Mike, this is a wonderful idea, I may have to borrow it =). My wife bought a bunch of pool noodles to place in her boots. She said it's the cheapest method to keep the boots from being flattened.
Khang Starr Please do try it! I have been watching you for a long time. You have given me much inspiration. Thanks for all you have done over the years!
Greeting from jakarta, i have been subs on Khang and Mike for this 1 month.i Just start doing hydroponics Sorry if maybe you have been explain on one of your video that i havent notice so i need to ask question My question on Mike 1. if i want to apply on this noodle method how big is the holesaw for the hole? 2. What is the length between each hole? Both of you are doing great. Give so much inspiration and cost effective Thanks
Erwin Limarno Hey, you can cut anything smaller than the pool noodle, here it is about 2". I place the holes 4" apart and cut the noodle about 1" thick. Nice to meet you, good luck on the hydroponics!
If you pay attention there is always someone running for office or selling something in our area at craft shows or flea markets and they usually have those neoprene soda can coozys for free(not sure how to spell coozy) I use them to make small gaskets or even as bottom pads for my dogs homemade snow booties(she's a pitbull mix so almost hairless. It gets so cold here she actually let's me put jacket and boots on her to play outside lol) I'm sure as a cloning collar they would work. I can get 2 bootie bottoms (say that 5 times fast 🤣) out of one im sure you could get at least 2 cloning collars maybe 3 if you space judicially. The neoprene laptop/tablet covers at the dollar store I think would be too thin. I use them to hand sew onto my kayak paddles to help keep the blisters down. If you could bond/glue 2 layers together somehow that might work too.
I grow commerical cannibus, using 6x6x4 Rockwell. While we are a bigger in size operation, we typically are only able to use them for one grow yield, which is a couple of months. There only really the one purpose we need it for, then we toss them away. Sometimes I'll take a small amount home to mix into my soil because Rockwell is great at absorbing and retaining water. We also use the clay pebbles, and yes cleaning them is ridiculous. The mother plants are being used with clay pebbles, in 5 gal buckets. By the end are their life cycle, it's 90% full with just a mass of super packed roots and clay balls. I put them into a onsite box trailer to let it all dry out and decompose. Even still, cleaning is a nightmare. Labor hours is a constant battle!
I'm sold. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's a real blessing to those of us that don't have the experience (or sense) to figure it out ourselves nor the funds to use the systems that are sold to us by internet "experts"
Gday Mr D !! Another great vid bro. Im really sold on the pool noodle idea. Its $25 here in oz for 1/2 kilo of rockwool (my local store - expensive) . Your absolutely right. The roots have filled it and begun tangling up the net cup. My next move is your method !! Thank you for the enlightenment on this 😎🌱🌱
Thanks, When was experimenting with hydroponics, I was constantly buying and throwing away Rockwool, I had to figure out a way to do it cheaper. It may not work for everyone, but it sure is helping me.
Hello Mike, I want you to know you have helped me transform my hydroponic growing, and I no longer have any rockwool / clay pebbles in any of my systems! Thankyou for the inspiration :)
Rock wool is not reusable. That is for sure. It is also not truly compostable. As you noted it is spun rock and rock does not degrade very quickly. It would be similar to trying to compost fiberglass insulation. On the otherhand rockwool is very clean. I run an aeroponic tower and any kind of soil/dirt/media is death on my system. I do use hydroton in the netcups and for the most part I can recover and reuse everything. The only exception I have found so far is with some swiss chard that had a root mass that got so big that it is impossible to remove from the netcup. It has actually deformed and effectively destroyed the netcup. Lettuces I have had no issues.
Hey Nathan, thanks for all the input. All the different kinds of media do have their pros and cons, this seems to be working for me for the past several years and is very inexpensive. Time is also my issue. I still use hydroton to grow my microgreens that I will transplant into this system, they come out easy and very clean. Thanks for watching, let me know if you have any pictures or videos anywhere, is always nice seeing what others are doing.
I have used rockwool and find it is not my favorite seed starting method. Currently looking at your system and 'borrowing' some ideas. Nice video, my favorite comment was about pool noodles being designed to endure a bit of pool chlorine already and being able to use a little bleach to clean them Great tip!
A local guy showed me this trick, it is both cheaper and better than using rockwool all the way. I still do use my EazyPlug rockwool for starting seeds, and then when it grows a bit i just remove it and transplant it to my NFT system. Cheers!
Personally I like to use the cheap rolls of foam from the Walmart craft section, I sharpen the end of a piece if pipe to cut them into little circles of whatever size I need just slightly oversize to the hole I'm using, hold the plants well and VERY cheap when you can get over a thousand for 15 bucks of foam depending on how carefully you cut them and how big you make them. I'm using mine for aeroponics though, and lots of what I grow starts with a smaller stem that might fall right through the pool noodle. I'm trying to clone some blueberry cuttings right now to save some stems the cat chewed on.
Cool! I used to use the craft foam, you can see it in some of my early videos. That worked well. I did not think of using a pipe to cut it and the pool noodle was already round. Blueberry plants would be awesome. I tried them one year but killed 2 plants, lol.
I just bought a used aeroponics system and it didn't come with the net cups, so I just used some pool noodle for my aeroponics system, I cut about 2" or 2 1/2" long, then cut across the piece to make 4 pieces and also cut it a bit slanted at the bottom, then half way down length to split it partially. I just did this today so I will see how it works.
