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Question by Natalie: Should I grow in soil outside or a hydroponics garden inside?
It’s starting to get cold outside. Should I grow an outdoor garden and risk that it will be too cold this winter or risk trying hydroponics for the first time and by moving my garden indoors?
Add your own answer in the comments!
Not knowing what you’re growing or where you are it’s hard to say. I will suggest a third option, grow inside in soil. Much lower initial cost than a hydroponic system and it can be easily converted to a hydroponic system if that’s what you really need. If what you’re growing is hardy and you have the space you can also try outside in a greenhouse. This can be a frustrating option but avoids some problems with growing inside.
I8AShroom
November 21, 2011 at 8:29 pm
You could try using a hydroponics grow box to make it really easy or a Emily’s Garden from Hydrofarm.
Fatima
November 21, 2011 at 8:43 pm
I am using a Cultivator Pro to grow indoors and I couldn’t be happier. That’s what the manufacturer calls it automated grow box which basically means that it does everything for you and you really don’t have to do anything except watch your plants growth. I think growing indoors with this type of system is very easy. I never tried soil so I don’t know if it’s easier than hydroponics.
Ximena
November 21, 2011 at 8:55 pm
outside with a greenhouse.
I think hydroponic veggies are tasteless.
If you have a sheltered wall outside, this will hold the heat and let you grow for longer.
I have also heard of someone using a mirror to reflect more sunlight.
Why not try to make a homemade greenhouse?
f
November 21, 2011 at 9:18 pm
Well outdoor plantings depend on what type of cold weather you mean. Snow, frost, wind factors or just cold during the night and little warmer during the day?
You can container grow, using lite weight potting soil. Hanging baskets.
Hydro, is also fun, but can be costly, depending on the system you get. Weight is another factor. Remember 1 gal of water is 7 pounds.
Now if you want to veggie garden during winter months you can do this outside, but you need to allow for protection from the weather.
We use straw bales around the beds we grow from. We then place plastic over. Works great as a temporary greenhouse. I don’t get snow. But my sis does. Together we built a gable roof top for hers, using plexi glass with a heating blanket left on inside, in case of snow or frost coming.
Hope this gives you ideas.
Rox C
November 21, 2011 at 9:48 pm
Hydroponics is really very easy. Even easier than gardening in soil. The best way to get started would be to get a prebuilt hydroponics grow box from a reputable manufacturer like Homegrown Hydroponics. They make some great entry-level hydroponics growing systems to get you started. All you have to do is plug one of these things into the wall and they run on their own. Just don’t forget to water every now and then. I got one for my Mom a few years back and she loves it…
Khalil
November 21, 2011 at 10:43 pm