Window Farms (hydroponics)

[kentauros]

I don't know if y'all are aware of this concept or not, but I've known about it since earlier this year (read about it at treehugger.com) and am about to go hunting for supplies. First, here's the site:

Window Farms

and here is the page for the diy setups:

Windowfarmers R&D-I-Y

If anyone has tried this, post pics :) I'll do the same once I have a working system. I have found some missing info in their beginner's materials list (namely, the length of the tubing needed; my guess is about 4' per type.) Once I've tried the beginner's system, I'll try one of the hanging farms, as I have some windows that could use more plants.

This could be a fun project for kids, too :D

[beac]

1. Really interesting.

I would love to try this. We even have a hydroponic supply store here in town. But our small house and curious cat & dog might make it a less-than-successful endeavor-- not to mention confirming Mr. beac's opinion that I have a gardening addiction. ;)

Do let us know how you get on.

[kentauros]

2. That's nice to have a hydroponics supply store.

Houston might have one, too, if I look around. Although I do know where the closest beer-making supply store is ;)

I'll probably get the hydroponic stuff online unless someone sells it locally. So far, I have the tubing, a piece of PVC pipe instead of the dowel (wood would rot and metal would rust) as well as the tape and straps needed. Still have to get the airpump, needles and water bottles. I don't normally buy bottled water and certainly not in 1.5 ltr increments. I'll just turn it into ice cubes or give it to my cat :)

When I start putting it together, I'll post pics of the process. I'm guessing, too, that I'll grow some winter produce like lettuce at first.

As for doing it at your home, I don't see why it couldn't also be set up outside, with some kind of protection for the airpump and electrical source...

[Kolesar]

3. Low-e glass blocks half of the sunlight coming in

One can find windows that are not low-e, but they are rare. Marvin Windows makes them and in Canada, non-low-e windows are quite common because Canadian homeowners want all of the solar gain.

There are also low-SHGC windows that block 3/4 of the energy coming in. There is nothing you can do with those.

[kentauros]

4. I live in an apartment that's about 60 years old.

I have no idea what kind of glass was used in the windows and now way (that I know of) for finding out. I only know that they still let in a fair amount of light, enough to please some indoor plants.

I'll be building this set-up, no matter what kind of glass is in my windows and I'll let y'all know of my successes :)

[Kolesar]

7. You are probably good!

I love the idea of off season vegetables. I think lettuce would be a good choice.

[Inchworm]

5. Looking forward to hearing from ya

It would be soooo handy for me since I'm in the house a lot.

Mmmm, tomatoes in Febuary :9

:hi:

[OnionPatch]

6. This looks very cool.

It would probably work well in a south-facing window. I don't have good windows for this, though. My only good windows face west and receive light for only half of the day. In the winter, I don't think that's enough hours of sunlight to grow too much.