Cheap Homestead Mason Jar Hydroponics

[@mefford509]

I Sincerely Thank All of You for your concern over the ill effects of over the counter fertilizers in America, Really... Thank-You! BUT how about posting an alternative that you have personally had success with? Maybe include your geographic location so that others in your area can try that too? I have had hundreds tell me that miracle grow is bad... I have had 2 (TWO) offer alternatives. which of these seems more helpful? T

[@TheSiapajadeh]

I personally had success with fish waste, as I change the water from my pond or aquarium, I kept the "dirty" water to water my plants.

[@judichristopher4604]

Okay... when it comes to Tomatoes... Outside in my flower garden. One year I threw in my Coffee Ground, left over coffee ... Tea Leaves and Egg Shells... OMG, when I went to THROW away what I thought was dead leaves and talks (I had been out of town at the end of the season) I found 15 tomatoes under all the growth... OHHHHH I forgot one other thing I just threw in there too is ROSE Food... I had a little in the bottom of a bag, and thought "Why NOT"... Now I use it all the time... (The tomatoes I used were Beefy Tomatoes).

[@DustinMarsau]

botanicare's pure blend pro is a decent choice made from natural stuff. you probably need air in your water if you go that route

[@nicholecrouch311]

Coffee grounds I forgot what they add but crushed egg shells for calcium and Epson salt for magnesium and some compost I plant tomatoes with that mix and haven't had a bad season unless the frost comes through amd kills rhe blossoms in4

[@ExtremeSurvivor_1]

Mefford EndeavorsLLC Excellent posted comment. Too much criticism and too few alternatives given. Might I suggest something available to nearly everyone? Actually, a few ways to do basically the same thing. You can use banana peels soaked in water for 24 hours or so, that makes incredibly rich, nutrient dense TEA to water with. You can also get FOREST FLOOR leaf debris and small twigs, rotting bark, etc, get a good variety and scoop in to the damp, rotting leaf litter. Put about 1/3 debris to 2/3 water in a bucket and let brew for 24 hours, stir half way in between to get it good and soused! LOL Strain plant material out and use the TEA to water with. The nutrients are different in different areas but in general, you have an incredibly rich feeding addition... ALL FREE unless you pay for water and have to drive to the woods, LOL. One last thing I heard but haven't tried myself yet is using Chaga. Chaga is even sprayed on old apple orchards whose trees are dying off to help regenerate them. Please don't take my word for any of this but do please look it up if you're looking for NATURE'S MIRACLE GROW!! (smiles brightly) *Blessings and Peace to You and Your Family!*

[@moonhawk5297]

You can omit soldering iron. To put holes etc. in plastic cups, I use a big nail held by pliers and heated on stove burner. Cost: $0.

[@scooterlovya]

A candle would be better!

[@homesteadgamer1257]

For anyone that doesn't have a heat gun, light a candle, then heat the tip of a small screw driver or heat a nail.

[@michaelhornung7266]

I use old dark socks around the jars. Works great. Just another idea.

[@Mrtee-ml8zf]

TY. That's a good idea 💡

[@homesteadgamer1257]

I've seen others use dark stockings. The samples from shoe stores are free, btw.

[@Mrtee-ml8zf]

@@homesteadgamer1257 That is so simple its genius. 10/10

[@mefford509]

You need to watch my FAQ mason jar hydroponics video!

[@FeydaWeye]

Put water in the yogurt cups, freeze and you have a solid surface to help you cut slits in the cups.

[@theresam1649]

Thank you, this is a great tip! 🐧

[@johann-space]

genius

[@capiberra4118]

I put 5 glass marbles, from the dollar store, in the bottom of my yogurt pots. It just makes up the height of the jiffy peat pot level with the top of the yogurt pot. Marbles are reusable and also help combat any boyancy issues I may have.

[@wild_child333]

I am a canner and dehydrating fool! I have so many jars and can do this with ease. Thank you for the information. I'm on a mission now to get started. P.S. cheap dark large socks, cut the bottom out and place it over your jar. Works well for my dehydrated foods.

[@mefford509]

Yes! You might also enjoy my “FAQ Mason jar hydroponics” video! Thanks for watching! Good luck! T

[@teetwo56]

Genius!

