by Will
A wicking system instead of hydropolics?
6:24 am in electronic components, energy consumption, Materials and Resources, questions, Seeking Advice by Will
This is a repost from the “Minnesota” group, because I posted there before I actually figured out how to make a proper post:
A friend of mine showed me a ”window farm” of hers using no hydroponic equipment at all.
It used just a simple system in which the water wicks up through a porous rope that runs through the center of
each cell with a hanging reservoir at the bottom. It was entirely self contained. This
would be ideal for me because window space is at a premium in my place, and none of our
electrical outlets are close to windows. Another plus to this is that it uses just about
zero electricity. I didn’t get the chance to have her explain her setup to me in full
detail, so I was wondering if there’s any difference in the mechanics of such a setup?
Note: Her system also used soil, which I assume would be safe in a situation with no electrical parts. The system works in the same manner as a free-standing planter using a wick made out of a single bottle.
I was wondering if it would work, what material did she used to get the water to the plants?
i have 2 concerns: will the material loose its ability to carry the fluid as the minerals will crystalize in and around the rope and i think that it will be difficult to control soil humidity to avoid rotting or dryness(in the soil based substrate she used).
i thought about another material that could be used: Felt. Used in living walls, it carries down the water and keep the substrate humid.
See this link: http://www.verticalgardensolutions.com/rusticpockets.htm
i thought about using a band of felt to support the plants
like so: http://www.verticalgardensolutions.com/rusticpockets.htm