Plant Gardens 101

Setting Up a Homegrown
Hydroponics Grow Box Digital Timer

To set up and program your Intermatic digital control timer

To install the timer plug it into an AC outlet, if is not already. Plug-in the lamps or other devices to be controlled into the receptacle at the bottom of the timer. To activate your timer pull the tab sticking out of the battery door. This will allow the AA battery to make contact, and the timer should start up. If the timer does not start, you may need to replace the existing battery with an AA battery in the door on the back

To set the clock; HOLD down the clock button:

1. Press the day button until the display shows the current day.

2. Press the hour button until the display shows the current hour. (more…)

Mixing Nutrients in a Hydroponics Grow Box

Instructions for adding nutrients to a hydroponics grow box:

We recommend the Flora nova series nutrients from General Hydroponics for best results in the Homegrown Hydroponics line of grow boxes. For assistance in adding the proper amount of nutrients for your hydroponic system, take a look at this link for a nutrient calculator provided by General Hydroponics.

http://www.generalhydroponics.com/calculator/index.html

Flora nova is extremely concentrated. A very small amount the Flora nova mixed with fresh water will provide your plants with proper nutrition. For hydroponics, soil is mixtures, potted plants and soil or for you regarding growing plants. Use Flora Nova grow throughout the structural growth phase and to refer 7 to 10 days of transition. Switch to Flora nova boom for flowering and fruiting growth phase. For best results use a conductivity or PPM meter to monitor water quality and control nutrient strength. Drain discard or place nutrients every few weeks prevent nutrients and balance. Maintain a nutrient pH between five and 6.5. Adjustment may be necessary since while recording and pH vary in both regionally and seasonally change. Contact General Hydroponics directly for technical support regarding using their brand of nutrients. (more…)

Starting Seeds for Hydroponics Use
This is a quick and simple tutorial for germinating seeds. Most people growing with hydroponics will start from either seeds or clones. But at one point or another you will always start with seeds as they are easier to obtain in most cases for clones. Starting seeds with the intent of moving them into a hydroponics system is a bit different than starting them in soil. this guide will cover starting seedlings and moving them into a hydroponics grow box.

Germinating seeds:

1. Place a moist paper towel on a ceramic dish.

2. Fold the paper towel up and around the seeds.

3. Place another ceramic dish upside down on top of the bottom dish. (more…)

Setting up your digital temperature and humidity gauge

Your temperature and humidity gauge will display the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity of your grow box, as well as that of the room it’s in. It stores both the minimum and maximum values of the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. It can be run in both Celsius and Fahrenheit mode. Your digital temperature humidity gauge also displays a clock which can be run in 12 or 24 hour mode. This unit also features a recall function for both the minimum maximum values of temperature and humidity. The minimum and maximum values can be applied to both the temperature and humidity. This unit is powered by one AAA alkaline battery, which can be replaced by opening the small door on the back of the unit.

1. This unit automatically memorizes the minimum and maximum values of both the indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity.

2. Press in/out key to switch between indoor and outdoor temperatures. (more…)

Using an Ultrasonic Fogger to Enhance Hydroponics Growth

By using a ultrasonic fogger you can speed up the rates that your plants grow at used in conjunction with hydroponics. Works especially well with small hydroponics systems.

Ultrasonic fogger setup instructions

For best operation the fogger must be run at a depth of 22 to 36 mm. Do not run the fogger unless it is submerged in water. If the fogger is run for prolonged amounts of time outside of water, this will cause damage to your fogger device. The fogger will generate some heat and cause your water temperature to rise. For best performance run your fogger on a 15 minutes on 15 minute off time cycle. You can purchase a 15 minute incremental timer inexpensively at Wal-Mart, Home Depot, or any electronics store. Please note that this timer is optional equipment, and not included with your purchase. Any common incremental wall timer will work. Please note that your fogger will not operate unless the submerged water switch is covered. The fogger must be sitting in several inches of water to operate

It is advisable to periodically clean the ceramic disc using water, and the Q-tip. Do not touch or scratch the ceramic disc or water level sensor switch. Do not use washing powder or detergent to clean your fogger. Do not run in unfiltered water; this will decrease the life of your fogger. After about 3000 hours of run time, a new ceramic disc may be necessarfor best performance. A ceramic disc and tool replacement kit can be purchased for this device inexpensively through homegrown hydroponics. Contact us for more information on replacement parts (more…)

To Keep in Mind Using a Hydroponics Air Pump

Instructions for setting up your single or dual air pump

Warning: To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed including the following

· To avoid possible electric shock special care should be taken since water is employed in the use of this air pump equipment. Do not attempt to repair by yourself. Return to an authorized service facility for help repairing this appliance.

· If you’re air pump should accidentally fall into the water do not reach for it. First unplug it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the air pump get wet, unplug the appliance immediately.

· Carefully examine the air pump after installation. It should not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.

· Do not operate the air pump if it has a damaged cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning, or has been dropped or damaged in any manner at all. (more…)