How-to Methods

Here's an inexpensive way to cut your cost of AeroGarden sponges in half by using the biodome sponges from ParkSeed. In my opinion, they work better too and can be used for more growing applications. I'm not d with Park Seed but want to share this tip because it saves me a lot of money. The size that you need is the biodome 60 cell refill size sponge. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links: You can get these from: ** Check prices, sometimes one may be cheaper than the other given shipping costs, specials, etc... * Park Seed sponges on Amazon: https://amzn.to/42BAFQc The park seed sponges appear to be out of supply at the moment. Since I made this video, I've switched over to some third-party sponges that are pretty much identical to the original AeroGarden sponges, and way cheaper. Here's a link - https://amzn.to/429JmS3 AeroGarden white baskets that the sponges fit into: https://goo.gl/dgWV6d The AeroGarden sponges can be found on: https://goo.gl/BqzXvv Park seed website (non-affiliate link): https://parkseed.com/bio-dome-refill-sponges/p/v1597/ (Pick the 60 cell pack - Item # 96413-PK-60) Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10

Self-watering wick systems comparison I recently posted a video showing a 5 gallon wick system that used a 6 inch net pot connected to microfiber cloth which hung down into the nutrient solution. https://youtu.be/d24QSgDFELI Last year I built a 5 gallon self-watering container that is another type of wicking system but works a little differently. It functions similarly to commercial earth box growers. Since I had another White Devil's Tail plant I decided to set that one up in the old system so I can compare the two. I will post updates showing the progress of each plant throughout the season. Khang Starr has a good video showing to build one of these self-watering containers similar to the one shown here. https://youtu.be/LWkg5ttOm5I Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

How to properly mix 'Masterblend'. Masterblend is a brand name for several different fertilizers but the term has become generically known in the pepper growing community as 4-18-38 tomato fertilizer. The same fertilizer to this specification is made by several manufacturers, this causes some confusion. In this video, I show a proper method for mixing Master Blend correctly. If you want step by step written instructions, please visit my website. https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/everything-you-need-for-mixing-masterblend/ My video on pre-mixing MasterBlend concentrates - https://youtu.be/PByaaOBRaGY Apera Instruments pH meter review - https://youtu.be/wj-3LMHmds0 As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links. This is at no extra cost to you. Tools and materials needed for mixing Masterblend: Masterblend/Calcium Nitrate/Epsom Salt - https://amzn.to/2Q7FU6D Gram scales - https://amzn.to/2YvRVpy Calibration weight - https://amzn.to/2HkCTgr Plastic funnel - https://amzn.to/2Q4srMR pH meter - https://amzn.to/2Q7giqz Probe storage solution - https://amzn.to/35iYIHd ppm/EC meter - https://amzn.to/2Q4EERP Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

I'm testing an easy way to change hydroponic nutrients in my 5 gallon DWC system. So far it's working really well. It's basically a bucket within a bucket. The internal bucket has holes and contains the roots, air stones and tubing. To change nutrients I just add fresh solution to a clean bucket, and lift the top bucket out and place it in the new bucket. One thing to be aware of is some of the solution in the bottom container will be unused because of the gap between the two bottoms. It's important to check the nutrient levels between changes in case any needs to be added. In the video I was cutting it very close, as it appeared to have run dry in the top bucket. I think I caught it soon enough to prevent any damage. I'm changing solution every two weeks, but from now on I'll be adding an extra gallon between weeks. Use this coupon code to save 10% on autopot: pepperdactyl10 https://www.autopot-usa.com?coupon=pepperdactyl10 Find hydroponic supplies at Grow Ace (affiliate link): https://growace.com/?rfsn=6908699.a1eb2f&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=6908699.a1eb2f