[@abettermousetrap]

It;s nice to come across a video maker like this. Appologies in advance for any American I might offend but I find most of the videos made by Americans to be too loud in communication and style or simply too "in your face". This man is articulate, calm, informative and has a lovely way of communicating. I will definiatley try the yougurt container trick shown here myself. Kudos on a great video

[@mefford509]

Thank you sir! It’s an absolute joy to hear such an articulate review of my work!

[@paml.1292]

For the wide mouth jars, applesauce and single-serving fruit plastic cups fit great!

[@mefford509]

Awesome, Thank-you! T

[@CynthiaAva]

Beginner urban/apartment gardener here. My landlord won't let us put anything outside except for one small container. So, I'm looking into hydroponics which I've always thought are super-cool. Thank you for this video. I have something to look forward to and occupy myself with these days indoors.

[@mefford509]

Cynthia Ava you might check out my newest videos, it is still a single bucket, but it will produce much more! Our prayers are with you NYC! We are NW CT.

[@rachel.doremi6974]

“This isn’t a heaping teaspoon type of environment. This is a level teaspoon type of environment.” - future husband, please look to this man in guidance to my type of humor

[@mefford509]

Glad you enjoyed it! My humor tends to be dry...inherited from my Grandfather! Thanks for watching!

[@tammimccoy8233]

This ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!! I wanted to try indoor gardening this year and this is PERFECT!! Chicago weather goes from 80 degrees to 40 in a blink of an eye. Your statement of not having to go get special supplies is true, everything I need to start today, I have on hand. Thank you, thank you for this tutorial. You have a new subscriber!!! Continued success to you.

[@mefford509]

Tammi McCoy Thank-You! I am excited for your indoor garden!

[@tammimccoy8233]

@@mefford509 Thank you again👍☺

[@cassandraclose4617]

If nobody has a wood burner they can also use a hot glue gun tip without the glue in to do that, that's what I did to put drainage holes in plastic flower pots

[@mefford509]

Cassie that’s a great idea! Just remember to protect yourself from fumes! T

[@teddibrownbrown3620]

I thinking the same thing !

[@OvisAriesFarm]

You can also use a soldering iron with maybe an old/deformed tip that’s no longer useful for soldering

[@DCraftersCorner]

Great idea.

[@katinachoiniere8656]

Or the stovetop and a large nail and pliers for holding the hot nail.

[@jamescorriher76]

For the plastic cups you can take metal clothes hanger pull middle twords you like drawing back a bow lite a candle streighten out the hook heat it melt your lines wont cut yourself up.just another option.

[@angelanelson2619]

Enjoyed watching! Fyi, I use some old socks to cover jars, easy to slip on and off and sneak peaks! 😘

[@creativeline03]

Ya great idea thanks

[@3929Cindy]

That is a great idea! Thanks

[@mefford509]

You May Enjoy my "Faq Mason jar hydroponics" video I cover the sock Question in that video completely! Thanks for commenting!

[@3929Cindy]

Actually, I was jut getting ready to watch that in a few. lol. Thank you

[@frithiofsylvana6438]

hello, I`m from Mauritius ,I have just made my three R strawberry hydroponic system for my kids at school, using yogurt cup and fix it in an ice cream box and coco pitch, it works

[@pershop4950]

Thanks. I had always wondered about buying the hydroponics fertilizers but didn't realize that maybe something similar could be achieved with the typical gardening water-soluble fertilizers that are more commonly available.

[@nicholecrouch311]

Used to when I thought of hydroponics I thought of weed lol, but I was a dumb teenager...now in my 30's I'm trying to figure out ways to grow vegtables indoors in winter time because I live in Oklahoma and the winters are harsh from December until mid March and with three kids I'm trying to figure out how to grow food year round and to do it cheaply is badass thank you for sharing this video I'm definitely subscribing...plus not long ago my grandma gave me a ton of mason jars and I have also been thinking of a way to use them too

[@sweetsavorywords3506]

God bless your grandma's heart

[@sweetsavorywords3506]

If you are looking for a way to grow your greens through the winter, this is a brilliant way too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXq7n2Wqbax_npI I live in an apt with no sunlight and a dog. I ordered a grow light and plan on doing this on my kitchen table. With the cover it will also keep, dust, oil from frying, and dog hair off my greens. I do have 1 mason jar that I am going to do this project with. Will be interesting to see which will work better for me. Much love and high production of whatever you grow.