Mike try using vermiculite for your grow medium, its inert and grow seeds at the start. It can be used in hydroponics and will wash off with water when you transplant. Good luck! A hack I have done is get a cement mixing tote from Home Depot and fill it 1/3 with vermiculite. Under a light indoors wet the vermiculite it holds water probably better than anything else. You can just pick out the plants and insert them into your pool noodle - sometimes you dont even have to wash off the vermiculite as it doesnt stay on the roots if it is wet.
Your a genius! Where I live they don't carry net cups or clay pebbles I have been to every store so I was looking for an alternative and you saved me money.
Thank you for the great tips! I wanted to try this with my seedlings to get them started hydroponically.. I don’t wanna have to use the Rockwool but I do have neoprene plugs I just gotta be able to hold up the seed
I do agree the pool noodle is more economical and more convenient. However i have gotten multiple uses with 1 rockwool cube but i also use 2" net cups in a vertical tower and also a dwc system. But Usually i get about 3 uses out of 1 cube. But great video ill have to try the pool noodle.
Hi, I’m looking into using this concept on a small tropical island that ranges between 78°-85° and is mostly sand and salt water. Do you think the pool noodle system would hold up outside or would we need to do it in a cooler environment or inside? How many seasons do you get out of your noodles before you replace? My main concern is the micro plastics getting eaten as this would be our primary food source
Good video. I use the pool noodles as well. For those with 3 inch net cups the noodle works great with those also, they just fit a little deeper in. I laughed out loud when I read a few comments about PCV!
I have a DWC system in gutters that I'm going to switch to Kratky because of your videos. In my system the roots travel long distances and plug up drains sometimes. I see the roots on your plants are only directly below the holes.
So, if I understand what you're doing...you actually start the seeds germinating in soil of some type, then transfer them to the pool noodle and hydroponic solution when the plants are large enough to be held by the pool noodle and the root extends below it. Right?
I'm sorry, Mike. I totally confused you with another Gardener named Mike. I have been watching your videos since 6:30 this morning and I think you are awesome. I also apologize to all of your followers and future followers. You have never mentioned Flora Series in your videos. Please keep up the good work!
THANK YOU mike. Wive not to happy about her pool noodle,,, and no rook wool will not compost, but thats a great idea. noodles only $5 here in N Z thanks again.
Hi Mike I am new to hydroponic. I have watched many videos no one seem to talk about roots after harvesting. Can roots be left in system so more vegetations grows, or simply throw them away or turn them into compost? How often can you grow say salads during a year in hydroponics or is it seasonal? Thank you
Does this foam compress and make room for a developing plant, or do you move your plants to other containers? How does it manage to hold a seedling as well as a big grown plant?
You are exactly right. That's one reason I like them so much, they do compress and the plants can grow rather large. I will try to show this in a future video, thank you!
@@KeepOnGrowin awesome! This seems almost too good to be true. Cheaper, easier to use, reusable, and your leftover rootmass is compostable, it's just win win win.
I'm going to be using nft channels indoors this winter for lettuce. Rockwool and pool noodles are not biodegradable. Not sure if rockwool is recyclable but pool noodles are. I will try your tip. Thanks.
is this only for pre sprouted plants then? trying to find cheap method for my aerogarden. rockwool can absolutely be reused. the old roots will just die and be nutrients/compost for the new plants.
Remember that Rockwool is Proven 100% Commercially and there is a reason it is used. Rockwool is designed to hold maximum water and air so if you have a pump failure you will have time to fix the issue before the plants die. Other mediums hold less water and air. How economical is losing you crop from pump failure because you didn't grow in Rockwool?
Great idea. I'm just starting hydroponics. It doesn't look like you start your seeds in the noodle pieces. How do you do it before switching them over. I just started my lettuce with rockwool in my net pots. I didn't buy the plugs they sell for hydroponics though. Had some left over from a powder coating oven I built. I was impressed that my seeds germination in 1 day. I don't mind not being able to reuse the rockwool. 1 batt should last a long time, but the netpots...... Unless I'm careful removing the roots would be wasted I think. Need a way to start them right in the noodles.
Hi, how do you keep from growing algae? I'm going to share this with my hubby because he loved growing hydroponicaly! And the noodles make so much sense. He used the rockwool and man was it such a mess to clean everything out! How long are the gutters? Thanks for all you do
I buy 10' downspouts. The ones in my newer video are 4' long. After I cut 2 of those, I have a 2' section left which is what you see on the table. The ones that look 8' long are left over from my old place I used to live where the spacing on the handrail was 8' Watch my video that is coming out tomorrow (and a few of my newest ones), you will see the container has no algae. I keep all the holes covered and use opaque containers, Try to keep as much light out as possible. I think with hydroponics, there will always be a little algae somewhere, just have to try and contain it a little.Thanks for watching.
I am thinking that foam pipe insulation also work instead of pool noodles. Just because we have some, and would like to be able to use them instead of buying a pool noodle.
It probably will work, I don't know what it is made of. Most pool noodles are made with EVA, also used in toddler teething rings and medical supplies where pvc is a concern.
@@KeepOnGrowin Thanks for responding to my comment.:-) I did a little extra googling, and thought I'd share what I found out: "Pool noodles are nearly identical to industrial and residential foam insulation for pipes, the primary difference being the industrial version has a denser foam and has a structural reinforcement for the outer layer. People have used pool noodles as cheaper versions of the industrial pipe insulation inside buildings at a substantial cost savings, as the industrial version is about two to four times more expensive." - Wikipedia.
