Maybe this isn't the place to do this, and then again, maybe it is. Some of you may know the following about me already and some may not, but I think it is important to state it upfront to give context for what I'm about to talk about -- the actual topic and reason for my post. As a preface I'm going to list a few facts, bits of personal information that I wouldn't typically share but ones I believe are quite relevant... I am so new to hydroponic growing that I haven't even started germinating my first seed yet let alone grown a plant hydroponically. I live in Minnesota where we experience short growing seasons outdoors due to our brutal winter conditions. I will soon turn 65 years old. The United States department of Social Security officially deemed me to be disabled more than 20 years ago, which means my income is quite small and my potential to earn an income to provide for myself during what is often labeled as "later life" or "retirement years" is even smaller. I recently moved out of my son's house into a one bedroom apartment, so I am basically starting over as it pertains to household necessities such as, well pretty much everything...linens, furniture, pantry staples and basic items for cooking, cleaning, living, etc. So, why did I share this information? Those details are my receipts, my proof that I have experienced more than a few years of life in general, but moreso a life with struggles and hardship. No, I'm not looking for sympathy or help but rather, showing that I have first hand knowledge and experience with food insecurity, the newest label given to describe not only the lack of abundant and healthy food, but also to include the knowledge of where and when my next meal may be coming from. An hour or so ago I received a press release from my state officials regarding grant awards given to a handful of private colleges in Minnesota for the purpose of addressing the food insecurity of students on these campuses. The press release listed the stipulations that were included with these grants as to the action steps that were required, by the state, to be taken by the colleges, in order to qualify for the costs incurred to be covered for payment by the these funds, which totalled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In response to the poll, here is a video I just made on the tools that Hydroponic Gardens need and the specific ones that I can't do without. There is also a new guide posted in the classroom with all of the items and their corresponding links.

I'm getting my bucket ready for a DWC. The tree is small and has been in dirt inside the house. Can I use a large pool noodle rather than a 10 inch net cup with clay pebbles in it for supporting the tree?

I have a question for you... This spring and summer while researching which plants to grow, where to put them, container size, sun exposure, etc. I learned how some plants grown together are beneficial to each other while others are harmful. An example is how tomatoes grown with basil can actually change and enhance the flavor of the tomatoes. Is this also true for a hydroponic/aeroponic environment such as a tower or nft system? In the same respect, I learned that some plants deplete some nutrients while other plants add those nutrients back. I cannot remember the specific plants or plant combinations, but I wonder does that also happen in the hydroponic/aeroponic environment? I also learned that there are plants that, if grown too close to some others will actually kill them. Again, I don't remember the exact plants or plant combinations where this occurs, but does it happen in a multi-plant system or plants growing in the same tent?

Hi Chad, I've watched the video many times and have been looking everywhere for the instructions to print out. The one link was a 404, and I couldn't find it on your webpage. Is it possible to still get the instructions and list of what I need so I can print it and refer to it while I'm building it? I would be ever so grateful! Thanks for all you're doing!