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Smart Farm Hydroponic Tower Garden FAQ

How does it work?

This simple form of hydroponics solves under & over watering. Modular stacking planters are filled with coco coir & perlite, than connected vertically through a center pole connected to an electric or solar pump which sits inside a 60 litre reservoir. Nutrient is added to the water reservoir which is automaticaly pumped to the top layer and filtered down through each layer (instructions provided). Because the coco coir is so porous you basically cannot over water your garden (assuming it’s getting good sun).

What is hydroponics

Plants don’t need soil to grow, they need the nutrients contained in the soil! With hydroponics, we simply add nutrients to the water with the plant growing in an inert growing medium such as coco coir & perlite.

When nutrients are delivered straight to the root system the plant spends less time in search of nutrition, and more time producing foilage and fruit.

There are many different hydroponic methods. Mr Stacky tower gardens use a simple drip method and coco coir making it perfect for beginner growers. Coco coir is like soil, only way better! See why

Is this an Aeroponic Tower?

No. Aeroponic towers have a hollow center where the roots are suspended in air and water is continuously misted or dripped on the roots internally. These systems require more growing expertise as the delicate roots have no buffering against high temperature conditions or potential water pump failures and are not very well suited to solar power. In contrast, the Smart Farms are more forgiving as the coco/perlite growing medium retains moisture in low light, yet cannot be over-watered, so it’s set and forget. If you’d like to find out more about Aeroponic Systems, check out the Air Stacky and feel free to contact us if you are unsure about which system will work best for you! Contact us

What is EC and should I get an EC tester?

EC stands for Electrical Conductivty and is the measure of salt in a solution. Because hydroponic nutrient is derived from mineral salts, it’s an accurate way to measure the exact quantity of nutrient. If you follow the recommended dose rates that come with your system, you don’t necessarily need an EC tester, however most will purchase one so they can be assured they are providing adquate nutrient levels.

Does the Smart Farm need access to power?

The Smart Farms come with 2 power options. Electic or solar.

How do I set the timer?

The electric kits come with a 24 hour timer in 15 minute increments. Remember, so long as you’re getting good sun, you can’t really over water the tower garden. Falling water creates oxygen in the reservoir, which the plants love. So configure your timer to ON for about 4 hours per day for best results. Most will configure the timer in 30 min on / 30 min off from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, then off at night.

Does the solar work? Does it have a timer?

For the solar option, no timer is needed as the system will simply turn on when it’s sunny.

The pump comes with a 5 meter cord so you can maximize sun exposure to the panel. The pump is strong enough to push the water above 2 meters high and as the system stands only 1.5m high, there is sufficient power remaining to circulate the water even in low light conditions therefore no backup battery is needed.

During rainy periods, the rain will keep the garden wet for you! If your system is under-cover and won’t get rained on, you may be better off to go with electric. (Battery back-ups are being tested now, but won’t be ready until late 2020).

What should I do when it's raining

The rain will dilute the nutrient levels, but this is usually not a big deal, in fact the plants love the rain. Some customers decide to purhase a heavy duty plant trolley to wheel the garden where desired.

Is that Algae growing on the surface?

Algae forms when water and sunlight meet. Don’t worry too much about a small amount of Algae, but if you want to stop it just put some pebbles or mulch on the top layer… Once the top of the layers are dark, the Algae will be reduced.

What can I grow?

Grow anything from herbs, lettuce, strawberries & greens to full blown fruiting crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini even tubers such as potatoes, carrots and beet root!

You get the picture right! 🙂 You can pretty much grow anything. Just ensure you’re providing enough sun…

How do I set it up?

Watch the above video for a detailed guide:
1) Expand the coco and then fill each planter with coco
2) Connect the solar or electric pump
3) Slide lid over center pole & stack up the planters
4) Open drain, and flush the coco with water
5) Close the drain, and fill with 60 litres of water
6) Configure timer (electric), or put panel in the sun (solar)
7) Add nutrient to the water every 2 weeks
*Step by step instructions come with the system

How do I use the nutrient?

The Smart Farm comes with quality hydroponic nutrient that is in 2 parts (A & B). This nutrient is designed to grow various plants in all stages of growth. So you don’t need to mess around with different ‘grow’ vs ‘bloom’ blends and complicated additives like some other systems.

To use, simply fill the 1.25 litre bottles that come with the system with water, shake well, then once dissolved, add it to the reservoir at a rate of 5ml nutrient per litre of water for both parts A & B. As the reservoir is 60 litres, you therefore can add 300ml of each. This will last 2 weeks before you need to replace it in the tank.
*Note: Less is more with this stuff as it’s powerful! So half this dosage for seedlings

See this short video on how to use it.

What is coco coir?

Coco Coir is organic & made from the husk of the coconut. Coco has exceptional water retention, oxygen holding and anti-fungal properties. The compressed blocks expand 7 to 8 times in water and even when fully saturated, hold 22% air. Coco has a PH range between 6 – 6.8 making it simply THE BEST hydroponic growing medium available.

Is it Healthy?