Don't eat out. Most restaurants use bleach to clean. Grocery stores clean all their equipment used for prepared foods with bleach. Spinach and leafy greens are dipped in a chlorine bath before bagging.
what about steam cleaning. spiral copper tube and a torch style.. probably not for plastics, but glass and ugh.. clay trays should be alright. im also thinking cheap and easy, plus that torch steamer is badass. i have tons of old empty jars i want to use for kratky... thanks a lot for this video, i love it when people expand options.
Sure thing. This is one of my first videos, a little corny. I will make an updated one this next year. Thank you so much for the kind words. czcams.com/video/bYhwJIarjQ0/video.html
Thank you for the video... question... might be silly but I bought and have extra insulation pipe noodles... do you think that would work instead of a pool noodle?
The pool noodle replaces net cup, rock wool, and clay pebbles because its size is flexible too. You are a genius. I am growing lettuce. BTW, where did you buy the bok choy seeds?
Thanks for your prompt answer. Your bok choy is a good flavor. My mum used to grow this bok choy and air dried them for winter use. It brings back my memory more than half century ago. The Shanghai/Suzhou bok choy is not as good as yours.
I've been watching videos on Hydroponics and very much interested in trying out... with pool noodle, what hydroponics system do you use? can I use it with Kratky? What about starting seeds? I probably still need rockwool ? Thank you very much for sharing.
Just found your videos very informative been playing around with the idea about starting Hydroponics and I think you're the deciding factor going to try it thank you and by the way I did subscribe
It’s a good idea to use pool noodles. However it is plastic, so when it mixes with heat and sunlight, then wouldn’t it release harmful chemicals? The plant will absorb it by its roots… are you sure it is food safe? Thanks
If you are worried about that, the entire container is plastic. Watch my last livestream about plastic. If you are not comfortable, just use food grade materials.
Okay, so when you pull off the noodle it's a collar around the roots. So what do you use to put the seeds in & grow the seeds out?? Guess I'm missing that part. That's what the Rockwool etc would be used for.
Nice idea, and you may have addressed this question, but, how do you start a small seed in a pool noodle when there's a hole in the middle of the pool?
That video shows how to take an existing plant that sprouted up and put it into the pool noodle… How do I start a seed without having to transplant like that in one step?
Hello sir nice vdos and nice work getting rid of rock wool. U can start ur seeds in normal potting soil and can transfer them as well right. And i think u shld do a vdo on saving seeds it will save us money as well. Thanks in advance
@@KeepOnGrowin thankyou for the response. I just thought about how rockwool was produced & after knowing it I tried to leave it. You can see my videos with subtitles on how to plant water spinach without using rockwool & become an inspiration in my country, as well as some other countries that happen to watch my videos. please click the following link, hopefully it will be useful czcams.com/video/tKI7yj1OOro/video.html thanks sir
thank you & sorry if my english writing is a bit chaotic because i only use google translate ^ _ ^ i just make hydroponic content to introduce hydroponics to my country in a different way, of course in the easiest way to be imitated by anyone who wants ^ _ ^
You have to make up your mind about tgat. Tge pool noodle just holds it in place, the roots dangle in nutrient solution. The downspout is plastic. You can get food grade nft channels. Most pool noodles here are made with EVA not PVC. EVA is used in infants teething toys and some medical supplies where PVC is prohibited.
Thanks for the reply I will not try cotton now I have found some coco coir. I am having to find new ways of starting seeds as I can not get what I expected here in Poland
gr8 idea, I will need to check that there is no BPA in the noodle plastic or other as they are not designed for food useage. the bleach may be a deterrant to me as well altho a good cleanser I am not sure on the oraganic or human consumption of it through the plants.
EVEY71 Let me know what you find out. Some ppl use peroxide instead of bleach. You probably intake more bleach eating out because the restaurant industry uses bleach to clean everything. Most utensils, plates, glasses, etc are sanitized and air dried without rinsing the bleach off.
"EVA products include most pool noodles. Yes, your pool noodles are probably safe! Other products made with EVA include foam float belts and mats. Styrofoam-like products made of EVA are probably not harmful if swallowed, but you should keep an eye out for choking in young children." I was wondering about the food safety of pool noodles too, just because some hydroponic people seem to really be paranoid about bpa.
I don’t think I have room in the house for a downspout but if I did I am able to hang some lighting (say, 2 foot light panels, I do wonder how I’d determine how much water/ nutrients to put inside the downspout. Also how would I clamp off the ends so the water doesn’t leak out?
Thanks for the great video. Will you not end up eating small amounts of bleach through the greens? Seems like it would be hard to remove it all from the pool noodles
I like the thinking (methods you're using) to get this video (and youre others) seen by more people. If I think of anything anything I DONT SEE that you've tried, I'll let you know. Do you have an email I can contact you on? (I know you mentioned it in a video, but I have almost ALL of your videos in my history- your guess is as good as mine as to which 1 it is)
Hey Mike! been watching your vids for some time now! They are really inspiring! Thanks! I had my earth veggie patch and have grown few stuff there but certain veggies (lettuce, kale, basil...) have always been devoured by ants (we can't get rid of em). So 2 weeks back i started a patio basic kratky setup in pvc tubes with this pool noodles trick and all looking amazing so far! First true leaves coming out already! I have one question thou, im seedstarting on kitchen towel, and i feel i need a better method (paper towel doesn't help root growth and forces me to put into the hydroponic setup before true leaves come). What budget method you recommend for seed starting? Seen you use soil i think, correct? My seeder is indoors with some 13w light bulb. Thanks!
