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Hybrids Pineapple
Mister Heavenly - "Pineapple Girl"
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Guinea Pigs - a Cute Little Pet Living a Lie
True or false: Guinea pigs are small, hybrid animals that have been cultivated and cross-bred from wild pigs originally captured on the island of New Guinea. The fact that this animal was originally cross-bred in the laboratory to establish a pig breed that was both of friendly disposition and small enough to keep as a house pet, is the reason that the guinea pig still remains associated with labs in most of our minds today.
Yes - I made all of that up. Guinea pigs are no more pigs from New Guinea than a pineapple is a Granny Smith sprouting from a pine tree. It's all a sad, misleading deception. Guinea pigs are neither pigs nor are they associated with New Guinea, Old Guinea, YoungAdult Guinea nor any other Guinea that we know of for that matter.
So, as our title suggests, the name "guinea pig" is an outright lie. These little animals are not some form of small mutant dwarf pig. That would be silly (they are actually tiny child-actors wearing tiny mutant dwarf pig costumes). Okay, I made that up too. They are actually rodents from the genus Cavia (which is the reason they are also referred to as Cavies). As rodents, they are related to chinchillas and porcupines - not hogs and boars.
Originally, guinea pigs came from South America - not New Guinea. All guinea pigs that we know of are domesticated animals - which is to say - they do not exist in the wild anymore. A very large relative of the guinea pig called the capybara still lives in the wild in South America. Ironically, due to its very large size, the capybara looks as though it might really be related to a pig or boar rather than its real cousin, the domestic Guinea Pig. What a confusing family, those guinea pigs.
So why do people call this cute little South American rodent a Guinea Pig? It's not clear, since this misleading name was given to this small creature many years ago. Some people have conjectured that the guinea pig was given this name because it makes a noise that sounds like a pig squealing. Others believe that, although its features differ greatly from a barnyard pig, the guinea pig has a general round, stout, short-legged silhouette - similar to that of a pig or hog. In addition, guinea pigs are voracious eaters which might also account for the pig reference.
As for the "guinea" portion of the name, some believe that this may have been derived from a South American region named Guinana. Another theory is that trade routes that originally brought the lovable rodent to Europe might have passed through Guinea and may have given their name to the fuzzy little rodent.
Either way, I hope that this article has cleared up at least some mysteries of the guinea pig. We may not know exactly where the guinea pig label came from - but we do know exactly where it did not come from. Guinea pigs are neither pigs nor are they from New Guinea. They are rodents and they are originally from South America. To learn more about guinea pigs and guinea pig cages, feel free to Click Now on the links in the resource box below for more quality guinea pig information.
Next time: Why you do not need to learn how to drive in order to become a busboy.
About the Author
We here at Blue Stone Commerce are pet owners as well as pet cage sellers. Visit Our Website
http://www.BlueStoneCages.com
for lots more info on guinea pigs and guinea pig cages. Be sure to Claim Your FREE BONUS GIFT available on the front page. Follow Us on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/guineapig9
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Family Hydroponics
Max Yield SF 2011:Family Hydroponics & Organic Franchising
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Hydroponic Gardening
Hydroponics is a Greek term that really means working water and in the modern world when one says hydroponic gardening one really means that plants are grown without needing to use any soil. From the time of the ancient Aztecs and Babylonians to the present hydroponic gardening has been known to man in one form or the other and the only thing that has changed in this regard is that modern methods are more sophisticated though not necessarily better or more effective than the ancient methods.
Sir Francis Bacon
The best example of ancient hydroponic gardening can be found in the book written by Sir Francis Bacon that is entitled as Sylva Syvarum and which came out in the year 1927. Even earlier in the year 1699 John Woodward had published reports on hydroponic gardening that dealt with growing plants in water that may not even have been absolutely pure but which nevertheless led to the very successful cultivation of plants.
