Sunday, April 25, 2010

This season I'm also planning on adding sensors to the nutrient tanks. Sensors will report the status of the following:

1. The tank water level
2. That water is actually flowing from then return pipe.
3. Pump still has A.C power ( Gound fault has not tripped )

Cleaning the NFT tubes




Getting the NFT tubes ready for the new growing season. I'm scrubbing the the insides of the tubes, by closing off one end. Adding 1/2 cup of bleach with 1 cup of water to the inside of tube. Then using a piece of 1/2 inch pvc tubing, with a sponge attached ( see picture ). I pull the 1/2 inch tubing back and forth with some downward pressure thru the NFT tube. Works quite well.

I purchase some sweet 100 tomatoes plants early today. I hopine to get the NFT tubes up and running by next weekend, so I can insert some of the sweet 100's in the NFT tubes.

Monday, April 19, 2010

New support structure for hydo buckets plants

My support structure last season started to fall apart from weight of plants. So this season I wanted a stronger structure. Here I'm starting to put together 1 1/2 inch pvc tubing for the main support poles. Still trying to come up with a roof structure to put plastic on to keep rain out of the buckets.