Cheap DIY Hydroponics

Plants grow in water, rather than soil, in hydroponic gardens.

Hydroponic gardens offer homeowners with limited space and resources a way to grow plants without soil. Hydroponic gardens eliminate the need to water your plants or add fertilizer; the plants grow in water and either expanded clay or rockwool that remains submerged in water. Liquid fertilizer goes into the water. Just make sure the plants get enough light. If you plan correctly, you can make one of these gardens for around $30.

Things You'll Need

• 15-gallon plastic storage container with lid
• 8 plastic net pots
• Permanent marker
• Utility knife
• Air pump control valve
• 3 aquarium stones
• 1/8 inch thick rubber aquarium tubing
• 1-way air valve
• Aquarium air pump
• Rockwool or expanded clay
• Water
• Liquid fertilizer
• Seeds

Instructions

1. Place your plastic net pots right-side up on the underside of your container's lid. Trace around the bottom of each pot with a permanent marker. Cut out each circle with a utility knife. This gives your net pots a safe place to nest. Net pots are plastic cups made of a plastic netting grid.

2. Push an air pump control valve down onto one of the long edges of your plastic container. These valves look a little like a binder clip with up to five metal prongs sticking out of them. Make sure the three vertical prongs point upward.

3. Place the lid on your container, but don't press down. Cut a notch in the side of the lid so your air pump control valve isn't crowded. This also prevents your rubber tubing from crimping.

4. Place your three aquarium stones into your plastic container. These "bubble-makers" aerate aquarium water so fish can breathe. They'll do the same for your plants.

5. Cut three lengths of rubber tubing to lead from your aquarium stones to your control valve. Push one end of each tube onto the metal prong on an aquarium stone and the other end of each onto a vertical prong on your control valve.

6. Cut one more length of rubber tubing about 18-inches long. Push one end of this tube onto the right, horizontal prong on your control valve. Push a one-way air valve onto the other end. These valves look like little blue bulbs. Push the other end of the one-way valve onto the metal prong on your air pump.

7. Fill the plastic container with about 13 gallons of water. Add 2 tablespoons of liquid fertilizer. Snap the lid of your container into place and set the net pots in their holes. Fill each net pot with rockwool or expanded clay pellets.

8. Turn on the air pump and let the net pots soak and aerate overnight. Sprinkle two or three seeds of your choice into each net pot. Set the hydroponic system in the sunlight. You should see results in about two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the water in your system about once a month.

• Use an opaque container instead of a clear one. Otherwise, algae will grow in the water.

References

• Tree Hugger: Hydroponics
• Gardening Camp: Bucket Garden