Yes! You’d be surprised what percentage of store bought produce is now grown hydroponically.

Hydroponic nutrients are made form mineral salts. These are the same 17 nutrients & elements found in the soil you buy from a nursery, the difference is they’re in a highly available form which plants utilize much faster.

Instead of the plants roots spreading out in search of nutrition, they are provided just the right amounts directly, which means smaller root systems and faster, more robust, nutrient dense growth allowing the plant to reach it’s full enetic potential.

Am I over-watering?

If you have your system in full sun and the temperature is 20 degrees celcius or more during the day, then let the pump run a good 4 hours p/day! You may think you’re over-watering, but the coco/perlite mix retains plenty oxygen even when fully saturated. If it’s cold or your not giving it full sun, then yes dial back the watering regime to approx 15-30 min per day.

Under low light conditions, you’ll want to add an inexpensive air pump in the reservoir to ensure the water is oxyginated as it’s flowing less. This safeguards against issues relating to still water.

In actual fact the tower only truly needs about 2 minutes per day to hydrate fully, but you can’t really over water it (unless it’s very cold and/or very low sunlight).

Is hydroponics really complicated?

No, with Mr Stacky it’s really simple! To make it easy, we’re really just adding nutrient to the water and then watering your plants with it. The coco coir is very ‘forgiving’ and is an excellent buffer against under or over watering. As everything is automated, it takes all the guessing out and saves your plants from your unintentional neglect!

What is perlite? Do I need it?

Perlite is mined volcanic glass that is inert and has excellent airation qualities. It’s commonly added to soil to asssit with absorption and aeration. While it’s not 100% necessary (ie. the coco coir does a great job on it’s on), we do provide it at an 80/20 ratio (coco / perlite) as we find this ensures optimal results.

Why does the water have to be changed every 2 weeks?

Flushing the system every 2 weeks is a standard practice in hydroponic growing. Over time, a build up of nutrient can increase PH and EC in the water which is detrimental to plants. Basically, clean fresh water is clean water, so flushing a system every 2 weeks is standard. In the case of the smart farm, once the plants are established, it’s likely they’ll actually suck up 30 to 40 litres p/week anyway, in which case you’d simply top up with water mid-way before flushing and adding clean nutrient every 2 weeks

What can I grow?

Grow anything from herbs, lettuce, strawberries & greens to full blown fruiting crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini even tubers such as potatoes, carrots and beet root!

Swiss Chard | Pumpkin |

You get the picture right! 🙂 You can pretty much grow anything. Just ensure you’re providing enough sun…

Can I convert to hydroponic at a later date?

Yes certainly. The stacking planters in the 5 tier sets are exactly the same as the hydroponic kits. So you can buy a small 5 tier set and see how it works, then once you’re happy scale up to a larger set-up if desired…

Are the planters made from food safe material?

Yes. Food Safe Polypropylene #5. Like what yogurt containers are made of except we use a lot more of it.

What size of planter should I buy? Medium (33cm) or Large (45cm)

This all depends on what you want to grow. The 33cm width pots have a capacity of 5 litres each which is suitable for lettuces, herbs, spinach, beetroot, flowers and plants with smaller root systems. The 45cm width pots have a large 15 litres capacity each. This is ample space to grow all kinds of fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and even pumpkin or watermelon if you really want!

Can I fill them with soil instead of coco coir?

Yes, and many customers do. Make sure you use good quality well draining potting mix. Great news is Mr Stacky is modular, so you can start small and build a self sustainable garden over time.

Are the poles necessary?

While the poles are not 100% necessary, Mr Stacky planter sets come with a center pole which adds stability and allows you to move the garden from above as the pole extends above the planter. Other stacking planters do not provide this. This also allows you to convert your 5 tier kit into a hydroponic tower kit if you want.

What customers are saying.....

Life changing, hydroponics system, I couldn't recommend this system anymore. It is perfect for a wide array of vegetables and plants.

Luke Gilder17 JAN 2020

I’m so happy with my Mr Stacky unit and am considering buying another one . My tomatoes and kale are growing rapidly and they have been pest free .

Lyn Robson07 JAN 2020

We're so happy with our hydroponic smart farm. We love having fresh, clean veggies growing so quickly on our doorstep.

Ara18 JAN 2020

Great introduction to hydroponics with great outcomes. Super easy to setup and maintain. Coir is very forgiving and has worked well

Turgerr28 JAN 2020

Very happy with my purchase (with solar) in January 2020. Already have a bumper crop of herbs and wondering if perhaps I need another unit for veges

Kylie09 FEB 2020

25 Days Growth in Smart Farm

50 Days Growth in Smart Farm

How to use the Nutrient

Optional Heavy Duty Trolley

How to Drain the Smart Farm

You want to grow real food from home....

FRESH FROM YOUR BALCONY

Designed for everyday Australians, give your backyard a unique, living display that looks great and actually feeds you & your family.

If you get good sun, you’ll surprise yourself with the results. It’s easier than you think.

