A couple of weeks ago I went to the library and noticed a strange new gadget. There were no plants in it at the time. At first I thought it was a 3D printing project as the library has a 3D printer. I asked and was told it was not printed by the 3D printer and that it was a hydroponic growing device. The librarian said the seeds were sprouting in the window and would be transplanted into the tower when they got to a certain size. At first glance the “tentacles” looked like they might spray water on the plants, but closer inspection determined they are grow lights. Water is in a reservoir in the base and is pumped up to the plants.
I went to the website and saw a wide range of hydroponic growing devices. Pretty danged cool. One might be just right for those without access to garden space.
I will be keeping my eye on the project and update the post with pics.
Have you seen anything like this before, for home use? What do you think of hydroponic gardening?
UPDATE on 5/20/25:
I took my phone in and snapped a picture. The head librarian there, Phil, came over and asked me if I would like some fresh basil and if I had any cats. I said yes to both, and he picked off basil and catnip and gave them to me. He explained how it worked, how often water needed to be added and that the lights are on a timer. He said the lights are blindingly bright so they do it when the library is closed. Will try to remember to go in and take a pic towards the end of June to see how the plants are doing and add it another update before the scheduled July 1 post.
Tao Talk 
Hydroponic gardening is cool! I hadn’t seen one of these, it sure seems to make it easy. I don’t think I could keep my kitty away from it if I tried it at home!
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LOL on your kitty. She’d have a blast with it, but it probably wouldn’t light up for long.
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This is so cool. We had a three part tiny planter which grew basil, thyme and cherry tomatoes. It had a growing light and was kept on the kitchen counter.
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Oh wow that’s very neat, Sadje. How did the harvest taste?
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Very nice.
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Very fun looking! Surprised it would be in a library, what with the potting soil (I guess there’s potting soil?) I couldn’t tell from the picture. I have seen on another bloggers posts they have similar, but it is not electric. She grows things in a tall terracotta? tower and it stays outdoors. Not auto water, either, haha – so not all that much alike, just another type of tower growing thing. :)
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Yes, it is neat looking and I like the froggie they put on top. At the website they describe it as a growing medium but not soil. Cubes of something (soylent green?) Any way to make growing possible for those with no soil or ground to work with is cool.
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I think this is brilliant! I wish we all had hydroponic gardens!
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I’m going to keep my eye on this one and see how it does.
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This is so dang awesome!!! Never in my life have I seen something like this, nor have I ever heard of it. I’m not a gardener or plant expert, but this is absolutely fascinating! Especially the light that helps the plants grow! Thank you for sharing this! This is very intriguing. 😁🤩
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Happy to have introduced it to you. I was very surprised to learn what it was. They must have the lights on after hours.
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Oh this is so very cool, Li. Love hydroponic gardening! ❤️
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:) Yes, it is.
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I have heard of this me concept of vertical gardening. It is great but I suspect it would be limited to small plants and herbs. Is that right?
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I don’t think it is limited. At the website they had some pretty good-sized plants growing in it.
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Wow! That is a surprise
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Very cool. Every library should have one. (K)
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That is really cool. I’ve never seen them in person but I have seen them in pot docs…some grow it with these.
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pot docs such a funny term
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I know! But they were ahead of the curve and cleaning up now…the farms that is.
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Oh I believe it. Not having to deal with dirt is a big plus. It’s heavy and takes up a lot of space.
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I’m not a tomato fan…but are they as good grown in these as regular ones?
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Max, I really don’t know. I wonder if reefer is as good grown in them??
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I know…I’m wondering that. I know Jennifer doesn’t like Tomatos grown like that as much. What is it called???? I can’t find the word that it’s called.
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hydroponic
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Oh geez…thank you thank you thank you
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yw yw yw
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I haven’t. Sounds like an intriguing concept to me. And also looks pretty neat!
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It is pretty neat :)
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What a cool idea
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Stuff grows well in there. Looks like lighter things like herbs and smaller flowers work best.
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Very true. I was given a present by my daughter of a self watering plant. There are two thick strings coming out of the bottom of the plant that are immersed in water. When the water is less I fill it up. It can last up to a week or ten days.
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What a nice gift from your daughter!
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Very. I hope it survives 🌱
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There is something like this at our local library, too!
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Very awesome, Melissa. Wonderful concept and so cool to watch them grow.
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I so love that ❤️
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<3
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That really is amazing! It looks great.
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It does a good job!
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What a cute idea! I love it!
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It is pretty danged amazing.
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Very nice!
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:)
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Wow, looks great!
I’m glad to see you back, but of course I’m starting my break next week. I’m still working on POPO cards and I’m so behind on so many other things…But I’ll be back in August. (K)
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K, I hear you on POPO cards. Maybe we will be on the same list. Be looking for a card/poem for me in either case. Feels so good to be back arting again. I know you will enjoy your break. See you on the flip side, my homie.
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Yes, I think they send the lists out the end of the week. But in any case you’ll get a postcard also.
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