Adventures in Hydroponics

Hello!  I can't believe we have had 70 degree temps on Feb 1.  If that old groundhog has a sunny day tomorrow maybe we can just forfeit this whole winter to spring.  I wanted to share my newest hobby...hydroponic gardening.  This was my set up I requested for my birthday.  Glen did a good job I think!  We researched designs on the internet and he sketched up our own version. 

Then it was my turn to figure out exactly how to use it.  I am more a fan of rooting cuttings than starting seeds or actually growing entire plants in it.  So, I set about finding some cuttings in my yard.  A few roses, some camellia, holly twigs and african violet leaves.  I prepared them Thanksgiving weekend and transplanted 2 of the roses today. 

Here is the best rooted one (although both were good)

I suffered information overload from all the sites recommending "these" nutrients and "that" growing medium.  I was eager to get started so I just used what I had...some liquid plant food and some coconut coir.  I was dreading a dark cold winter with nothing to putter around with that was garden related.  Well the winter really has been mild but I've enjoyed the hydroponic set up just the same.  It is situated in my basement underneath our staircase which makes it convenient and out of the way.  It contains 28 growing "holes" and the containers I used were just plain clear cups from Wal-mart with holes poked in the sides.  By the way..the camellias and holly were a dud.  The african violets rooted well.  So what are YOU doing till spring??