Hydroponic Basil

[gabbyh]

Has anyone tried this? If so, how long does it last? I bought some at Wegmans today...it's on my kitchen counter in a tall plastic bag, and all I have to do is keep the roots covered with water! My whole kitchen smells like fresh basil...here is the website if anyone wants more info: www.basilspecialties.com (http://www.basilspecialties.com)

[SusanL]

Gabby, I use it when I don't have any in my garden. Depending on the amount I use, it can last a week. I do take it out of the plastic bag and place it in a glass by the sink! Will have to check the website!! Thanks!

[kwormann]

Sounds great. I, however couldnt have it.....my cat would eat it while I was at work!

Kim

[julia]

We recently started growing basil and cilantro in our kitchen hydroponically. We can't wait for it to get large enought to use. The cilantro is not doing as well as the basil, but basil goes wild in hydroponics and doesn't cost that much to set up. Our hydroponic unit cost about $100 (CDN) and DH built a pine stand for it.

We did this years ago with basil and we got so much basil, I had pesto in the freezer for months.

[jmaxw3580]

This question is for Julia-- I am interested in growing herbs hydroponically. What type of system did you purchase and where could I either order or buy one??
Thanks,
Jean

[julia]

Hi Jean,

Our system is a plastic tray with holes in it that hold the pots. We put pebbles in it and added the plants which we started from seeds in a tray with a clear plastic lid.

We went to a shop in Mississauga (Ontario, Canada) and they had very large systems. We told the guy working there that we just wanted something small for our kitchen and he put the pieces together for us. - tray, pots, planting medium (stones), nutrients, pH testing solution, tubes and pump. DH built a pine stand for it with a light holder at the top for 2 flourescent bulbs which can be moved up and down to get the light close to the small plants. The basil we planted is doing well, the clilantro is not doing as well however. I think it needs more light than we are giving it. We have the lights on a timer that runs for 12 hours during the day. We also have the stand in front of our patio doors to the deck.

I highly recommend this as a clean way to grow herbs. It also makes your kitchen smell nice - if you like the scent of basil, that is. I tried basil in our garden last summer, however the earwigs got to it - I guess they like basil as much as I do.

I noticed from your profile that you are in Dallas. I checked on the web and found a hydroponic place there. Go in and see them. People that work in these places are very helpful. Good luck.

Inscape Supply
2237 Joe Field Road
Dallas, TX 75229
Contact: Steve Whitley
Phone: (800) 888-7063
Fax: (972) 247-6221

Sells Wholesale & Mail Order
Delivery Area - Dallas/Ft. Worth


[This message has been edited by julia (edited 04-13-2001).]