November 9, 2011

I am looking at growing vegetables indoors during the winter months. This will be completely new territory for me, and I expect it to be fun as well. I plan on an Aeroponic Home Brew Growing kit like this one below.

Hydroponic systems seem more suited for outdoors, or in greenhouses.  I am considering potatoes as my first plant trial. I will update this link as I have more useful info and pictures.

November 14, 2011

It has been interesting experimenting with the hardware (without plants). The video I linked was helpful. Other links list materials for this design. There have been some rabbit trails that have had me rethinking some of the irrigation system. At a local store (HydroSpot ) I bought a few sprinkler nozzles. Not really what I wanted, but only 50 cents each. Sprinklers may be OK for some, but I am looking to use a misting system - I am thinking that especially with potatoes, you want the moisture which carries the nutrients, to get to every root in equal amounts. I ordered some 0.014 AeroMist Nozzles from Aeromist.com . I will be ready to try these soon. I'm sure the AeroMist Nozzles are like the misting systems that cool you in the Theme Parks while waiting in line. After some experimentation, I am also working on methods to irrigate without modifying the Tote Box. I have some ideas that I plan to keep under wraps for now, but I am excited that it could become a product. Testing of AeroMist, I suspect a pond pump is the wrong type of pumping system to use. $8.00 including shipping. I have an AquaMist nozzle on its way. This video is impressive: more here ...