large crowns with healthy, light-colored roots. Prepare your soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter (like compost, or well rotted manure).

To plant your strawberry plants, make a hole big enough to spread the roots. Make the center of the hole into a hill, and place the crown at soil level. Spread the roots downward, and bury the strawberry plant so that the soil goes half way up the crown.

Your strawberries will need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. This is especially important during the formation of the strawberry, from early bloom until it’s time to pick them.

Pick your strawberries when they’re fully ripened. This means leaving the berries on the plant for a day or two after they are fully colored. To pick them, snap the stem directly above the berry, rather than pulling on the berry itself.



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Ebb and Flow hydroponic systems or reservoir systems are one of the easiest to build and maintain. Simplicity and low cost in setting up make it ideal for home hobbyists. Basic setup consists of a growing tray for plants in containers. Usually used with pebbles, perlite and rockwool gardening mediums. Reservoirs filled with water and hydroponic nutrient solutions are placed under the growing medium. A timer controls the amount of water pumped back into the growing tray. The draining action helps provide a steady flow of oxygen to the plants roots. An overflow drain is installed to regulate water height and avoid overflow.

 

 

Building Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System

 

 

 

The following hydroponic supplies are required for an Ebb and Flow hydroponic system

 

 

 

Growing Tray

 

 

 

Root protection requires a growing light that shields your roots from light. Plastics are preferred to metals and wood due to its light weight and durability. A thorough check of the growing medium is required to make sure that water drainage is complete. Root rot, pests problems and molds are the main problems encountered by improper drainage.

 

Plant Pots

Any non-metallic plant pot with drainage holes will suffice for a simple ebb and flow system.

 

 

Growing Medium

 

Ebb and flow systems need no special type of growing medium. Clay pebbles (sometimes called grow rocks) are usually used, they don’t need to be mixed with other mediums. Due to frequent flooding cycles, it is advised that water retention be avoided.

Supports

Support for the tray suspended above the reservoir is needed. The setup of the indoor system would dictate if a simple table or milk tray, or a customized support is required. Something sturdy is what you need for supporting the full weight of your setup. Always include the weight of the water and nutrients in planning. Taking note the mature size and weight of the plants should also be considered. Changing the supports would present an impossible if not very difficult scenario once the plants reach their full growth size.

 

 

Reservoir

 

Any large plastic can be used as a reservoir (rubber tubs and trash cans are also ideal). Rust is the main problem with metal containers.

 

 

Drains

 

Two drains are required for your garden, a drain for the water to return to the reservoir and one for the overflow drain. Fill pipes also serve as a drain pipe, allowing it to run up the same way it came down. Overflow pipes should be designed at the desired maximum level of water for the indoor hydroponic garden system. Be sure that the overflow pipe is large enough to accommodate the amount of water to be pumped out of your grow space. Ideally a figure of 125% to 135% of the amount is desired. This assures a optimum flow of nutrients for the growing medium and avoids salt and mineral to buildup.

 

 

Water Pump

 

Pump size depends on the indoor hydroponic systems needs. The amount of water and distance are factors to be considered for the size of the pumps. Aquarium pumps can be used for most small scale systems.

 

 

Timers

 

The type and cost of timers depends on the specific setup of your gardens need. Hobbyists usually employing a single time schedule can work with a cheap timer readily available at a Home Depot or Lowe’s type store. Larger more sophisticated timers are needed for advance or large scale ebb and flow systems this allows control for more than one section at a time.

 

 

Flexible Plastic Tubing

 

Transparent flexible tubing’s should be avoided to prevent algae build up. Ordinary flexible tubing’s may also be used. 

 

 

Care of Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems or reservoir systems are one of the easiest to build and maintain. Simplicity and low cost in setting up make it ideal for home hobbyists. Basic setup consists of a growing tray for plants in containers. Usually used with pebbles, perlite and rockwool gardening mediums. Reservoirs filled with water and hydroponic nutrient solutions are placed under the growing medium. A timer controls the amount of water pumped back into the growing tray. The draining action helps provide a steady flow of oxygen to the plants roots. An overflow drain is installed to regulate water height and avoid overflow.

 



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