DIY Hydroponics

So, hopefully you've looked over the excellent primer at:instructables.com , and have come back.  We've got an 8-pack as it's small enough to experiment with, and may be able to do two or three different variations within the same space as the larger one at instructables.  Peat Pots are set, Miracle-Gro solution in place, and "Vitamin Greens" are planted.  I put the cover on initially to keep evaporation to a minimum.

Day 4 Signs of Life

It's April 18, four days after my initial creation, and there's signs of life. Had one issue with the cups too low in the mixture. Used toothpicks initially to prop them up, but they didn't stay up too well (you want the bottom of the cup to only protrude about 1/4" - mine were in about an inch). Ended up making "sleeves" by cutting the bottoms off 8 more cups and inserting the originals into them, raising them to the proper level.

Day 7 - They're heeere!
	They're beginning to grow! A lot of them anyway. I should have put some in regular containers too, but I was busy with other things. I'll do the experiment again with lettuce and see how it goes.

Day 21

They continue to grow, though it appears that other plants are outpacing them. I'm in the middle of translating a hydroponics workbook from Spanish to English (I don't do this for a living, I barely understand the language - in fact I use Google Translate and then A/B them, deciphering the information). Lots of good information, and will hopefully be implimenting some ideas in the future. Meanwhile, there are three that are growing well, one that's stunted, but no complaints so far. Can't wait to plant outside!!

Day 28ish

Ahh, now these look yummy! As I only have three plants, I'll be letting them grow a little longer before the taste test and the re-sowing of the "8-Pack".  I bought two more tubs, so when the rest of the plants go outside, I can attempt a full salad with 32 cups growing various greens.  The challenge of course will be keeping them inside when all the free energy is coming down from the sun.  Just a thought, I may put a reflector or two up to beam the light into the area where these are located.  Then again, staying married to my wife is even more appealing.