Hydoponic Chillis


This is the system in our growing diary for 2004.

The Greenhouse Sensation™ range of products is modern, innovative, fun and very easy to use. These systems have been adapted from the commercial hydroponic systems that are commonly used these days to grow the fruit and vegetables we see every day in our supermarkets. However with Greenhouse Sensation™ there is one amazing difference. The taste explosion of fresh homegrown produce. Experience the excitement of growing at home. Manufactured from recycled plastic, the systems are robust and will last you a lifetime, only ever having to purchase replacement consumable items such as plant nutrients. Growing plants the Greenhouse Sensation™ way is very economical as almost all the water and nutrients supplied are used by the plants, promoting sure fast growth. There are 4 systems to choose from, the GS100 or GS200 for quick cropping plants such as tomatoes, chillis or peppers, or the GS300 or GS400 for exotic specimen plants such as bananas, gingers, sweet potatoes, house plants or exotic palms.
	These systems are ‘active re-circulating’, also known as ‘NFT’ (nutrient film technique). This process involves a shallow film of nutrient solution (nutrient & water) constantly re-circulating past the roots of the plants, which in time produces a root mat (see below). The diagram (left) shows nutrient solution pumped from the tank up to the channel (top tray), flowing down the tray (over the plant roots - root mat) and back into the tank. It is this the re-circulating film that differentiates NFT from other hydroponic growing methods.
Increased performance and yield results from the plant never being short of water, nutrients or oxygen. Given an adequate environment in which to grow the plants of your choice the GS100 or GS200 will give excellent crops of really fresh produce. The GS100 and GS200 systems are both supplied as a complete kit. Both systems are easy to set-up and come complete with full comprehensive assembly and maintenance instructions. The GS100 is suitable for growing up to 3 plants and the GS200 is suitable for growing up to 5 plants.
Chilli Plants: After planting out, other than routine tank maintenance your chilli plants will need very little care, but there are some things to bear in mind. Early on the chillis will use little solution and will not need a solution change for 3 - 4 weeks, but as growth becomes more rapid they may need more frequent changes. Do not switch to full strength dosage until you are achieving a good fruit set. Maintain a solution temperature of about 22°C – 24°C (70 - 76°F). When the plants are young they will be susceptible to the cold but they become hardier with age. Also remember the higher the environment temperature the hotter the chillis will be in flavour. As your chillis grow they will need support, tying with string is best, each plant will eventually need several support strings. Do not be afraid of pruning, to control the direction and shape of your plants. Flowers are produced continually once the plant reaches a mature stage and readily self-pollinate, but tapping the plants around mid-day can encourage a better fruit set. Soon after tiny chillis will start developing. Once they have reached their full size they will ripen and change colour, but they can be used at any stage. Picking some fruit unripe will encourage continued heavy flowering. Some varieties will grow very large and woody over the season and can use as much as 5 or 6 litres of solution each per day, so regular topping-up is essential. It may be a good idea to have a reservoir of topping up solution pre-mixed, especially if you are going away and friends are topping up for you.