Simply ingenious! But I noticed that you and Khang Starr often mention the flora series along with the master blend option. You both make outstanding videos but which one is preferable? I'm confused and Amazon is totally ripping me off! I have been trying to grow at home for 4 yrs now and all I have eaten in that time was about 20 cherry tomatoes that taste like water from my 2 aerogardens! Can someone please help me!
Betty Spencer I only use Masterblend mainly because it works for me and I bought a 25lb bag 5yrs ago and still have some left. I tried a little General Hydroponics once but it did not work out for me. Khan looked like he had some success with it and the Flora. Tomatoes take some work in these Kratky containers, I usually stick with fast growing leafy greens.
Hey thanks for the video Mike, if you get this could you tell me what size holes those noodles fit best, and also do you cut like a little notch out of them to make room for the plant or do you just make a slice to open them up?
Mike, this is a wonderful idea, I may have to borrow it =). My wife bought a bunch of pool noodles to place in her boots. She said it's the cheapest method to keep the boots from being flattened.
Khang Starr Please do try it! I have been watching you for a long time. You have given me much inspiration. Thanks for all you have done over the years!
Greeting from jakarta, i have been subs on Khang and Mike for this 1 month.i Just start doing hydroponics
Sorry if maybe you have been explain on one of your video that i havent notice so i need to ask question
My question on Mike
1. if i want to apply on this noodle method how big is the holesaw for the hole?
2. What is the length between each hole?
Both of you are doing great. Give so much inspiration and cost effective
Thanks
Erwin Limarno Hey, you can cut anything smaller than the pool noodle, here it is about 2". I place the holes 4" apart and cut the noodle about 1" thick. Nice to meet you, good luck on the hydroponics!
both Khang Starr and Mike are good inspirations for hydroponics...Thank you!!!
Thanks much, really appreciate it. I learned a lot from Khang when I first started years ago.
pool noodle? Oh my God this is genius you know how much money I've spent on those neoprene discs I'm so mad at myself for not thinking of this sooner
I have saved so much money in the past 5 years. Thanks for watching!
Always look to MacGyver your problems. Never fails; Ever.
If you pay attention there is always someone running for office or selling something in our area at craft shows or flea markets and they usually have those neoprene soda can coozys for free(not sure how to spell coozy) I use them to make small gaskets or even as bottom pads for my dogs homemade snow booties(she's a pitbull mix so almost hairless. It gets so cold here she actually let's me put jacket and boots on her to play outside lol)
I'm sure as a cloning collar they would work. I can get 2 bootie bottoms (say that 5 times fast 🤣) out of one im sure you could get at least 2 cloning collars maybe 3 if you space judicially.
The neoprene laptop/tablet covers at the dollar store I think would be too thin. I use them to hand sew onto my kayak paddles to help keep the blisters down.
If you could bond/glue 2 layers together somehow that might work too.
I grow commerical cannibus, using 6x6x4 Rockwell. While we are a bigger in size operation, we typically are only able to use them for one grow yield, which is a couple of months. There only really the one purpose we need it for, then we toss them away. Sometimes I'll take a small amount home to mix into my soil because Rockwell is great at absorbing and retaining water. We also use the clay pebbles, and yes cleaning them is ridiculous. The mother plants are being used with clay pebbles, in 5 gal buckets. By the end are their life cycle, it's 90% full with just a mass of super packed roots and clay balls. I put them into a onsite box trailer to let it all dry out and decompose. Even still, cleaning is a nightmare. Labor hours is a constant battle!
I'm sold.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's a real blessing to those of us that don't have the experience (or sense) to figure it out ourselves nor the funds to use the systems that are sold to us by internet "experts"
No problem, love sharing ideas. Thanks for the positive feedback, appreciate it much!!
Gday Mr D !!
Another great vid bro. Im really sold on the pool noodle idea. Its $25 here in oz for 1/2 kilo of rockwool (my local store - expensive) . Your absolutely right. The roots have filled it and begun tangling up the net cup.
My next move is your method !! Thank you for the enlightenment on this 😎🌱🌱
Thanks, When was experimenting with hydroponics, I was constantly buying and throwing away Rockwool, I had to figure out a way to do it cheaper. It may not work for everyone, but it sure is helping me.
Hello Mike, I want you to know you have helped me transform my hydroponic growing, and I no longer have any rockwool / clay pebbles in any of my systems! Thankyou for the inspiration :)
Awesome! It has saved me a ton of money! Glad it is working for you. Thanks for watching!
Sir what is the name of the foam had to use in your hydrophonics. greeting here in the Philippines..
I just saw this. I’m looking to start my hydroponics now. THANK YOU!
You can do it!
Rock wool is not reusable. That is for sure. It is also not truly compostable. As you noted it is spun rock and rock does not degrade very quickly. It would be similar to trying to compost fiberglass insulation. On the otherhand rockwool is very clean. I run an aeroponic tower and any kind of soil/dirt/media is death on my system. I do use hydroton in the netcups and for the most part I can recover and reuse everything. The only exception I have found so far is with some swiss chard that had a root mass that got so big that it is impossible to remove from the netcup. It has actually deformed and effectively destroyed the netcup. Lettuces I have had no issues.
Hey Nathan, thanks for all the input. All the different kinds of media do have their pros and cons, this seems to be working for me for the past several years and is very inexpensive. Time is also my issue. I still use hydroton to grow my microgreens that I will transplant into this system, they come out easy and very clean. Thanks for watching, let me know if you have any pictures or videos anywhere, is always nice seeing what others are doing.
people use rockwool mostly when they want to germinate the seed, not for transplanting.
