Hyproponics Having selected the particular kind of container that you prefer —and this can be a plant pot, trough, box or other receptacle, as we have already seen—the first thing to do is to fill it with the chosen aggregate. For beginners, there is little doubt that the most easily managed growing medium is a mixture of coarse sand with some larger material, such as broken bricks, gravel, cinders, vermiculite or perhaps leca. Alternatively, you can use freshly broken bricks or rocks, blending both the chips and the dust well together to form a composite aggregate. If you decide on sand and a separate second material, here is the procedure. Take two parts sand and three parts of the larger aggregate, the grade of which should not exceed one

aggregate quarter-of-an-inch, measuring the amounts by volume, and mix them thoroughly. Do not weigh the quantities because the density is different, but use a tin or bucket to get the correct amounts. Before you place this hydroponic aggregate in the container spread about an inch or so of clean, broken flower pot pieces, small stones or pebbles on the bottom of the receptacle. This will prevent any of the growing medium washing down into the drainage holes and perhaps blocking them up. It will also ensure better circulation of air. The rest of the container should then be filled with the prepared aggregate to within half-an-inch of the top. Firm it down gently and smooth it over making sure that the surface is quite level.




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Home > Hobbies > Hydroponics > Setting Up A Hydroponic Unit

December 4, 2008