posted
I haven't tried total hydrophonics, but I have tasted produce grown locally totally hydrophonically, and the flavor is just not the same as that grown with soil.
I mean, it is still good, and a wonderful alternative, but don't expect as rich of flavor as plants grown in soil.
posted
Really farmgirl? Out in CA where I lived our hydroponic lettuce always tasted better than the store lettuce and as good as the farmers market lettuce. Our iceberg lettuce definitely was more flavorful than the white stuff that passes for letucce some places. So much more chlorophyll Maybe they don't have the right micronutrient balance. Using high quality micronutrients is key and if they are trying to shortcut that could be the problem.
(oh but they want you to pay $20 for the book, looking at their systems I would buy it) When I get the time to build my own system again I probably will buy it.
posted
A fun website = http://gardenwatchdog.com/ -- customers' reviews of their favorite -- and non-favorite -- seed companies.
Posts: 2911 | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
It's hard to grow thing in the winter here in AK, but during the summer it's the best. I have a greenhouse for some of the finer stuff like chard & herbs, but potatoes, corn, tomatoes and all kinds of good stuff grows well and HUGE in the 24 hour sunlight and warm weather we get in the summer.
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Brian, I have a book called "Cold Weather Gardening" which talks a lot about Alaska. it is amazing what you can do(simple things) to extend the growing season. One thing is using gallon plastic milk jugs as cloches(mini greenhouses) You cut the bottom out, place the jug over a plant, and the open the cap to let the heat out in the day, and keep it in at night.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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Ahem. OK, I have a COOKBOOK called "Cold Weather Cooking." I have a gardening book called "Intensive Gardening Round the Year."
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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Brinestone -- There was one other plant I was thinking mainly of recommending to you for your shady spot, but couldn't think of the name yesterday when I was talking to you from work.
Hostas. You might consider putting in hostas. They love full shade and are quite beautiful.
Don't know if you'll read this thread again or not, but I had post it once I thought of it.
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Yes, there are some amazingly striking varieties of hostas. Some are huge, like jungle plants. It goes nicely with astilbe, too.
Posts: 10890 | Registered: May 2003
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