Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 7.13
The AeroGarden 3-Ladybug has three plant growing sites.
(Courtesy of AeroGrow, Boulder, Colorado.)
of all of the units (Figure 7.13 and Figure 7.14). With their unique elegant
modern look it makes them very attractive as a display in your kitchen. The
prices vary from $90, $150, to $200 for the smaller to the larger models.
Seed kits cost from $12.95 to $17.95.
ROCKWOOL AND COCO COIR CULTURES
With rockwool or coco coir culture start the seedlings in rockwool cubes
and transplant to rockwool blocks before transplanting a second time to the
rockwool or coco coir slabs. Setting up your own rockwool/coco coir system
is fairly simple. You need a 20- to 30-gallon solution tank, support structure,
pump and drip irrigation lines, PVC piping, and a series of trays in which to
place the rockwool or coco coir slabs. The trays should be at least 8 inches
wide by a multiple of 3 feet as the slabs are approximately 3 feet long.
Botanicare sells what they term “plumbed grow trays” for rockwool or
ebb and flow systems. They have 44 × 6 × 4 inch and 42 × 8 × 4 inch trays
complete with plumbing fittings for drainage and drip irrigation. These
hold one slab or six 6-inch square pots. Botanicare also has 44 × 6 × 4 inch
and 42 × 8 × 4 inch ebb and flow trays. Purchase these trays for your sys-
tem from $20 to $30 each and build the rest. You can buy a small storage