These early experimentations with hydroponic gardening were later perfected by a couple of German botanists called Wilhelm Knop and Julius von Sachs whose work in 1860 onwards helped considerably in the ability to grow terrestrial plants without using any soil and instead by making use of solutions of mineral nutrients (later this technique came to be called Solution Culture) gave man the ability to perfect hydroponic gardening.
In the more recent times, Superior Growers Supply came to be among the first sellers of hydroponic supplies and the introducers of hydroponic gardening techniques that made life a lot easier for anyone wishing to grow plants and vegetables the hydroponics way. At present, the United States has hundreds of different hydroponic gardening centers that are promoting hydroponics and with considerable success as well.
Today, the hydroponic gardening industry has expanded considerably and people are spending millions of dollars to indulge in this unique gardening method. For further information about hydroponic gardening it will pay to check out a book called The Hydroponic Garden Guide that will teach you how to grow virtually every different kind of plant or vegetable - and without needing to use any soil. With the help of this book anyone can learn hydroponic gardening methods that will help them grow plants and vegetables - in and outside their homes.
Before you start with hydroponic herb gardening you will need to decide between using systems such as Aero Garden and creating a homemade hydroponic garden. Most people would say that the former option is better as it is simpler and there is no guess work involved. All you need to is keep the lights switched on, monitor how much water should flow in your garden, and add some nutrients and presto! You are done!
About the Author
If you love this article, you will also love another article written by this article's author on
moisture test meter
and
soil moisture sensors
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Hydroponics Greenhouse Design
Hydroponic Greenhouse Design
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Creating a Greenhouse Plan
A person may have the interest of constructing a greenhouse in his backyard where he can enjoy tending to his plants. Most greenhouses constructed are independently structured with their own watering and misting systems to accommodate the needs of the plants. A greenhouse should be properly designed and built so that a person may not encounter any problem concerning the maintenance and supply materials that are used in the greenhouse.
A greenhouse should have a well-planned misting propagation system. This is very essential in propagating and growing healthier plants and crops. The system should have the ability to maintain the moisture and humidity of the air.
He may set automated misters in the greenhouse to maintain the high temperature and humidity needed by the roots of the plants. He may avail this system with timers and meters where he may set a constant time detector to indicate the needed humidity inside the greenhouse.
He may also have a well-planned rain water system in the greenhouse. This is essential in conserving water from automated watering systems that provides the needed water from the pump or from the electricity. The greenhouse must have properly placed gutters and downspouts to water the plants from natural rainwater. He may supply the greenhouse from the collected water from this systems, this is more accessible and environmentally friendly to the gardener.
The electricity in the greenhouse should also be planned according to the needed warmth and lighting of the plants during cold climates. He may use grow lights to increase the amount of spectrum present in the greenhouse. This is very essential for the leaves of the plants.
He must also consider the climate that may affect the growth of the plants. Winter season may have shorter days and there could be no sunlight available during this season. The lighting should play a very big role to prevent the plant from being shorter because of its less exposure to sunlight. It is important to have a lighting supply on the plan.
There are many free greenhouse plans that a person may find in the Internet. There are plans that will help him how to plan the greenhouse with supply systems to have a full potential greenhouse. There are also sites that provide instructional methods on how to propagate and learn the methods of hydroponics gardening which is popular nowadays. There are also websites that provide free greenhouse plans for constructing and building a freestanding or a lean-to greenhouse.
For those people who have not yet started building their own greenhouses, here are some free greenhouse plans that will help a person how to build a small greenhouse.
1. He may use such materials such as a 15 to 20 squeeze clips, 1 roll duck tape, 3 rolls heavy duty 3M clear tape, 6 mm clear plastic, 18 ratcheting tie downs, 4 to 8 T posts, 10 x 20 Universal canopy, and the options of adding grow lights and heaters. These materials may not cost him much for these supplies may just be enough to build his small greenhouse.
2. He may need the services of two to three persons to set up the frame of the greenhouse. He can insert the pieces to the frame to make the connection. He must make sure that the connection points are properly wrapped with the Duck Tape. The pipe will then be properly placed according to the position he would like to place the greenhouse.
