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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 video above 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 the below video for how to mix and use the nutrients

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 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

How to Plant From Seed

50 Days Growth in Smart Farm

How to use the Nutrient

Optional Heavy Duty Trolley

How to Drain the Smart Farm

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

There's something about growing your own food....

Today’s mono crop food production paradigm is unsustainable.

Urbanized hydroponic tower farming is expanding rapidly as technology increases.

You don’t have to be on a farm, to live sustainably.

You can grow abundant quantities of fresh food from any backyard or balcony.

Empower yourself and your family by growing your own food from home with Mr Stacky.

Why a Mr Stacky Smart Farm?

Top Quality

Strong, durable and UV treated
Won’t crack or fade in the sun
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

Affordable
Comes with everything in 1 kit
20 large plants in a small space
Looks nice in your backyard
Can be scaled easily
See the 3 Tower Smart Farm

Check out the Results!

Additional information

Weight	N/A
Colour	Black, Terracotta, Stone
Power	Electric, Solar
Nutrient Type	Hydroponic, Organic

175 reviews for Smart Farm Hydroponic Tower Garden

Abigail

Rated 5 out of 5

August 26, 2022

I absolutely love Mr Stacky! It was a gift for my 21st birthday, as I’d recently gotten into a bit of gardening at the time, and i have to say how ama...More
I absolutely love Mr Stacky! It was a gift for my 21st birthday, as I’d recently gotten into a bit of gardening at the time, and i have to say how amazing it is! It’s become a part of my morning routine to check on all the plants and move the water nozzles around. Its the best gift I’ve ever received. I have a mix between edible plants (salads mostly) and flowers, to give the Bees something to munch on (even though i am scared of flying insects).

As you can probably see in Photo 1 & 2, I have been a bit creative in helping some my plants to stay growing upwards, instead of into the level below. I’d have to say my greatest tip would be, if you have any of those wooden take away cutlery packets, or chop sticks, they work perfectly for propping plants up. especially if you’re wanting to point them into the sun more.

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David

Rated 5 out of 5

August 20, 2022

I chose mr Stacky because of the ease of use and the amount of food you can grow in such a small area. The product is fantastic. I just wish I had ...More
I chose mr Stacky because of the ease of use and the amount of food you can grow in such a small area.

The product is fantastic. I just wish I had more room in the back yard for more.
My tip, is to place your Mr Stacky in as much sun as you can get. Keep the fertiliser topped up and eat healthy every single day.
I walk out every day and pick lettuce, celery, and herbs and it just continues to produce.

Helpful? 0 0

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Rob

Rated 5 out of 5

August 5, 2022

This system is AMAZING!!! I grew everything in the tower last year from seed. I just followed Mr Stacky's instructions and had a huge and long-running...More
This system is AMAZING!!! I grew everything in the tower last year from seed. I just followed Mr Stacky's instructions and had a huge and long-running harvest. No shortage of lettuce, rocket, kale, silverbeet, bok choy in our house. Good tomatoes, carrots, beets and radishes too.
We only have a small deck with lots of shadows that reduce the sunlight time. Very impressed with what Mr Stacky helped us achieve.
This year we'll be raising seeds indoors ready to plant out instead of seeds to get an even bigger and longer harvest.
It's also been cool to try growing winter crops. The broccoli got a bit out of control and we ended up with a brilliant display of yellow flowers.
Thanks so much Mr Stackey!

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Allison

Rated 5 out of 5

August 5, 2022

I have MS and gardening (even in raised beds) has been too much for me for a couple of years, but the price of greens at the supermarket started to go...More
I have MS and gardening (even in raised beds) has been too much for me for a couple of years, but the price of greens at the supermarket started to go up and I wanted to reduce waste. My two Mr Stacky solar hydroponic gardens have been amazing! I just put seeds in and things have grown into lush green and delicious plants. I harvest by snapping off leaves and letting the plant continue to grow, The height has allowed delicate things like butter lettuce survive frosts (and keeping them close to the house has kept the kangaroos and wallabies away from wanting a nibble. I only put the seeds in in March so haven't had a full year of seasonal produce (I am putting strawberries in this week) but have harvested bok choy, silver beet, various lettuces, unknown purple leafy veges from a seed packet called "stir fry mix". Broccoli is going well but not headed yet. Garlic chives decided that this was not for them and have steadfastly refused to grow more than an a couple of centimetres before curling up and expiring - I suspect they will do much better in summer.

I highly recommend the setups for people on the NDIS who have gardens in their goals, as they are very easy to use when you have a disability/chronic illness.

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Craig

Rated 4 out of 5

August 4, 2022

My combination smart farm and vertical garden recirculating setup using a single solar powered pump and drainage pipe into garden when water needs rep...More
My combination smart farm and vertical garden recirculating setup using a single solar powered pump and drainage pipe into garden when water needs replacing. Doesn't grow much through the cold Tassie winter but is now setup ready for spring/summer growing. One year on and have had success with strawberries, leafy greens, lettuce and beans. Overall a great, low maintenance method of gardening! Loving my Mr Stacky!!!

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Clinton

Rated 4 out of 5

August 2, 2022

We purchased for my Father in law. It now lives with us. Purchased a solar pump after the original pump died due to not checking the water level. Much...More
We purchased for my Father in law. It now lives with us. Purchased a solar pump after the original pump died due to not checking the water level. Much easier to check the level with the water level hose now attached. The Flat Leaf Parsley as taken over again, needs a cull. Had Zucchini's last year and they took over everything as well.

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Merrilee

Rated 4 out of 5

August 1, 2022

Only received my Mr Stacky last Thursday, (sendle doesn’t care for outlying areas), so not much happening yet. Was going to see if I could grow anothe...More
Only received my Mr Stacky last Thursday, (sendle doesn’t care for outlying areas), so not much happening yet. Was going to see if I could grow another couple of dogs, but they were a bit big. Have planted some seeds instead so will see how that goes. I am very happy with how my smart farm is working. Thank you Mr. Stacky.

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Mike

Rated 5 out of 5

August 1, 2022

I chose Mr Stacky as it was given to me as a gift. It works very well and takes very little maintenance. I grew numerous greens from seed as well as g...More
I chose Mr Stacky as it was given to me as a gift. It works very well and takes very little maintenance. I grew numerous greens from seed as well as green beans and sweet banana peppers which I have since harvested and pickled and they are delicious!

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Glen

Rated 5 out of 5

July 30, 2022

This garden system is so easy to use and you can see it from your kit window , only tip I can give is when we had a heap of rain I left it out and was...More
This garden system is so easy to use and you can see it from your kit window , only tip I can give is when we had a heap of rain I left it out and was not going so well , so now if there is a fair few days of rain on the cards I roll it under the roof line , plus it likes a lot of sun in the winter

Helpful? 2 0

Suzie

Rated 5 out of 5

July 22, 2022

I love my hydroponic towers - I have two. I have a higher EC in one and a lower EC in the other for different herbs and veggies. I started with soil a...More
I love my hydroponic towers - I have two. I have a higher EC in one and a lower EC in the other for different herbs and veggies. I started with soil and given its success I moved on to hydroponics and haven't looked back. They are easy to manage on apartment balconies as long as you have a bucket to siphon off at water changeover time.
I have had great success with zucchini's and others that often get problems with mould as I plant them towards the front of the pot so no overhead watering. They are especially valuable now that the cost of food and veggies has risen!

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