Based in Pennsylvania, Hayley Ninnis is a Hunt Auctions customer service representative who also creates original clothing and accessories. Passionate about organic gardening, Hayley Ninnis has a particular interest in hydroponic techniques that conserve water and can be done in a limited space. This form of agriculture makes use of mineral solutions rather than soil.
One basic hydroponic approach is the floating raft system, which delivers plant growth through a balanced nutrient solution dissolved in water. The basic structure is a basin (for example, an opaque 10 gallon plastic storage bin) that contains the water solution and a raft that allows the plants to float on the surface. The raft is typically a polystyrene sheet that has had rows of half-inch holes made in it, spaced about three to four inches apart. With fast-developing leafy greens ideal, plant starts are slipped into each hole, such that the roots (but not the leaves) are immersed in the water. Oxygen flow is provided through an air stone, pump, and tubing system similar to in an aquarium in order to generate bubbles. At the same time, a teaspoon of Epsom salts and two teaspoons of water-soluble plant fertilizer are added for each gallon of water. This solution is completely replaced every two to three weeks, with untreated water used to top off in between. With this simple hydroponic system in place, tasty leafy greens can regularly be harvested.
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AuthorA psychology undergraduate at The Pennsylvania State University, Hayley Ninnis seeks to combine her psychological training with her background in art and yoga. Archives
June 2022
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