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Alternative to Hydroponics?

 
pollinator
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So I'm really loving these lettuce/etc towers that I've been seeing all over lately.

Is there some way to do this without running a pump to run the water through it 24/7? I just feel like that's a lot of wasted energy.
Maybe like this also?

Can you do this with standing water?
 
master gardener
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I have not done hydroponics but I have read a little bit into it.

You might be interested in the Kratky Method of passive hydroponics especially if you are looking towards greens.

https://gardenandhappy.com/kratky-method/

I hope this might spark some ideas for you.
 
steward
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I also recommend looking into the Kratky Method.

I bought some plants to experiment with growing plants in water.

I change the water often.

I have found that they need to have some sort of nutrition to be productive.

Of course, compost tea would be best, and using that might require the pump to circulate the water.  I don't know since I have not experimented with that.
 
Almond Thompson
pollinator
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The Kratky Method may be what I go with, Thank You!!
Is there a way to DIY nutrient water? Maybe throw some banana peels in?
 
gardener
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This video shows a vermicompost setup that uses a low power pump to circulate/aerate water  through the system.
They grow a lot of plants in these nutrients.

https://youtu.be/y5caoQ_EEuY?si=dKVssWwDNIsUbLpQ

Reliable solar powered pumps are not very expensive.
Aerating water filled with biological materials will create liquid fertilizer even if there are no worms present

https://youtu.be/dGiJsqR7ERY?si=e5lR-gWiouEpsiYM

 
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  If you are trying for no power container growies I much prefer wicking beds.  Give the biology what it needs not just rocks and chemical fertilizer.

https://permies.com/t/221632/permaculture/Wicking-Beds-Modification

Tom
 
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