Articles by: John Garner McCandless

Water Temperature and Hydroponics: How to Regulate Your Reservoir

In hydroponics, temperature is one of the essential factors that can either make or break plant health. Keeping the nutrient solution within the ideal temperature range is critical for promoting plant growth, nutrient absorption, and overall vitality. However, regulating the temperature of a hydroponic reservoir can be challenging, particularly if […]

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Wood Skewers and Coco Pellets: The Ultimate Hydroponics Duo

If there’s one secret that every hydroponic beginner should know about, it’s the power of coco pellets. These compact, versatile gems simplify seed starting and transplanting in hydroponics, making them an essential addition to any setup. What are Coco Pellets? Coco Pellets, also known as Coco Discs or Coco Starter […]

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Outdoor Hydroponics: A Few Things to Think About

Outdoor hydroponics offers a unique and rewarding approach to soil-free gardening, leveraging natural sunlight and space to grow plants without soil. With a few adjustments to accommodate the elements, you can create a productive and sustainable hydroponic system in your backyard, on balconies, or other open areas. From passive setups […]

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Floating Hydroponic Wicking Pot

Floating Pots: The Easiest Hydroponic System You Can Make

If you’re looking for a simple, easy way to get started with hydroponics, then Floating Pots might be the perfect solution for you. As a completely passive, hands-off system, Floating Pots require no pumps, no electricity, and minimal effort—making it an ideal option for beginners or anyone seeking a low-maintenance […]

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The Candlestick: A Simple DIY Hydroponic Wick System

Introducing (drum roll, please) the Candlestick, a completely passive, set-it-and-forget-it hydroponic wick system. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, this system ensures your plants get just the right amount of water and nutrients without the need for constant monitoring or electrical components. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a […]

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Hydroponic Flowers: Chart for pH, cF, EC, PPM

Despite what some people think, flowers can indeed be grown hydroponically. This modern method of cultivation isn’t limited to vegetables and herbs; it can extend to a variety of flowers, both edible and ornamental. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant pollinator garden or designing a customized layout for aesthetic […]

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Cornflower (Bachelor’s Button): A Quick and Easy Care Guide

Description: Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), also known as Bachelor’s Button, is a hardy, low-maintenance annual known for its distinctive blue flowers. It’s a highly adaptable plant that can tolerate poor soils and low water conditions. As a favorite in wildflower gardens, it’s perfect for pollinator gardens, wildlife habitats, and can even […]

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LetPot Grow Light

LetPot Grow Light Review

I’ve reviewed several LetPot products at this point, including the LetPot SE and the LetPot Max, and none of them have disappointed. They’ve been aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. But this one, by all accounts, is exceptional, simply because I see it as something with a dual purpose. If I […]

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LetPot Max Review

LetPot Max Review When it comes to hydroponics (and especially countertop gardens), I’ve never been one for all the gizmos and gadgets that often accompany them. My thinking has always been that the simpler a hydroponic system, the better it is. Why make something more complicated when it doesn’t need […]

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Anise Hyssop: A Quick and Easy Care Guide

Description: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a perennial herb native to North America, known for its aromatic leaves that smell like anise or licorice. It grows upright to about 3-5 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide, with dense, showy flower spikes that attract pollinators. This plant is often used in […]

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Edible Flowers: A Complete List

Edible Flowers Everyone knows that some flowers are edible, but the question has always been “well, which ones?” To answer that question, we’ve used several academic sources to put together a complete, comprehensive list of flowers that are safe for human consumption. Consisting of over 80 species, this guide includes […]

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Collard Greens in different types of hydroponic systems.

Hydroponic Collard Greens: An Easy Indoor and Outdoor Grow Guide

Hydroponic Collard Greens This comprehensive guide, “Hydroponic Collard Greens: An Easy Indoor and Outdoor Grow Guide,” aims to equip hydroponic growers with the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate the Collard Green growing process. From starting seeds to choosing an appropriate hydroponic system, this guide provides insights into every step, […]

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LetPot SE Review

LetPot SE Review When we think of countertop hydroponic gardens, we sometimes throw all of them into one big category and say “well, they’re pretty much all the same” … But what we should be doing, is making sure that they check all the boxes: Does it look good (Check), […]

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shows list of healthiest vegetables

Healthiest Vegetables Ranked by Nutrition: A Complete List

Healthiest Vegetables Healthy vegetables are typically those rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli. They often contain potent antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. However, due to varying definitions, it’s been hard to pinpoint exactly what […]

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Clown Loach: All in One Fish Guide

Description: The Clown Loach, with its vivid orange hue and distinctive trio of black bands, is an eye-catching species. Its elongated body is accentuated by a pronounced arch on its back and a streamlined underside. Highlighting its facial features are the uniquely colored barbels, ranging from whitish-orange to a deeper […]

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