Hydro Garden Update

[BrianGSDTexoma]

Garden coming along. I just cut the parsley down. I not really a fan. I messed up and grabbed it instead on the cilantro for a tomato salad. I could hardly eat it. Now if I could figure out how to get it out. The roots are all tangled so you cant left it out. I would like to put another cilantro in. So nice have it fresh to use. Smells and tastes so good. Thyme kind of small still but really dont use much. Have 2 Thai Basil and should be able to get some next week. Man it has great flavor. The purple still slow. Think the dill about done. I have a bunch in fridge. Guess I need to figure out how to dry herbs. Starting to use a lot of water. I wish i would of put a valve on a barrel I use to divert water from one part of roof. Tap water really high TDS and PH so just buying it.

 

[jcam222]

Looks like you have it going good!

 

[voyager 663rd]

Kudo's to you !

You can always freeze it. Roll it into a log then into a freezer bag. Then slice as needed

 

[chopsaw]

. Guess I need to figure out how to dry herbs.

I did a lot of basil , dill , Thai basil , and parsley when I had mine going .
This is what I did ,
Lay a paper towel on a paper plate .
Put the herbs on , and cover with a paper towel .

I just left it on the counter , and mixed it around everyday . Pulled out what was ready .
Just crumbled it up buy hand .
I bought these on Amazon . They come with labels and have a magnet on the bottom .

I keep them stuck on the fridge . Makes a ton . I'm still using it from a couple years ago . Still smells fresh .

 

[1MoreFord]

To help with your water needs put a catch pail under your AC drain. Good distilled water.

 

[Fueling Around]

When I need herbs, I grow them in the summers up north. Parsley is not in the mix.
Still have enough Thai Basil and chilies for another year.

To help with your water needs put a catch pail under your AC drain. Good distilled water.

Not recommended to collect condensate water from A/C or a dehumidifier by gardening websites. Never verified it myself

 

[clifish]

I have been dehydrating the extra herbs and grinding them in the spice grinder, should have a ton by winter...including a bunch of Thai basil.

 

[mike243]

Condensation from the ac captures a lot of smells and off flavors, think the ac as a air filter. that's the reason to not use it.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I did a lot of basil , dill , Thai basil , and parsley when I had mine going .
This is what I did ,
Lay a paper towel on a paper plate .
Put the herbs on , and cover with a paper towel .

I just left it on the counter , and mixed it around everyday . Pulled out what was ready .
Just crumbled it up buy hand .
I bought these on Amazon . They come with labels and have a magnet on the bottom .
View attachment 721041
I keep them stuck on the fridge . Makes a ton . I'm still using it from a couple years ago . Still smells fresh .

I ordered some. I will try your method. Thanks Rich. I got a lot of dill. Going to cut it down today.

 

[Gonna Smoke]

I have been dehydrating the extra herbs and grinding them in the spice grinder, should have a ton by winter...including a bunch of Thai basil.

We've been doing the same...

 

[chopsaw]

. I got a lot of dill. Going to cut it down today.

Sounds good . Takes a few days . Here's the results of how I do / like mine .
Dill ,

Both of the Basil's ,

If you want powder , you can always do that as needed .

 

[chopsaw]

Condensation from the ac captures a lot of smells and off flavors,

Most won't ever see the bottom of a condensate tray , but if the drain hose is clear , just take a look . Yuk !

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

Sounds good . Takes a few days . Here's the results of how I do / like mine .
Dill ,
View attachment 721045
Both of the Basil's ,
View attachment 721044
If you want powder , you can always do that as needed .

I have got drying. I went out to the barrel and i did have a valve. I washed it out and closed the valve. Suppose to get rain next couple days. I always worried about mosquitoes but maybe that mesh will keep them out.

 

[chopsaw]

Where's your gutters ?!!

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

Thai Basil going strong now! Cilantro just keeps coming. I put another Cilantro and dill in. Also sage. Need another Thyme as it not producing much. I got some bean sprouts going. I see some Pho coming next week! I have 50 gallons of rain water now.

 

[yankee2bbq]

Sounds good . Takes a few days . Here's the results of how I do / like mine .
Dill ,
View attachment 721045
Both of the Basil's ,
View attachment 721044
If you want powder , you can always do that as needed .

Is that really basil? This one time in college I had a roommate that also smoked basil…..I never took part of…..

I have got drying. I went out to the barrel and i did have a valve. I washed it out and closed the valve. Suppose to get rain next couple days. I always worried about mosquitoes but maybe that mesh will keep them out.

View attachment 721060

Yes, the mesh will keep the mosquitoes out. We have rain barrels, and we use mesh (window screen) to keep debris and mosquitoes out. Side note, I was told twice by two different contractors do work on our house that rain barrels are considered illegal? Psh. Guess I’m a rebel.

 

[Fueling Around]

Looks good Brian.
I didn't grow any summer herbs this year. Wife suggested we (that means ME) try them in Florida this coming winter season.

... I have 50 gallons of rain water now.
...

Got 1-1/4" of rain yesterday. Garden watered for a couple of weeks and 550 gallons of water for the future.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

It's amazing how many bean sprouts you get from 2 Tbsp of seeds. I wish they were bigger but at least they fresh. Thai basil kicking butt now. Beef Pho happening today.