[@mefford509]

Gloria White, I did make a video on lighting for mason jar hydroponics. I put a link for that video in the description and in the video itself! Thanks Sooo Much For watching and interacting (Commenting)! I feel Especially Blesses These Last Few Days! T

[@droneflyingvideos3861]

I bought "Jello Snacks" --the plastic containers fit perfect in small mouth mason jars

[@mefford509]

Music and Bees I purchased mine so long ago and from several different suppliers, I have no idea where/who I got them from. Did you use the ring on the jar and then insert the net cups? Some of mine fit that way and others need a round or two of a thick tape around the inside. The jello cups did work for me too! T

[@droneflyingvideos3861]

@@mefford509 I could not make the 2" inch net cups work, they were to small. I tried the tape could not make that work either. But, just re-read your reply again and I did not try the tape around the inside of the jar, I tried it on the outside of the net cup. I will try the tape again on the inside. thanks for your patience

[@mefford509]

Music and Bees did you get it to work for you? I taped around the inside of the ring that fits the small mouth mason jar. Please let me know if you get this worked out! If not we may need to exchange email addresses so I can send some pictures or something... T

[@chriskoucouthakis2032]

Do they now? I may have to try this, I'm VERY interested in making SOME kind of hydro system or a cheap crappy thing that acts somewhat as a hydro system, if I was using a small mouth mason jar with a jello snack plastic container how big can a plant grow in a lil reservoir like that? I don't know anything about growing indoor hydro so I'm trying to imagine in my head what I'd need to do in order to get a plant as big as they get in my 50 gallon cloth pot....

[@jamesjordan0007]

After reading about more complicated hydroponic systems, I was about to write the whole thing off, but after seeing this video, I think I will give it a try! Thx

[@OleensEmbroidery]

Love this. I am trying it today, however instead of newspaper, tape and rubber bands I am going to wrap the jar in aluminum foil. One video said it helped keep the water cooler and helped prevent algae.

[@mefford509]

Great! Foil will reflect light but aluminum is a very efficient thermal conductor while the wraps of newspaper are an insulator... darkness for the root structure is key to success with this system... algae growth is slowed in darkness. Best wishes! T

[@2ladyhomesteadershodge898]

I like to use a Folgers coffee container. They are red with a black lid which reduces the light and holds just the right amount of growing solution to grow a head of lettuce from start to finish. Vivian Ann on the side of the mountain in northeast Tennessee

[@mefford509]

I am Excited that that worked for you! i have never gotten the red plastic containers to do really well for me without covering the outside with paper, it is a really great size though! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! T

[@pamm2230]

@@mefford509 What about spray painting the outside of the container in place of the paper?

[@mefford509]

Pam m Try it! I showed what I use... there are lots of options! You are just trying to black out the roots to avoid algae growth. However you chose to do that, if your plants have algae on the roots then you know that it’s not dark enough yet! Thanks for watching! T

[@sweetsavorywords3506]

That's a great idea for a food safe container. I just thought about some plastic containers I saved that I bought nuts in. Using the rest of what this video details, I've got several containers I can use.

[@dswem79]

A nail, a burning candle, and vise grips makes quick work of melting slits in plastic cups.

[@mefford509]

Simple and easy is the way to go! Thanks for watching!

[@zane3556]

I just started getting Into hydroponics. My goal is to grow my own food and live off what I produce. It's a big goal and I have a lot to learn but I'm excited and that's all that matters. Thanks for all these tips. I will definitely use them for my first system and expand later on.

[@krasikostadinova195]

This is great! And mostly because you reuse to much stuff that we normally throw away. Genious and very informative. Thank you!

[@waterlover2313]

this method is great i use those pool noodles from the dollar store instead of the rock wool :D and then i dont even need to net pots or yogurt containers

[@exceptionaltalentspc4954]

I have watched a few videos today because I want to get into planting and this one is by far the best way to start for someone with zero experience and very low budget. Thanks a bunch !!

