Growing Hydroponic Lettuce - Keeping it Simple

It's been a long hot summer. But things are finally beginning to cool off. So it's time to get the rail system going again and grow some hydroponic lettuce. I started the seeds a little bit too early and had to wait an extra couple of weeks before getting them into the rails. I'm growing butterhead lettuce, leaf lettuce, and some Pak Choi. After 8 days, they are all looking great.
I'll explain exactly what I'm doing, and why. As well as discuss the fertilizer that I'm using. At first, I thought hydroponics would be somewhat difficult to learn. But when you break it all down on a smaller scale, it really is a simple process.

[@mhpgardener]

For the end caps, just run a bead of 100% silicone around the inside lower half of the cap. That will keep it watertight for what you're doing. The cup holes are done with a 3 inch hole saw. Since its only about a 30 day process, I don't worry about changing the water. I just top it off 5gal at a time as needed. I was told lettuce was the easiest thing to grow in a hydro setup. The folks were right.... this is flat out simple. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

It's never too late to go country. I lived in the city for about a year way back when. Hustle and bustle, everything within walking distance...no trees, fields, or animals. I was a fish out of water. It was a good season here too. Made a bunch of produce. It's about finished up outside now, all but the sweet taters. It'll be greenhouse stuff from now until March. But, the growing continues. Stop by anytime you're in the area. :-)

[@mhpgardener]

I use 100% silicone to seal the end caps. I run a bead inside the lower half of the cap, then put it in place. This gets a seal up high enough to where I don't have leakage, and it allows me to easily pull the cap off for cleaning. Once cleaned out, I silicone the cap back in place.

[@mhpgardener]

I put it off for a few years.... really wasn't sure if I would be able to simplify things to my level. I guess all things in due time, cuz it's working out really well. And it's a much simpler process than I ever imagined. I'm planning a lot more of this over the next few months.

[@mhpgardener]

I'm fairly new to hydro, but I like what I see thus far. There are ways to grow just about anything. It's just a matter of deciding what setup to use.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I don't have the time to get too complicated with this stuff. Keeping it simple allows me to try more things. And with hydro, there are a lot of different options to look into.

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you. I don't have much extra time, so I try to keep things as simple as possible.

[@mhpgardener]

Whoa...thats some high class company ! I enjoy the learning process. And being able to share it with others just makes it more worthwhile. Thank you sir.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. This one has a small 264 GPH pump. Just a cheap one, nothing fancy. To go "indoors", you have to add lights, unless its a room with lots of sunlight. Up where you are, you'd probably need to look into grow lights. But you'd have the advantage of consistent temps indoors, so they should do well.

[@mhpgardener]

I used the same fertilizer for the cucumbers and tomatoes. I grew them in dutch buckets and they did very well.

[@mhpgardener]

For right now...I just went ahead with the 3rd rail. Its still kinda warm in the GH for this. I have expanded the dutch bucket tomatoes substantially. They are off to a good start, and as soon as the cuke seeds sprout, I'll get them going too and see how they do. I'm liking this hydro stuff very much.

[@vermiman]

In the winter time you could find a way to heat the water especially during the day maybe a curled up water hose that circulates into the aquarium. And you could pick plants that are a little less demanding during the winter.

[@sirtom68]

I have been a Hydro head for about 5 years now and love it. My maiders got about 10 ft tall this year before blight hit em. Still have a cayenne pepper doing great in a 5 gallon DWC. Covered in peppers :)

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. It takes a bit of work to build the setups, but once they're done, its a simple low-maintenance deal. I'm planning a lot more of this. Good luck on the GH too.

[@mhpgardener]

Yep, the heat is giving way to cooler temps now and the plants are loving it. I'll be adding a heater to the reservoir to keep the water temps from falling too low. It'll just be for night mostly, since it always warms up in the GH during the day. The masterblend works great. Dissolves fast, and everything grows well with it so far.

