funkisockmunki @funkisockmunki ?
active 4 months, 4 weeks ago-
funkisockmunki posted an update: 5 months ago · View
I accidentally fried all my plants with a space heater underneath the windowfarm… cleaned everything out and retiring the old system in anticipation of the new one arriving. I don’t want to get a new batch of plants started right before the new system arrives. I’m hoping to reuse the hydroton pellets to try a container of hydroponic lettuce, but aren’t finding very definitive info about cleaning and reusing them. Some people say the PH is all wrong after one use and they should be thrown away, others clean with bleach. Does anyone have advice for cleaning and reusing the hydroton expanded clay pellets?
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funkisockmunki wrote a new blog post: Cleaning time, Sad Beans 1 year, 2 months ago · View
I noticed that the bean plant’s leaves started to look pretty bad. Something is definitely wrong and it doesn’t appear to be pest damage, so I’m assuming either too much or too little nutrients (too much is more likely) or too much water. After testing, it seems like the pH was a bit low (5.5-6), [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Newbie – 8 days in – need guidance! 1 year, 2 months ago · View
Sounds like you pretty much have it under control. I have basil tucked into most of my bottles alongside other things, like peas and beans. It seems to be happy with varying levels of water. I’m currently using a timer to run the pump for 5 minute increments, about once an hour. It seems to [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Blog update: 2nd column, airlift pictures 1 year, 2 months ago · View
Where did you get the food grade hydrogen peroxide? And what does it do for the plants?
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Update on my crude “sailboat” windowfarm 1 year, 2 months ago · View
I have read that about nasturtiums – using their young unopened flower buds as capers. Have you tried it? How are they? I might follow your idea and pop a nasturtium into my windowfarm when the peas or beans are done. I would love to hear more about how your cherry tomatoes turn out, and [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Shower Curtain Rod w/2L bottles 1 year, 2 months ago · View
Very nice! Thank you for sharing!
I like your cap-tube extensions. I followed the kit instructions to cut a “cap flap” and it seems to splatter the seedlings a bit more than I would like. Gently moving the water to the pellets surface would be better to keep the seedlings dry. -
funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Shower Curtain Rod w/2L bottles 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Fancy! Does the water still easily go up with it spiraling around like that? I had to have my tubes pretty much perfectly straight up and down to get a good push from the air bubble lift system. Maybe you have a different pump…
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post I am looking for a source fro 1.5 liter bottles in grand rapids mi. 1 year, 4 months ago · View
I found the bottles at a Safeway store (in Seattle, WA, USA). That was the only store that carried them… After looking in recycling bins covertly for a couple weeks and giving up on finding some by change, I looked at convenience stores, groceries, everywhere… and only this one Safeway had them, and they only [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post New Windowfarm 1 year, 4 months ago · View
The water flow is still going well, no bubbling in the reservoir anymore. I have the timer set up and two plants are already in (peas and beans). I’m waiting for other seedlings to get bigger before plopping them in to. This is all so exciting! Meanwhile it’s freezing outside (literally) and might snow again [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Seed Swap! 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Mel – I just noticed your note about knitting/ravelry. I’m on there too… same username “funkisockmunki”. That gives me the idea of maybe knitting some cozies for the less attractive parts of the windowfarm setup, like the cord bundles for the lights. Maybe that would just be a dust magnet and fire hazard, but could [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Seed Swap! 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Try the Territorial Seed Company. They have small packets of seed and lots of fun varieties. I love the Rainbow chard…. I have a bunch growing outside (I think it’s the “Bright Lights” variety) but the snow and 20-degree weather snaps keep killing it back to the center. It’s supposed to be a good “winter [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Seed Swap! 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Awesome – I added you on MyFolia BionicMel. I’ve been meaning to list all my seeds on there for quite some time, so I guess I will just get to it already. I do have quite a few tomato seeds, and I also like the weird nonstandard varieties. Some are my favorites are the Striped [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post How much water per minute/hour? 1 year, 4 months ago · View
I’ve also been wondering about how much water is going to need to go through once my seedlings are in the cups. Since the pump doesn’t have any visual way to set water amounts, I added a setting marker: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mookmonkey/5331679675/in/photostream/ I’m still having really inconsistent throughput between two two columns, but think I’ll just plant [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Suggested Readings? 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Usually if the public library doesn’t have something, they will purchase it. I’m in Seattle, and they have been really good about getting stuff that I’ve asked for. When you request a book for purchase here, they automatically put it on hold for you when it comes in.
I just checked out the website [...] -
funkisockmunki commented on the blog post From seed, 3 bottles, gallon reservoir, 4 watt, tomatoes, mustard, cilantro…? 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Don’t give up hope yet. I looked at Territorial Seed Company’s tips for growing Cilantro and it says that germination can be “slow and erratic”, and that herbs like a Ph of 6.5. They have great growing information under the “More Info” tab for each plant if you’re ever wondering. Cilantro: http://www.territorialseed.com/product/856/herb_seed If you’re having [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Seed Swap! 1 year, 4 months ago · View
I’m game! Are you in the US? I wonder if seeds can go through customs… maybe not? I’m in Seattle WA USA. I have a huge selection of seeds, and have tried to organize seed swaps locally with friends, but not many of my friends are into gardening. With a small urban garden you never [...]
yes, it’s possible to send seeds through customs, but…
Some countries have limitations:
Here in Norway, private citicens can’t import more than 50 bags(envelopes) of seeds in one shipment.
The Swedish shop I use(impecta.se) will break up any order of more than 50 bags into two or more orders to get around that rule.
some plants may not be ’desirable’ in your state/country and therefore on a ban-list.
don’t expect the sender to know these rules, though. Investigate yourself.Also, consider the fact that the package must be TOLL-declared(with value) and that there may be a TOLL or VAT to pay to get it through.
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post Suggested Readings? 1 year, 4 months ago · View
I found a couple of books in the Seattle public library catalog and am waiting on the holds. Will let you know if any of them turn out to be especially good!
Hydroponic Home Food Gardens
By Resh, Howard M. (Book – 1990)Hydroponics – Soilless Gardening Explained
By Bridgewood, Les (Book – 2003) -
funkisockmunki commented on the blog post New Windowfarm 1 year, 4 months ago · View
Thanks! I’m starting with some of my own seeds. Most of them come from Territorial Seed Company. They have very reliable seeds, many organic, and some interesting varieties. It’s a company out of Oregon, so they grow things that work in my climate, although growing indoors isn’t exactly subject to climate. These are just seeds [...]
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funkisockmunki wrote a new blog post: New Windowfarm 1 year, 4 months ago · View
I received my kit last week and am putting the finishing touches on the tubes and pump to get it working properly. After some problems with the airlift system, Britta gave me some tips. I had to pull the upright tube off and modify the ends to be slanted. Photos of my system build in-progress [...]
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funkisockmunki commented on the blog post pump setting 1 year, 4 months ago · View
I have done all of those things and it doesn’t seem improved. I don’t know if it helps, but you can see pictures of my construction here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mookmonkey/sets/72157625568089833/ I could take close up photos of other parts if there is something you suspect is the culprit. Tonight I plan to drain all the water, take [...]
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