How to clone peppers using the AeroGarden. In this video I show an easy way to clone (propagate) peppers using the AeroGarden. This method could also be easily adapted to similar growing methods. It also works fine using the Kratky (non-circulating hydroponics) method. B.A. Kratky's channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwBvl5MXuQMziQL2_pQCPA I got the idea for trying this method from Matt Garver - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUznk-cggnf5NrnneXBykfQ and Khang Starr - https://www.youtube.com/user/KhangStarr010 The materials I use to clone are very basic. - Sharp snips (or razor blade) - scissors - Sponge material (AeroGarden, BioDome or rock wool) - AeroGarden basket (or improvise something similar) You can find these online here (links) Zenport snips - http://amzn.to/2mIiCIk (If you have a grow store nearby check there, might find cheaper) Grow sponge: AeroGarden sponges - http://amzn.to/2mI5seh Park Seed biodome sponges (what I use) - http://amzn.to/2mIcdNd AeroGarden baskets - http://amzn.to/2mIb34u AeroGarden models I use in the video: AeroGarden Bounty - http://amzn.to/2ngwpCx AeroGarden Classic 7 (mine is older model) - http://amzn.to/2m0GyCm I didn't mention nutrients in the video, but I used a three part mix of 4-18-38 Masterblend, Magnesium Sulfate and Calcium Nitrate. For cloning I've been using a weaker than full strength solution at the following levels. (If you're transplanting from something getting less nutrients you might want to use a weaker solution). Master Blend - 1.6 g/gal. Magnesium Sulfate - .8 g/gal Calcium Nitrate - 1.6 g/gal There is more information on my website on where to find these hydroponic nutrients and how to mix them. https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/hydroponic-supplies-nutrients/ The plant in the video is an Aji Painapple f2, which is a cross made by D3, who has a community crossing project on thehotpepper for more information. It's a cross between an Aji Pineapple and Butch T Yellow. D3's crossing project: http://thehotpepper.com/topic/54370-d3monics-crossing-projectcommunity-grow/ Aji Painapple: http://thehotpepper.com/topic/60805-aji-painapple-aji-pineapple-x-butch-t-yellow-scorpion/

This is how I germinate pepper seeds using the wet paper towel method. In this video I germinate Peruvian Serlano and Thai Dragon seeds. I demonstrate how to prepare the seeds by pre-soaking in dilute chamomile tea solution, and how to prepare the bag and paper towel and placing the seeds. I then share a good method for keeping the seeds warm, and the resulting pepper sprouts.

How to make a small self-watering wick systems. In this video I show you how to make tiny self-watering wick systems out of cups and other small items that you would normally discard. These are used to provide a constant food and water for your plants and reduces the need to add nutrients as often. This works on the same principle as the larger earth boxes. For nutrients and strength I used Masterblend at 1.6 g/gal, MgSO4 at .8 g/gal, and Ca(NO3)2 at 1.6 g/gal. This was the strength the plants were in initially so if yours are not adapted to that strength, or are used to more, adjust accordingly. I have a written version of the steps described in this video, on my website at https://www.pepperinfo.com/how-to-make-a-micro-self-watering-wick-system-from-styrofoam-cups-functions-just-like-an-earthbox/

This is how I pre-mix my hydroponic MasterBlend nutrients for pepper growing, at least for now. I was mixing each gallon jug individually, and it was time consuming. Preparing concentrated ingredients beforehand will save time later. The three jugs that I mixed in the video(Master blend, Magnesium Sulfate, and Calcium Nitrate will yield a total of 32 gallons of full strength MasterBlend with the ratios of: 2.4 gram/gal MasterBlend 1.2 gram/gal Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt) 2.4 gram/gal Calcium Nitrate The way I measured it, 1/2 cup from each will make one full strength gallon. You can scale this up or down. At the end of video are some tips on using Google's units converter and calculator to help determine the amounts you need, depending on what your target numbers are. Here are the scales and calibration weight seen and/or referenced in the video that I purchased through . The links are tied to my associate account and purchases through them will help my channel. Thanks. American Weigh Scales AWS-600-BLK http://goo.gl/Q88KC1 American Weigh Scales 500WGT 500g Calibration Weight http://goo.gl/6ayX4n Bluelab Commercial Truncheon Nutrient Meter https://goo.gl/ZsgugM

Using the Kratky method to start seeds and transplant spouts. In this video I show to start pepper seeds using the Kratky method and also demonstrate a way to transfer existing sprouts into a Kratky setup. My seed starting nutrient solution is a mix of 4-18-38 Master Blend, Epsom Salt and Calcium Nitrate at the following strengths. This same method will also work in the AeroGarden. Khang Starr and Matt Garver gave me the ideas for exploring this. Khang Starr: https://www.youtube.com/user/KhangStarr010 Matt Garver: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUznk-cggnf5NrnneXBykfQ MasterBlend 1.6 grams/gallon Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) .8 grams/gallon Calcium Nitrate 1.6 grams/gallon There is more information on my website on where to buy these ingredients as well as mixing instructions. https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/hydroponic-supplies-nutrients/ AeroGarden baskets that I use in the video can be found here (link): https://goo.gl/TLfYHN Park Seed Biodome sponges: http://parkseed.com/120-pack-refill-sponges-for-the-original-60-cell-planting-block/p/06565-PK-120/

This is my recipe on how to make potting mix for containers. the container mix I use for my peppers, but it should work fine for most other plants. I used the same recipe last year with slow release 14-14-14 Osmocote and grew nice plants in small 3 gallon nursery pots. This year I'm using 7 and 10 gallon grow bags, so I should get bigger plants. If you didn't want to use mixed in ferts, you could feed hydroponic nutrients through a drip system, which is what I plan on doing next year.