[@PopsQuest]

I planted a thousand carrot seeds today! You have inspired me to WORK my garden... Thank You

[@jackbuddha2002]

I can't thank you enough for your videos! Your idea to cool the nutrient solution with ice filled containers is brilliant!

[@kathrynridgway886]

I did a rail system this year but had problems getting the set up to work with a top drip so I did what you are doing with your third rail. It it is hot, it doesn't work as the clay dries out at the top. I did grow some squash, tried some tomatoes but I was constantly watering the top to keep the plants moist. I think covers for the pots would work.

[@mhpgardener]

I've heard the same thing about hydro to soil and vice versa. To make the next crop easier, I started the seed in rockwool cubes. They sprouted very fast, so I think it's gonna work out great. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

So far, it really has been quite easy. I just try to keep with the same nutrient mix and let the plants do their thing. Thanks.

[@monicad33]

Been enjoying your videos, thanks for sharing them. Easiest way I know to drop the temperature a couple degrees is to drop your tote. Dig a hole and drop your tote in it and put a piece of something in front of it to keep it in full shade. if you line the hole with plywood you can put the ends inside the sides and don't even need a frame. If you need it raised again just put your shade piece over the hole and put tote on top again. The hole be ready for next hot spell. Keep the hole just big enough to hold your tote so it can benefit from cooler in ground temperatures.

[@mhpgardener]

I started some Asian greens on Wednesday...Tatsoi is what I planted, along with Arugala, Rainbow Chard, Romaine, etc...lots of new stuff.

[@mhpgardener]

The top options, dripping from the top, or watering from the end like an NFT both worked equally well as I recall.

[@mhpgardener]

It's something I've considered. With such a small setup, its not too big of a problem right now. But if I had a couple hundred plants going, I'd definitely have to get the reservoir in-ground.

[@mhpgardener]

If the ground wasn't so darn hard, I would have put the tote a lot deeper. Its like concrete about 7-8 inches down. That makes for some tough digging. So I took the easy way out ! Thanks bro.

[@mhpgardener]

I have considered something like that, subterranean heating and cooling. To really make a difference, I'd need to bury quite a bit of pipe, and I haven't wanted to spend the money. It's an interesting option, one that I haven't ruled out. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

I haven't seen many top drip setups. But I did it like this the first time cuz of the way that the Dutch buckets had performed. If the 3rd rail does just as well, or better...it's definitely the way to go. I think I'd have trouble with squash since they get so big. They'd take over the whole deal.

[@mhpgardener]

It helps to finish filling in around the plant, either with the pebbles or small rocks.

[@mhpgardener]

Cool.... it's a quick and clean way to grow some nice lettuce.

[@mhpgardener]

When I was growing up, it was a real treat to get a Pepsi or Mt.Dew, in a bottle too. I've just never cared too much for Coke. Thanks.

[@mhpgardener]

You're welcome. It's pretty simple and grows some very nice lettuce.

[@woodturningjohn]

I have been toying around with this idea for a little while now, I think this Winter while I am stuck in the house covered in snow and ice I will start a indoor system and see what happens. have a good one. Pepper seeds are drying up nice and I took all the peppers and made a hot sauce, ouch and thanks again.

[@mhpgardener]

That's on my list too. So many options...and so little time !

[@mhpgardener]

Yes sir. I do have it 2/3's in the ground. It helps some. But with the water running thru the boxes 24/7, if it's hot in the greenhouse, the water is gonna heat up. Not much I can do other than put bottles of ice in the reservoir.

[@mhpgardener]

I buried about 1/3 of it. The ground about 8 inches down is like concrete. I couldn't find my jackhammer...so I left it alone. I wish I had a 55 gal drum, completely buried. I think that would make for much cooler water temps.

[@mhpgardener]

The outside gardens are pretty much done. So I'll divert that time into the greenhouse now. And when the grass stops growing, I'll have even more free time. But by then, the days are shorter.... oh well...I do try !