I'm using hydroton in the tower garden, but the net cups are destroyed when pulling the plants out, next year I'm going to try the noodles.
I have used rockwool and find it is not my favorite seed starting method. Currently looking at your system and 'borrowing' some ideas. Nice video, my favorite comment was about pool noodles being designed to endure a bit of pool chlorine already and being able to use a little bleach to clean them Great tip!
Cool! Use all the ideas you want to Matt, I am still experimenting myself. Would love to see what you come up with. Thanks!
you saved me from rushing to home depot during covid! :D
A local guy showed me this trick, it is both cheaper and better than using rockwool all the way. I still do use my EazyPlug rockwool for starting seeds, and then when it grows a bit i just remove it and transplant it to my NFT system. Cheers!
Cool! Thank you! 😎🌱🌱🌱
You have quite a good concept there Mike,,,nice and clean, reusable, cheap,,gotta dig that.
All the best from the land of OZ (Australia)
Marty & Karin
Thanks guys. You two have an awesome week! Can't wait to see what you have planned next!
Personally I like to use the cheap rolls of foam from the Walmart craft section, I sharpen the end of a piece if pipe to cut them into little circles of whatever size I need just slightly oversize to the hole I'm using, hold the plants well and VERY cheap when you can get over a thousand for 15 bucks of foam depending on how carefully you cut them and how big you make them.
I'm using mine for aeroponics though, and lots of what I grow starts with a smaller stem that might fall right through the pool noodle. I'm trying to clone some blueberry cuttings right now to save some stems the cat chewed on.
Cool! I used to use the craft foam, you can see it in some of my early videos. That worked well. I did not think of using a pipe to cut it and the pool noodle was already round. Blueberry plants would be awesome. I tried them one year but killed 2 plants, lol.
Love it!! Thank you for this great tip. I, too, really dislike throwing away money with rockwool. And cleanup? Well, just excellent ideas here.
Cool! Thanks for watching, always good to meet new people. More to come.
I just bought a used aeroponics system and it didn't come with the net cups, so I just used some pool noodle for my aeroponics system, I cut about 2" or 2 1/2" long, then cut across the piece to make 4 pieces and also cut it a bit slanted at the bottom, then half way down length to split it partially. I just did this today so I will see how it works.
Mike try using vermiculite for your grow medium, its inert and grow seeds at the start. It can be used in hydroponics and will wash off with water when you transplant. Good luck! A hack I have done is get a cement mixing tote from Home Depot and fill it 1/3 with vermiculite. Under a light indoors wet the vermiculite it holds water probably better than anything else. You can just pick out the plants and insert them into your pool noodle - sometimes you dont even have to wash off the vermiculite as it doesnt stay on the roots if it is wet.
Thanks David, I will give it another try. I used it several years ago. I think I may have some laying around somewhere.
Your a genius! Where I live they don't carry net cups or clay pebbles I have been to every store so I was looking for an alternative and you saved me money.
Awesome, glad I could help. Thanks for watching!!
Thank you for the great tips! I wanted to try this with my seedlings to get them started hydroponically.. I don’t wanna have to use the Rockwool but I do have neoprene plugs I just gotta be able to hold up the seed
No problem, glad I gave you some ideas. It has worked well for me for years.
That is a hell of a growth for pak choi in one year.
Thanks, love growing and eating the stuff!!
Thanks for replying, Mike!
You have a youthful voice! I initially thought you were 30-ish years old
Awesome idea by the way 😊
Thank you!🌱👍
Wow. I love ur setup u see me from spending $500 from buying a aerogarden system diy my own thank you Sir
Awesome!! Happy gardening!!😎🌱🌱🌱
Haha seems there are so many uses for pool noodles!
I'll have to try this!
Lol, pool noodles are the new duct tape. Yes, give it a try!
I do agree the pool noodle is more economical and more convenient. However i have gotten multiple uses with 1 rockwool cube but i also use 2" net cups in a vertical tower and also a dwc system. But Usually i get about 3 uses out of 1 cube. But great video ill have to try the pool noodle.
Hi, I’m looking into using this concept on a small tropical island that ranges between 78°-85° and is mostly sand and salt water. Do you think the pool noodle system would hold up outside or would we need to do it in a cooler environment or inside? How many seasons do you get out of your noodles before you replace? My main concern is the micro plastics getting eaten as this would be our primary food source
Good video. I use the pool noodles as well. For those with 3 inch net cups the noodle works great with those also, they just fit a little deeper in. I laughed out loud when I read a few comments about PCV!
Cool! Yeah, it icomes up all the time. Thanks for watching!
I have a DWC system in gutters that I'm going to switch to Kratky because of your videos. In my system the roots travel long distances and plug up drains sometimes. I see the roots on your plants are only directly below the holes.
Nft is good, I have a small system. I grow fast growing greens in the Kratky systems, they do not stay in as long.
So, if I understand what you're doing...you actually start the seeds germinating in soil of some type, then transfer them to the pool noodle and hydroponic solution when the plants are large enough to be held by the pool noodle and the root extends below it. Right?
Exactly!!
@@KeepOnGrowin Thank you!! I'll give it a try :)
I am going to pick up a few pool noodles. Thank you so much for this informative video. Blessings 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Cool. Hurry before they put them up for Winter.
Got hungry looking at your wonderful harvest. And we love pool noodles! Thank you!
