Articles by: John Garner McCandless

Hardiness Zone Map showing Zone 6 specifically

Zone 6 Planting Schedule and Calendar: A Quick Guide

“Zone 6 Planting Schedule and Calendar: A Quick Guide” offers a comprehensive look into the gardening calendar specific to Zone 6, a region with its own unique set of climatic conditions and growing challenges. This guide is designed to demystify the timing and techniques for successful planting in this area, […]

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shows which plastic is food safe and which is not

Food Grade Plastic: How to Identify Safe Materials

In the ever-evolving world of food packaging, storage, and hydroponics, the safety and quality of materials used are of paramount importance. With an array of plastics inundating the market, understanding which are safe for food contact becomes crucial for consumers and industry professionals alike. This article delves into the realm […]

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Ways to get rid of chlorine in water

How to Dechlorinate Tap Water (10 Easy Ways)

How to Dechlorinate Tap Water Water, the foundation of life, is often treated with chemicals like chlorine and chloramines to ensure its safety for consumption. While these disinfectants play a vital role in eliminating harmful pathogens from our drinking water, they can pose challenges for specific applications, from home brewing […]

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Shallow Root Vegetables: A Quick and Easy Guide

Shallow Root Vegetables Shallow root vegetables, sometimes overlooked in favor of their deeper-rooted counterparts, hold a special place in the realm of gardening and gastronomy. Thriving just below the surface, these plants are uniquely adapted to maximize the nutrients from the topsoil layers, making them ideal for urban gardens, raised […]

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cucumbers grown with fish

Growing Cucumbers in Aquaponics: A Complete Guide

Intro to Aquaponic Cucumbers Aquaponics is a fascinating intersection of two established fields: aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing without soil). This ingenious method marries the science of raising aquatic animals with the technique of growing plants in a water-based environment, which offers an innovative solution for sustainable food production. […]

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regular DWC in container

Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems: A Complete Guide for Hobbyists

I. Intro to DWC Deep Water Culture systems, commonly known as “DWC” systems, represent the marriage of simplicity and efficiency. As a method for hydroponic growing, these systems provide an accessible entry point into the world of hydroponics. With their popularity soaring among both hobbyists and commercial growers, DWC systems […]

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garden pollinators

Creating a Pollinator Paradise: How to Attract Bees and Other Pollinators to Your Garden

In the intricate world of ecology, hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are key players. Their role as pollinators keeps our gardens blooming and our crops growing, making them vital for our ecosystems and our food supply. Planting a pollinator-friendly garden, therefore, is not just a rewarding hobby; it’s an essential contribution […]

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seed germination rate

Seed Germination Time and Temperature Chart for Hydroponics

There are several environmental conditions that influence seed germination in hydroponics: overall seed condition, the presence of water, the presence of oxygen, what type of growing medium you’re using, and temperature. And out of all of these conditions, temperature seems to be the most difficult to get right when starting […]

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growing mediums used in hydroponics

Best Hydroponic Growing Mediums for Everyday Hobbyists

When choosing a hydroponic growing medium, you want to choose one that’s easy to handle, right for your plants’ needs, right for you personally, and ultimately matches your design/system. And luckily for you, the hydroponics extraordinaire, there are plenty of mediums that have been proven to work in hydroponic systems. […]

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pH scale for vegetables

Hydroponic Charts for Fruits and Vegetables: pH, TDS, EC, cF, PPM

As you start your hydroponic journey, you’ll probably hear a lot about certain parameters — such as pH and EC — and “measurement ranges” that your plants need to stay in. But unless you’re an experienced grower, you’re unlikely to know what these ranges are. With that in mind, we’ve […]

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