HighDesertOffgrid
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2022
- Messages
- 628
There are a few other threads discussing this mildly off-topic topic. But I suppose the same type of people that want to be energy independent might want some food security as well. We haven't seen nationwide or global energy shortages nearly as profound as the empty shelves of early 2020 (you know why) and near doubling of food prices since.
I have been playing with hydroponics for a little over a year now, mostly with poor results as the learning curve is steep.
![20231029_125703.jpg 20231029_125703.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192859-7e1e79a8865a8292c6da4735b539adff.jpg)
Bottom line, the desert has no soil. Raised beds and permaculture are longer term goals, but more immediate and year-long food production is the concern. Few garden plants do well here. Although I am finding some exceptions and ways to keep the critters from eating my produce.
![20231015_152300.jpg 20231015_152300.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192863-a074de1a6578d5c7dacb41b3c2a3a0b8.jpg)
![20240127_143948.jpg 20240127_143948.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192867-bab1637ca1d059588097fdeaf1b95938.jpg)
Typical to DIY, building as much of my grow system off the shelf as possible using a modified flood/drain approach. Most of my ideas come from a YT channel "Hoocho". Rain gutter (really downspout) grow systems
Found my first
fruits forming this week, which is exciting because it's winter and pollinating plants are tough indoors.![20240202_122459.jpg 20240202_122459.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192866-bbc82bf76796414621c667f09cd5343a.jpg)
As stated, I pretty much suck at this. My grow area is a small part of the chicken house and totally solar powered. Lots to learn. All discussion welcome.
I have been playing with hydroponics for a little over a year now, mostly with poor results as the learning curve is steep.
![20231029_125703.jpg 20231029_125703.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192859-7e1e79a8865a8292c6da4735b539adff.jpg)
Bottom line, the desert has no soil. Raised beds and permaculture are longer term goals, but more immediate and year-long food production is the concern. Few garden plants do well here. Although I am finding some exceptions and ways to keep the critters from eating my produce.
![20231015_152300.jpg 20231015_152300.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192863-a074de1a6578d5c7dacb41b3c2a3a0b8.jpg)
![20240127_143948.jpg 20240127_143948.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192867-bab1637ca1d059588097fdeaf1b95938.jpg)
Typical to DIY, building as much of my grow system off the shelf as possible using a modified flood/drain approach. Most of my ideas come from a YT channel "Hoocho". Rain gutter (really downspout) grow systems
Found my first
![Tomato :tomato: 🍅](https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f345.png)
![20240202_122459.jpg 20240202_122459.jpg](https://diysolarforum.com/data/attachments/192/192866-bbc82bf76796414621c667f09cd5343a.jpg)
As stated, I pretty much suck at this. My grow area is a small part of the chicken house and totally solar powered. Lots to learn. All discussion welcome.