How and Why Grow Pipes

Рет қаралды 15,923

Күн бұрын

In this video I will take a look into the how and why of a passive hydroponic growpipe. A grow pipe is hydroponic planter that uses no media or net cups. This type of growing is based on the Kratky method of hydropoic gardening. Please check out the links below.
I sell grow pipes and hydroponic microgreens kits in my Etsy shop along with a full line of wire baskets, folk art, abstract paintings, collage, mobiles lighting and more..
My etsy shop where the greatest variety of my work is.
www.etsy.com/shop/CharestStudios
The growpipe is available here
www.etsy.com/listing/61471111...
My Ebay one dollar art auctions.
www.ebay.com/usr/chareststudios
My facebook passive hydroponic group / 627031327678370
My CharestStudios Facebook page
/ chareststudios
If you like the video please like, share and subscribe.
Thanks everyone! Happy Growing!

Пікірлер: 93

@CBsGreenhouseandGarden 5 жыл бұрын

Loves those grow pipes! Thanks for the info and have a great week!

@CharestStudios 5 жыл бұрын

Me too. They are awesome for greens. A big thanks to both of you! You have a great week too! I subscribed to your channel and look forward to your videos.

@violetbenson1283 4 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best Hydroponic channels I’ve yet to find! Thank you so much 🙏🏼

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! I really appreciate your kind feedback.

@lovemusicandsound2722 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Lots of good information. Can't wait to eat all of the delicious greens!

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, My love.

@markallen9819 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome, Mark. My pleasure. Hope you get your going and enjoy growing this way. I just planted a pipe of Poc Choy yesterday.

@nomad7540 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!! Love the way you keep it simple!!! Guessing the end covers come off for cleaning?? What material do you use for the end caps and is it food grade? Is there a way to check the water level to know when you need to add? I am definitely needing to get one of these.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! Yes the ends come off for cleaning and there is a rotating cover at one end that reveals a 1 inch hole for filling. The caps are made with flexible pvc. Many whole systems are built with pvc. If it is a concern a piece of food grade plastic cling wrap can be used as a barrier between the cap and the pipe.

@nomad7540 4 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thank you!

@KJ7JHN Жыл бұрын

is there much difference that you've noticed between maxi grow or masterblend?

@veronicafrancis4213 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. How to you extract your plants? I noticed that the stem for some of them were really thick and you mentioned you could carry the whole thing via the plants itself after they had settled in.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Your welcome. Once the plants are done, if the stems are larger than the holes I used a saw to cut the kale stems because they were so big. Then I push the stems inside the pipe and dumped them out after removing the caps. Some smaller shorter growing plants can be broken off or pulled out.

@annmarymercier2211 4 жыл бұрын

How do you gauge the solution level in the pipe? Some hydroponic planter systems have float sticks that help you know when to add or stop adding the solution.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hello. There is a rotating cover on the right side that reveals a 1 inch hole. It can be checked and topped off through that hole. I had thought about a float valve but this really works well and is easy enough. After growing in them a while you kind of know when you should check it based on what you are growing and how mature it is.

@stevekutz1571 4 жыл бұрын

What material are you using for ends? Love the videos, I use you microgreen method and they work great!

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Steve! They are called flexible pipe caps and are available at most home improvement centers.

@ILuvAyeAye 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the amazing information. Do you have any advice on how to clean & disinfect the grow pipe between uses? (I did a search for "clean" on your channel, and didn't see what I was looking for, but I could have missed it!)

@raiseourvibe8275 3 жыл бұрын

Your welcome. Thank you. For cleaning the growpipe I just use dish soap and water but if you want to disinfect you can use a 1 to 5 bleach to water ratio and spray on and in the pipe and let it sit for 5 min before rinsing.

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Your welcome, thank you. I just wash mine out with soap and water but if you want to disinfect you can use a 1 to 5 bleach to water solution and just spray it on. leave it for five minutes before rinsing.

@MattGarver 5 жыл бұрын

Nice how-to and why video, I am curious how you remove the plants and clean the grow pipe when the plants are ready to remove.

@CharestStudios 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Matt. To clean them out I cut the plant as close to the pipe as possible and then reremove the end caps and I am able to pull out the roots and anything that remained in the hole. Then I just wash them with soap and water with a scrubbie sponge.It is pretty easy on these short pipes. Even my long pipes I like to make sure I will be able to reach everything from one end or the other that way I can clean them well.

