How to Make an EZ Hydro Kit

Simple hydroponics setups can be used to grow tomato plants.

Hydroponic gardening is an excellent way to grow high-quality vegetables, flowers, herbs and other plants, especially in areas with nutrient-poor soils and many garden pests. Hydroponic solutions provide nutrients for plant growth, and many garden pests are less prevalent in hydroponic setups. Many custom-made hydroponic setups can be quite expensive and complicated. However, you can easily make your own inexpensive hydroponic kit in a single afternoon from materials readily available at your local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• 5 gallon bucket
• Plastic hanging basket pot (or other pot that fits securely inside bucket)
• Permanent marker
• Drill
• 3/4-inch drill bits
• Hydroton clay potting stones
• Aquarium air pump
• Airline tubing
• Air stone
• Hydroponic nutrients
• Water
• Power supply
• Tomato or other plant

Instructions

Building the Hydroponic Kit

1. Drill holes in the bottom and lower sides of the plastic hanging basket pot. Test to be sure that the pot fits securely inside the bucket --- the lip should rest on the edge of the bucket.

2. Mark the outside of the bucket at the maximum depth of the hanging basket pot.

3. Drill holes around the bucket 2 inches above the maximum depth of the hanging basket pot --- space the holes three inches apart.

4. Fill the bucket with water to one inch below the drilled holes. Add hydroponic nutrients to the water, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Insert airline tubing through one of the drilled holes in the side of the bucket. Attach the air stone to the tubing on the inside of the bucket and submerge the air stone in the nutrient solution. Attach the other end of the airline tubing to the air pump and connect the pump to a power supply.

6. Fill the hanging basket pot two-thirds full of hydroton clay potting material. Add the tomato or other plant, spreading the roots out on top of the hydroton. Add hydroton clay potting material to fill the basket.

7. Insert the hanging basket pot into the bucket. Water the plant once per day until roots begin to protrude from the bottom of the pot.

Tips & Warnings

• Connect the pump to a timer, so it runs for a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon.

References

• Garden All Year: Do It Yourself Hydroponics
• Buy Hydroponic: Hempy Buckets - DIY Hydroponic Systems
• Hydroponics Online: Build Your Own Hydroponics Bucket Drip System
• Hydroponics Simplified: Bucket Hydroponics