FAQs
WHERE CAN I SEND PICTURES?
Use #vertigroaustralia when posting to social media. We love seeing your pictures and we know you love showing them off too!
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR SLUG PROBLEMS?
Just sprinkle some slug and snail pellets you can buy from any hardware or nursery. They work well and won’t cause any issues to the plants
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR BUGS & PESTS
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide made from the dried flower heads of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium and Chrysanthemum coccineum. Its active ingredient are pyrethrins and it kills a wide range of insect pests including ants, mosquitoes, moths, flies and fleas. Pyrethrin kills off insects almost instantly upon contact. Just use it sparingly on the affected plants only.
DO I NEED TO APPLY ANY FUNGICIDE TO MY STRAWBERRY TOWER FOR PREVENTION?
For strawberries and Vegetables we have not needed to but an Eco Fungiside can be purchased from any hardware or nursery and should be used every few weeks if you have issues
WHERE IS THE PRODUCT MADE
Our Eco Farms are proudly made in the USA from high quality BPA free polypropelene plastic which is treated with UV
and our other products are sourced where possible in Australia but some are imported from china and other countries
MY LETTUCE SEEDLINGS ARE TURNING YELLOW
Dial back the nutrient for seedlings. The nutrient that comes with the system is quite powerful! For young seedlings we recommend halving the dose. So go 2.5ml p/litre of water or if you have an EC tester, give them an EC of about 1.0 to max 2.0 during early stages of growth
SHOULD I ADD AN AIRPUMP TO THE RESERVOIR?
Plants roots love oxygen. Flowing water creates oxygen which is why we recommend running the Eco Farm for 4-6 hours per day. As a rule, if your reservoir is still (ie. nothing flowing) for more than 60% of the time, you’ll wat to add a air pump. Our airpump kits are top quality and come with the pump, tuging and air stone at very good prices
Verandah Planters
WHAT CAN I GROW?
Grow anything from herbs, lettuce, strawberries & greens to full blown fruiting crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini even tubers such as potatoes, carrots and beet root!
You get the picture right! 🙂 You can pretty much grow anything. Just ensure you’re providing enough sun…
CAN I CONVERT TO HYDROPONIC AT A LATER DATE?
Yes certainly. The stacking planters in the 5 tier sets are exactly the same as the hydroponic kits. So you can buy a small 5 tier set and see how it works, then once you’re happy scale up to a larger set-up if desired…
ARE THE PLANTERS MADE FROM FOOD SAFE MATERIAL?
Yes. Food Safe Polypropylene #5. Like what yogurt containers are made of except we use a lot more of it.
WHAT SIZE OF PLANTER SHOULD I BUY? MEDIUM (33CM) OR LARGE (45CM)
This all depends on what you want to grow. The 33cm width pots have a capacity of 5 litres each which is suitable for lettuces, herbs, spinach, beetroot, flowers and plants with smaller root systems. The 45cm width pots have a large 15 litres capacity each. This is ample space to grow all kinds of fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and even pumpkin or watermelon if you really want!
CAN I FILL THEM WITH SOIL INSTEAD OF COCO COIR?
Yes, and many customers do. Make sure you use good quality well draining potting mix. Great news is Verti Gro is modular, so you can start small and build a self sustainable garden over time.
ARE THE POLES NECESSARY?
While the poles are not 100% necessary, Verti Gro planter sets often come with a center pole which adds stability and allows you to move the garden from above as the pole extends above the planter. Other stacking planters do not provide this. This also allows you to convert your 5 tier kit into a hydroponic tower kit if you want.
HOW DO I WATER?
Simply water the top pot! Each planter has drainage holes in the center and outer clovers which disperse water optimally to touch all the root systems on the way down. This flow through design ensures no pooling of water which is very important to prevent issues such as root rot.
CAN I PLANT FROM SEED?
Yes. You can virtually grow all crops from seed although it is reccomended that tomatoes are seeded on a heated mat or blanket
to help germination, If your planters are in a sunny area and the weather is fairly warm you should have no problems.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I PROVIDE?
When you see the bottom dripping, this means the above layers are saturated so you want to stop watering just before you see drips from the bottom. As a rule of thumb it’s much better to provide regular small doses of water opposed to less regular longer feeds.
For example, the DIY systems normally feed 3 times a day for example 9am, 1pm, 5pm at 1 minute intervals.
Igf you are using a large base planter make sure it is recieving enough water.
HOW HIGH CAN I STACK THE PLANTERS?
