My vertical grow system - The Rain Tower

[SleestaksRule]

I started working on this idea at the end of October and just got done running it through the tests. It's a real space saver. I was thinking of putting tomatoes in it over the summer....maybe like Red Robins or another small variety.

[RayR]

Very nice design and a well done video too.

[Stvrob]

Very very cool! Well done!

Please be careful pulling those pumps out of the water while they are running. They are quite prone to damage as the impeller races the moment its pulled out of the water, then its loaded up as you put it back in the water.

[SleestaksRule]

That's good to know, thanks. I never used one of these pumps before. The little one I bought for a different project but I like it so much for filling and cleaning that I may get another.

[Stvrob]

Maybe put on on/off switch on the power cord so your not tempted to pull it out of the water while it's running

[Cole_Robbie]

Neat. I appreciate anyone who's into hydro. I have not seen the PVC pipe used as a 45 degree holder before. That is a good idea. What glue did you use?

Can you move plants around without the rocks smashing the roots as you squeeze the baskets to get them in and out? Or do you just not move them?

Do the rocks fall out occasionally? Have you used the net pot covers, or are they not needed?

Your metal hinges will crud up with time as they accumulate dried nutrient salts, but that's a minor issue.

Does it put out humidity? It seems like you would need to exchange the air around it to prevent mold and excess humidity, but that is needed for plants anyway.

Sorry for grilling you with so many questions. Obviously I think your setup is really cool

[ddsack]

Really cool idea! Waiting for your instructional post. (As if I really needed another project ... ...)

[SleestaksRule]

I used a PVC epoxy...can't remember the name of it off hand but I'll have it in the "how to" video. The net pots I leave in position during the entire grow. I'll need the net pot covers once I move it outside to help keep out the rain and mosquitoes. The rocks never fall out but then I never really move anything to disturb them. I used aquarium silicone on the hinge screws in the tank and at the top of the tower. No humidity, I only grow indoors in the winter because the lights put off so much heat.

That tomato plant you see in the video that is touching the ceiling is a Hoy in hydroponics. It has about 5 tomatoes just starting. I'm really excited to see how big they will get.

[davidstcldfl]

I like that...very nice idea..

[livinonfaith]

That is really nice! I would set up a chair beside that and read while listening to the pitter patter of the raindrops.

[baileyj]

What a nice efficient system ! I can't wait to see the plans...

[Sgtwalleye]

Thats awesome!! I hope to make one soon-looking forward to seeing the plans for building it.

[lakelady]

That is so cool, I just love watching your videos on You Tube, I've learned so much and enjoy seeing how your garden is doing.

I have a lot of trees, so I've been giving a lot of thought to growing vertically to maximize my sunny spaces. thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[SleestaksRule]

Here's the follow up video on how to build the system. It's a bit long but I tried to cover every detail.

[casino]

Very clever, great post