If you want to do the absolute best possible results with maximum efficiency you should probably develop a nutrient mix specifically formulated for each plant species. For example have a tomato blend, a pepper blend, a cucumber blend, a lettuce blend etc. I have no interest in going that route. I’m not a botanist. I’ll be using a more general purpose nutrient mix.

I’m very happy with my less than optimal system that out produces most soil based grows.

If everything is going to use the same nutrient solution things are simple and the major remaining concern is layout. You have to imagine the shape of the pants as they mature and arrange them in a way where they all get the support and lighting that they need.

This is a 2 x 10 gallon tub system. The back row of plants are supported/trellised along a pool fence right behind the container.

I put the peppers in the middle knowing that they will never get over 3 feet tall. I’m training the tomatoes to go outward an perhaps over so all of the plants get a similar amount of sun. The front row is currently acting as a temporary holding spot for a few tomatoes while I get another location ready for them. In the near future they will be replaced with some lower plants like lettuce and cucumbers

This is a similarly configured container in need of a pruning that is a couple weeks more mature. I will be cutting off a number of the lower tomato leaves for better airflow and to provide more space for the peppers and lower plants. The cukes in the front row have just begun to sprout.

Tags: Peppers, tomatoes