Hydroponic Herb Garden

Here’s the rest of the blueberry experiment series. . .

The 5th video of the tree. I will probably be updating mostly with pictures from now on. You can follow my blog if you would like http://indoorhydroponicblueberrytree2.blogspot.com/

It’s been said before.  Simple is good.

These stackable planter pots can’t be beat in the “Neat & Orderly” category.

Isn’t it adorable?  Just drop in a prepared seed pellet tray and done! Indoor herb garden that can grow right on your kitchen windowsill.

Or if one doesn’t mind getting hands dirty, each level can handle just a little bit of dirt and then just drop in the seed or seedlings.

The reviews on Amazon vary however.  What’s in the pic is called ‘terracotta’ but apparently its plastic.  Some folks seem to think the plastic is cheap, others say the plastic was fine.

Ideal for folks with limited space and limited time for complex growing systems.

The Stack and Grow Terracotta Planter with 20 Planting Pockets is about 25% off via amazon.

Buy it with this herb pack – Assortment of 12 Culinary Herb Seeds – Grow Cooking Herbs- Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sage, More.  

A lot of people are surprised that a full sized tomato plant can grow in a small pot without any soil! Carl Anderson of Virginia Hydroponics shows how easy it is to grow fresh cut herbs, tantalizing vegetables, and fabulous flowers, all year long, with hydroponics gardening!

This video is brought to by the good folks at ProgressiveGardening.org!

Duration : 0:2:25

Kathy Burke Mihalczo’s philosophy when it comes to choosing herbs to blend with tea is “the sky is the limit.”

At a recent culinary class, Burke Mihalczo, owner of Erin’s Meadow Herb Farm, Clinton, showcased recipes for orange mint cooler, sage punch, honeydew mint basil cooler, cinnamon basil tea and rosemary lemonade.

I love fresh tea.  Adding fresh herbs from my hyrdoponic herb garden is an excellent idea!

Below is a recipe from the article.

Cinnamon basil flavored tea

1 1/2 quarts water

Handful of cinnamon basil leaves, washed

2 family-size tea bags, decaffeinated preferred

1 (12-ounce) can concentrated apple juice, optional

Place water in pan. Bruise cinnamon basil leaves with wooden spoon. Add to water, along with 2 tea bags. Bring to boil and remove from heat. Cover and let steep 5 minutes. Serve warm or cold.

Note: To make a juice cooler, add can of frozen apple juice.

Hydro Garden – Seeds or Plants?

What would be easier for use in your hydroponic herb garden?

This question may best be answered depending on if your system is homemade or store
bought.

Some systems like Power Plant require the use of seeds. The seeds are placed directly into
what’s called the ‘grow sponge’. Most of the store bought systems I’ve seen require starting from scratch with seeds.

In theory, I don’t see why a semi-mature herb plant could not be put into an Aerogarden for instance.
As long as the roots are situated to receive the nutrients, I don’t see it being a problem.

If you can’t wait for the seeds to sprouts and want a bit of a head start on the growing process, try a
seed starter kit which includes small soil pellet in a greenhouse-type tray.

from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1557.asp

Replacement pellets are generally available so that you can use your tray in subsequent seasons and years. If you choose this method, follow the directions that come with your kit and seeds; generally, you place 2-3 seeds on apellet, water them, cover, and place the tray in a sunny location until the seedlings are large enough to be planted in a pot or garden. You can make a similar makeshift tray by taking a used egg carton, putting small holes for drainage in each section, and filling the sections with soil. This method does not have the benefit of the ‘greenhouse’ effect, so it needs to be kept in a warm location and kept well-watered. This will not work with all seed types – eucalyptus, parsley, dill, and others grow too deep for these shallow cells – but most herbs, particularly the popular culinary herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, savory, and sage will do well.

The Burpee Ultimate Seed Starting System is an example of seed starting system.  Looks simple enough.  Easy is good.