tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85729502099179328752024-03-12T19:46:40.380-07:00HydroBasicsSavor the Flavorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879866610834810709noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572950209917932875.post-19586974418234687822010-05-17T18:16:00.000-07:002010-05-17T18:18:09.460-07:00Food GradeOkay, if you insist on getting a food grade bucket online, you can go to Brushy Mountain Bee Farm and order a 5 gallon bucket <a href="http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/5-galPlastic-Pail-w_lid/productinfo/861/">here.</a>Savor the Flavorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879866610834810709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572950209917932875.post-42518881041514183102010-05-12T03:43:00.000-07:002010-05-12T03:48:27.745-07:00Step OneOkay, go out and buy a 5 gallon bucket with straight sides, that is, one where the circumference doesn't substantially decrease from the top to the bottom. You can get a 5 gallon bucket at most building superstores, such as Home Depot or Lowe's, or you can go to a restaurant supply place and get one. Keep in mind that you are looking for a bucket that is opaque to protect your nutrient solution from light so as to prevent the growth of algae. If you can't find an opaque bucket you can fashion a light cover later with duct tape and corrugated cardboard or paint or however you decide to do it.<br /><br />I'll wait.Savor the Flavorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879866610834810709noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8572950209917932875.post-4382865652239708722010-04-30T04:39:00.000-07:002010-04-30T05:28:04.304-07:00It's not magicHydroponic gardening can be a fascinating hobby, but taking one's first steps can be difficult because of the amazing amount of information available. One of the difficulties with the flood of information is that a lot of it is provided by purveyors of equipment and supplies. Another problem with the plethora of information is that there are gaps - sort of like steps missing in a recipe.<br /><br />Before you go and spend hundreds of dollars on equipment you don't necessarily understand, I would like to show you a very simple setup that you can start out with, not too expensive. You will be amazed how much you can learn just by assembling the components. I will not overload you with technical detail, because one of the things I have discovered is that perfection is not required. For technical detail there are plenty of other websites. <br /><br />I will take it step by step, because that's how you do it. I will try to be explicit and clear and will be grateful for comments where I have failed in this regard.<br /><br />I use my system for culinary herbs, so most of the information I have will be applicable to the specific herbs I am growing, but much of it will be applicable to other plants as well.<br /><br />As a preview, I will tell you that I will be putting together a 5 gallon bucket raft system. Don't go out and buy a 5 gallon bucket yet. There's more you will want to know before you spend a penny.Savor the Flavorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05879866610834810709noreply@blogger.com0