[@alainleon3610]

beautiful, awesome and amazing. Greetings from Mexico, inspired by your video, I will do it here in Mexico. Thank you

[@mhpgardener]

Hey Carlos, I mix in 5 gallon buckets. To simplify it, you can use 2-2-1 per gallon.

[@mhpgardener]

I think we all have some type of issue to deal with. I can do ok in the winter, since I can raise the temps by heating. Unfortunately, I don't have a cheap way to cool things down in the summer. I imagine those grow lights would make for a pretty warm room too.

[@mhpgardener]

I have no idea what organza is....but it sounds fancy ! I'll have to look into that one. I pulled back the shade cloth, so the sun is much stronger now. But they seem to like it, turning a much deeper green. Looking very good this afternoon.

[@7generationsprepper]

i would try burrying your resevior in the ground up to a few inches from the top for a more stable, cooler temperature and i use a product called super thrive and keep the nutrient levels low for the first few days {try cutting your fertilizer in half}. it should help with the shock. cuttings rooted in water or a hydroponic environment do pretty good planted direct in soil but for a few reasons going from a dirt rooting medium to a hydroponic environment causes shock most times. happy growing.

[@mhpgardener]

Thx Brock. I'm waiting to see if there is a difference between the first 2 rails and the 3rd one. Just feeding from the end is certainly a lot easier. After 12 days, they all look the same. I've been sneaking a few leaves from the Simpson lettuce already. Man thats some good stuff !

[@mygtr2021]

Great clear cup tip!! Using soldering iron is a great idea. Gonna save those cups after my next party.

[@mhpgardener]

From what I've seen commercially, lettuce likes about 65 degrees. If I could pick a room temp, I'd do about 70. But outside in the GH, I have to work with fluctuating temps. It's not as easy to maintain those good growing temps out there, but I do have the advantage of true sunlight. That helps a lot.

[@richardstewart2428]

I just found a source for Masterblend fertilizers in 1lb, 2lb,5lb and 25lb packages shipping is in the price given and seems fair. I received my 2lb order in about 5 days. Really enjoy these video's.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Yes sir, AP is something that does interest me. I'm comfortable enough with the process to where I don't think I'd kill the fish. The question now is what happens in the winter when the water temps cool and the fish stop eating? If they don't eat, there's no waste to feed the plants. Trying to maintain proper water temps would be a real challenge.

[@mhpgardener]

I wish I could do this outside, under shade cloth. But I'd have to bring it all inside once the cold weather rolled in. It would be nice not to have to worry about snow and freezing temps.

[@hurdman007]

Burying your water bucket deeper might help also. Great video!

[@J1SMOKES]

Labor day 2018. Miss watching these videos. After all these years I still haven't tried this.

[@mhpgardener]

I went ahead and transplanted some of the worm riddled cabbage and broccoli that I had growing outside. They look just pitiful. I don't think rabbits would even recognize them...LOL.. I'll have enough hydro greens going to where I won't miss them. I've already started several other varieties, trying to mix it up a bit. Now I need to get me some meat to go with all the veggies. Fresh sausage sounds good. :-)

[@cigarcaptain]

this will be cool to watch what develops

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Yes sir, I've thought of AP. Looking at the pros and cons, and trying to figure out what to do during winter... it's gonna be awhile before I go that route.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. Haha..pre-salted..that would be cool. It probably goes the other way though, since the hydro stuff gets so much water. Taste wise, I think they're pretty good, well worth the effort.

[@mhpgardener]

For speed of growth, the rail system is best. But for ease and less trouble, the stationary raft is the way to go. Once they are in place, nothing else is done until time to harvest. With the rails, you have to top off or change out the nutrients as needed.

[@choward1115]

Thanks for sharing, Bobby!!! I can't wait for an update. i do remember the hydro lettuce early spring... hugh... thats what I'm talking about. Super video...!!! Good luck, Candy :-)

[@tangobayus]

Moving water picks up oxygen so you only need a water pump to make a running stream inside your tubes. 100 GPM pumps are about $12. You can also use foam cups with slits in the sides on the bottom half. If you leave a half inch of solution in the bottom the system will be less vulnerable to power failure.

