Hydroponics?

[Bmwsauber]

Hey everyone:

I would like to formally introduce myself, My name is Abe and I am a somewhat avid gardener (not crazy and perfect but I get it done ) and recently I have been getting into hydroponic gardening (growing plants in water without soil) and I have a few questions about growing Basil and Mint in a bowl with rocks and water.



The image above is what I will be using to grow the plants in. I am going to buy an air pump (aquarium or smaller) to pump oxygen into the rocks so that the roots can breath. I have several questions though:

With the air pump in the rocks, will the oxygen circulate fully throughout the bowl?
Is this big enough to grown the plants in without any issues?
Do I need to have a drain and fill system or can they be submerged 24/7?

I will be providing plant food mixed with distilled water or tap water to provide food for the plants and the roots will be fully covered to stop root rot from the sun

Thank you
Abe

[Dumbo]

Heya Abe,

As my name implies, i'm pretty much dumb.
Especially in regards to hydroponics. Sorry.

Someone else may jump in to share some guidance or knowledge.

I'm definitely interested in what the outcome will be. So keep us informed.

[cable24601]

A few things. Mint will take over fast and will have a large root system. you will out grow that pot quite soon. You will need to use plant food that has micro nutrients for your plants to grow without dirt. You can leave the water in the system and it will act like a DWC with the air stone. hope that helps

[LangL]

Mint, basil, parsley and dill can be easily grown in the soil, why using hydroponics for them? Just experimenting?

[Jersm]

you could always make a few self watering pots out of 2L bottles.you could link them allup with one small waterpump too.

the only thing thiswould be using a potting soil. you will not have tofeed itas much maybe once water based nutriments.

the water in the pot should last a week+ so itreally is low maintenance.I have letusand 2 bush bean plants growing in 2L wicking pots on the patio table.