How to Make a Hydroponics Growing System

Tomatoes grow great with hydroponics.

Hydroponic methods of gardening are a great way to grow your favorite vegetables or flowers indoors. These methods have been used for centuries and still provide the most efficient method for fast foliage development. Many gardeners choose a hydroponic system such as the one listed below due to its basic, inexpensive construction, and its clean operation. Although it is considered to be the most basic hydroponic system by Keith Roberto, author of "How-To-Hydroponics," this system will encourage you to never use soil again.

Things You'll Need

• 27-inch-by-12-inch-by-10-inch deck planter with sealed bottom
• 24-inch air curtain
• 3 feet of ¼-inch air tubing
• ¼-inch airline fitting
• 2500cc air pump
• 28 liters of 3/8-inch clay pebbles

Instructions

1. Lay your 24-inch air curtain lengthwise in the center of the planter. This is where air will be pumped to provide oxygen to the roots of your plants.

2. Connect the air curtain to the air tubing with the airline fitting, and position the air tubing so it runs up one of the corners of the planter. There should be about 2 feet of tubing to work with outside of the planter.

3. Connect the air tubing to the air pump. The air pump should never come in contact with water, should sit outside of the planter and should be above the water level to avoid the siphoning of your nutrient solution.

4. Fill the planter with water and run the air pump. There should be a steady and even flow of bubbles. If there is not, check your lines for kinks and plugs. Empty the water from the container once it is running properly.

5. Fill the planter with the clay pebbles, leaving a 2-inch space from the top edge of the planter.

6. Reference your nutrient solution for the correct amount to add, and pour one gallon in at a time. Once your plants are placed in the pebbles and nutrient solution you must run the air pump constantly to provide oxygen to the roots, and to prevent water log.

References

• "How-To Hydroponics"; Keith Roberto; 2007

Resources

• Hydroponics: Grow System and Grow Room Setup
• Green Coast Hydroponics: CO2 and Environmental Control