Man outdoor hydroponics sounds like a really good idea

If you get the roots growing in the lake.. Boom!

You would need to find some good way to fend off the mold though.. Like mold eating bacteria or something... It's pretty damp

..hmm.. A floating garden.

..Do you think I could pull that off on say a fairly big sailboat?..

[Rare Groove]

So I just remembered this class I took in college about agricultural practices. We learned how the Aztecs built artificial islands called chinampas on Lake Texcoco in order feed everyone. An interesting concept in today's world. I found some info at https://history-world.org/aztec5.htm

In and around the lake, however, the Aztecs adopted an ingenious system of irrigated agriculture by constructing chinampas for agriculture. These were beds of aquatic weeds, mud, and earth that had been placed in frames made of cane and rooted to the lake floor. They formed artificial floating islands about five meters long and 30 to 100 meters wide. This narrow, striplike construction allowed the water to reach all the plants, and willow trees were also planted at intervals to give shade and help fix the roots...The yield from chinampa agriculture was high and four corn crops a year were possible.

Your comment on floating gardens got me thinking about the chinampas, SF. As far as the sailboat garden- that would be beyond cool if you could pull it off. Not sure how you'd run wicks through the bottom and still have it float though...

Rare groove, check my gallery to see my pontoon full of harvested plants. I don't allow them to get above six feet, but most of my strains last year got near there...then I pinch or tie them back...I don't want them to rise above the cattails. I use something called Mississippi topsoil...it is a manure/compost mix, and a little pricey but it works. The plants absolutely thrive; last year in 100 degree heat my plants were purring away. Breederbrad has suggested over on unleash the green that we should throw some lime down there, since peat bog soil is acidic...I will do this next year.

I do not worry about wicks. The roots go down and get what they need.

But I should stress, my situation is ideal. My lake is small, deep and clean. Excess rain water might raise my water level a few inches, but it quickly drains back down, and the level remains generally constant since it is fed by major springs, some of the springs coming up around my grow spots are actually carbonated!

These plants were grown in five gallon buckets. It is simple but it works. I finished 14 plants...schnazzleberry, derailed blues, mighty mite, mauwieXskunk, sadhu, blueberry (bad idea in the north). Again, respectfully, I am glad I did not have 14 pvc pipes to yank and haul...the buckets stack up, and I am on my pontoon headed for home.

And this link will take you to the secret to dealing with mold. I spray my plants with aspirin water once a week starting August 1. Don't exceed one aspirin per gallon. With this method I have not had mold in six years, and I grow where it is pretty nasty for we and cold.

Sorry for the double post everyone...here is the link that explains it.

https://www.bluestem.ca/willow-article1.htm

[Rare Groove]

Originally Posted by oldsterone-OG

Again, respectfully, I am glad I did not have 14 pvc pipes to yank and haul...the buckets stack up, and I am on my pontoon headed for home.

True story. I think I'm only going to try a few of the PVC setups. More of an experiment than anything. That Schnazzleberry looks really nice! I like the colors it has going on. Might have to look into that one. Thanks for all the info

[Swamp Thang]

Oldsterone that Aspirin idea ( and link ) as a mold preventitive has got to be the magic bullet that many growers are still unaware of. There is no more humid, mold inducing an environment than a swamp, and if you have prevented mold for 6 years in such a locale there is no question it works. Virtually all of my previous swamp grow attempts fell victim to mold before harvest time, so this one I've gotta try. Mucho Gracias.

Rare Groove, peat moss or coconut husk were the materials Breeder Brad suggested for wick medium that fills the lower half of the planting cylinder. Of the two, coconut husk would probably last longer before decaying in those very wet conditions.

[BACKCOUNTRY]

The PVC pipe idea is more for situations where you are growing in some depth of water, like a pond or lake. I don't think it would be practical in a marsh or bog where their isn't deep sitting water. The nature of the PVC device is to make growing in standing water possible.

Bogs/marshes--Buckets/planters
Ponds/lakes---PVC pipe planters

Ok, I get that backcountry...I have plenty of both I guess.

I forgot to credit some ogers with my bucket method...two heads and a guy named sasquatch taugh me about how bags work, and I simply added the buckets.

I have learned a lot about this plant from growers like you, and yet the fact is there: in the 1970's I actually peed on my plants; here in the 21st century, I have grown Lowryder.

Grow and learn I guess.

Excellent discution here!!!

Nice teks for the swamps,but most of all the MOLD!!!
Question as a big assed grower?What about rain washing it off?
How do i spray 800 plants to prevent my worst enemy MOLD!
This sounds GREAT i will try thanks much,the willow i knew of just never tried?
Peace!

Spray it once a week, rain or shine lou.

Since I am trying to stay out of the pokey, I have tiny grows, but if you grow that many plants, squeezing a spray bottle should be the least of your work.

For 50 bucks, you could get a backpack sprayer.