3. He may now connect the 18 tie-downs to connect to the upper part of the frame. He may use four T posts to support the four corners of the structure. He may place an extra T-post inside the frame and drill it at least 12" to the ground.
4. He may now make two separate plastic coverings to have a full view on the structure. He may cut the plastic that may fit the covering of the greenhouse. He may cut the plastic with a measurement of 30 ft.
5. He may now use the ladder to cover the greenhouse then use the gravels to down the plastic on the sides. He needs to make sure that the plastic covers all the end caps to the ground.
This is a free greenhouse plan structural instruction may a gardener a little help on how to build a small and cheap greenhouse that is within his budget.
About the Author
To learn about tomato pests and tomato problems, visit the Tomato Growing website.
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4 x 8 x 7 Hydroponic Dark Grow Tent Garden Dome Hut NON TOXIC 600D Thick |  |
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US $199.99 | 12d 5h 56m |
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AeroGarden Aero Garden 7 Pod Hydroponic Indoor Garden | |
11 Bids | US $51.01 | 1h 4m |
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Blue Red 225 SMD LED Grow Light Panel 30w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $89.95 | 2h 56m |
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Blue Red 450 SMD LED Grow Light 2 Panel 60w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $166.95 | 7h 25m |
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AeroGarden 6 Silver Hydroponic Indoor Garden with Lights | |
6 Bids | US $71.00 | 8h 21m |
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8 SITE HYDROPONIC GROW CABINET! URBAN HYDRO GARDENS - PUMP, LIGHT, FAN INCLUDED | |
0 Bid | US $475.00 | 8h 40m |
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AeroGarden 6 ELITE 100633-DSS SEED STARTING HYDROPONIC INDOOR HERB AERO GARDEN | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 19m |
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HYDROPONIC GARDENING IN AUSTRALIA | |
0 Bid | US $10.77 | 11h 50m |
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HYDROPONIC AEROPONIC BUCKET GARDEN GROW HUGE PLANTS WITH HYDROPONICS! | |
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US $189.95 | 13h 43m |
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Mini Mortgage Lifter Grow Tent Hydroponics Gardening | |
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US $1,750.00 | 28d 7h 51m |
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Blue Red Mix 900 LED Grow Light 4 Panel 56w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $109.95 | 1d 2h 35m |
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Blue Red Mix 450 LED Grow Light 2 Panel 28w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $62.90 | 1d 3h 59m |
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12v Blue Red Mixed 225 LED Grow Light Panel Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $36.90 | 1d 6h 35m |
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Hydroponics Nutrients Plant Food Fertilizer 6 gals $5.5 PLUS 1 gal FREE!! | |
0 Bid | US $5.50 | 1d 6h 36m |
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Hydroponics Nutrients Plant Food Fertilizer 6 gals $0.01 PLUS 1 gal FREE!! | |
4 Bids | US $2.10 | 1d 15h 4m |
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5 x 5 x 7 Hydroponic Dark Grow Tent Garden Dome Cabinet | |
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US $135.99 | 16d 4h 19m |
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Sale The Littlest Giant Hydroponics Garden Complete Grow Light Kit aerogarden | |
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US $289.95 | 1d 22h |
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Horticultural Hydroponic Garden Plant Perlite 7.5 Gal | |
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US $6.95 | 21d 23h 55m |
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Smart Garden Aquaponics System Hydroponic Agricultural Aquaculture | |
0 Bid | US $249.99 | 2d 6h 28m |
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Blue Red Mixed 225 LED Grow Light Panel 14w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $35.95 | 2d 11h 35m |
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Hydroponics Garden
How to Buy Hydroponic Gardening Supplies
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4 x 8 x 7 Hydroponic Dark Grow Tent Garden Dome Hut NON TOXIC 600D Thick | |
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US $199.99 | 12d 5h 56m |
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AeroGarden Aero Garden 7 Pod Hydroponic Indoor Garden | |
11 Bids | US $51.01 | 1h 4m |
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Blue Red 225 SMD LED Grow Light Panel 30w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $89.95 | 2h 55m |