Thank you!! You should see some of my newer videos, I am always learning. So much fun! Have an awesome day 😎🤘🌱
I'm sorry, Mike. I totally confused you with another Gardener named Mike. I have been watching your videos since 6:30 this morning and I think you are awesome. I also apologize to all of your followers and future followers. You have never mentioned Flora Series in your videos. Please keep up the good work!
No problem at all. Questions are always welcome. Thanks for watching my videos. Have an awesome week!
Rockwool mafia coming after you
😂😂✌
THANK YOU mike. Wive not to happy about her pool noodle,,, and no rook wool will not compost, but thats a great idea. noodles only $5 here in N Z thanks again.
john freeman Thanks John. Tell your wife I said sorry. Let me know how it works.
Hi Mike I am new to hydroponic. I have watched many videos no one seem to talk about roots after harvesting. Can roots be left in system so more vegetations grows, or simply throw them away or turn them into compost?
How often can you grow say salads during a year in hydroponics or is it seasonal?
Thank you
Wow, learning about hydroponics, cool stuff Mike. Great vid
Eduardo Mariscal Thanks Eduardo. Always great to see another #TWTRFAM member!!
Awesome..here in India Rockwool is double the price..this is super awesome idea ..
Thanks, it has saved me a lot of money over the past five years. Hope it helps! 😃🖒
Unbelievably cut dog!!!!! Great video thanks
Haha, thanks much!
what a fantastic idea. That is genius, hats off. I will try this.
I've used the noodles on my very first try and they work so well. And I have tons of those noodles just laying around.
yes you can compost rockwool but not suggested to regrow seeds in a used rockwool cube.
Thank you😎🖒🌱
Ooops, one more question, how do you make the seed sprouter I see you using? Thanks. Jim B
No problem, I have a lot of videos, I could probably organize them better. czcams.com/video/dSx71F2ucjg/video.html
Omg, the ducklings!😍too cute. Video made my day!
😎❤🌱🌱thank you
Does this foam compress and make room for a developing plant, or do you move your plants to other containers? How does it manage to hold a seedling as well as a big grown plant?
You are exactly right. That's one reason I like them so much, they do compress and the plants can grow rather large. I will try to show this in a future video, thank you!
@@KeepOnGrowin awesome! This seems almost too good to be true. Cheaper, easier to use, reusable, and your leftover rootmass is compostable, it's just win win win.
Yes, you get it completely. Have an awesome weekend, let me know if you give it a try!
I'm going to be using nft channels indoors this winter for lettuce. Rockwool and pool noodles are not biodegradable. Not sure if rockwool is recyclable but pool noodles are. I will try your tip. Thanks.
Plants expand with great force due to hydraulics and have no problem pushing back a sponge
is this only for pre sprouted plants then? trying to find cheap method for my aerogarden. rockwool can absolutely be reused. the old roots will just die and be nutrients/compost for the new plants.
Remember that Rockwool is Proven 100% Commercially and there is a reason it is used.
Rockwool is designed to hold maximum water and air so if you have a pump failure you will have time to fix the issue before the plants die.
Other mediums hold less water and air.
How economical is losing you crop from pump failure because you didn't grow in Rockwool?
thank you!!! Great tips and so clearly done.
Thank you so much for sharing. I agree with you on the pool noodles. I shall look for some and try using them :D
Men where have you been, I love your video on hydroponic and to try it your nice job I'm impressed thank you so much
Thank you too! 😎🤘🌱
Great idea. I'm just starting hydroponics. It doesn't look like you start your seeds in the noodle pieces. How do you do it before switching them over. I just started my lettuce with rockwool in my net pots. I didn't buy the plugs they sell for hydroponics though. Had some left over from a powder coating oven I built. I was impressed that my seeds germination in 1 day. I don't mind not being able to reuse the rockwool. 1 batt should last a long time, but the netpots...... Unless I'm careful removing the roots would be wasted I think. Need a way to start them right in the noodles.
Brice Hoogenboom look back at some of my old videos from last year, I sed to use 2 oz Dixie cups. They fit the hole and are only about 2 cents apiece.
Hi, how do you keep from growing algae? I'm going to share this with my hubby because he loved growing hydroponicaly! And the noodles make so much sense. He used the rockwool and man was it such a mess to clean everything out! How long are the gutters? Thanks for all you do
I buy 10' downspouts. The ones in my newer video are 4' long. After I cut 2 of those, I have a 2' section left which is what you see on the table. The ones that look 8' long are left over from my old place I used to live where the spacing on the handrail was 8' Watch my video that is coming out tomorrow (and a few of my newest ones), you will see the container has no algae. I keep all the holes covered and use opaque containers, Try to keep as much light out as possible. I think with hydroponics, there will always be a little algae somewhere, just have to try and contain it a little.Thanks for watching.
I am thinking that foam pipe insulation also work instead of pool noodles. Just because we have some, and would like to be able to use them instead of buying a pool noodle.
It probably will work, I don't know what it is made of. Most pool noodles are made with EVA, also used in toddler teething rings and medical supplies where pvc is a concern.
@@KeepOnGrowin Thanks for responding to my comment.:-) I did a little extra googling, and thought I'd share what I found out: "Pool noodles are nearly identical to industrial and residential foam insulation for pipes, the primary difference being the industrial version has a denser foam and has a structural reinforcement for the outer layer. People have used pool noodles as cheaper versions of the industrial pipe insulation inside buildings at a substantial cost savings, as the industrial version is about two to four times more expensive." - Wikipedia.
Peroxide works very good and is non toxic.
Don't eat out. Most restaurants use bleach to clean. Grocery stores clean all their equipment used for prepared foods with bleach. Spinach and leafy greens are dipped in a chlorine bath before bagging.
