Brainstorming

17 years ago

I'm working on a new hydroponic system design and one element in particular has me scratching my head. I need a fabric I can use as a medium.

Here's what it needs to do.

1. Support lightweight low level crops (lettuce, greens)

2. Lay horizontally

3. Be either cheap enough to discard after each crop or be durable enough to reuse.

The more light it can block the better, but that's not completely necessary.

Basically what I'm thinking of doing is sprinkling seeds across the top, germinating them in place, and essentially growing a "lawn" of greens on the mat. The mat must allow roots to grow through it, and be strong enough to support the plants.

I've been thinking of burlap, felt, something like that. A thick, "fuzzy" cloth that is cheap enough to discard with each crop (since the roots wouldn't be easily removed from something like that) would be perfect.

If it helps, this is the design I'm thinking of: A shallow reservoir with a wire mesh grill that fits the interior just below the upper lip. That grill supports the growing cloth and plants. Solution underneath with air gap - a classic DWC except without net pots and 100% viability of the top surface area.

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Comments (7)

Karen Pease
17 years ago
Do you have a fabric store in your area? You can encounter just about every kind of fabric you could imagine (generally excepting the high tech, expensive backpacking fabrics). If you want cheap, there's usually some $2-3/yd cotton remnants available.
freemangreens
17 years ago
I know directing you to my Web page will create havoc with a certain someone, but here goes anyway: The URL is in my profile and all you have to do is click on "Technique" at the top and the last article in the list is "Mat Hydroponics".

Everything you want to know is probably right there. I've grown baby green lettuce plants this way as a method of growing in the heat. The plants are harvested just before they bolt.

I bought a 12' by 12' piece of burlap at Home Depot for about $5. It's sold to professional gardeners to wrap up their lawn clippings inside.
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grizzman
17 years ago
^^Catty

a direct link would be more appropriate.
freemangreens
17 years ago
Certain someone:

Could you please just let it go? The direct link is a great idea and I'd thought of doing that, but hesitated since you seem to be watch-dogging me for some reason. My comment on havoc was bait; I see it worked!

I participate in this thing because I like to help. I have no other agenda. I'd like this to be the end of it.
grizzman
17 years ago
I'm pretty sure that's what I said in my first post.

and I agree with your method as described. If I were to grow lettuce, that'd be the method I would use. Well except I would modify the watering system as has been discussed in another thread.
gringojay
17 years ago
Hi hydroponica,
Maybe?
(1) "Polyjute" item PJ6432
(2) "Excelsior" item E4180
Both from A.M. Leonard (amelo.com); no biz interest with me
hydroponica
Original Author
17 years ago
Good advice, you all gave me a lot to consider.

I've still got a few details to iron out, and I won't really start building in earnest until my current tomato crop is done, but I'll keep everyone updated on what I do and how it works out.