Working on Plastic Free Hydroponics, Microgreens

[@soblezz]

The clear cups look pretty cool. I like to see the progress

[@amyb5339]

Mike is responsible for the grow table in the basement and LED shop lights and grow lights. My co-workers think I am moderately crazy until I bring them all the produce (and eggs). The rabbits I raise are about to be VERY happy. I have 4 lettuces, spinach, pak choi , mild micro green mix, corn salad started in the hydroton and nutrient. I had extra glass storage containers in with the Tupperware. I use Texas tomato food for my nutrient and it works really well.

[@danielt6689]

Great idea. Since I had it around, I am trying it with perlite. It's also much more economical. So far, so good.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

cool, I have some going in some terra cotta trays too!

[@amyb5339]

Let us know how it works please!

[@danielt6689]

@@amyb5339 It works great! Germination is excellent. Seedlings pull out and separate very easily. Arugula microgreens are now going on 5 weeks and doing very well on Master Blend. I have expanded to lettuce, bok choy, green onions, kale, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs. Transplantation is a breeze. It literally takes only a couple of seconds to pluck a clump of seedlings and drop them into a netcup.

[@cutiebm]

Love you continued curiosity. Proving be an adult doesn't have to be boring.

[@TheBudgetWarrior]

Brilliant!! Keep on sharing!!

[@KarlKarsnark]

Greetings from N. FL.! I love all the No-Plastic vids. The biggest takeaway for me is that the only limit is our imagination. Anything that can hold equal parts water and air seems to work, then all you need is a little light, and you're off to the races. Cheers!

[@rockyusa2012]

Cool video. I also clean my pebbles the same way.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thanks Rocky!

[@ryanhopps7966]

Been a long time since I’ve had a frosty 🥶

[@ryanhopps7966]

If you do use a plastic container with the clay pebbles, just be careful how big it is and how sturdy it is. I loaded up a big plastic container and as soon as I went to move it, everything shifted, most likely drowned some of my seeds. Lesson learned

[@travisn2it]

I wonder if you can carve out a log and throw some clay pebbles in there.

[@nancytharp8213]

Thanks for sharing 🙏 😎 🏖 🏝

[@diva555sg]

Its not totally easy to eradicate plastic altogether if you do recycling. Glass are breakable. paper cup & container never last long. Good for growing seed then transplant & discard container. I saw you have upside down wide mouth container. I find that usable 3 ways at least. I am playing with leca now cos when soil is not available you can keep recycling clay pebble. Didn't like the pool doodle beansprout idea cos in 3 days you can grow beansprout in kettle, pots & pan, glass bottles I learnt from youtube. Sprouts & microgreen do not been nutrients just water. Vegetables do. The size of pak choy leaves show difference. Keep on growing Mike. You are my inspiration!👍

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you!. Looking to break some preconceived notions that we all have. It may be what is holding me back so I approach it with an open mind.

[@dookim4375]

Hi~what size clay pebbles use?can you tell me please 🙏

[@ryanhopps7966]

Mike do you spray the top of the clay pebbles during the initial sprouting process? I rinsed mine pretty well, but I didn’t dry them off before. Something isn’t right maybe the humidity level

[@ryanhopps7966]

I chose basil so maybe I just need to be more patient, that’s always an option lol

[@KeepOnGrowin]

No, I don't dry them off. I also spritz them if needed. Basil has that sticky layer, they should stay hydrated. Watch the temperature. basil hates the cold.

[@ryanhopps7966]

I see, so putting them out in the sun just warms them up a bit for germination. I got a little something going now, just had to be a little more patient 👍

[@ryanhopps7966]

I wonder how perennial herbs would take to this method. I’ve been having a lot of luck with growing them in coco coir and perlite. That would be a good experiment for sure

[@learningtofly6675]

Have there been any issues with algea or the like. Will wait to see if long term things go....

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I don't worry about algae

[@chrissievandyke171]

Have you ever heard of electroponics. Some other guy is selling a book and using copper and electricity to grow everything faster.

[@tammytamz3046]

Where do you get your seeds?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Mostly True Leaf, some on Amazon for free shipping.

