I'm amazed on the little time they took to grow as big as they are now - in the hydroponic system, about 3-4 weeks. Growing lettuces in the soil here in Cebu city is quite a challenge. But it comes to show that with hydroponics, you can grow expensive and hard-to-grow plants in your own back yard!
I took a video this afternoon of part of my garden, i call it the "salad corner". Here i grow lettuces (green & red), cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and arugula. If you're a chef or someone who eats salads just as us asians eat rice, then having a garden like this would definitely save you a lot of money from buying the ingredients from the market. Not to mention the fulfillment from growing your own produce :)
if you own a restaurant, this could be good PR for you as well. Good to let people know that you're into being self sufficient and that everything that they are eating is fresh and safe.
But the money i spent to grow all those plants (seeds/growing medium and solution), and all the solution they consumed, hasn't reached php200!
So what's my point exactly? If you do you own grocery shopping, you'd understand completely what i'm trying to emphasize here. Growing your own goods, hydroponically, can save you a lot of money. Sure, it involves a bit of effort on your side, but considering how much returns you'd get is more than what you need to spend. You save money, increase your health, improve your life style, develop a healthy hobby and enjoy delicious salads whenever you want to.
So what are you waiting for? Give it a try! I'm sure you'll be hooked, just as i am. haha
You can contact me through my phone 09393257253 . if i don't answer (since i'm a student and i cant answer the phone most of the times), just leave a text and ill get back to you asap.
Or you can chat with me via facebook : http://www.facebook.com/The.Hydro.Garden
If you want to come over for a visit to see these lettuces still in the system (i'll be harvesting on wednesday), kindly schedule it with me before then. :)
Happy gardening!
Ulyssa