As a standard rule 5 or 6 high is normal but with the addition of extra support at the top you could go as high as you like,
on our commercial Strawberry farm we have gone 10 planters high
DO THE PLANTERS COME WITH WATER SAVING INSERTS?
Some stackable planters on the market use inserts inside each planter designed to hold water in each layer. This is not good practice! Pooling water promotes disease such as root rot. Verti Gro planters are FREE FLOWING. Free flowing water is essential for transfer of nutrient and oxygen to the root zone and we do not recommend inserts.
Eco Farm Hydroponic Tower Garden
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This simple form of hydroponics solves under & over watering. Modular stacking planters are filled with coco coir , than connected vertically through a center pole connected to an electric or solar pump which sits inside a 60 litre reservoir. Nutrient is added to the water reservoir which is automaticaly pumped to the top layer and filtered down through each layer (instructions provided). Because the coco coir is so porous you basically cannot over water your garden (assuming it’s getting good sun).
WHAT IS HYDROPONICS
Plants don’t need soil to grow, they need the nutrients contained in the soil! With hydroponics, we simply add nutrients to the water with the plant growing in an inert growing medium such as coco coir
When nutrients are delivered straight to the root system the plant spends less time in search of nutrition, and more time producing foilage and fruit.
There are many different hydroponic methods. Verti Gro tower gardens use a simple drip method and 70/30 coco coir making it perfect for beginner growers. Coco coir is like soil, only way better!
IS THIS AN AEROPONIC TOWER?
No. Aeroponic towers have a hollow center where the roots are suspended in air and water is continously misted on the roots internally.
Aeroponic towers are great, but they’re very expensive (like 3 x the price!) and they are fraught with danger. If your pump dies, your plants are dead in about 3 hours flat. The micro drippers can clog easily and the tower is very susceptable to temperature issues. (ie. spraying hot water on plants roots is not a good idea). That’s why you tend to see aeroponics grown mostly indoors.
Comparitvely, the Eco Farm is simpler and more forgiving. The coco coir retains the right amount of moisture and provides many buffers against temperature variances, hydration variances, PH, water quality & related factors. Because it works very similar to soil, it’s more accessible for the everyday home user. You don’t need to be an expert to get incredible results.
WHAT IS EC AND SHOULD I GET AN EC TESTER?
EC stands for Electrical Conductivty and is the measure of salt in a solution. Because hydroponic nutrient is derived from mineral salts, it’s an accurate way to measure the exact quantity of nutrient. If you follow the recommended dose rates that come with your system, you don’t necessarily need an EC tester, however most will purchase one so they can be assured they are providing adquate nutrient levels.
DOES THE ECO FARM NEED ACCESS TO POWER?
The Eco Farms come with 2 power options. Electic or solar.
HOW DO I SET THE TIMER?
The electric kits come with a 24 hour timer in 15 minute increments. Remember, so long as you’re getting good sun, you can’t really over water the tower garden. Falling water creates oxygen in the reservoir, which the plants love. So configure your timer to ON for about 4 hours per day for best results. Most will configure the timer in 30 min on / 30 min off from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, then off at night.
DOES THE SOLAR WORK? DOES IT HAVE A TIMER?
For the solar option, no timer is needed as the system will simply turn on when it’s sunny.
The pump comes with a 5 meter cord so you can maximize sun exposure to the panel. The pump is strong enough to push the water above 2 meters high and as the system stands only 1.5m high, there is sufficient power remaining to circulate the water even in low light conditions therefore no backup battery is needed.
During rainy periods, the rain will keep the garden wet for you! If your system is under-cover and won’t get rained on, you may be better off to go with electric. (Battery back-ups are being tested now, but won’t be ready until late 2020).
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN IT'S RAINING
The rain will dilute the nutrient levels, but this is usually not a big deal, in fact the plants love the rain. Some customers decide to purhase a heavy duty plant trolley to wheel the garden where desired.
IS THAT ALGAE GROWING ON THE SURFACE?
Algae forms when water and sunlight meet. Don’t worry too much about a small amount of Algae, but if you want to stop it just put some pebbles or mulch on the top layer… Once the top of the layers are dark, the Algae will be reduced.
HOW DO I SET IT UP?
1) Expand the coco and then fill each planter with coco
2) Connect the solar or electric pump
3) Slide lid over center pole & stack up the planters
4) Open drain, and flush the coco with water
5) Close the drain, and fill with 60 litres of water
6) Configure timer (electric), or put panel in the sun (solar)
7) Add nutrient to the water every 2 weeks
*Step by step instructions come with the system
HOW DO I CONNECT THE SOLAR PUMP?
