Hey folks! I've been away for awhile, off-grid, moving, rebuilding, etc. Been missing this group this is one of my favorites! I finally took a some time to go thru some photos and make a little recap of my very first tower grow earlier this year! I decided to go the DIY route, and I designed and built everything myself. This a prototype test run that was Largely built off of Chad's inspiring teachings and experiences!! So Thank you so much @Chad Miner for all you do! Huge shoot out to you man! I'm not sure I would have pulled this off at all with out your wisdom, support, and encouragement! "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants" - Isaac Newton

If you watched the last live, you may have noticed that it was only a 1/2 hour rather than the typical hour long live. I also mentioned that my little girl Chloe was sick. Well, she gave it to my oldest boy, who then gave it to their Mother, who generously shared it with our youngest boy. A week and a half later and I am climbing out of a pile of dirty tissues as the sole survivor of this plague. Which is always fun, being the healthy one in a house full of sick kids and a sick wife.... all of that to say, sorry I haven't been around to answer many Q's this week. I'm back, kids are better, let's keep growing!

If you are using stripped/filtered soft, low to no EC water, then you should add a half dose of Cali Magic to your garden every time you top off. Questions? Comments?

In the world of hydroponic gardening, much of the conversation centers on the essential primary and secondary nutrients. We meticulously balance nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and ensure our micronutrients are in check. But there is a powerful, often overlooked element that can fundamentally change the health and resilience of your plants: silica. The Role of Silica in Plant Structure Silica is not classified as an essential nutrient, yet its impact on plant health is significant. When plants absorb silica, it is deposited into the cell walls of leaves, stems, and roots. This process creates a physical barrier that strengthens the plant's entire structure. Consider a plant without adequate silica—its stems may be thin and its leaves prone to wilting under stress. Now, visualize that same plant with silica-fortified cell walls. The structure is reinforced, much like rebar within concrete. This internal strengthening makes the plant better equipped to handle environmental stresses like heat and drought, and provides a physical defense against pests and fungal diseases. The hardened cell walls are difficult for pests like spider mites to penetrate, and they can inhibit the spread of common issues like powdery mildew. A Strategic Approach to Application Timing is crucial when integrating silica into your nutrient regimen. For maximum benefit, it should be introduced early and consistently. I recommend starting with a low dose during the vegetative growth phase and continuing its use throughout the flowering or fruiting stage. This allows the plant to build a robust internal structure from the very beginning. When adding silica to your reservoir, it is important to add it first. Silica products typically have a high pH and will raise the pH of your water. Adding it first allows you to adjust the pH back into the optimal range (typically 5.5 to 6.5) before adding your other nutrients. This prevents any potential issues with nutrient availability or precipitation.