@1-QuackUp-Now Жыл бұрын

Your idea is quite appealing and I’d like to try it out myself. I have a question: how do you clean the pipe after your crop is finished? It looks like you have the ends capped with rubber(?) not sure what exactly. If you have a chance to see this question I hope I’ll get an answer. It seems like a pretty interesting idea! Kudos to you for your invention!

@CharestStudios Жыл бұрын

Hello. Yes, the flexible 4 inch caps on the ends come off for cleaning. They are available at most home improvement stores here is the U.S. Thank you!

@deborahpennington6860 Жыл бұрын

Hello Dave. Is there a certain place that you ordered the rubber grommets from? My Home Improvement store didnt have any :( Thank you

@CharestStudios Жыл бұрын

Hi Deborah. Yes, I get them here www.rubberfeetwarehouse.com/. You may be able to find them on Amazon too but might cost more. I'm not sure if the rubber feet warehouse has any minimum order. Let me know if that does not help.

@jollyjudy 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this helpful video. There are 2 stands holding up the grow pipe; what are they called? What materials and where can I get them? Thanks.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Judy. Your welcome. The stands are called snap n strut and you can find them on Amazon. They are a bit expensive but they work well and look good. www.amazon.com/Snapnstrut-white-inch-PVC-pipe/dp/B0743M31TL/ref=sr_1_5? If your on a budget or are handy you can make some nice ones by cutting a V shape in a couple of one foot 2X4 pieces. Happy growing!

@jollyjudy 4 жыл бұрын

CharestStudios Thank you!

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@jollyjudy Your welcome.

@vermontapple 3 жыл бұрын

Have you experimented with different size holes? What size have you found is best?

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I have tried different size holes and found 1/2 inch to be best overall. Certain plants can do fine in smaller holes but the half inch holes is good even for things that get big stalks like kale.

@Washkeeton Жыл бұрын

I just found your channel. I love your grow pipes... where do you find the material you use for the legs of the pipe... Thanks

@dave8272 Жыл бұрын

Thanks! You can find them here www.amazon.com/SNS-Copper-American-one-piece-conduit/dp/B0743M31TL/ref=sr_1_8?crid=34FK4QF2I1YTT&keywords=4+inch+pipe+struts&qid=1666224617&sprefix=4+inch+pipe+struts%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-8 Happy growing!

@Washkeeton Жыл бұрын

@@dave8272 Thanks for the quick reply... I have regular metal struts... but really like those snap struts. I also, for some applications, like greens and green beans, love the idea of the pipe that you use. I live in Alaska and the grow season here is 90 days or less. I have a plan for an indoor hydroponic set up and I have quite a few ideas of what I want to grow but some of the logistics weren't answered until I saw your grow tubes... Thank you for sharing your ideas.

@dave8272 Жыл бұрын

@@Washkeeton You're welcome. Good luck with your indoor set up. I love having some indoor hydroponics. At the very least I always have greens and micro greens. Usually some herbs too.

@sureshramesh503 4 жыл бұрын

Hello is possible to grow green gram plant in 60mm pvc pipe with full of sand. Y i am asking this i dont know the roots of this plants are how much depth will go .So kindly give me the reply

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

I am not familiar with that plant. I would not recommend growing in sand and I think you should have a pipe that is twice as big for hydroponics. There is only solution in my grow pipes. The roots lock together to help keep the plants stable.

@williehill2935 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave, I'm coming in on the conversation late, and would like to ask could this Grow Pipe be used as an Herb Garden? I've just recently been attracted to growing Herbs and Veggies in my home and this Grow Pipe of yours sounds very intriguing. I would like to have Basil, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Catnip (for the kitties) Would this work for my needs? I would grow, harvest what I needed, then keep growing until the plant just stops producing. I hope I made sense.

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Leslie. I have grown single herbs in the pipe and they have done great. I have done Basil from seed or from cutting with great result. I never tried a mixed crop. I think it would work fine if the plants grow at similar rates.

@mckelveydalton349 5 жыл бұрын

What did you use for the end supports? Can we purchase them from you or elsewhere? Thanks!!

@CharestStudios 5 жыл бұрын

The end caps can be found at any home improvement center.

@mckelveydalton349 5 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thanks, but I was asking about the end supports - I've already found the end caps on Amazon. I just need to get the white supports that are also on the ends. Thanks

@CharestStudios 5 жыл бұрын

@@mckelveydalton349 Sorry. Here is a link for some on Amazon www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N9SODOU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. If you just need a couple you maybe able to look around and find them sold as singles.

@pamp3445 3 жыл бұрын

I have a question. If I start to grow something in the grow pipe, can I take it out and plant it in soil?