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Blue Red 450 SMD LED Grow Light 2 Panel 60w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $166.95 | 7h 25m |
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AeroGarden 6 Silver Hydroponic Indoor Garden with Lights | |
6 Bids | US $71.00 | 8h 21m |
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8 SITE HYDROPONIC GROW CABINET! URBAN HYDRO GARDENS - PUMP, LIGHT, FAN INCLUDED | |
0 Bid | US $475.00 | 8h 40m |
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AeroGarden 6 ELITE 100633-DSS SEED STARTING HYDROPONIC INDOOR HERB AERO GARDEN | |
0 Bid | US $29.99 | 9h 19m |
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HYDROPONIC GARDENING IN AUSTRALIA | |
0 Bid | US $10.77 | 11h 50m |
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HYDROPONIC AEROPONIC BUCKET GARDEN GROW HUGE PLANTS WITH HYDROPONICS! | |
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US $189.95 | 13h 43m |
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Mini Mortgage Lifter Grow Tent Hydroponics Gardening | |
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US $1,750.00 | 28d 7h 51m |
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Blue Red Mix 900 LED Grow Light 4 Panel 56w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $109.95 | 1d 2h 35m |
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Blue Red Mix 450 LED Grow Light 2 Panel 28w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $62.90 | 1d 3h 59m |
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12v Blue Red Mixed 225 LED Grow Light Panel Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $36.90 | 1d 6h 35m |
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Hydroponics Nutrients Plant Food Fertilizer 6 gals $5.5 PLUS 1 gal FREE!! | |
0 Bid | US $5.50 | 1d 6h 36m |
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Hydroponics Nutrients Plant Food Fertilizer 6 gals $0.01 PLUS 1 gal FREE!! | |
4 Bids | US $2.10 | 1d 15h 4m |
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5 x 5 x 7 Hydroponic Dark Grow Tent Garden Dome Cabinet | |
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US $135.99 | 16d 4h 19m |
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Sale The Littlest Giant Hydroponics Garden Complete Grow Light Kit aerogarden | |
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US $289.95 | 1d 22h |
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Horticultural Hydroponic Garden Plant Perlite 7.5 Gal | |
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US $6.95 | 21d 23h 55m |
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Smart Garden Aquaponics System Hydroponic Agricultural Aquaculture | |
0 Bid | US $249.99 | 2d 6h 28m |
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Blue Red Mixed 225 LED Grow Light Panel 14w Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $35.95 | 2d 11h 35m |
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TARP ZIP-UP ZIPPER DOOR GROW TENT DOORWAY ZIP UP hydroponics indoor garden | |
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US $14.99 | 25d 16h 20m |
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AeroGarden Hydroponic Indoor Garden, New lights, Nutrient Pkgs, Dome Lids, more | |
3 Bids | US $30.95 | 3d 4h 39m |
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HANNA DIGITAL PH TEST METER Water Tester Hydroponic garden HI 98103 | |
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US $32.95 | 6d 3h 54m |
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200 2" INCH NET CUP POTS HYDROPONIC GARDEN SYSTEM GROW KIT super fast shipping | |
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US $24.85 | 13d 7h 54m |
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5 x 10 x 7 Hydroponic Dark Grow Tent Garden Dome Hut | |
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US $269.99 | 12d 5h 55m |
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Horticultural Hydroponic Garden Plant Perlite 15 Gal | |
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US $9.95 | 21d 23h 55m |
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300 watt led grow light leds hydroponics garden Hornet 303 20 wavelengths | |
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US $495.00 | 21d 13h 26m |
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Hydroponic Garden Drip Sysytem Stacks Grow 100 Plants Automatic | |
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US $572.00 | 3d 23h 22m |
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General Hydroponics 8 oz pH Up & Down Combo Control Hydroponics Soil Garden GH | |
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US $17.00 | 7d 3h 29m |
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12V Grow Light Panel 225 Blue Red LED 1476lux Hydroponic Garden Tent Plant Lamp | |
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US $32.90 | 25d 15h 48m |