[@RVFreeDa]

Looking good! It's hard to believe that a big old Pak Choi is going to grow in that little pot. I like the idea of no gophers pulling the plants down. I just planted my lettuce but it's still too hot here so I put a shade over them. Thxs for the video!

[@mhpgardener]

Yea, I've studied them a bit. The problem I see is dealing with the cooler temps of winter. Seems like the fish would stop eating, and thereby quit fertilizing the plants. So the growth would be kinda poor. I guess I could heat the fish tank to keep them active, but I'm not ready for that. I'm gonna concentrate on straight hydroponics for a while and see how it goes.

[@mortalman01]

Really enjoy your videos and that you are constantly trying new ways to grow your plants.Also your use of the K.I.S.S. method.Great work!!!!

[@mhpgardener]

It's good old fashioned well water...ph neutral. If I were in a city, I'd be looking for some rain barrels. I have checked the water temps...but not before and after adding ice. 83-85 in the afternoon so far. But it doesn't stay there long. Night temps are much lower now, which really helps.. Adrianna is heat tolerant...I think Simpson and Pak Choi are so-so. BTW..tell Santa I need a couple of 1110 air pumps and a dozen or so inline 6 inch stones... snap snap ! LOL

[@mhpgardener]

Thank you mam. Its an easy way to grow lettuce, that's for sure.

[@scootmex53]

thank you for your vids... a no bull,easy to understand ,with a good selection of growing diff...plants. your a good man

[@mhpgardener]

You can use whichever size you prefer. If you're doing NFT, then yes, you'll need something smaller so the bottom of the cups can get to the water.

[@mhpgardener]

I looked into those things...and they are not cheap...whew. What I'd like to do is build the 3rd GH, its gonna be 30 feet wide, and install a large evaporative cooling sytem. But to justify the expense, there needs to be a serious demand for food around here, or I have to be selling some produce. Right now, the folks aren't too hungry...and I don't have time for selling. I'm not giving up on the idea though.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I'm not sure about putting a covering over them. I've been starting them in rockwool cubes lately without any problems.

[@mhpgardener]

Its Master Blend 4-18-38, I get it from Morgan County Seeds online. About $40 for a 25 lb bag. At 12 grams per 5 gal, one bag will grow a LOT of vegetables.

[@RebekahAnn42]

Hey very nice lettuce..thanks for the vid..as always I learn sooo much...

[@mhpgardener]

It really was this morning....about 52 degrees outside...Awesome ! ;-)

[@RobsAquaponics]

If you lived elsewhere who else could we watch with such a great green house Bobby!

[@mhpgardener]

The supply line is 1/2 inch, the drip lines are 1/8. The connection fittings are available wherever you buy the tubing.

[@mhpgardener]

I do have the meters, Santa sent them to me earlier this year. I just checked everything, and 6's run wild. Water temp, 66....EC, 600...pH, 6.0.... The water temps will rise into the low 80's during the day, then back off at night. pH and EC have been consistent the first week. When these levels fluctuate, I don't get too excited. If the plants look good, I try to let them be.

[@goosearrow]

Thanks Bobby! I am in the process of trying to get a greenhouse going so I am really interested in trying this at some point.

[@jobillfleetwood]

A solution to your too much heat in the green house is to bury a 4 inch pipe in the ground with a pipe sticking up on both ends. Place a solar powered 4 inch rv vent fan on one end to pull air down the other end of the pipe,air goes under the ground to cool off, up the other end out into the green house. Think geothermal system but you are moving air. The ground 2 feet below stays cool all summer. solar powered rv vents are cheap and cost nothing to run during the day. :)

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks. I'm surprised at the simplicity of the whole deal. Things just grow so fast. And having lettuce off the ground means no dirt or grits.... nice and clean. :-)

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Tom, I'll do my best.

