A hydroponic garden is a way of growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich water solution instead. Hydroponic gardening has many benefits, such as saving space, water, and time, as well as producing higher yields and healthier plants. There are different types of hydroponic systems, but the basic components are the same: a water reservoir, a pump, a growing medium, a growing tray, and a light source. Here are some steps to set up a simple hydroponic garden at home:
1. Choose a suitable location for your hydroponic garden. It should be a flat, stable, and well-ventilated area with access to electricity and water. You can use a table, a shelf, or a stand to support your system. Make sure the location is not too hot or cold, and has enough space for your plants to grow.
2. Select a water reservoir for your system. This is where you will store the water and nutrient solution that will feed your plants. You can use a plastic tote bin, a bucket, a tub, or any other container that can hold water. The size of the reservoir depends on how many plants you want to grow and how often you want to change the water. A general rule is to have at least 2 gallons of water per plant.
3. Choose a hydroponic system for your garden. There are different types of hydroponic systems, such as wick, water culture, ebb and flow, nutrient film technique, and aeroponic. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some are easier to build than others. For beginners, a wick system or a water culture system are good options, as they are simple and inexpensive to make. You can find free plans for hydroponic setups online³ or buy a ready-made kit from a hydroponic store or online.
4. Gather the materials and tools you need for your system. Depending on the type of system you choose, you will need different materials and tools. Some common items are:
- A pump to circulate the water and nutrient solution. You can use a submersible fountain pump, an air pump, or a water pump. The pump should be powerful enough to deliver the water to the plants, but not too strong to damage the roots or splash the water out of the system.
- A growing medium to support the plants and their roots. You can use perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, clay pebbles, rockwool, or any other inert material that can retain water and air. Avoid using soil, as it can clog the system and introduce pests and diseases.
- A growing tray to hold the plants and the growing medium. You can use a plastic tray, a wooden box, a PVC pipe, or any other container that has holes or slits for drainage. The tray should fit on top of the reservoir or be suspended above it.
- Net pots or cups to hold the plants and the growing medium. You can use plastic or mesh pots or cups that have holes or slits for drainage. The pots or cups should fit snugly in the holes or slits of the growing tray.
- A light source to provide the plants with the energy they need for photosynthesis. You can use natural sunlight, fluorescent lights, LED lights, or any other artificial light that is suitable for plant growth. The light should be close enough to the plants to provide enough intensity, but not too close to burn them. You can use a timer to control the light cycle, depending on the type of plants you are growing.
- A nutrient solution to feed the plants with the essential minerals they need for growth. You can buy a ready-made hydroponic fertilizer like BudJuive from this store.
- A drill or a screwdriver to make holes or slits in the reservoir, the tray, and the pots or cups. You will also need some tubing, fittings, valves, and clamps to connect the pump, the reservoir, and the tray. You may also need some scissors, a knife, a ruler, a marker, and a tape measure to cut and mark the materials.
5. Build your hydroponic system according to the plan or the instructions. You can find detailed steps and diagrams for different types of hydroponic systems online¹²⁴⁵. Here are some general steps to follow:
- Drill or cut holes or slits in the reservoir, the tray, and the pots or cups, according to the size and the layout of your system. Make sure the holes or slits are big enough for the tubing, the fittings, and the pots or cups to fit through, but not too big to cause leaks or gaps.
- Connect the pump to the reservoir with a tubing and a fitting. Make sure the pump is submerged in the water and secured to the bottom or the side of the reservoir. You can use a clamp or a zip tie to hold the pump in place. If you are using an air pump, you will also need an air stone and an air tubing to create bubbles in the water.
- Connect the pump to the tray with another tubing and a fitting. Depending on the type of system you are using, you may need to install a spray manifold, a drip ring, a flood and drain valve, or a nutrient film technique channel to deliver the water to the plants. Make sure the tubing is long enough to reach the tray, but not too long to cause pressure loss or kinks. You can use clamps or zip ties to secure the tubing to the reservoir and the tray.
- Fill the reservoir with water and nutrient solution, following the instructions on the label or the recipe. Turn on the pump and check for leaks or clogs in the system. Adjust the flow rate and the pressure of the pump if needed. You can use a valve or a clamp to control the water flow. If you are using a timer, set it to the desired cycle for your system.
- Fill the pots or cups with growing medium, leaving some space at the top for the plants. Moisten the growing medium with water or nutrient solution before planting the seeds or seedlings. You can use a spoon or a tweezers to place the seeds or seedlings in the center of the pots or cups. Make sure the roots are in contact with the growing medium, but not exposed to the air or the water.
- Place the pots or cups in the holes or slits of the tray, making sure they are stable and secure. You can use some foam, rubber, or plastic pieces to fill any gaps or spaces between the pots or cups and the tray. This will prevent light from reaching the water and causing algae growth.
- Place the light source above the tray, at a suitable distance and angle for your plants. You can use a stand, a hook, or a chain to hang or support the light. Plug the light into an outlet or a timer, and turn it on. You can use a light meter or a lux meter to measure the light intensity, and adjust it if needed.
6. Maintain your hydroponic garden regularly. You will need to check the water level, the pH level, the nutrient concentration, and the temperature of the reservoir every few days, and add more water or nutrient solution if needed. You will also need to change the water and nutrient solution every two to four weeks, depending on the type and the size of your system. You can use a siphon or a hose to drain the old water and nutrient solution, and clean the reservoir, the pump, the tubing, and the fittings with water and vinegar or bleach. You will also need to prune, harvest, and replant your plants as they grow. You can use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut the stems or the leaves of your plants, and compost or dispose of the waste. You can also use a magnifying glass or a microscope to check for pests or diseases on your plants, and treat them with organic or chemical solutions if needed.
(1) Free Plans For Hydroponic Setups - Backyard Garden Lover. https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/hydroponic-setups/.
(2) 5 Ways to Start Hydroponic Gardening - The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/beginners-guide-to-hydroponics-1939215.
(3) How to Build a Hydroponic Garden - Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/projects/how-to-build-a-hydroponic-garden/.
(4) How to Build a Hydroponic Garden - The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/building-a-hydroponic-garden-5086086.
(5) How to Start a Homemade Hydroponic Garden: 15 Steps - wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Homemade-Hydroponic-Garden.
