Simply put, Hydroponics is the growing of plants without soil. Plants are grown in an inert medium and fed a solution containing a perfected mix of primary, secondary and micro-nutrients. Hydroponics makes it possible to grow plants in locations where it had not previously been possible, for example on rooftops, or in rocky, barren locations. With the use of an appropriate HID lamp, it is even possible to grow successfully indoors.

Almost any kind of plant can be grown hydroponically, and because plants have access to the exact nutrients they need, they respond by growing more rapidly while producing bigger yields. Field tests have shown that hydroponically grown produce is packed with more vitamins and minerals than soil grown, either organic or non-organic. Not only are nutritional values higher, but it’s said that the flavors are also outstanding. Since plants start out in a disease and pest free medium, little or no pesticides
are necessary.

Although hydroponics might be the farming method of the future, it has been utilized for hundreds of years by many different kinds of people. As noted in Hydroponic Food Production (Fifth Edition, Woodbridge Press, 1997, page 23) by Howard M. Resh: “The hanging gardens of Babylon, the floating gardens of the Aztecs of Mexico and those of the Chinese are examples of ‘Hydroponic’ culture. Egyptian hieroglyphic records dating back several hundred years B.C. describe the growing of plants

in water.

Over the last one hundred years, scientists and horticulturists have experimented heavily with hydroponics. The goal has been to grow fresh produce in areas of the world without soil. Hydroponics was used to feed troops in WWII, and it has been integrated into the space program. More recently it has been adopted by farmers and hobbyists who see the value of hydroponic growing, including the ability to produce higher yields, with less pesticides and less water waste.

Plants grown in hydroponic systems maintain optimum nutrient and moisture levels, so they grow faster and healthier. And no soil means no weeds and no soil-born pests or diseases. Another advantage is that root systems stay smaller on hydroponically grown plants, allowing the plant to focus its growth energy on producing plant mass rather than roots. This means you can have more plants per square foot of growing space. And since hydroponic plants never get root bound, they don’t need to be repotted. Hydroponic produce has a longer shelf life than soil grown produce.

Learn more about Hydroponics and Home Brewing on Property Source Radio.  Saturday’s at 9am.  Call if with your questions, 222-6397.  PSR LIVE  on 950 am ESPN!

Over 40 of the United States have some form of mandatory licensing or registration of home improvement contractors. New York State is one of the few that doesn’t. Contractors come here from out of state and from Canada knowing they won’t have to worry about registration, insurance or permits. Some take a homeowner’s money, perform lousy work and go back home leaving no means of contact should any problems arise. Right now, the Better Contractor’s Bureau estimates that over 30 contractors working in Rochester are from out of state. These companies may not carry the appropriate workman’s compensation or be properly insured, allowing them to offer a much lower estimate than a legitimate company.  Popular services include driveway sealing, chimney and roof repairs.

The Better Contractor’s Bureau (BCB) of Rochester, NY has written a bill proposing registration of contractors in Monroe County.  According to Carmen Santora, Executive Director of the BCB,

”If registration is passed it would not only benefit the honest contractors, it would protect the county consumers and bring in much needed income to the county. There shouldn’t be any reason for anyone to object to registration.”

I am in support of this proposed legislation and would love to hear the community’s opinion. Tune into Property Source Radio, 950 ESPN Saturday’s at 9am to hear more on this topic and weigh in with your feedback.  585-222-6397 www.PropertySourceRadio.com

Did you know that light pollution wastes $2 billion in energy each year?? It’s pretty cool that cities can been seen from space, but the bright world we’ve created has it’s downsides.  More than hampering our view of the star-lit sky, artificial light-or light pollution-affects migration, reproduction and feeding of wildlife and is suspected of causing some types of cancers in people.

Think of moths and other insects that encircle artificial lights at night-they neglect to reproduce and often die of exhaustion. The constant twilight resulting from man-made lighting clearly interferes with biological rhythms of wildlife and of humans as well.  Studies have shown artificial lighting to be responsible for decreased melatonin levels.  Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleepiness.  One study (Cancer Causes and Control May, 2006) links decreased melatonin levels to increases in breast cancer.

According to a report by the National Parks Conservation Association 80% of the population is affected by light pollution. Though the human race has a long way to go before we –and our wildlife – can enjoy night as it occurs naturally, there are a few steps we can take to minimize light pollution.  Ensuring that our fixtures shine light downward is one way.  Other ways include minimizing wattage, using time controls, yellow spectrum bulbs and energy-efficient light sources also help.  Obviously turning off unnecessary lights is the easiest way to make an impact on reducing light pollution.  You can also join millions in celebrating Earth Hour 2010 this March 27, 8:30-9:30 p.m., local time.

Turn out. Take Action.

For more on Earth Hour 2010, visit HealthyHomesOfRochester.com- click on associates.

Brenna Hartmann is the founder of Fixin’Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement Web site; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. She is dedicated to empowering women “do-it herselfers” (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve their homes. Brenna is a lead consultant for Healthy Homes of Rochester and has published hundreds of articles related to home improvement with a focus on environmental awareness. She is the host of “Property Source Radio with the Fixie Chick” on 950 ESPN, Saturdays at 9 a.m. Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children.

For years, manufacturers have added chemicals to plastics and fabrics so they won’t catch on fire or burn easily when exposed to flame or high heat.  These widespread environmental toxins called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are prevalent in many common consumer products, including foam furniture, stereos, computers, televisions and carpeting, and, once released into the environment, they pass easily into the human bloodstream.

Some 97% of Americans have detectable levels of PBDE in their blood, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has done several studies on the prevalence of these hormone-disrupting chemicals, and has found over eleven kinds of PBDE’s used to make flame resistant materials.  Levels of toxic flame retardants in people have obviously reached levels of concern. Recent research shows that PBDE exposure can interrupt brain development in mice, permanently impairing learning and movement. So far, scientists have not identified “safe” levels of exposure that do not produce damage.

The rise in PBDE’s apparently is occurring in part because the chemicals became more widely used as governments raised flammability resistance requirements for products.  In response to the rising concern, a number of companies are phasing PBDE’s out of their products.  A variety of furniture, plastic, and electronics manufacturers have already deployed products that meet fire-safety standards without the use of PBDEs. Other strategies for flame-resistance include using inherently non-flammable materials and using alternative flame-retardant chemicals. For example, the furniture company IKEA recently replaced brominated flame retardants in fabrics with less toxic chemicals, and the Toshiba electronics company replaced toxic flame retardants in casings for electronic parts by switching to a non-flammable type of plastic that didn’t need any chemical additives.

A good way to protect yourself and your family from potential toxins is to become an informed consumer.  Learn what kinds of chemicals are added to the items you are purchasing. And choose organic items whenever possible.

Brenna Hartmann is the founder of Fixin’Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement Web site; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. She is dedicated to empowering women “do-it herselfers” (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve their homes. Brenna is a lead consultant for Healthy Homes of Rochester and has published hundreds of articles related to home improvement with a focus on environmental awareness. She is the host of “Property Source Radio with the Fixie Chick” on 950 ESPN, Saturdays at 9 a.m. Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children.