[@mefford509]

Exceptional Talents PC Thank-you! Thanks for watching! T

[@elliemae4525]

Wow, so simple. I spent yesterday watching Kratkey videos and decided to do some online pricing! WHAT!?! I gave up on that idea really fast. I wish I'd seen your video first. You're a great teacher. Very thorough. Thanks for the great info. I think I can do this, now.

[@racheltomlinson2257]

We use an old dark sock to cover or jars, even stripey socks, looks cool.

[@mefford509]

Rachel Tomlinson Exactly!!! It's all about using what we have on hand!

[@truthmatters3449]

Thanks! Good ideas. I teach kids in the poor areas of Thailand. Using recycled water bottles.

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

Truth Matters well yeah. Cut top off turn upside down into lowrr half skip yogurt cup. Paint the bottom.

[@urbanbackyardfarmer9159]

Excellent video! You have totally inspired me, especially since I already have those net cups and Mason jars in my house. I can’t wait to start growing lettuce on my windowsill!

[@rosemarieblack7063]

From the UK, Thank you, Mefford Endeavors for your time and consideration. In this weird time, we are currently in this is just the sort of thing needed to encourage people to be more self-reliant. I don't have a garden but I have grown microgreens even in the winter on my windowsills. Flourish and prosper

[@mefford509]

Thank You!

[@josher3436]

Took the ring to the supermarket and tested containers.... love this....

[@SaraRaynor]

I keep coming back to this video for reference. It’s a great place to start and also good for hobbyists that aren’t wanting a huge production. Thank you for making it accessible to many!

[@sier2011]

You should use aluminum foil to block the light, easy to fit to the jar and 100% light blocker.

[@mefford509]

TERRY BRIGHTON foil is a good option, anything that blocks light is just fine. Use what you have on hand.

[@VideoWorkingGirl]

Thank you so much for making this video! I watched this video a few weeks ago then lost it, been looking for it since. Your jar hydroponics video is the only one I've found that doesn't require you go out and buy a bunch of expensive stuff - or, like you said, order those cups. We have cat food cups that are the perfect size to use with commercial jars. I may also try pool noodles with the jiffy pods. I really appreciate your making this video for people like me that are just starting out. Take care.

[@mefford509]

Thanks for watching! You are going to want to watch my “FAQ Mason jar hydroponics” video. It has more great information on this and other systems! T

[@BarbaraBastron]

This is a great video! You are organized, articulate and inventive. Such a pleasure to listen to a good, well-prepared speaker. Thank you.

[@thinkathena2]

Love this! Thanks for the easy method to Hydroponics. I looked into it years ago and just thought it was way too complicated/expensive especially for a person who just loves to play in the dirt. However during this forced staycation the country is going through I've gotten into mushroom growing - now rethinking hydroponics. This looks interesting, definitely looking forward to the eating the results. Thought I would need to eat yogurt for the cups (1st world problem) but turns out the Kozy Shack pudding cups fit perfectly into a wide mouth, yea! Now I won't feel so bad about the wasted cups - they're now multi-use Thanks again!

[@mefford509]

Good Luck! Thanks for watching! T

[@lindakean7392]

If you are thinking about it for sure, I would get ordering. During this lockdown supplies are taking forever to get. I also learned you can forget about taking the online store stock numbers as gospel. I believe so many ppl are turning to growing their own that things are just really backordered and they cant keep up with maintaining the stock quotes. Just a heads up!

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

Thank you for this more economical way of doing hydroponics. You are right, it doesn't take long to spend a lot of money to do what is recommended by many other on YT. I found a old sock streached over the jar works really well also! Thanks again!!!!

[@OdeToFoliage]

Using an old sock is a great idea - thank you!!

[@tiquipayagolden]

Post-apocalyptic hydroponics, important to start learning about it now!

[@mefford509]

My thoughts exactly! Thanks for watching! T

[@Production791]

Mefford Endeavors LLC mine too..that's why I'm a new subscriber ..thank you so much.

[@chris18228]

Paint the bottle but leave a strip so you can check the water level

[@rp101aquatics6]

@lia lorenzo not alotof algae will grow and the plant will already be taking up the nutrients giving it an edge of algae so the algae will die of

[@allanmclean6659]

@lia lorenzo Use black duct tape for the window, masks the glass during spraying, and keeps the roots dark, but cam be opened like a window to see roots, etc.

