DIY set-up Spotted on Facebook MarketPlace

[basilvert]

Hello,

I'm still shopping for an inexpensive Aerogarden. While I was browsing here I came across the Kratky method, which I think I'll try until I can find the right AG. For now I just want to keep one basil plant alive.

I also found this "Other" forum and then I found what looks like a really cool DIY set-up --actually several of them-- available for sale about 75 miles from me, for $40.00. They look really complicated to me but my sister is a pretty good gardener and I thought it might be nice to buy them for her and maybe keep one of the smaller ones for myself.

But I have a few of questions: 
1) Are the two that come with pumps complete? (See Flickr pic attached)
2) Any idea how food safe the buckets are? and
3) How does the water actually reach the plants in the PVC pockets?
4) What kind of a grow light would I need to keep something like that alive indoors during the fall and winter?
5) Does anyone have any thoughts on how to make it look a little more attractive for indoor use?

[maskedsonnet]

I'm not familiar with the type of setup pictured, so I don't have input on if they're complete or how it works, but the blue buckets look like Lowes buckets. They're not BPA-free and aren't "food grade" according to the Lowes website, but I have Kratky buckets from Lowes, I think they're fine. I've only grown lettuce in them but it did well. Others may disagree about. I think this is an interesting article about chemical leach from various sources, including plastic containers that food is being grown in: www.gardenmyths.com/growing-food-plastic-containers-safe/

[Shawn]

I have no idea about systems other then Aerogarden so I can not help in your questions

[basilvert]

Thank you.

It occurs to me that maybe I should be more concerned about the PVC pipes. I guess it depends upon what the water touches before it reaches the vegetable roots.

[Sher]

basilvert , I bought 2 similar systems like the one with the blue bucket on the right) from a guy on Etsy. They work okay, but they leak like sieves.

I had to manually seal the inside of each cup with marine epoxy (not easy since you have to do them from above, turn them over and do it again from that side.) Plus the bolts that hold the support to the bucket have to be sealed or you lose too much water too fast.

However, once you get the bugs worked out, they are okay. I have a short one and a taller one. I only use the short one due to problems with lighting the lower plants.

I have come to prefer growing in totes.

YMMV

[basilvert]

Thanks anyways. It looks like the Exo tower available on Walmart:

I'm having trouble posting a picture I uploaded to Flickr and the Walmart web address looks hinky but I'll leave them anyway.



www.walmart.com/ip/Hydroponic-Garden-Tower-System-Indoor-Outdoor-Home-Grow-Kit/420884830

[Sher]

basilvert, the one at Walmart looks really nice to me.

The only thing I would change is to paint the bucket with black Krylon Fusion for plastics to keep algae from growing in the bucket.

But it appears to be much better built than the others.