[@tammytamz3046]

@@KeepOnGrowin thank youuuuu! 🙏

[@Eyasulana]

You got me into growing my own food. I am grateful for the changes and ideas to glass jars. AND- its not that expensive most think. I find mine on Temu and Dollar Tree, even ebay has great deals. I have got glass jars WITH lid under $1 just do some research and grab the deal. I used pebbles once before and it didn't worked out for me, but this time I got the one you use. And wolllaaa those seeds growing like little happy camper, and everyone needs those eyes, its just brings me a smile when I look at my jars - some of them sit in the kitchen on a wall shelve... Lets keep the videos coming. I am a sucker for your ideas.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Awesome! Thank you, this makes me happy! You rock!

[@atticus1309]

What is the liquid ?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

General Hydroponics Maxi Gro amzn.to/4a6iAOw

[@sunshine885]

I don't eat out so none.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you for sharing

[@user-wj9jm1ox8i]

I’m afraid of using clay as it may leach heavy metals

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Then don't. Use soil.

[@hopemore3493]

Thank you for the terrifically helpful information and the clear method you explain things. I really miss the old camera perspective. This new one is difficult for old or tired eyes to see clearly. 🍅🫑🥬🥒

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Sorry, short content got me to over a million followers on Facebook, that's a lot of people growing food!. I will try to do more landscape format here.

[@hopemore3493]

Thanks again for all your great ideas. I live in a zone 4/5 area so I have been doing Kratky in my front room year round. I love it! @@KeepOnGrowin

[@AsAManThinks]

Mike, thank u so much! You have single-handedly caused me to have to rearrange my kitchen, furniture and garage space to make room for all the experiments I have going. I say thank you; my wife, not so much. 😆😆😆

[@KeepOnGrowin]

My apologies to your wife, lol. Keep me updated on the experiments.

[@crazyfarmgirl606]

I love your videos, i think you should use the plastic containers until they cannot be used anymore, then do not replace them. Of course still use glass and the new technique but isn’t throwing a perfectly good container away defeating your ultimate purpose? Thank you for all your hardwork Keep it up!!❤

[@claudetteb.6443]

I like clear cup and the coffee cup

[@pgaycl]

i try to grow today see the result a few days later i will post the photo up

[@mikemahurin721]

Will you also be phasing out plastic on hydropnics for the larger crops like strawberries, squash and tomatoes?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Everything

[@shorea27]

Is there any reaaon u chose that size of clay pebbles over other sizes?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

no, just my first try and what I used years ago.

[@Fmkayla]

Nope I don’t like this system I tried it and the stink of the water and pebbles and seeds don’t work in the house . I’ll stick with my micro green growing containers they work beautiful .

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Suit yourself. It is working wonderfully for me. We all don't have to do the same thing. This is just the beginning of the trials.

[@ConradRuybal68]

This content is amazing - one of my favorite subscribed channels! Quick question - is there a video or reference on nutrient ratios for microgreens using the Masterblend mix?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Thank you, I use the same for everything.

[@AsAManThinks]

Also, Mike, I am curious, where did you get all of those glass containers again? Those that fit on the wooden bases? Thanks

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Sorry, they were discontinued at Target, I found them in a bin at a clearance store.

[@dag4836]

What’s the big deal when you reuse them anyway?

[@KeepOnGrowin]

It's a big deal to some. If it's not to you, then carry on and be happy. Some people will never try out hydroponics because of the plastic, I am just helping more people, even if we don't see eye to eye.

[@karenhuedepohl1705]

Did you use just regular drinking water out of the faucet? Just wondering. Thank you so much for all your good advice.👍🤗

[@KeepOnGrowin]

Yes, out of the hose.

[@karenhuedepohl1705]

@@KeepOnGrowin Thanks for replying to quickly👍

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Mike.

[@patriciakoenig3966]

Hello Mike I'm a potter can I make Clay people's with Clay and fire them or are the peoples you buy different also what purpose do they do for using them in hydroponics.

[@KeepOnGrowin]

I am not sure, you would have to research it. The clay pebbles are porous and retain moisture as I suppose your potter's clay does.