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Hydro or Soil?


 
 
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Old 04-25-2011, 09:30 PM
nimo nimo is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 3
Question Hydro or Soil?

First off, please forgive my English, for it was never my strong point.

I live in the Carolina's and would consider myself an above average gardener.

Due to rising food costs and questionable growing processes by corporate America. I want to extend my gardening to year round instead of seasonal restrictions by mother nature.

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Here is my objective at this time: To grow plants like broccoli, Romaine lettuce, spinach and maybe a few other similar vegetables. (NOT POT!)

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The veggies stated above are not favorable in outside growing conditions during the summer time due to heat in my geographical location. These plants for the most part prefer a 65 to 75 degrees temperature for optimum growth.

My options for inside growing areas are 10ft X 3ft which would need lighting. 9ft X 4ft with optimal lighting? (big window that grabs 7-10 hrs of sun light)
12ft X 4 ft walk-in closet.

I am basically trying to grow the above stated veggies, year round. I will later try to address growing plants like tomatoes and Cucs, due to the factor of smell and growing space. The plants I mentioned Initially take minimum space, so I thought it would be good to start with them. I am growing tomatoes, Cucs and other weather tolerable plants outside in my garden at this time.

I have only myself to feed at this point. So, I was thinking of having 3 to 5 different plant types growing at a time with an estimate of about 8 plants per type. Presuming I would consume approx 2 plants per week(this would be a max), so I would have to keep the replanting cycle continuous as I consumed them. (Some plants regrow without replanting) I am aware of the void in time getting to the continuous cycle process. I am also aware this is a trial and error process; that will likely take time for me to perfect the process to get to the outcome I expect. I am also aware the time of plants growing to fruition, and my expectations of mass, being able to consume could be way off. I look at it as trial and error.

I guess, I am asking for guidance from the more informed. Should I embark down the process of Hydro or Soil for my indoor objectives. How should I tackle this project?

Other question I have:
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Expectations for energy costs for growing lights,ect?

Rough estimates on a set-up cost? I have the means, but I am looking for the bang for the buck just like everyone else. I am not looking for the chinse factor though! The equal librium would explain it best.

I do have time to attend to my system, but the more time I have away provides me more income to improve it. (This could be an ignorant statement, but I am just being honest!)

Does soil or hydro better benefit my stated goal?

I have searched and searched about Hydroponics for books and info and the top results always comeback for POT! Not my objective! Any solid books, PDF, website, ect. Are greatly appreciated for non-pot growing indoors.

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All constructive criticism is welcome!

I hope to gain knowledge from those who frequent this board and in return help those who seek help in the future; from my gains, success, non-success. (A pay it forward aspect if you understand!



Thank you for reading my post!

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