Welcome
Hydroponic Gardening in the Great Land
Easy greens with no messy dirt or noisy pumps.
My Story
Learning the Ins and Outs
About twenty years ago I was exploring a garage sale in Anchorage and saw a pile of tubing, pumps, timers, and buckets for sale. These were the parts of a hydroponic drip system that someone was tired of dealing with. I was intrigued and purchased some of the equipment. This led me to throw myself into hydroponic growing research and even purchase an expensive sodium grow light. I grew some stringy tomato plants that year and had a $300 electric bill that first month. Even though this was a ludicrously expensive hobby to have, I was hooked on hydroponic growing. Over the years, I have tried many different hydroponic systems with varying degrees of success. I didn’t really feel like I hit the nail on the head until I discovered passive hydroponics several years ago. Commonly called Kratky hydroponics, this grow method is based on research from the University of Hawaii Hilo. With the advent of cheap LED grow lights and passive hydroponics, I can now grow my own food year round very inexpensively. Living in Alaska, this has been a satisfying way to get fresh greens into my family’s diet almost daily.
- I grow enough basil to have pesto every week, even during January in Alaska.
Popular Articles
5 Steps to Convert Store Bought Herbs to Hydroponics
5 Steps to Convert Store Bought Herbs to Hydroponics
5 Steps to Convert Store Bought Herbs to Hydroponics
- So you walk into the store to buy some fresh herbs for a killer fettucine dish you are throwing together. You get home and delicately sprinkle some oregano or sage on your pasta and it delivers the fresh finishing touch you were searching for. . ..Read More
DIY Decorative Veggie Bar
5 Steps to Convert Store Bought Herbs to Hydroponics
5 Steps to Convert Store Bought Herbs to Hydroponics
- I truly think that hydroponics has a future in everyone's house, apartment, or condo. But, I don't think it has to be complicated, expensive or ugly. There is just this thing about traditional hydroponics that is not attractive . . .Read More
A Ginormous Hydroponic Pumpkin!
A Unique Approach to Cherry Tomatoes
A Unique Approach to Cherry Tomatoes
- So, I haven't quite lived up to the billing of the title yet but I am well on my way. This is a follow-along project so there is no pumpkin, YET. However, all of the pieces are in place to make history including the ambition, the materials, endless Alaskan summer light. . .Read More
A Unique Approach to Cherry Tomatoes
A Unique Approach to Cherry Tomatoes
A Unique Approach to Cherry Tomatoes
- Twenty years ago I bought my first Earthbox with the strong desire to grow huge tomatoes. The pictures in the brochure for Earthbox were amazing and I thought I had a chance to end up with a bushel of tomatoes by the end of summer. . .Read More
Grow the fun and rewarding way.
- Leaving town for a week? Terrible at remembering to water? No biggie. Non-circulating hydroponics uses a plant's natural wicking action to supply water and nutrients automatically. And, gardening without soil all but eliminates pest problems.