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HOUSE & GARDEN VAN DE SWAAN MULTI ZEN 1 L GROW & BLOOM ENHANCER HYDROPONICS | |
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US $41.50 | 12d 1h 6m |
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Hydroponic Seeding Heat Mat for Indoor Garden Planting Gardening Supplies Plants | |
US $28.99 | 1d 4h 35m |
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25 PCS 3 Gallon Gal Grow Bag Hydroponics Soil Coco Garden Pot Container | |
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US $10.50 | 17d 5h 18m |
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Tarp Zip Up Zipper Door Grow Room Tent Doorway Garden Hydroponics Tarpline Poly | |
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US $13.49 | 14d 9h 46m |
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25 PCS 1 Gallon Gal Grow Bag Hydroponics Soil Garden Planters Pots & Containers | |
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US $6.50 | 12d 3h 32m |
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HOUSE & GARDEN VAN DE SWAAN BUD XL 1L BLOOM ENHANCER HYDROPONICS | |
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US $49.50 | 12d 1h 4m |
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New 3 Plant Complete Hydroponics Hydro Garden Grow System Kit with Nutrients | |
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US $39.99 | 9d 6h 44m |
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3'ft Flexible Air Diffuser Aerator Aquarium Pond Hydroponics Garden Active Aqua | |
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US $9.00 | 23d 2h 28m |
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Hydroponics Nutrients Plant Food Fertilizer 6 gals$7.75 PLUS1gal FREE+FREE SHIP | |
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US $7.75 | 26d 6h 50m |
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Horticultural Medium Grade Perlite (Garden, Mushroom, Hydroponic Etc.) | |
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US $22.90 | 12d 13h 30m |
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Micro Garden Ebb & Flow 14" x 30" HYDROPONICS | |
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US $227.80 | 11d 21h 22m |
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DIY HYDROPONICS SYSTEM BUILDERS GUIDE HOW TO PLANS GARDENING BOOK MANUAL | |
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US $14.95 | 21d 2h 38m |
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HOUSE & GARDEN VAN DE SWAAN ROOTS EXCELURATOR 500ML ROOT ENHANCER HYDROPONICS | |
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US $99.50 | 4d 15m |
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INDOOR GARDEN GARDENING HERB HYDROPONIC AUTOMATIC PLANT FLUORESCENT LIGHT LAMP | |
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US $56.99 | 14d 23h 5m |
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Hydrofarm Emilys Hydroponic Garden System HYFEMSYST | |
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US $109.79 | 29d 4h 35m |
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Hydrofarm Emilys Garden System HYDROPONICS Emily's | |
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US $74.24 | 25d 17h 39m |
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BUILD HYDROPONIC GROW SYSTEM HUGE GARDENING EBOOK WITH PLANS INFORMATION DIY CD | |
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US $4.99 | 26d 17h 30m |
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General Hydroponics 1 kg / 2.2 lbs pH UP POWDER Soil & Hydro Garden **Free S&H** | |
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US $22.00 | 28d 5h 49m |
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Hydroponic crystal"soil" packs for hydroponic gardening | |
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US $4.00 | 29d 7h 14m |
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Grodan 2 cu ft Rockwool Mini Grow Cubes Hydroponics Garden Stonewool Croutons | |
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US $47.00 | 29d 6h 14m |
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INDOOR HYDROPONIC INDOOR GARDEN SEED STARTER SYSTEM HERBS PLANT LIGHT LIGHTING | |
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US $86.99 | 14d 23h 5m |
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House & Garden Magic Green 250ml 250 ml - root solution foliar spray hydroponics | |
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US $29.95 | 7d 9h 13m |
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AquaBuckets 4 Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System | DWC Kit by Hydro West | |
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US $259.99 | 28d 13h 18m |
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1080lux All Blue 225 LED Grow Light Panel Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp US | |
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US $32.90 | 25d 15h 45m |