[@mhpgardener]

I just bought some rockwool, to see how it does for seed starting. Started a bunch of lettuce and other greens today. I'm not familiar with it, but it should be easier than having to clean the roots. Anything I can do to speed up the process is a plus. LOL.... twitter posting.... I have never twitted or tweeted before. I wouldn't even know where to begin !

[@mhpgardener]

I buy the Masterblend from Morgan County Seeds online...and the CalNitrate is from the local hardware store.

[@KevyneShandris]

Excellent video. Was wondering how-to grow lettuce in the hot South. Knew it had to be container grown because if the heat doesn't kill the tender plants, the 1000001 bugs would eat it up (even in the old days Sevrin dust couldn't keep them off of collards and cabbage). This is a nice small setup and no-frills (keeping costs low, not spend thousands upon). Would just love to grow organic salad greens (a dream in the South), and be fresher than anything in the grocery store, too!

[@mhpgardener]

In the rail system, I run the pump 24/7. A small 250-300 gph pump is not going to cost a lot to operate.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Candy. Yes mam, that was some huge lettuce, and good tasting too. If I can keep this stuff from falling off the rails, it should do the same thing. I hope so anyways. :-)

[@mhpgardener]

I will try to address that in the next update. Thanks.

[@como006]

Nice, really enjoy your videos! Simplicity is something I love! Will try to emulate your system when I build my hydroponics!

[@rchopp]

Great information thanks for sharing you knowledge with us, and now I know why your maters must taste so good your pre salting them.. take care

[@kevinbrown1629]

To help keep your nutrient mix temperatures down, could you possibly circulate your mix through pipes underground to help stabilize your temperatures

[@goatgirl61]

That is truly awesome ! looking forward to your updates ... lettuce is going to added to my little garden too had real good luck last year .

[@Maxcatboat]

Excellent Videos! I appreciate the practical approach you use. Keep these coming.

[@mhpgardener]

Ouch on the hot sauce? Well..it's supposed to be hot ! LOL A small 4 ft rail, or a couple of DWC's in rubbermaid tubs would be a good way to start indoors. Just like growing in soil....the plants need the proper nutrients. Get that part right, use good water...and it's really quite simple.

[@meanshoes]

Excellent video Bobby! I was having a go around with my reservoir temps as well and boy what a difference when you can keep them low eh, ice in containers, excellent! . I love the design of the NFT. I'm rebuilding mine this winter and I'll be running like your third rail very simple feed on one end drain on the other. I love simple.that lettuce will be standing and filling out in no time. Excellent info on the nutrients I"m with you it's real simple. Brock

[@herviews]

Try covering the lettuce with blue organza fabric to keep them cool. I experimented with it on a small scale and got some lettuce outdoor in the middle of summer here in South Florida. I plan on doing a larger batch next summer.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks, I'm glad it helped.

[@mhpgardener]

I buy the Masterblend from Morgan County Seeds. Real good folks to deal with.

[@tmmiller64]

I just started watching your videos and intend on trying this. Thanks for making these videos. You are doing a great job! God bless and keep up the great work!

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks bro. Its working pretty good so far.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice set up Bobby...

[@mhpgardener]

I pulled the shade cloth off the greenhouse Monday. Today, they have a much deeper green to them...off and running. I forgot what the prize was for (first)....gotta think of something. :-)

[@loislaney23]

Looks great! Everything looks so clean. I really like your set up!

[@campyc40]

You are the best.

[@mhpgardener]

I buy it from Morgan County Seeds. They are great folks to deal with. I always call and order though, cuz their site is a little bit tricky.

[@mhpgardener]

To prevent algae, you have to block out as much light as possible. Make sure you don't have anything too transparent.

[@mhpgardener]

Thanks Freida. I'm curious how the Pak Choi is gonna do too. So far, they are beautiful. It's just amazing how well, and how fast, things grow in a hydro setup.