[@rp101aquatics6]

@lia lorenzo no problem

[@theresamccune1881]

Hell to the yah! I reuse so many containers. You could even make little decorative covers for any of the pots you would have in your house, like maybe on the window sill or whatever. It could be cute.

[@PRog-zx5vh]

Aluminum foil would fold better around the jar. You could also spray paint them black or any other DARK color. I have done both. I have used plastic juice bottles and yogurt cups to do the same thing. Works great.

[@luisfernandotorreslopez7984]

THANK YOU!!! This is a HUGE help for me!!! I almost bought a system when it was on sale for Black Friday, but before I got to checkout, the price jumped up by more than $20 and put it out of my range. I've got an extra box of canning jars on hand already though, so this should work out great! THANKS again!!! Greetings from Chicago. 🖐

[@mefford509]

The price tag on most hydroponic set-ups is so outrageous that it keeps people thinking that it must be really high tech or something... when in reality the high price just keeps people that could really benefit from growing their own food in the dark. be sure to watch my other videos on hydroponic lighting and the other systems I have come up with from hardware store parts! Thanks for watching!

[@westtech001]

Well, going to try something since I want to bring some mint in from outside. I've cut the top off of a 2-liter, cut slits on the side of the top piece, then turned it upside down so that it fits into the bottom half of the original bottle. Used water with fertilizer up to the point where the threads stop and have put the mint in. We'll see what happens ...

[@Only1God]

Brilliant! Yogurt cups! And my local cost-plus grocery has glass jar pasta sauce for $1 or less. I buy them and use for drinking glasses or food storage. So they would be great too.

[@Mat2001uk]

This is GENIUS! The simplicity of it! I am absolutely trying this, I live in a flat have no outside space :( ...homegrown Lettuce and Pak Choi (fingers crossed) here I come!!!

[@mefford509]

If You need additional lighting, i have done a video on that as well, Best of luck to you! Remember to block as much light to the roots as possible!! T

[@Mat2001uk]

@@mefford509 Thanks man I will check that out!

[@Jaytraveler2]

So much rich content, had no idea about the algae, the air routes and overall the ability to grow extremely cheap. Thank you.

[@mefford509]

Jay Hamilton Thanks! Read thru some of the comments, there is a lot of information in them as well! Thomas.

[@sweetsavorywords3506]

I have been saving plastic coffee cans and coffee creamer containers, I think they're going to work great. Just gotta get a drill bit to cut holes in the lids so I can use pool noodles. Also I ordered a fish pump and five flat stones. I'm excited

[@mefford509]

YAY! Best Wishes! Keep the roots as dark as possible and you will be in great shape! Thanks for watching! Good Luck! T

[@joannestevenson6894]

Thanks for this! I'm doing this with my girls as a home school project since we are shut in!

[@mefford509]

Your very welcome! My eldest daughter was the on behind the camera!

[@johnnywalker9536]

Great video, no Boomer's babbling, getting right to the point, thanks, Sir. Kudos

[@mefford509]

Johnny Walker Thank-You! T

[@sweetsavorywords3506]

YOU'RE AWESOME!! Made me smile when I saw the beautiful green plants at the end. Thanks, I needed something to make me smile. May God bless you and yours♥️♥️♥️

[@mefford509]

Thanks Sooo Much... I Needed that! T

[@vivianramsay2527]

Thank you for this alternative set up! I have a pile /boxes full of jars!! You were asking about alternative fertilizers so I'm suggesting worm 'tea'. I started a very small container of worms to see if I could make it work. After about a month I got some good composted soil or castings but also there is a lot of liquid that accumulates in the bottom of the bucket. [Yes, I got all my info from all the other growers on You tube! 👍] While I have been diluting it to use on my indoor potted plants, I imagine it would translate quite well for the hydroponics set up that you demonstrated. Easy enough to experiment with a few jars of plants. Thanks again for the very easy and certainly cheap enough setup! Good thinking!

[@Just-Nikki]

I appreciate your delivery of information and that this isn’t intimidating in the least. Very user friendly 👍 I was given 2 passive salad hydroponic systems but it didn’t include seed staring into so I thank you for teaching this old dog a new trick 😀

[@mefford509]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@CanadianGardenBee]

This was great. Learned some new things and I will try with my kids and spouse! It'll be fun to do inside while it is still frigid winter temps here in Canada.

