Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 7.16
The six-tray Jetstream with rockwool blocks and slabs and drip
irrigation system. (Courtesy of Botanicare, Tempe, Arizona.)
deep by 2 feet by 4 feet that sits on a bench delivery and drainage module.
The system includes a pump, reservoir, and bench. The two-tray unit is
very similar but has two trays instead of one. The prices for these two units
are from $400 to $500.
PERLITE CULTURE-VERTICAL PLANT TOWERS
Plant towers are a great way to increase your production in a limited area
of space. In my experience lettuce, bok choy, herbs, and strawberries do
well in plant towers. The substrate of choice is perlite. You may wish to
mix 15% to 25% coco coir with the perlite to increase its water retention.
However, the more coco coir in the mix, the less frequent and duration of
irrigation cycles will be necessary as the mixture retains more moisture
than perlite itself.
Verti-Gro in Florida developed the unique system of vertical culture
using Styrofoam pots stacked one on top of the other up to 8 to 10 pots
high. The culture was initially developed for the growing of strawberries in
greenhouses. With these towers the plant density can be increased up to 8