You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean algae and biofilm.
Thanks, will give it a try.
what about steam cleaning. spiral copper tube and a torch style.. probably not for plastics, but glass and ugh.. clay trays should be alright. im also thinking cheap and easy, plus that torch steamer is badass. i have tons of old empty jars i want to use for kratky...
thanks a lot for this video, i love it when people expand options.
Sir I love your method can you please tell me how you seal the ends of the downspout? Thanks much..
Sure thing. This is one of my first videos, a little corny. I will make an updated one this next year. Thank you so much for the kind words. czcams.com/video/bYhwJIarjQ0/video.html
Thank you for the video... question... might be silly but I bought and have extra insulation pipe noodles... do you think that would work instead of a pool noodle?
The pool noodle replaces net cup, rock wool, and clay pebbles because its size is flexible too. You are a genius. I am growing lettuce. BTW, where did you buy the bok choy seeds?
I bought one pack from the local home improvement store, Shiro variety, about 6 yrs ago. I let them go to seed and have been using that ever since.
Thanks for your prompt answer. Your bok choy is a good flavor. My mum used to grow this bok choy and air dried them for winter use. It brings back my memory more than half century ago. The Shanghai/Suzhou bok choy is not as good as yours.
Cute dog. You should make a separate video of him. Know what I mean?
I must’ve missed it, what do you put inside the circle of the pool noodle to hold the little seeds in?
Hi! In my country this cost 5$ (400rub on 2020). But Insulation for pipes cost 0,5$.
😎🖒🌱
Are there any non-plastic options for holding the plants?
Rock wool is the only option I know of that doesn't use any plastics.
Why not just let the roots of the new plants consume and grow through the paths the previous plant roots made?
I've been watching videos on Hydroponics and very much interested in trying out... with pool noodle, what hydroponics system do you use? can I use it with Kratky? What about starting seeds? I probably still need rockwool ? Thank you very much for sharing.
Yes, 90% of what I do is Kratky! I start with microgreens and transplant them. No rockwool.
@@KeepOnGrowin but how do you start the seeds to get them big enough to put into the noodle?
Just found your videos very informative been playing around with the idea about starting Hydroponics and I think you're the deciding factor going to try it thank you and by the way I did subscribe
Awesome!! Thanks much Ken. Good luck and let me know if you have questions going forward. 😎🤘🌱
It’s a good idea to use pool noodles. However it is plastic, so when it mixes with heat and sunlight, then wouldn’t it release harmful chemicals? The plant will absorb it by its roots… are you sure it is food safe? Thanks
If you are worried about that, the entire container is plastic. Watch my last livestream about plastic. If you are not comfortable, just use food grade materials.
Okay, so when you pull off the noodle it's a collar around the roots. So what do you use to put the seeds in & grow the seeds out?? Guess I'm missing that part. That's what the Rockwool etc would be used for.
That's why we are using microgreens. I always have microgreens growing and just transfer them when I need.
Nice idea, and you may have addressed this question, but, how do you start a small seed in a pool noodle when there's a hole in the middle of the pool?
Here you go: czcams.com/video/kcWCnoHWtIk/video.html
That video shows how to take an existing plant that sprouted up and put it into the pool noodle… How do I start a seed without having to transplant like that in one step?
@@sd961960 I transplant all of mine.
you cannot compost rock wool, just burn root as the rock wool, clean it and start over again
Hello sir nice vdos and nice work getting rid of rock wool. U can start ur seeds in normal potting soil and can transfer them as well right. And i think u shld do a vdo on saving seeds it will save us money as well. Thanks in advance
Thank you very much, that is a great idea. 😎🌱🌱
Thank u for the reply
right. I also started to leave rockwool for my hydroponic needs
Cool! It gets expensive and is a one time use. Thanks for watching. Have an awesome weekend! 😎🤘
Wow! You have a great channel, I will be checking out a lot of your videos!😎🤘
@@KeepOnGrowin thankyou for the response. I just thought about how rockwool was produced & after knowing it I tried to leave it. You can see my videos with subtitles on how to plant water spinach without using rockwool & become an inspiration in my country, as well as some other countries that happen to watch my videos. please click the following link, hopefully it will be useful czcams.com/video/tKI7yj1OOro/video.html thanks sir
thank you & sorry if my english writing is a bit chaotic because i only use google translate ^ _ ^ i just make hydroponic content to introduce hydroponics to my country in a different way, of course in the easiest way to be imitated by anyone who wants ^ _ ^
I understand good enough. It is very kind of you. Keep up the great wirk.
the only time I'm gonna use RW is on the LEGGY plants because the roots are about 1/8in below the cube. thanks for reply.
rockwool is wonderful for starting seeds, I plant 4 seeds for each 1" cube cut off weak or cut in half
Great idea using the noodles. I noticed while you were cleaning the downspout that it didn't have ends on it. How do you keep the water flowing?
Doesn't flow. Ends bent up to hold water.
@@KeepOnGrowin How often do you (change or replace) the solution?
Is the pool noodle safe to use? Is there no chemicals or whatsoever that is dangerous to our health?
You have to make up your mind about tgat. Tge pool noodle just holds it in place, the roots dangle in nutrient solution. The downspout is plastic. You can get food grade nft channels. Most pool noodles here are made with EVA not PVC. EVA is used in infants teething toys and some medical supplies where PVC is prohibited.
@@KeepOnGrowin hmmm I might as welll find materials with EVA and not PVC.. Thanks a lot...
