GIVE WINE-BOTTLE HYDROPONICS A TRY
Moss growing between patio bricks is easy to remove with a scraper or power washer
Q: I am a novice gardener, mostly growing perennials and house plants, but reading your articles inspires me to try growing some other plants; sometimes I’m successful, sometimes not. In any case, I am currently interested in growing herbs ( basil and mint) on my windowsill and would like to try a hydroponic method. I found a supplier in the U.S. that uses a recycled wine bottle and other material, but they don’t ship to Canada. I think my husband can cut a bottle for me, but I have no idea what nutrients are needed or the proper method for hydroponics. I would appreciate any advice you can offer.
A: I am very pleased to hear that my column gives you inspiration for trying new plants. Don’t be discouraged if some of the plants don’t work out — so much of gardening is trial and error, and we all lose plants despite our best intentions and efforts.
Your question sent me off on one of my research forays, and along the way I found that using a recycled wine bottle as a herb planter is something I may be interested in doing myself. It is indeed a very cool idea. There is a website that has an excellent tutorial on how to do this project:
As for the nutrients, just follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing the nutrients in the right proportions. Changing the water/nutrient solution regularly is a must as well. There are several hydroponic shops in Edmonton that stock premixed nutrient solutions, including the All Seasons Garden Centre, Hydro-Lite, Medi-Grow, and
T& T Hydroponics
The hydroponic shops can also advise you on the proper growing medium for your herbs. For your first foray into hydroponics the experts recommend using coconut coir, a lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA), or perlite. The coir and perlite are more dense and hold water better, while the LECA has better drainage and aeration.
The staff at the hydroponics shops are your best resource for which to choose.
Q: I have a backyard that doesn’t have any grass at all, just rock and patio bricks, but I’ve noticed during the last couple of years that I’m seeing a lot of moss. I actually like the look of it, but am concerned that it will take over the yard. I’m also getting moss between the bricks on the patio, and it seems to be spreading quickly. My concern is that the bricks will start to pop out of place and become uneven as the moss spreads. Is it healthy for the plants to have the moss growing around them, on the rocks and the soil? How can I remove the moss from the patio bricks?
A: Mosses appear under the following conditions: low or unbalanced soil fertility, compacted or wet soils, heavy shade, and acidic soil. Moss in the soil is not the problem (as it is just a symptom of the other problems I listed) but while the moss may be attractive it is a sign that the soil does need attention.
Increase the soil fertility with compost, manure, or a balanced chemical fertilizer such as 20-20-20. Keep the area cultivated. Avoid overwatering the area if at all possible. Add some lime to the area to increase the pH and lessen the acidity. The moss is not deeply rooted so it can be easily raked out of the area.
As for the moss between the bricks, it should not cause any problems in terms of lifting or moving the bricks if they are firmly in place.
If the bricks are loose and you are concerned about the problem then you can easily remove the moss with a scraper or a stiff wire brush.
If it is a large area, a power washer can also be very effective at blasting off the moss.
To discourage the moss from coming back, spraying a solution of bleach and water on the area will work, just make sure that the bleach makes up between 10 and 20 per cent of the solution. Be sure to rinse the patio and surrounding area well with water when done. Gerald Filipski is a member of the Garden Writers Association of America. He is the author of Just Ask Jerry. Email your questions to filipskigerald@gmail.com. To read previous columns, go to edmontonjournal.com/filipski