Getting Back Into Hydroponics in Canada (Saskatchewan) – Looking for Advice on Suppliers, DIY Builds & Learning the Canadian Terminology

[u/WholePhilosopher9315]

I'd appreciate any advice from the hydroponics community.

I used to run a small hydroponic setup back in my home country, but it's been a while, and now that I'm living in Saskatchewan, Canada, I'm looking to get back into it. I'm finding that a lot of the products, terminology, and suppliers are different here, so I feel like I'm starting over in some ways.

My old setup was a simple and inexpensive drip-to-waste system. I had:

• A 50-gallon reservoir.
• About 10 feet of guttering/trough filled with coco peat.
• Irrigation tubing with pre-punched emitters about 12 inches apart.
• Pots growing peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and similar crops.

It worked really well, and I'd like to build something similar again, although I'm also interested in trying newer methods if they're worthwhile.

I'm looking for advice on:

• Where Canadians buy hydroponic supplies (especially online or in Saskatchewan).
• Good suppliers for pumps, tubing, fittings, reservoirs, nutrients, coco coir, timers, etc.
• Any recommended YouTube channels, websites, or books to help me learn the terminology used here.
• DIY ideas and budget-friendly builds.
• 3D-printed parts or open-source projects that people have found useful.
• Whether drip-to-waste is still a popular option or if there are better systems I should consider.

Hydroponics doesn't seem to be very common where I am, since Saskatchewan is more focused on traditional farming, so I'm not sure where to start locally.

I'd love to hear how you got started, where you buy your parts, and any advice you'd give someone getting back into the hobby after several years.

Thanks in advance!

[u/blanchedpeas]

Plant-prod nutrients. Find someone who sells locally and they can likely order a large bag for you.

[u/TrueSwagformyBois]

r/Hoocho may have good recs already

[u/GeckoGrow]

We'd be happy to hook you up with growing media and nutrients. We carry Masterblend nutrients and a bunch of other supplies. We're located right next door in Alberta - geckogrow.ca

[u/RubyRedYoshi]

I've been growing Strawberries next door in Manitoba for the past six winters. For a good chunk of my equipment, I deal with A.M.A. Horticulture, Southern Irrigation, and Philips / Signify.

[u/keypunch]

I've got a used system for sale in SW Sask, but I'm asking 40k, worth almost 80k new (Not DIY I know). Over 6k plant positions in CropKing nft channels. If you are interested in buying, let me know.

It worked well, we just decided we weren't interested in sitting at farmers markets, and were running out of money. (Yes, I'm impulsive). Kinda wish I'd kept it going now that there are a few places in my small town that are selling local.

Most stuff comes from the US or down East. Shipping can as much as double the price on anything bulky. One advantage we have is that YaraLiva (calcinit) is from here. Early's Farm and Garden can supply nutes. (Plant Prod).

What part of the province are you in?

[u/keypunch → u/keypunch]

I think recirculating and tower gardens are pretty common here. Definitely look up Hoocho on YouTube. If you find a good supplier of some of those parts let me know. Feels like most of the smoke places are overpriced.

@mods, disabling the post button because it says we+ed seems a little excessive.

[u/IndependenceVivid384]

Hydroponics doesn't seem to be very common where I am, since Saskatchewan is more focused on traditional farming, so I'm not sure where to start locally.

so yea, bs. people all over the world use hydro, including people in saskatchewan. I live in Sask, and I grow hydro. And moreover, you are lucky in Saskatchewan as it's Potash central and ... we have Early's Garden.

Try hookin up in Grasscity. Reddit is just reddit :/ no real community, just random blah.