I reused this potting mix by removing stems and roots, then amending with compost and perlite.

How to make a Kratky herb garden. In this video I show how to make and set a non-circulating hydroponics (Kratky method) herb garden. I use a small 4.5 gallon Hefty 'hi-rise' tote from Lowes, AeroGarden baskets and Parkseed biodome sponges. For a written materials list and assembly instructions please go to my website: https://goo.gl/7Y04dM For more information about how the Kratky method works, please check out these channels: BA Kratky: https://goo.gl/UDmN9X Khang Starr: https://goo.gl/jMN9is Matt Garver: https://goo.gl/YzfUMn The herbs that I grow in this video are Catnip, Cinnamon Basil, Italian Basil, White Sage, Regular Sage, Lemon Balm, Mugwort, and Rosemary. For the nutrient solution I used a three part mix of 4-18-38 Master Blend at 1.6 g/gal, Magnesium Sulfate at .8 g/gal/Epsom Salt and Calcium Nitrate at 1.6 g/gal. More information on how to use and where to source those nutrients here: https://goo.gl/7Yw3Gj Some of the materials can be found here: (links) AeroGarden baskets: https://goo.gl/XNLYsL Park Seed Biodome sponges: https://goo.gl/55ZbO4

In this video, I show an easy way to test and make wicking systems from household materials. I show two easy DIY methods for installing wicks, and a way to test wicking material to make sure that it works properly. For the demonstration, I use a Basil plant and a propagated pepper clone. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the following links. Nylon rope for wicking: 1/8" - https://amzn.to/2T6EprV 3/8" (for larger setups) - https://amzn.to/3cCSBkr Coco Coir - https://amzn.to/3fTSD9y Nursery pots - https://amzn.to/2Tbr5Tj Masterblend - https://amzn.to/2Z4sAqd Calcium Nitrate - https://amzn.to/36aGR6k Epsom Salt - https://amzn.to/36aGVmA How to mix Masterblend - https://www.pepperinfo.com/hydroponics/everything-you-need-for-mixing-masterblend/

The way I isolate peppers for seed saving is using mesh fabric barrier. Most common species of peppers can easily self pollinate, but they can also be cross pollinated by other types in the same garden. When a pepper flower is fertilized with pollen from different type of pepper, the resulting pod will look typical of the parent plant. The seeds however will be crossed, containing dna from both parents. Plants grown from those seeds will show characteristics of both parents. Sometimes this is desirable when intentional crossing is the goal. When you are wanting to save pure seed, that is true to the parent, you have to prevent cross pollination for other different plants as much as possible. Barrier isolation, such as netting, prevents pollinating insects like bees, from transferring pollen from other plants to your target plant. This method helps especially when you have several different types of peppers clustered together, which is how mine are usually. Last year I made netting out of tulle fabric I bought from Wal-mart. I don't have any means to sew the fabric, so I hot-glued the sides together. It worked but but was a lot of effort and very time-intensive. This year I'm trying 5-gallon paint strainers. I got this tip from Tony Sherwood, creator of the Carbonero. He gave me a second tip of securing the bag in way that is not so tight. I found a pack of 24 bags from for around 25.00. Considering it's around a 1.00/bag the time savings is worth it. Other people use mosquito netting which works very well too. Assuming you support it properly, this is great for covering larger areas. For instance, you could easily cover entire plants, or beds even. Here's a link to the bags I purchased on that are shown in the video. (Full disclosure, these are links, but are shown in, and are relevant to the video. Also, bought the bags from myself.) http://amzn.to/2aS0ALo Also, here's the twist tie I use for securing the bags to the branches. I bought one of these rolls last year, and have barely put a dent in it. I bought mine from Lowes, but those in the link are same exact thing and same cost. http://amzn.to/2abXP5X Later in the video I show how to easily tag the peppers that were self-pollinated using drinking straws.

This video shows how to change nutrients on large Kratky systems. The same principles apply though, to small Kratky systems. My Bih Jolokia in the 45-gallon trash gan was starting to show some nutrient deficiencies. The solution had dropped down by 2/3 the original volume and pH and dropped to 4.1. I replaced with fresh nutrients keeping the same level as before.