[@sherrythompson3260]

Thank you very much for this video. I can not afford the expensive hydroponic things either. This is great and looks very simple. Thanks again.

[@mefford509]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for Watching! T

[@troycartwright7111]

Just put a couple of tooth picks in the side if they're too small. I'm using tall beer cans right now. Just cut the top off and cut half of it vertically many times to hold it on your medium and drill holes in the bottom.

[@mefford509]

If it works… do it! Thanks for watching! T

[@derekfrost8991]

I just cut the tops off soda bottles then fit upside down through a cardboard hole & sit that on a goldfish bowl. Sprout the seeds on cotton disc and water it until the roots are long enough to reach through.. :)

[@noemicollie8241]

I loved your video. Wanted to start a hydroponic garden and was just getting ready to spend a small fortune to build one of the many variations of DIY hydroponic during a pandemic no less. Just so happens, I have been collecting mason jars and other glass containers for years as decoration. Unfortunately, I don’t have anything that can be used for the inserts or nursery, but had already ordered these before coming across your video. What luck!

[@mefford509]

noemi collie Best wishes to you!! Stay safe!! T

[@noemicollie8241]

Mefford Endeavors LLC thank you. You too!

[@DoctorKatherine]

I save pickle and olive jars and things like that, which I always have a lot of. No need even to purchase jars.

[@mefford509]

That’s the spirit! Use what you have available to you!

[@jenniferpingleton8389]

@@mefford509 since most things come in plastic jars, can those be used as well, or do we need to worry about bpa in the plastic leaching into the water and being absorbed by the plant roots?

[@jeffstewart8627]

An Excellent presentation. I liked how you moved through this quickly with outstanding manual dexterity and clear concise direction. A BIG GREEN THUMBS UP. Oh # 500 Yeah.

[@sherricox8201]

Jeff Stewart keep growing

[@methodsignature]

Try listening to watching it at 1.5 speed, it's even better.

[@papahawk3644]

That's all we viewers want at the end of the day... concise instruction.

[@capiberra4118]

Excellent video btw. Very well explained and practical advice. I've done many leafy crops using Kratzky method. Never thought of mason jars though. I bought 37 litre rubbermaid tubs and cut 12 holes for yogurt pots in the lid. (If I was doing it again, I'd only cut 6 holes because the plants are too cramped together when full grown.) Thanks!!

[@modupeogunfowora1283]

This small scale hydroponic methods should work in the production of small herbs and vegetables in tropical.. areas where soils are too dense for root penetration by seedlings. Will try it.

[@cherriosbee475]

That is one amazing video of hydroponics without all the fussy equipment.

[@mefford509]

Thank-You! Thanks for watching! T

[@Rachelle4352]

Love this video. Thank you for showing how simple, easy and affordable hydroponic growing can be!

[@mefford509]

You are so welcome! Thanks for Watching! T

[@nereidapr1]

I was looking for a cheaper way to do hydroponics and this is perfect. Thanks.

[@MaMaVinnova]

Holy smokes, this was a great video. The pics at the end were so encouraging! Thanks!

[@mefford509]

Tomatoes would not do well in this type of system, the mason jar system is really meant for produce that is harvested within 30-45 days. Thanks for your comment! Thomas

[@janiemurphy3837]

Nina Mefford u could use a 5 gallon bucket

[@J_Chap]

Your video is about the best I've seen so far. I am starting my hydroponic veggies, but, couldn't find the pots anywhere without having to order then. So, tomorrow we are going to the grocery store and I am buying those little yogurt cups! Yay! Easy peasy! I have been searching the internet to even find out what size to get for my small mouthed mason jars and you gave me answer!Thank you for your video. It is highly appreciated.

[@mefford509]

Joyce Chapman you are most welcome! I was also frustrated by the lack of clear “how to” information, all I could ever find is “how to buy” someone else’s system... this works great for me! I am even taking a couple of almost mature plants with me in our RV for fresh greens on the go! Thanks again for your comment, it keeps me motivated! T

[@J_Chap]

@@mefford509 Thank you. :)

[@starrykitten8746]

You can also get really awesome spaghetti sauces for cheap that come in mason jars - I use these mason jars for EVERYTHING.