The Solar panel comes with a plu conector that only fits one way
You can use the bracket supplied to stand it up or put it up on the roof or fence for better access to the sun
HOW DO I USE THE NUTRIENT?
The Eco Farm comes with quality hydroponic nutrient that is in 2 parts (A & B). This nutrient is designed to grow various plants in all stages of growth. So you don’t need to mess around with different ‘grow’ vs ‘bloom’ blends and complicated additives like some other systems.
As the reservoir is 60 litres, you therefore can add 300ml of each. This will last 2 to 3 weeks before you need to replace it in the tank.
*Note: Less is more with this stuff as it’s powerful! So half this dosage for seedlings
WHAT IS COCO COIR?
Coco Coir is organic & made from the husk of the coconut. Coco has exceptional water retention, oxygen holding and anti-fungal properties. The compressed blocks expand 7 to 8 times in water and even when fully saturated, hold 22% air. Coco has a PH range between 6 – 6.8 making it simply THE BEST hydroponic growing medium available.
IS IT HEALTHY?
Yes! You’d be surprised what percentage of store bought produce is now grown hydroponically.
Hydroponic nutrients are made form mineral salts. These are the same 17 nutrients & elements found in the soil you buy from a nursery, the difference is they’re in a highly available form which plants utilize much faster.
Instead of the plants roots spreading out in search of nutrition, they are provided just the right amounts directly, which means smaller root systems and faster, more robust, nutrient dense growth allowing the plant to reach it’s full enetic potential.
AM I OVER-WATERING?
If you have your system in full sun and the temperature is 20 degrees celcius or more during the day, then let the pump run a good 4 hours p/day! You may think you’re over-watering, but the coco mix retains plenty oxygen even when fully saturated. If it’s cold or your not giving it full sun, then yes dial back the watering regime to approx 15-30 min per day.
Under low light conditions, you’ll want to add an inexpensive air pump in the reservoir to ensure the water is oxyginated as it’s flowing less. This safeguards against issues relating to still water.
In actual fact the tower only truly needs about 2 minutes per day to hydrate fully, but you can’t really over water it (unless it’s very cold and/or very low sunlight).
IS HYDROPONICS REALLY COMPLICATED?
No, with Verti Gro it’s really simple! To make it easy, we’re really just adding nutrient to the water and then watering your plants with it. The coco coir is very ‘forgiving’ and is an excellent buffer against under or over watering. As everything is automated, it takes all the guessing out and saves your plants from your unintentional neglect!
WHAT IS PERLITE? DO I NEED IT?
Perlite is mined volcanic glass that is inert and has excellent airation qualities. It’s commonly added to soil to asssit with absorption and aeration. While it’s not 100% necessary (ie. the coco coir does a great job on it’s own)
The Coir we supply is a 70/30 mixmeaning that it is 70% fine and 30% coarse this dramatically increase flow thru the Coir
WHY DOES THE WATER HAVE TO BE CHANGED EVERY 2 WEEKS?
Flushing the system every 2 to 3 weeks is a standard practice in hydroponic growing. Over time, a build up of nutrient can increase PH and EC in the water which is detrimental to plants. Basically, clean fresh water is clean water, so flushing a system every 2 weeks is standard. In the case of the Eco Farm, once the plants are established, it’s likely they’ll actually suck up 30 to 40 litres p/week anyway, in which case you’d simply top up with water mid-way before flushing and adding clean nutrient every 2 weeks
DIY Hydroponic Tower Gardens
HOW DOES IT WORK?
This is the simplest form of hydroponic gardening available and very effective. Modular stacking planters are filled with coco coir which is like soil, only way better. Irrigation from above drips water onto the top pot with water flowing through to each below layer and the coco wicking the water to all parts of the tower.
Water can be delivered via reservoir (with an electric pump) or water mains (with a fertilizer injector). A timer is configured at 3 x 1 min feeds per day, and adjustable drippers are used to increase/restrict the flow of water. An all purpose hydroponic nutrient is used which ensures maximal results.
The towers are raised so that any drips from above can be used to grow plants at the base, or alternatively, captured with a drip tray fastened to the riser pipe returning the water back to the reservoir (if desired).
WHAT'S THE BEST WATERING REGIME FOR TOWER FARMS
This depends on many factors such as climate, temperature, type of plants, sunlight exposure etc. However a typical watering regime will be 3 to 4 times per day for 1 minute. Then adjust the drippers to restrict water flow as needed.
HOW MUCH SPACE DO THEY NEED?