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Secret Jardin 240W Grow Tent Indoor Garden Hydroponics Room Orchid | |
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US $345.00 | 28d 9h 3m |
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My Bloom Bully - Vertical Hydroponics Growing Garden | |
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US $1,069.00 | 28d 8h 14m |
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4 Blue Red Mixed 225 LED Grow Light Panels Indoor Garden Hydroponic Plant Lamp | |
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US $80.00 | 28d 6h 36m |
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Aerogarden Hydroponics 7 pod indoor garden Black w/seed kit | |
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US $99.99 | 28d 2h 40m |
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50 POUNDS Coconut Coco Coir HYDROPONICS Garden HYDRO | |
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US $174.99 | 27d 23h 35m |
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225 White LED Grow Light Panel Hydroponic Aquarium Coral Reef Lamp Indoor Garden | |
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US $32.90 | 25d 15h 48m |
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HEAT"N"GROW HEAT PAD* HYDROPONICS*REPTILE*GARDENING* | |
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US $138.97 | 27d 10h 59m |
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10 Gallon Grow bags pots Garden Hydroponic soil QTY 10 | |
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US $14.75 | 24d 14h 41m |
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Technaflora pH Up & Down Adjustment 1L Liter Set Combo Hydroponics Soil Garden | |
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US $30.00 | 27d 2h 23m |
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4x 225 LED All Blue Grow Light Panel 4320lux Hydroponic Indoor Garden Plant Lamp | |
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US $99.90 | 25d 15h 48m |
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2x 225 LED All Blue Grow Light Panel 2160lux Hydroponic Indoor Garden Plant Lamp | |
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US $56.90 | 25d 15h 46m |
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GENERAL HYDROPONICS 8 oz pH UP & DOWN CONTROL TEST KIT Hydro garden | |
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US $13.95 | 25d 18h 17m |
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AERO GARDEN 7 POD CELL HYDROPONIC GROWING SYSTEM INDOOR GROWING KIT | |
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US $250.00 | 26d 12h 29m |
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Super Grow Tent - 8 Plant Hydroponics System Garden | |
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US $795.00 | 26d 5h 27m |
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Botanicare 2.5 gal Gallon CLEAREX Salt Build Up Removal Soil Hydroponics Garden | |
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US $82.00 | 26d 4h 59m |
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240W Red/Blue LED Hydroponic Plant Grow Light Panel Gardening Supplies Indoor | |
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US $200.99 | 6d 9h 4m |
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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide - Hydroponics Growing Mediums
These are the materials that mimic the soil in everyday gardens. It serves as a support system for your hydroponic indoor garden. They function mainly for anchoring the roots and a reservoir for water and nutrient solutions. Special attention is also placed on aeration or proper plant respiration and drainage. A balance must be kept between keeping the plant nourished and over saturating the roots.
Types of Growing Mediums
Choice of a specific growing medium mainly depends on the type of growing system to be used. Certain systems have no mediums used because plant growth is best when roots are suspended in air or water. Improvement made with newer growing medium mixtures has been introduced for optimum plant growth in certain systems. Ideally, an equal mixture of water and air is advised making it available for the roots to utilize at all times. Water by gravity always moves downward through coarse mediums only to be deposited in the bottom of the container. This is eliminated with the use of a hydroponic system as water is constantly circulated in the system. The only system that this would not work would be the Ebb and Flow Systems.
Clay Pebbles
Recyclables, it can be constantly reused indefinitely reducing upkeep costs for your indoor garden. Size of the pot is one limiting factor as they do not possess good nutrient lifting ability, but effectiveness is enhanced in smaller pots and containers. Another advantage would be their neutral pH and they don’t retain nutrients. Ventilation and aeration are also maximized because of the spaces created between pebbles.