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Pam. Yes, you can as long as it has not been growing in the growpipe so long that it is locked into the holes. You would need to make sure to give it lots of water over the first couple weeks to adjust. I think it works better going from soil into hydro but it will work either way if you meet the plants needs.

@pamp3445 3 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thank you

@JuanVistro 4 жыл бұрын

Do you do full reservoir replacements (taking out all the water and refilling to appropriate amount)? If so how do you do so and how often?

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Juan. I do not change out the nutrients only add. I usually top it off to about an inch from the top. When the plants are mature it can be every 2-3 days.

@JuanVistro 4 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Oh interesting! I've been having a lot of root rot issues so I was thinking it was the water, so I started changing the water every 2 weeks and it worked, but I'm wondering what you are doing that lets plants thrive without a changeout of water. Do you usually top off with nutrient or regular water?

@JuanVistro 4 жыл бұрын

Also what do you use for your endcaps for your pipes? I've been looking for a non PVC end cap and I could not find anything

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@JuanVistro I top off with nutrients. I mostly use Maxi Gro but sometimes Masterblend. It could be a heat problem you are having. You could try moving the planter to less sunny location. I took my growpipes out of the greenhouse because it was too hot in there.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@JuanVistro I think these are a flexible pvc caps that you can find at most home improvement centers and plumbing supply places. if you don't want your solution in contact with the nutrient you can just put a piece of plastic food wrap on the end of the pipe and put the cap on over it. That way you have the food grade plastic wrap as a barrier between the solution and the pipe.

@allisoncox5496 4 жыл бұрын

How full do you fill the pipe with nutrient solution?

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Allison. There is a fill hole on one end that is his by a rotating cover. Sorry I re read your question and realized what you were asking. I fill it about one inch from the top and that is where I top it back up to when it is running low. I just go by the first line on my finger.

@coybriscoe8000 4 жыл бұрын

How do you get the pipe black on the inside?

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Coy. The HDPE pipe comes that way. I feel it is a safer and cheaper option than PVC pipe. It has a layer of white and a layer of black plastic. They call it drain pipe because it is not meant to have pressure. It works great for Kratky set ups and HDPE is the type of plastic that is used for food grade buckets.

@brucehayes5111 3 жыл бұрын

Just ran across your videos. Thinkin about trying green beans with your process. How deep do you try to maintain your nutrient solution in the pipe?

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Bruce. I usually try to fill it up and top it off to about an inch or so from the top. I use the first line on my finger as a guide and that seems to work well. One great thing about having them in the pipe is you can move them. We just had a bad storm come through and I had brought my growpipes in for the day.

@brucehayes5111 3 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thank you for the reply. Gonna pick up materials for it today.

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

@@brucehayes5111 Awesome! Happy growing. If your on Facebook check out my facebook group passive hydroponics featuring the growpipe. There is a link in the description of the video.

@adrianlee30 4 жыл бұрын

How Much water this grow pipe hold and how often you have to refill. do you think i can grow swiss chard in this??

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Adrian Lee. This pipe holds about 5 quarts. Yes, it can grow swiss chard. In the photo is rainbow chard so it does well. When the plants are mature it needs to be refilled 3-5 days depending on size and weather.

@adrianlee30 4 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios ok thank you.. Just a Crazy idea can you add an airstone to the grow pipe??

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@adrianlee30 Yes, you could very easily. The fill hole has a rotating cover you could put and airstone in the fill hole and close the cover onto the airline. They sell long airstones like 18 inches long, I would try to get one like that if I were going to try it.

@rosewood513 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice video thank you. What is HDPE pipe and where can I get it. Please, thanks….

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you liked it. The HDPE is just the type of plastic it is made of. It is represented as #2 in the little triangle you see on the bottom of plastic items that tell you the kind of plastic it is. HDPE is considered to be safer than pvc. You can get this 4 inch HDPE at Lowes or any plumbing supply place. It is also known as drain pipe. Hope that helps.

@rosewood513 4 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios OK thanks

@Rhonda2580 3 жыл бұрын

How large are the planting holes? About 1\2 inch?

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, you got it. They are a half inch. The plants are a bit floppy until they get larger but the roots all grow together as they mature and eventually most things will fill the holes and lock in. Just try to protect from heavy wind when the plants are small or they can get blown out.

@pamjwhitley 4 жыл бұрын

Can you use master blend nutrients in your grow pipe? I have a lot in stock and do not want to buy new product for this. Great little system!