We recommend spacing your towers approx 1 to 1.5m meters apart. The kits come standard with 5 or 6 planters per tower in 2 sizes. Medium (33cm width) & large (45cm width) with the top planter sittig at approx 1.5-1.7 meters high
HOW DOES THE DRAIN TO WASTE HYDROPONIC PROCESS WORK. DOES IT WASTE WATER/NUTRIENT?
For the hydrcoponic enthusiasts out there, a drain to waste set-up is quite a foreign concept. Most hydroponic systems are closed, meaning the water is constantly recirculating. For example the Eco Farm Tower Garden.
Drain to waste system is perfect for large gardens where recirculation challenges exist. They also work amazingly well! The key is providing a small flush of water at regular intervals. Just enough to saturate each pot, without significant run-off. We provide detailed nstructions on how to do this and there are thousands of examples from successful growers worldwide.
We highly reccomend a base planter be added to each tower to catch the waste or excess water therefore reducing waste to zero.
IS IT GETTING TOO MUCH SUN?
Vegetable plants need direct sunlight to grow properly. Think about a farmers field. Full sun all day long. So long as you have the right moisture content in the tower, full sun is recommended for best results. In the very hot summer months growing soft crops such as lettuce, you may wish to rig up a shade cloth overhead using the top of the tower. This is also beneficial to stop birds. But, yep get the towers in full sun!
HOW DO I SET-UP MY OWN AUTOMATIC WATERING SYSTEM
You will need a timer, submersible pump, tubing, and a water reservoir. Structural materials will include PVC pipe and steel poling.
CAN I START SMALL AND BUILD-UP?
Yes! That’s the cool thing about this method. It’s modular & scalable wtih very little infrastructure needs. You can start with a simple 5 tier planter set and when ready, upgrade to a 3 tower DIY set-up. From there you can simply add more towers and won’t need to re-purchase additional pumps or injectors. They’ll work for countless towers… See this farm, the entire farm runs off 2 x fertilizer injectors powered by AA batteries!
APPROX HOW MUCH WATER IS NEEDED?
Coco retains moisture without getting watter logged so assuming you’re getting good sun / heat, coco actually solves over and under watering.
Ideally, the bottom planter is raised and free flowing with consistent moisture.
There are 2 watering options;
1) With Drain to Waste, feed in regular small doses. Raise the tower from 400mm to 1m high and let the drips feed a large plant at the base of each tower. You’ll use less water then you think and as it’s configurable at each tower, you can vary the flow based on individual needs.
2) With recirculating, we install the drip trays at the base of each tower directing the run off back to the reservoir. This method is perfect for solar powered hydroponic tower gardens or long interval electric. With solar, it simply comes on when it’s sunny. With electric, we configure the timer to 15 min on / 45 min off for approx 4-8 hours p/day, then off for the remainder of the day/night.
HOW DO I MAKE MY OWN DIY TOWER?
Drive some 19mm diameter galvanized metal conduit into the ground then slide 20mm diameter PVC pressure pipe over this, then place some 40mm diameter pressure pipe cut to 500mm high to raise the tower. Connect the irrigation and set-up the timer and your done!. If you want a full kit with everything included as well as detailed instructions, check out the DIY tower kits.
DO THEY NEED ACCESS TO POWER?
The DIY Towers come with 3 options. Electric, Solar or Water tap powered.
Electric utilizes a reservoir & electric pump with a timer
Solar utilizes a reservoir and 35w solar panel and solar pump connected a custom battery and timer
Water tap powered utilizes a fertilizer injector connected to the water mains and a battery operated tap timer
CAN I MAKE THE TOWERS RECIRCULATING INSTEAD OF DRAIN TO WASTE?
Yes, to do this we simply add a drip tray which is fastened to the riser pipe of each tower which comes with grommets and tubing so you can return it back to the reservoir. See our recirculating kits.
WHY ARE THEY RAISED OFF THE GROUND?
Raised towers are easier to manage (no bending over) but also by taking them off the ground you’re eliminating a raft of soil born pest issues. Additionally, the increased airflow and sun exposure is great for the plants. Many construct the towers over an existing garden bed allowing the drips to feed the below bed. As the towers are raised, sunlight can get to the below sections for maximum yields.
CAN I ADJUST THE WATER FLOW TO EACH TOWER?
Yes, each kit comes with adjustable drippers that allow you to increase or decrease the water output at each tower. This is beneficial when you have towers at different stages of growth or with different watering needs.
HOW DO I USE THE HYDROPONIC NUTRIENT
Depending on your selection (reservoir or fertilizer injector), your kit will come with either a 4kg bulk pack or a 2kg pack of nutrient.
Just follow the instructions