[@villagefem]

THAT WAS ... FANTASTIC.... THE YOGART cups ... A .good idea for Us poor bunch.... smiles......

[@lashaiaavila]

I really appreciate you actually finding materials that are available same day for a good proice amd not something that we have to order. Your awasome!:)

[@parrishwoods]

thank you, this was the best home made I have seen and I can do this without help.

[@bellaspatiogarden3493]

Love this video. Great way to reuse one time use plastic packaging.

[@citycritteradventures7427]

great job, and expanded my ideas of possible DIYs. this is absolutely DIY. it's the first video i've watched where the netpot was done DIY! you made it accessible & explained the steps really well. overall, this is one of my favourite DIY guides!

[@mefford509]

Thank-you! My hope is to demystify the whole hydroponics thing- it’s so simple yet people try to complicate it. Many can make a little thing like this in an afternoon! I do have a few other systems that I have videos about all from locally available parts. Thanks for your kind comments and thanks for watching! T

[@citycritteradventures7427]

@@mefford509 Cool, yeah, that's a good service you are doing for the community, as I am one of those people that assumed it HAD to be difficult and expensive, yet, i'm doing great now with my homemade Kratkys... and on top of that, it's a great artistic or creative outlet! Lot's of fun! Where is the fun if you drop 100s of $ and have it all done for you? 🙂Will check out the rest of the videos! Keep up the great work!!

[@forageforage3520]

The newspaper as a medium to darken the clear containers is a great upcycle approach!. I also use a heavy landscape cloth/fabric, and I'm re-used clean, aluminum foil.

[@zeropointpower]

If Macgyver was a gardener. Brilliant!

[@mefford509]

Thank you!

[@tammynull3224]

That comment made me smile... cute compliment 😁 love this video.

[@victoriaolatunbosun7598]

Thanks man. I really loved how cheap and DIY it was and how you explained it. When you said cheap, you really meant it, Thanks.

[@supersleuth3161]

thanks for the ideas and all the tips, It's nice to know we don't need fancy expensive equipment.

[@mefford509]

Glad it was helpful! T

[@rachel.doremi6974]

I keep getting aerogarden ads and now I’m glad I’m watching this vid

[@mefford509]

Hydroponics are actually so simple! Enjoy the journey!

[@meganmcgrory7525]

thank you for using standard ferts so those of us wanting to try this out can see how its done :)

[@hannahmay3864]

I am going to try this. Maybe even get larger jars to keep smaller plants in. If I had one concern is the wood cutter for plastic. That smell you have to ventilate? Thats the chemicals you do not want in your body. Now there is debate whether plants can absorb things like BPA (the molecule is bigger then what plants will absorb) and pcp piping (mattering on sun exposure), but burning any plastic is never safe. Cutting is a better choice.

[@mefford509]

Hannah May Thank- you sincerely for your concern! I believe that you are the first to mention that! BUT off camera I had a fan to pull the fumes away. Thank you and my best wishes to your success in simply growing your own lettuce!

[@lovefarmer947]

I Love this!!! Thanks for sharing your brilliance and making hydroponics easy.

[@keehni]

Thanks for this video! You are the true "MacGyver" of Hydroponics! Questions: 1) What is the tallest plant you've successfully raised in a mason jar? 2) Which plants lasted the longest? 3) Have you tried this method with any colored glass and was it successful in preventing algae?

[@mefford509]

keehni 1)bokchoy 2) romaine lettuce... I was harvesting the outer leaves for awhile, then let it go to seed. 3) no I have not tried colored glass, the process really relies on there being no algae to consume the nutrients. And I really like being able to remove the paper to see the root growth. Thanks for your questions! Tom

[@kayamor7678]

This is probably the first video I’ve watched out of all the others that said what I wanted to know lol I’m currently growing stuff in light but this looks very do able and inexpensive I’m definitely gonna try

[@mefford509]

Kay Amor Thanks! You should watch my FAQ mason jar hydroponics video!

[@firewaterbydesign]

Thank you! You made this simple enough that I feel confident that I can do this! I have been wanting to grow vegi's in the winter months but had not considered doing it this way. Great video!! Thanks again so much!!

