Hydroponics Indoor Gardening #1: Unboxing the Moistenland System

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This is part 1 in a 4 part series: Hydroponics Indoor Gardening

  1. Unboxing the Moistenland System
  2. Lettuce- Day 3
...
  1. Day 18: is a hydroponic system worth it?

Can I grow hydroponic lettuce?
Let-us see if this hydroponics works for me, for growing lettuce

With the cost of lettuce rising to a predicted $10, I see that our options are to:
  • Not eat lettuce again until spring
  • Try one of the small hydroponic indoor gardening systems on the market 

I checked out the different options that were available through Amazon and decided to try the 12 space version from Moistenland. 

Considerations

As I started my search, a number of elements were things that I was looking at: 
  • Cost (as this is an experiment for me)
  • Reviews (very helpful!)
  • Height (what plants can I grow )
  • Number of spaces for plants

My goal is to grow lettuce so I don’t need a really tall version and I don’t need one with a lot of spaces... I think. 

I didn’t want to make a big investment in the system because 1) this is an experiment and 2) I would only be using it during the winter months.

The system that I opted for was the Moistenland.

Other features 
  • A fan to help with air flow and making strong plants
  • Viewing window to check water level
  • Hole covers to help prevent algae development (limiting light reaching the water)
  • Special lighting option for leafy vegetables and for flowers and fruit 
  • Automatic timer for running the water pump and the lights and fan
  • Little “greenhouse” cups to help with germination

The Set-up

The Moistenland system that I chose was really easy to set up and nothing had me scratching my head.  It was as easy as 1,2,3.

I did opt to just put seeds in half the spaces, giving the plants lots of room to grow.


The Extras

This system didn’t come with seeds, which I knew. That was ok as I have already ordered my seeds for next year’s garden and I have a lot of lettuce seeds to experiment with.

What I had expected to be included, but wasn’t, was the required nutrients, the fertilizer. Because I am new to all this, I didn’t have any idea as to what to buy. 

The directions mentioned an “A-B” duo nutrients so I just ordered something that looked like it was what was being referred to. 

Until that arrives, because I use well water, there will be enough nutrients provided in the water until my “A B” order arrives. 

Indoor Gardening Plan

Here is what I’m envisioning: I think that once this lettuce gets to a good size, I can start more plants in the spaces I left empty. By the time the first set matures and is gone, the next set should be ready and I can just repeat. Succession planting, in my house!

Sounds like a good plan, right?
What is your experience, your tips?

I will keep you posted on my progress,
- Debbie 


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