At Mr Stacky, we’re helping empower Aussies, one tower at a time… Or 3 in this case 😉

We’ll get you growing quickly with fast delivery from Gold Coast, Australia

Why a Mr Stacky Smart Farm?

Top Quality

Strong, durable and UV treated
Won’t crack or fade in the sun
Tried & tested worldwide
Large & prolific plant growth
Space saving modular design
Quality parts & accessories

Beginner Friendly

Set & forget automated watering
Coco coir is simple to use
Can be used in various climates
Easy set-up and maintainance
Grows a wide variety of veggies
Comes with full instructions

Amazing Value

Comes with everything in 1 kit
60 large plants in a small space
Soooo cost effective, it’s crazy
Unique living backyard display
Comes with nutrients
Includes warranty on parts

Check out the Results!

Additional information

Colour	Black, Terracotta, Stone
Power	Electric, Solar
Nutrient Type	Hydroponic, Organic

53 reviews for Smart Farm 3 Tower Hydroponic Garden

jamie

Rated 5 out of 5

July 4, 2023

best system i've come across for the lazy gardener, set and forget, the growth rate even in winter is astounding, plan to buy to become 365 sufficient...More
best system i've come across for the lazy gardener, set and forget, the growth rate even in winter is astounding, plan to buy to become 365 sufficient.

Helpful? 0 0

Michael ASHTON

Rated 5 out of 5

October 20, 2022

I am amazed at how fast things grow. My garden has very little space. This is the perfect solution. If I had more space, I would buy more.

Helpful? 0 0

Kate

Rated 5 out of 5

October 8, 2022

Great. Well worth the money. Plants grow so far.[5 weeks growth]. Trying to keep up eating but produces but plant are winning .Sharing vegetables wit...More
Great. Well worth the money. Plants grow so far.[5 weeks growth]. Trying to keep up eating but produces but plant are winning .Sharing vegetables with neighbours

Helpful? 1 0

+1

Geoff Wallage

Rated 5 out of 5

October 8, 2022

I am very happy with my 3 tower smart farm. With the warm spring weather our seedlings have taken off and we pick our greens everyday. When the tomat...More
I am very happy with my 3 tower smart farm. With the warm spring weather our seedlings have taken off and we pick our greens everyday. When the tomatoes and strawberries start fruiting I will need to made a frame for bird netting . It will be trial and error to get the best combination of plants. So far have mingonette lettuce,asian lettuce varieties,baby and perpetual spinach,rocket,strawberries,cherry tomatoes and cucumber.

Helpful? 0 0

Kelli

Rated 5 out of 5

August 26, 2022

Don’t let tomatoes in your Mr Stacky grow too big as they can get out of control with no support, so best to trim them back 🙂 Brasicas grow really wel...More
Don’t let tomatoes in your Mr Stacky grow too big as they can get out of control with no support, so best to trim them back 🙂 Brasicas grow really well and fast in Mr Stacky!

Helpful? 0 0

+1

David

Rated 5 out of 5

August 5, 2022

System works great. Just make sure you don't grow anything to big on top (eg tomatoes)) as they can get top heavy and tip over in windy weather.

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Suna

Rated 4 out of 5

August 1, 2022

So love our garden system,. I have some veggies in the ground but they are more work than the hydroponics. We moved from Sydney and so we had to give ...More
So love our garden system,. I have some veggies in the ground but they are more work than the hydroponics. We moved from Sydney and so we had to give away all our produce and I was dreading the packing up of the system but it was very easy and then starting again was a breeze. I love them, best system ever

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Catherine

Rated 5 out of 5

July 31, 2022

This is my first Mr Stacky hydroponic garden and I'm very happy with it so far. I have little strawberry plants in one tower, mixed heirloom lettuce i...More
This is my first Mr Stacky hydroponic garden and I'm very happy with it so far. I have little strawberry plants in one tower, mixed heirloom lettuce in the second and mixed salad greens in the third. I would love to see how tomatoes would work for me as I've had hit and miss luck in that area over the years. I am seriously thinking of getting more Mr Stacky gardens! I have been gardening for most of my life in one way or another and now have converted my front garden in suburban Tassie to fruit trees and vegetables mixed with flowers and shrubs. It is my happy place.

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Will

Rated 5 out of 5

July 30, 2022

We found Mr Stacky during covid lock downs and do not regret the impulse buy one bit :) we’ve had great success with everything we’ve tried so far and...More
We found Mr Stacky during covid lock downs and do not regret the impulse buy one bit :) we’ve had great success with everything we’ve tried so far and will now get a bit more adventurous. The kids love to help out and love it when they can eat food they pick themselves.

Helpful? 0 0

Michael

Rated 4 out of 5

July 20, 2022

95% complete on the construction. The video for step 16 did not come up for me. Generally was pretty easy to put together. I need to prune some trees ...More
95% complete on the construction. The video for step 16 did not come up for me. Generally was pretty easy to put together. I need to prune some trees to get closer to full sun for most of the day. It fits well into the limited space I have in this garden. Made some errors putting it together - like gluing the T-section on before placing the water distribution pot. Worked out a way round that....

Helpful? 0 0

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