Clay pebbles are usually used together with net pots in drain and flood indoor hydroponic gardening systems. Water flow in roots is enhanced by their natural shapes and spaces hey create between them, therefore maximizing the absorption of nutrients. When using the Drip irrigation hydroponic system, use absorbent mediums to provide better retention and nutrient circulation.
Coconut Fiber
Shredded husks of coconuts as a growing medium has also been growing in popularity. Packaged in a variety of ways like blocks, pellets, cubes and shredded fiber it can be a good substitute for any type of growing medium. It is also commonly mixed with other growing media such as perlite or rockwool.
Why Use Coconut Fiber as a Growing Medium?
Coconut fiber is actually a waste product; its ability to be used for other useful means takes a great step towards recycling and environmental awareness. It is the first totally organic medium which could be utilized for indoor hydroponic gardening. It is superior to rockwool in water handling ability and oxygen capacity. Coconut fibers also possess root stimulating hormones and prevent root disease and fungus infection. In its natural state, coconut fibers provide a good and rich medium for the coconut when it lands in the ground.
Special attention should be given as to the quality of the coconut fiber to be purchased. Low grade quality is not well suited for gardening as they contain high sea salt content and fine grain texture.
Perlite
Originally used as an additive to aide aeration and improve soil drainage, it has become one of the popular hydroponic growing mediums. Commonly used with a 50/50 mix with vermiculite, it is derived from volcanic glass with holes throughout produced by exposing it to high temperatures created by water bubbles.
Advantages of Growing with Perlite
Inexpensive and readily available is one of the causes of its popularity. Used in wick type hydroponic systems because of its aerate nature thereby giving a good wicking action.
Disadvantages of Growing with Perlite
Health hazards come with the use of perlite when inhaled, a mask is suggested when working with perlite as a growing medium. A high degree of care and maintenance is also required. Water retention is one of its weakness therefore constant watering is required.
Vermiculite
Used in conjunction with another growing medium compliments the qualities of the other. A popular and common mix is that with perlite. In a 50/50 mix vermiculites property which is water retention (200 – 300% of its weight in water) complements perlites very porous quality and a balance is achieved.
Dangers of Using Vermiculite
Vermiculite can be a health hazard if not handled properly. Due to its nature of containing small amounts of asbestos, it can be very dangerous when inhaled. It easily dries on an individuals fingers when touched even when wet. It is not also practical to reuse because of the rinsing and drying required. Water retention is also a problem, because of its high water retention if not used in pair with another growing medium, root damage is likely and plant death are the result.
Rockwool
Rockwool specifically made for indoor hydroponic gardening systems. It has remained as one of the popular growing mediums. Transplanting plants when grow too big from their previous containers is also eliminated. When this happens the existing cube with the plant is merely placed on top of a larger cube and the roots would grow through both cubes. Water retention qualities of rockwool is 10 times greater that of water. Its porous nature makes it virtually impossible to over water. Recyclable, it can be used for the next crop by merely rinsing, making it economical and environment friendly.
Disadvantages of rockwool
A natural pH found in rockwool is one of its disadvantages, pre-treatment is required before it is used as a growing medium. Methods of lowering its alkaline content includes mixing it with a solution of pH down, trace mineral solutions and a 24 hour fish emulsion and is then rinsed thoroughly. Gloves should be used when handling rockwool because of skin irritation but is not when rockwool is wet.
About the Author
My name is guy. I am the founder and owner of the urbangardenershop.com.au . I fell in love with hydroponics gardening. As time went by I gathered a vast knowledge base and 2 years ago I decided to find a way to make hydroponics gardening a hobby that anyone can peruse. I added a hydroponic gardening information center to our hydroponic supplies site that offers a large range of hydroponics articles. Thank you for your interest and feel free to ask questions on hydroponics gardening in our site
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