I moved from bonsai to hydroponic because of the greater control over root
nutrition. The nutrient offers total control over pH, oxygen, and
nutritional balance. pH adjustments can be made in minutes rather that days
or weeks. Major and minor mineral elements can be controlled, by increasing
or decreasing elements individually. The root itself has greater growing
space, while using less energy to look for food, and there is zero wilting
during the hot season when evapotranspiration is high.

Bonsai are wonderful looking vines, but yields are limited due to root size
and nutrional uptake. If you are growing a bonsai vineyard for moderate
yield and greater ornamental value, that's the way to go. If growing a
vineyard with yield as the primary objective, hydroponics will deliver.

Yes, I did reduce the number of vines to 12. It wasn't because the
equipement took up space. Rather, I used the extra space as a handy location
to shelter pumps between the vines, etc. It just worked out that way. Even
so, the increased space between vines, plus the nutrient rich solution
allows for more vigorous growth, greater sun contact on individual vines
(less crowding), and oportunity for fewer vines to produce higher yields.

I estimate I will eventually be harvesting greater yeilds with 12 hydroponic
vines, than with 26 bonsai vines. They may not look as cute, but that's the
trade off.

I'm in it for the wine.

Jeff Chorniak
www.africusrex.com


"Erroll Ozgencil" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Jeff, I've been eagerly awaiting this year's update.
>
> Can you talk about why you moved from bonsai to hydroponic growing? You
> mentioned improved health; were the vines weak or in danger? or is this
> to increase their yield? Did you lose any vines or is the reduced
> number just because the pumps and other equipment took up the space?
> How do you think the yield of these 12 hydroponic vines would compare
> to the 26 bonsai vines of last year?
>
> Thank you for sharing your experiment. You've inspired me to grow my
> own vines in pots (two so far, but more planned).
>
> Erroll
>