18
Each Garden comes with 6 solar panel supports, 2 each for the E, S, and W sides. Almost always
keep a panel on the E side to catch the morning sun. The 2
nd
panel is usually best positioned on
the S side but that depends on time of year and position of shade on your Garden spot. Sometimes
an intermediate orientation is required e.g. SW. Panel wires are extra-long so you can position
them anywhere around the Garden if it becomes necessary. Insert all 6 supports but when a side is
not in use rotate the supports in line with the Garden and out of the way. They rotate easily. Run
the panel wires through a hole in the appropriate elbow on the electrical box and plug them in to
the wire leads connecting to “PV Panels – In” inside the box (see Figure 24). There is no on/off
switch for the panels, simply turn them over or cover them with cardboard when you must shut
them off e.g. for a minute during nutrient solution change out.
Although the Rule pump is very reliable a breakdown can quickly ruin the garden. It is
recommended to keep a spare handy. The filter is a combination filter/ball valve. Nothing inside
the Reservoir is glued since small leaks there do no harm. Pull the ball valve apart frequently to
check and clean the screen inside. If the Reservoir is kept closed there is seldom a filter problem
after the first week of growing. The ball valve provides some adjustment if/when needed. In most
cases on solar outdoors the valve is left wide open.
Cut the autoshade reflective cover in half with scissors. Place half atop the closed Reservoir where
it effectively reduces solar heating of the nutrient solution (In Florida summers the solution has
been measured at 110 degrees way too hot for the roots of almost all crops). Place the other half
on the Electrical Box to protect the plastic. Without protection one growing season in the sun can
destroy the plastic. A thorough, overlapping cover is essential to preserve the electrical box.
CONGRATULATIONS
You’ve assembled MyGarden. Add a couple of gallons of water to the Reservoir and start up the
system to check for leaks and to rinse the system Leaks can occur in transit. Potential leak points
include the Level Control Valve in the reservoir (tighten the white nut underneath) and the
Manifold Ports (turn the GroPipes another revolution to tighten the threaded connections.
Even
tiny leaks can never be tolerated because they lose not only easily replaced water but also
nutrients!
Read the detailed Operating Instructions carefully for much more information
AUTOFILL
Check nutrient solution levels on a regular basis. During germination and early seedling growth
the level will drop very little. If necessary, add a small amount of water to return the level to the
fill line. If growing seedlings for transplant Autofill won’t be necessary. If growing a full crop in
the Garden, however, one month after planting you may be adding water daily. Once crops are
producing e.g. large tomato plants you may be adding significant quantities of water twice daily
(depending on temperatures and sunlight intensity). Large plants transpire lots of water to keep
cool especially on hot, sunny days, making automatic watering a must.
There are 7 parts to
AutoFill
:
1. No-leak hose bib, the closer to the Garden the better (customer provides)
Summary of Contents for My Garden
Page 21: ...21 ...