Thanks for the reply I will not try cotton now I have found some coco coir. I am having to find new ways of starting seeds as I can not get what I expected here in Poland
No problem. I know it is frustrating sometimes.
Love your videos! I keep looking one on how you start the seeds? I see them all sprouted when you move them to the systems but how do you start them?
Thank you so much! Here you go: czcams.com/video/ov3y8l2aXCU/video.html
what is the homemade recipie for the grow juice?
Great idea on the pool noodles!!
Thank you, it has saved me a lot of money over the past few years. Thanks for watching and commenting!
gr8 idea, I will need to check that there is no BPA in the noodle plastic or other as they are not designed for food useage. the bleach may be a deterrant to me as well altho a good cleanser I am not sure on the oraganic or human consumption of it through the plants.
EVEY71 Let me know what you find out. Some ppl use peroxide instead of bleach. You probably intake more bleach eating out because the restaurant industry uses bleach to clean everything. Most utensils, plates, glasses, etc are sanitized and air dried without rinsing the bleach off.
"EVA products include most pool noodles. Yes, your pool noodles are probably safe! Other products made with EVA include foam float belts and mats.
Styrofoam-like products made of EVA are probably not harmful if swallowed, but you should keep an eye out for choking in young children."
I was wondering about the food safety of pool noodles too, just because some hydroponic people seem to really be paranoid about bpa.
@@katecampfire3644 Thanks. Baby teething products are made of it too. Thank you for the info !😎🖒
Thanks for the info! Now I use this method. I like it better
Awesome!! Thank you!
What do you use for starting your seeds before they're big enough to go into pool noodles?
I grow microgreens.
I don’t think I have room in the house for a downspout but if I did I am able to hang some lighting (say, 2 foot light panels, I do wonder how I’d determine how much water/ nutrients to put inside the downspout. Also how would I clamp off the ends so the water doesn’t leak out?
I have a playlist on making the downspouts. my newer videos show how to do it with stacking buckets, might work better.
your dog is so cute
Thanks 😎🤘🐶
Mike do you use pool noodles for all your hydro veggies? What’s the diameter pool noodle? Is this a 2” hole?
Yes, 2".
how do you start your seedling? i looked for a video and couldnt find one
Here you go czcams.com/video/dSx71F2ucjg/video.html
But in rock wool I can drop my seed in the hole. Where do I drop my seed in a pool noodle?
You grow microgreens and transplant them
@@KeepOnGrowin is there any other way? I don't aways have enough seeds for microgreens.
This is such a cool idea!
Cooper Bee Thanks, give it a try. I have been growing like this for a few years and have saved a ton of money! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the great video. Will you not end up eating small amounts of bleach through the greens? Seems like it would be hard to remove it all from the pool noodles
No. If there is too much it would kill the 🌱
Very economical and green... Thanks
Thanks much Klaud!
How do you start the seeds ?
speechless & totally genius
Thanks. Not genius, lots of experimenting. Really appreciate it.
I like the thinking (methods you're using) to get this video (and youre others) seen by more people.
If I think of anything anything I DONT SEE that you've tried, I'll let you know.
Do you have an email I can contact you on?
(I know you mentioned it in a video, but I have almost ALL of your videos in my history- your guess is as good as mine as to which 1 it is)
I end up planting the whole rockwool because of the root damage.
radical
Hey Mike! been watching your vids for some time now! They are really inspiring! Thanks!
I had my earth veggie patch and have grown few stuff there but certain veggies (lettuce, kale, basil...) have always been devoured by ants (we can't get rid of em).
So 2 weeks back i started a patio basic kratky setup in pvc tubes with this pool noodles trick and all looking amazing so far! First true leaves coming out already!
I have one question thou, im seedstarting on kitchen towel, and i feel i need a better method (paper towel doesn't help root growth and forces me to put into the hydroponic setup before true leaves come). What budget method you recommend for seed starting? Seen you use soil i think, correct?
My seeder is indoors with some 13w light bulb.
Thanks!
Here you go:czcams.com/video/ov3y8l2aXCU/video.html
Thank you so much for being a long time viewer!!
@@KeepOnGrowin exactly what i was looking for, thanks a lot!
Do the pool noodles and the down spouts give off any chemicals into the plants?
czcams.com/video/EVW2U2Z8TG4/video.html
Good idea, new at this.
Thank you.🤘
It sent me when your dog just sat up 😂
😎🐶🐶🤘
so do you grow a little seedling in soil and then transplant it to the pool noodle HELP
Thats my question too
Simply ingenious! But I noticed that you and Khang Starr often mention the flora series along with the master blend option. You both make outstanding videos but which one is preferable? I'm confused and Amazon is totally ripping me off! I have been trying to grow at home for 4 yrs now and all I have eaten in that time was about 20 cherry tomatoes that taste like water from my 2 aerogardens! Can someone please help me!
Betty Spencer I only use Masterblend mainly because it works for me and I bought a 25lb bag 5yrs ago and still have some left. I tried a little General Hydroponics once but it did not work out for me. Khan looked like he had some success with it and the Flora. Tomatoes take some work in these Kratky containers, I usually stick with fast growing leafy greens.
Hey thanks for the video Mike, if you get this could you tell me what size holes those noodles fit best, and also do you cut like a little notch out of them to make room for the plant or do you just make a slice to open them up?
2" hole and yes, I cut a little notch out of them.
@@KeepOnGrowin thanks for your time
What do you start seeds in to be ready to plant them like this?
Check my videos on microgreens.
Very interesting. Will try it
Please do and have fun.