Let's be honest, N420, it "is" more work than soil growing, there is no "can be" to it. I like growing DWC but I know going into to it that it's going to be a lot more labor intensive than a soil grow. Folks need to know that up front! 
Not trying to scare you off, @Rhys777. It's a great way to grow. Big plants usually result. I'm lazy, and I started out growing DWC. So when I moved to soil, it was like the difference between making a chocolate mousse and making a glass of chocolate milk.
Go for it. I doubt you'll be disappointed!So what I gather from that the labour is definitely worth the reward? I'd much rather prefer a chocolate mousse
Once this pandemic is over I'm going to seriously look at setting one up and seeing how it goes
ok ok it is is alot bit more work
I grew in promix for a year before I switched to Dwc and the soil is definitely less work. No lazy days in the garden with Dwc you have to check them every day and at the very least adjust the ph and as they get big your topping your res off daily. Once you get a feel for it though it can be very rewarding and to me I feel it's worth the extra work. I feel you Rhyss as far as the kids making it hard to spend time in the garden I have 2 kids under 7 and finding the time to get the garden work done can definitely be difficult at times.Go for it Rhys! Just doing one bucket won't be to much of a commitment and you'll know if it's something you want to do. I jumped in with both feet when I started and did all my plants in Dwc I got alot of help from this site when I started and it made the transition from soil to Dwc alot easier. If you do end up setting it up let me know I'll help you get it figured.
N420, confession is good for the soul!ok ok it is is alot bit more work
Go for it Rhys! Just doing one bucket won't be to much of a commitment and you'll know if it's something you want to do. I jumped in with both feet when I started and did all my plants in Dwc I got alot of help from this site when I started and it made the transition from soil to Dwc alot easier. If you do end up setting it up let me know I'll help you get it figured.
So would growing in coco be like making a bowl of Coco Pops?I'm lazy, and I started out growing DWC. So when I moved to soil, it was like the difference between making a chocolate mousse and making a glass of chocolate milk.
How did daycare go??
Thanks. It's been tough.Hats off to all you home-schooling parents! It's got to be quite a challenge.
Dwc isn't what I would call automatic, you only have to mix nutrients every 7 to 10 days when you change the res but the plants can drink pretty fast if everything is dialed in so your topping off daily. If I was wanting a more automated grow I would try some kind of top feed system for my soil plants. You could set the system up on a timer to come on to water them every couple of days then all you would have to do is keep a res topped up.
Daycare went well, there was only 4 kids there and my girls made up half of that so I felt comfortable sending them. I was most concerned about my oldest being bored hanging out with kids that are younger then her but she actually enjoyed it and said it was fun. It was actually pretty cute they made mother's day gifts for Mrs. N, it's kind of a tradition we have been sending our kids there for years and they always make mothers day gifts every year. This year of course with all this crap going on my daughter wasn't there during mothers day so this was the perfect opportunity, the girls were quite proud of their creations.
I've got ADHD as well. Luckily my daughter is in grade 2 so the math work isn't too tough but I'm not looking forward to when she is older and wants help, I'm pretty terrible at math.
Thanks for that Prof, I have zero experience with any kind of dripper system appreciate it buddy.
It is essentially the same as DWC in regards to looking after the res but you have a bit more breathing space as the plant roots aren't submerged in water. If the pump stopped working then there is a good 24 hours before the plants begin to suffer. The best thing about mine is you can run any medium you like with it including organic soil. You aren't supposed to run organic nutrients with it though as they can clog up the lines and go mouldy.
