David Thompson
An ex-engineer turned gardening expert, David has dedicated the last 15 years to mastering hydroponics. He shares his technical knowledge with beginners and loves experimenting with new systems.
Are there specific nutrients I should focus on in potting soil?
As an engineer-turned-gardener, I like to think about the nutritional needs of my plants scientifically. I've been looking into optimizing my potting ...
How can I optimize the nutrient balance in my compost tea for hydroponics?
I'm currently running a hydroponic system in my greenhouse here in Oregon, and I've been experimenting with compost tea as a supplement to my nutrient...
Can I troubleshoot the smell of my compost tea while brewing?
I've been brewing compost tea for about two years now, and while I love the benefits it brings to my garden, I've recently encountered an issue with f...
How to Adjust pH Levels for Optimal Heirloom Pepper Growth?
I'm diving deeper into my hydroponic setup and focusing on maintaining optimal pH levels for my heirloom peppers. Given that I live in a region with n...
How can I identify and address pests affecting my wildflowers?
While setting up a part of my garden for wildflowers, I've noticed some early signs of pests, and I'm quite keen on addressing these issues before the...
Best Practices for Pollination of Heirloom Peppers in Hydroponic Systems?
I'm currently experiencing challenges with pollinating my heirloom pepper plants in my hydroponics setup. I’ve noticed that while the flowers are form...
What wildflower mixes are best for attracting pollinators in my hydroponic setting?
I'm really interested in attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to my garden, and I've been considering adding some wildflower mixes to my h...
What should I consider when selecting compost for my compost tea?
I'm in the midst of setting up a new batch of compost tea for my vegetable garden, and I'm contemplating the type of compost I should use. I've done s...
How Can I Prevent Blossom End Rot in My Heirloom Peppers?
I'm encountering an issue with my heirloom peppers where I've started to see some blossom end rot on a few fruits. I understand this is typically asso...
How do I optimize nutrient management for wildflowers in a mixed gardening system?
I’ve been experimenting with integrating wildflowers into my existing hydroponic systems while also managing traditional soil beds. My challenge is th...
What Advanced Hydroponic Systems Suit Heirloom Peppers Best?
I'm really interested in optimizing my hydroponic system for growing heirloom peppers, and I'm considering switching to a more advanced method than th...
Can I amend store-bought potting soil for better drainage?
I've been working with a commercial potting soil that seems to retain too much moisture, which is problematic for the types of plants I have, particul...
What's the ideal potting soil mix for hydroponic vegetables?
I'm currently experimenting with a hydroponic setup for growing leafy greens, and I’m curious about incorporating some potting soil for seedlings befo...
What Nutrient Ratios Work Best for Heirloom Peppers in Hydroponics?
I'm currently growing several heirloom pepper varieties in my hydroponic system, and I want to ensure they're getting the optimal nutrients. I've been...
How can I optimize my compost tea for nutrient density in hydroponics?
I'm currently working on a hydroponic setup in my greenhouse in California, where I primarily grow tomatoes and basil. I've been experimenting with di...
What's the difference between organic and synthetic potting soil components?
I’ve been researching the benefits of using organic materials in my potting soil versus synthetic options, especially since I want to incorporate more...
How do I determine the pH level of my potting soil?
I've been diving deep into nutrient management and I realize that the pH of my potting soil can significantly affect nutrient availability. My garden ...
Best techniques for sowing wildflower seeds in a hydroponic environment?
I'm currently rethinking my approach to sowing wildflower seeds as I want to incorporate them into my hydroponic setup. I've mostly focused on leafy g...
What are the best companion plants for wildflowers to enhance growth and beauty?
I’m looking to create a visually stunning and thriving wildflower patch in my garden, and I’m considering the role of companion plants in this. My gar...