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Automate your garden

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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

+1

Karen

Rated 5 out of 5

July 20, 2022

This is my 4th Mr Stacky year, and I have been lucky enough to only rarely have had to buy lettuce and greens, since I purchased my second Stacky abou...More
This is my 4th Mr Stacky year, and I have been lucky enough to only rarely have had to buy lettuce and greens, since I purchased my second Stacky about 18 months ago.
You do have to regularly check the water level and keep up with the A's and B's but the green gold reward is well worth it.
2022 - Sydney.......rain, wind and very little winter sun......Usually I seem to grow my greens easier in the winter, this year, the Stacky trolley has been a god send as I push the things around, into shelter to avoid the worst winds, and then out again on the off chance we have a sunny winter day. My lettuce, which is usually prolific in winter, has struggled, but at least I planted some Kale and Silver beet late summer which has kept us going. I gave up buying supermarket lettuce as I end up throwing so much of it into the compost....
The seeds I have managed to germinate are so slow growing, but staying alive in Stacky, I hope they will take off once we get a bit of warmth...
I love my Stacky's, this is the least green they have looked since I started out, as I am constantly harvesting a few leaves, and the lack of sun is slowing the regrowth.
I had to include the photo my greyhound photo bombed :) He is a fan too...........
Good Luck everyone, and go Stack!!!

Helpful? 1 0

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Marek

Rated 4 out of 5

July 18, 2022

One tower is great to start with but definitely needs more if crops intended for own cooking. Also after finding the tower tipped over on occasional w...More
One tower is great to start with but definitely needs more if crops intended for own cooking. Also after finding the tower tipped over on occasional windy days, make sure to have water container not depleted as it also serves as anchoring weight.

Helpful? 1 0

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Richard

Rated 5 out of 5

July 18, 2022

I grow on my apartment balcony , which faces west. Which gives plenty of sun to run the pump. Grows fast, just keep topping up the water tank.. learn...More
I grow on my apartment balcony , which faces west. Which gives plenty of sun to run the pump.
Grows fast, just keep topping up the water tank.. learning to space out planting times so not all ready at same time . Less wastage

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Kaz

Rated 5 out of 5

July 15, 2022

I wanted to have a secure way of growing our own food. Mr Stacky is easy to set up and with the solar panel, I can run the hydro when the power is out...More
I wanted to have a secure way of growing our own food. Mr Stacky is easy to set up and with the solar panel, I can run the hydro when the power is out. Harvest is beautiful and fresh. Love my Mr Stacky!

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Olivia

Rated 5 out of 5

July 14, 2022

Sooo easy to use! Easy maintenance and very rewarding watching everything grow. I love growing all different types of Kale; inexpensive when you gro...More
Sooo easy to use!
Easy maintenance and very rewarding watching everything grow.
I love growing all different types of Kale; inexpensive when you grow this superfood yourself and no nasty chemicals on it!! Such peace of mind.
I love growing Microgreens in my Mr Stacky too.
The solar panel is fantastic, I love it.
You never know what special surprises you’ll encounter in your Stacky, checkout my photo!

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Alex

Rated 5 out of 5

July 14, 2022

Soaring Lettuce prices? Lucky I’ve been growing my own with Mr Stacky 5 tier Smart Farm Hydroponic Tower, grown from seeds directly into the coco coir...More
Soaring Lettuce prices? Lucky I’ve been growing my own with Mr Stacky 5 tier Smart Farm Hydroponic Tower, grown from seeds directly into the coco coir with perlite, full sun, no pesticides, under netting, with weekly top up of water reservoir and worm farm juice. After another crop, my tower will have paid itself off already!

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Arjava

Rated 5 out of 5

July 13, 2022

I love micro greens and my Mr Stacky is full of them, they grow perfectly in it even all throughout Winter. I have pea shoots, amaranth shoots, cres...More
I love micro greens and my Mr Stacky is full of them, they grow perfectly in it even all throughout Winter.
I have pea shoots, amaranth shoots, cress, endive, mesclun salad and basil prolifically developing.
I love nothing better than to go outside each morning and pick them them straight from the Stacky pods into my mouth for my first meal of the day...yep micro greens for breakfast! Can't wait to launch into growing vegetables now. Very happy with my purchase and there have been no bugs whatsoever. 2nd photo shows a haul from one harvest, that will last me a couple of weeks and I barely touched what was growing.

Helpful? 0 0

+1

Lauren

Rated 5 out of 5

July 13, 2022

I absolutely adore my Mr Stacky smart tower! Everything in the tower has grown quickly from seed and is thriving (even through the freezing Canberra w...More
I absolutely adore my Mr Stacky smart tower! Everything in the tower has grown quickly from seed and is thriving (even through the freezing Canberra winter) The tower has been keeping us in fresh greens and herbs for months now and it has been so convenient to be able to harvest just the amount you need for a recipe,

The tower is perfect to maximise yields in courtyards and small spaces- especially if you add the heavy-duty trolley (also sold by mr stacky) that allows you to move the tower around easily to make the most of the sun at different times of the year.

Helpful? 1 0

+1

Naomi

Rated 5 out of 5

July 13, 2022

Leafy things like lettuce and bokchoy grew great earlier in the season. I came in brand new to hydroponics and didn't realise I couldn't grow a wide v...More
Leafy things like lettuce and bokchoy grew great earlier in the season. I came in brand new to hydroponics and didn't realise I couldn't grow a wide variety of plants together due to different nutrient requirements so am learning as I go.

Helpful? 0 0

Oscar

Rated 5 out of 5

July 13, 2022

I love how fast the vegetables grow! It makes great use of our small amount of space and sunlight.

Helpful? 0 0

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