[@LiliansGardens]

You did an excellent job with the set up for jars available to everyone and yoghurt cups as well. Saves this planet a ton of rubbish. As for the fertilisers how about a mix of banana peels eggshells ,and Epsom salts. Or just use the organic fertilisers one use on soil already...

[@mefford509]

Sooo others have asked questions similar to this, your organic option is very well thought out. As for commercial organic soil fertilizer, try them and see what results you get... I have switched to a different fertilizer called “masterblend”. I find the organic fertilizers difficult to understand dosage. The great thing about this little system is that it is inexpensive and easy to experiment with! Thanks for watching!

[@maryhornbostel6959]

Your peanut butter containers will first into Ragu jars. You can use pickel and mayo jars to free up Mason jars for canning.

[@mefford509]

Mary Hornbostel EXACTLY! Use what you have on hand, a trip to the recycle bin should get you mostly set up! Thanks for the comment! T

[@s.a.morris8625]

...aluminum foil or a black sock can be used to cover the jar from light...

[@jay90sbaby27]

🤔

[@deemail100]

thank you so much for this simple and easy to follow method....I just watched 8 or 9 tapes and each one got more complex....I have everything I need.... planting lettuce and some herbs today....thanks again....

[@lauraarora1415]

Cool. I will be doing this with my elementary classroom. Great idea!!

[@mefford509]

laura Arora I was checking my plants and I thought of you... Swiss chard the “neon” or “northern lights” varieties the roots are the same color as the stalks! Very cool considering most plants have whitish roots. Have fun! Tell the class I said Hi 👋 ! T

[@waellerbe]

@Nina Mefford Thank you for publishing this video to KZbin. This simple example gives me something to think about. So nice to find a simple solution for hydroponics that doesn't use any energy. A solution like this could become more attractive to someone who may have a concern about how much #energy is being used to *grow* the food. #hydroponics #keepitsimple #zeroenergy #lowmaintenance

[@mefford509]

William Ellerbe Amen! You are welcome Sir!

[@stewart7346]

A hot glue gun without the glue would melt right through those yogurt containes too.

[@mefford509]

Yes It Would! Thanks For Watching! T

[@garyluker623]

Best Video Ever! I really like your system and I'm all for saving money not buying starter kits. Thank You

[@judichristopher4604]

Thank you so much for this great tutorial... I just finished doing a Sweet Potato just for fun ... and the vines were almost 15 feet long... I'm on my 2nd potato and it's growing like crazy!!! The grandkids love it.

[@katysmith1641]

Go here now if you want the best aquaponics system online: HootAqua. info

[@veratek1]

Newbie here. You grew a potato in a jar like in the video?

[@sagansrun2932]

Try garage sales or goodwill, second hand store for jars. Or ask family or friends if they have any they want to get rid of.

[@rubytoshoe2675]

What a great video! I hope it encourages more people to try this. Thank you for making it

[@SomeReefer]

I have see n people do this with 5 gallon buckets. They painted their buckets black and that helped to prevent algae. So you could probably get away with giving the glass a few coats of black paint.

[@smokymountainlife]

Thank you for for video. It is much appreciated. It's nice to know that I can get started without having to buy expensive equipment or supplies. I definitely want to add hydroponics to my garden arsenal!

[@mefford509]

It’s a great addition if you are already gardening! Thanks for watching! T

[@michelle-elizabethvalle9222]

This is a great video for an inexpensive way of reusing items around the house to grow hydroponics. I just added a bunch of things I needed to start in my shopping cart and was floored by how much it all added up to. I live in a low-sunlight apartment, and the only expense I'd have would be to get a grow light. I'm going to try this out with some tomatoes. Thanks!

[@mefford509]

Have you seen my “lighting for mason jar hydroponics” video? And my “FAQ Mason jar hydroponics” video, you may find them both helpful! Thanks for watching! T

[@michelle-elizabethvalle9222]

@@mefford509 I'll take look at them now. I just searched through my cabinets and found a few yogurt cups I saved that fit on my jars. Do you have any videos on how to germinate seeds without purchasing any soil or using those rockwool cubes?

[@KristeneForest]

Cheap way to get jars are dollar stores and thrift shops or reusing food jars

[@lalap920]

Thanks!