A year ago, I was a backer in the Totam Hydroponic Planter project. Finally, I have received it and started growing. Hydroponic contraptions are a tough market. I never bought one before because I saw how many ended up for sale secondhand.
My observations so far:
Pros:
Overall good design, I like the modular pieces
Relatively affordable
Works without an app- otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten it
Cons:
Plants are a big crowded. Just the Bok Choy and lettuce are hogging much of the space.
The tank water really gross- but maybe they are all like that?
Top of the net pot is really hard to snap on and off. Seems like it will eventually break if done enough times.
App is buggy- but I’ll never use the app. I hate adding new apps on my phone.
Totam is not currently taking new orders, seems like they are trying to fix some issues first.
@totamplanter
#totamplanter #hydroponicgarden #indoorgardening #hydroponics
Sunrise bumblebees are just the most gorgeous cherry tomatoes 🍅, but I find their flavor completely lacking! Their skin is thicker than I’d like and the taste isn’t particular acidic or sweet 🤷🏻♀️.
My toddler refuses to eat them 🤭 Maybe I can chop them for salsa.
I won’t be growing these next year…
What are your winners and losers so far?
#tomatotuesday #backyardfarm #homegrownfood #tomatoseason
Check out my new Flowhive! They are fine and easy way to extract honey without having to pull out the frame each time.
Have you used one before? I see many pros and cons but I’m excited to try this out.
#beekeeping #flowhive #backyardbeekeeping
Still on the hunt for more citrus to plant! Let me know if you have any suggestions, or where I can buy more fruit to try.
I currently have a Navel, Shiranui and Owari Satsuma planted. I’m planning on getting a Kishu as well. Currently also leaning toward a Golden Nugget.
#honeymandarin
#ponkan
#murcott
#citrusseason
#backyardorchard
Gold Nugget is mentioned as one of the best late season mandarins, but my verdict js 3 1/2 stars ⭐️. Do you have a favorite late-season mandarin? Let me know!
I’m still looking to try Tango, Lee x Nova, and Yosemite/Shasta Gold. Pixie is not suitable in my microclimate.
#goldnuggetmandarin #lateseasoncitrus #mandarinseason #backyardorchard
My favorite citrus, know as Sumo, Shiranui, or Dekopon. It tastes mellow and sweet with pomelo notes, and absolutely no bitterness. Very complex flavor. They’re in season right now so I recommend trying some if you can find them!
One thing to note is that the taste changes after the fruit is picked. I suggest not buying ones that look less fresh. The acidity and flavor erodes and will taste like a regular, but more sweet Navel orange.
I got my tree from a local grower, but they are available from Four Winds as well.
#shiranui #sumocitrus #dekopon
Pulled all the bok choy from my bed that were starting to bolt. I guess a mizuna got in there somehow. I usually just cut the outer leaves to eat as I need, instead of the whole plant.
Hope so my Cali friends are enjoying the rain (at least your plants are) 🌧️
#zone9bgardening #californiagarden #backyardvegetablegarden
Just a simple extraction straight into the jar when you just have one frame.
This will take a few hours as the honey drips down. It takes longer if it’s cold.
#homemadehoney #honeycomb #backyardbeekeeping #homesteading #homesteadlife
What a year for our pomegranates! Our big increase this year was due to the 3rd pomegranate tree finally putting out fruit! I spent the last 3 years doing corrective pruning.
We have 3 trees that are at least 50 years old. We got around 1000 fruits last year. It’s definitely one of the greatest unexpected blessings on the homestead!
Approximate breakdown of our fruit use:
Sold - 300
Juice/jam/jelly - 500
Gave away - 300
Fresh eating - 300
Storage - 100
Let me know your best uses for this fruit!
#pomegranateseason #homegrownfood #backyardorchard #bayareagardening #zone9b #pomlove