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. Yes, Masterblend works well. I have peas growing in one of my growpipes and have used it for everything. The kit comes with enough Maxi gro for 4 gallons. The pipe only takes about 5 quarts. The Maxi gro works well for the greens but Masterblend is good for everything. The pipe is mostly for greens and herbs but I have grown green beans and have the first batch of peas in it now and it looks like they will do good too.

@pamjwhitley 4 жыл бұрын

CharestStudios good to know that some is included in the kit. I can use to sprout my seeds! Thanks I just ordered and look forward to getting it!

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@pamjwhitley Thank you very much! I ship priority mail USPS. I will get that right out for you tomorrow. It should be pretty quick with Priority mail. I will include some surprise seeds for you.

@pamjwhitley 4 жыл бұрын

CharestStudios I also ordered the micro green kit...something strange happened...it said it was out of stock but I received an email confirmation...anyway I hope I got the last one...I wanted radish and arugula and hope you can ship together. Thx.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@pamjwhitley Thank you! Yes, it went through o.k. I have more and just had to update. Not sure why it did that though because I did have one listed. Anyway it is all good. I will get that tomorrow as well. The micro greens kit ships first class mail so it may take a day to two more to get there.

@dazie1245 5 жыл бұрын

Cool I've been inventing my own grow pipes LOL I call em salad bars = LOL guess I'll subscribe to your channel = I'm going to look for your nutrient I'm using master blend now but heck why stop there A 🙋

@CharestStudios 5 жыл бұрын

That sounds great. Thanks for subscribing. I use Masterblend usually for my fruiting plants and Maxi Gro for the greens and herbs. Mainly because Maxi Gro is easier, only one thing to mix with water and I think it is cheaper. They both work great.

@pamp3445 3 жыл бұрын

I just purchased your grow pipe. there are rubber washers in the holes. I am assuming they come out when you go to plant. Why are they there to begin with?

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Pam. Thanks! I sent you a message on Etsy explaining, but your email might have sent it to the spam file or something. I have included the rubber grommets as an improvement. They provide the plants with better support, block more light from infiltrating the pipe and I think they look better. That said if you are growing Kale or something with a large stem just pop them out and plant directly in the holes. Kale is the only thing I can think of that would need to have them removed. That said you can grow with them or without them. You just drop your little seedlings through the hole in the grommet. I like to use a little stick like a toothpick or something to help guide the roots into the hole if needed. Let me know if you have any other questions.

@pamp3445 3 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thank you for your reply and the totsoi seeds. After seeing your video, i went to the usual places to purchase totsoi seeds but noone had them. I will have to order them on line but at least with your inclusion of the seeds, I can get started. I do hope I am successful!

@CharestStudios 3 жыл бұрын

@@pamp3445 Your welcome, Pam. You should do well, just follow the instructions and if you have any questions reach out to me here or through Etsy and I will get back to you soon. The Tatsoi is a nice easy crop that is relatively quick. This video explains the rubber grommets and shows how to plant in the growpipe. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h9x4ga6Xt82miWQ.html.

@ashsurvive 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video What is the level of nutrient to be maintained?

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

I usually refill them to about an inch from the top.

@ashsurvive 4 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thanks Kratky method suggest certain portion of roots to be kept unfilled on top of nutrient solution for oxygen roots. Kindly advise your observations in this regard.

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

@@ashsurvive Yes, that is what is suggested. I have found in the growpipes I have had great results with refilling to with in one inch or so fromm the top. It maybe that the plants drink it quickly enough so it is not a problem or the notion of leaving the air space is not true. In my buckets I usually do only fill them 2/3 full. I will try to do more experimenting. I know that all parts of the plant can intake oxygen so maybe even when the roots can not the plant is able to get what it needs through the rest of the plant.

@ashsurvive 4 жыл бұрын

@@CharestStudios Thanks a lot for the information. I am held up in UAE to return to home town in India. I want to make one grow pipe and shall share my results. Could you please share the part name for the black colour end caps to search for availability in India? Thanks once again

@pamjwhitley 4 жыл бұрын

I see that Your grow pipe is currently out of stock on Amazon. Do you know when they will be in stock? Thx

@CharestStudios 4 жыл бұрын

Hi. Right now I have them in stock but I am only selling them in my Etsy shop here www.etsy.com/listing/614711110/hydroponic-grow-greens-pipe-planter-kit? I am not sure if I will put anything back up on Amazon. I have been very busy and it is easier for me to have everything in one place. I also have a 14 day return policy on any orders from my Etsy shop.

@pamjwhitley 4 жыл бұрын

CharestStudios thank you for the prompt response. I plan to order but because I live in a small town...can you tell me what service you use to ship? I have separate addresses for UPPS AND UPS or FEDEX.