The gardening landscape is continuously changing as technology advances and many gardeners have embraced indoor gardening methods such as hydroponics gardening. It involves growing of plants in a hydroponic system using nutrient-rich solution and growing medium instead of using soil.
Hydroponic gardening is more productive compared to other traditional farming methods and one is able to enjoy full-year supply of fresh and organic vegetables in-and-out of the season. Today, there are commercial hydroponic systems for sale on the market.
But what do you do if you are on a tight budget and you want to start hydroponic gardening?
The answer is simple. You can build a simple functional hydroponic system at the comfort of your home. This article will provide a step by step guide on how to make your own homemade hydroponic system.
How to Build a Functional Hydroponic System; DIY Hydroponic Systems
Step 1; Decide the Type of Hydroponic System That You Want To Build
There are 6 types of hydroponic systems. Each functions using different techniques and they require different components and level of expertise in order to function. As a beginner, it’s advisable to go for a system that is cheap to construct and which does not require high level of expertise to operate.
For our illustration, we have chosen Deep Water Culture hydroponic system. This system is not expensive to build since it requires fewer and easily available materials.
Step 2; Assess the Materials and Tools Required
A deep water culture hydroponic system functions by suspending the plant roots in a reservoir filled with nutrients. An external air pump is also used to oxygenate the nutrient solution. Therefore, for DIY homemade hydroponic system, you will require;
- Nutrient basket/tank reservoir
- Air line/tube
- Air Pump
- PH testing kit
- Garden Hose
- Styrofoam
- Net pots
- Tape measure
- Sharp knife/power drill
- Pack of 40 BLACK Flexible Net Pots / Net Cups / Mesh Pots; Two sizes of 20 each.
- 2 Size, Perfectly fits in 3 inch and 2 inch holes growers; 2 inch size ( Wide 2.24” – Tall 2” ) 3 inch size ( Wide 3.14” – Tall 2.55” )
- Slotted Design: these net cups have holes in the bottom, which produce healthy roots with even drainage, Grow bigger, healthier plants with less work.
- Net cups suit for hydroponics or soil base, Easy to clean and corrosion resistant, used to fixed vegetable seedlings, protect vegetable seedling root.
- Good Quality: Made of quality plastic that offer durable use without crumbling.
Last update on 2023-01-09 at 09:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 3; Choose Your Preferred Basket/Tank Reservoir
Although we are building a low-cost hydroponic system, it’s important to ensure that the reservoir that you have picked is leak-proof. A fish tank or lightproof bucket can serve the purpose. If you reservoir is not light-proof, make sure you have painted it to avoid growth of algae when you start growing your plants.
Use a rectangular or a cube reservoir for ease of operations. At this point, you can decide to take a tape measure, spray paint and label the tank vertically from the top to the bottom. This will help you easily monitor the nutrient levels from time to time when you start using the system.
Related; Best Grow Tent Kits for Indoor Hydroponic System
Step 4; Take Measurements of Your Reservoir and Cut Styrofoam Accordingly
This step involves determining the exact length and width of our reservoir tank. It’s thorough this measurements that we shall be able to determine the size of Styrofoam that we shall cut.
For instance, if your tank measures 30” in length and 20” in width, you are required to cut your Styrofoam by ¼” less on either sides. A 30” by 20” tank will have a Styrofoam measuring 29 ¾” by 19 ¾” inches.
The Styrofoam will fit nicely while creating enough space to move up and down when the water solution levels changes.
Step 5; Make Some Holes on the Styrofoam for the Net Pots
Once you have cut your Styrofoam in the right measurements, the next step is to create holes for the net pots. Here, you will have to first of all determine the number of plants that you want to grow.
The number of plants will also depend with the size of your system and the type of plants that you want to grow. Remember that plants require proper spacing so as to absorb sufficient nutrients and grow healthy.
You can start by creating trace lines that matches the bottom part of the net pots. You can create marks using a pencil or marker.
Once, you have ear-marked the sections where you want to make holes, use either a knife or other cutting material such as drill that can help you create perfect well-rounded holes.
After you are done with creating net pot holes, make another small hole on either end of your Styrofoam. This will allow the air tube to run into the reservoir.
- PACKAGE INCLUDE: You will get 4 pcs whole sponge which have 400pcs small sponges, each small Sponges size is about 25*25*25mm.You also can separate them to use.
- QUALITY MATERIAL: These sponges are made of high quality material, it is safe to use.Great equipment for Soilless cultivation,easy to use. Perfect for indoor garden Hydroponic plants and planting vegetables.
- EASY TO USE: Predrilled planting holes make seeding and plant propagation a breeze, Easier than starting in soil, Perfect for hobby and commecial growers.
- WIDE APPLICATION: The sponge can be widely used in greenhouse cultivation, vegetable planting base. Perfect for hydroponic, seed starting, cuttings, plant propagation and so on.
- 100% NEW AND HIGH-QUALITY – Our products have first-class quality, you can rest assured to buy. Your satisfaction is our priority, and making sure you get the maximum value for your money is our primary aim.
Last update on 2024-03-01 at 11:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 6; Connect the External Air Pump
The size of air pump matters. Always go for an air pump that has enough capacity to supply oxygen to your plants without any failure. Determine the capacity of your reservoir tank in gallons and this will help you in choosing the ideal air pump that match your hydroponic system.
- HIGH PRESSURE, LARGE OUTPUT – This aquarium air pump delivers large output and high pressure of compressed air. Flow rate 600GPH, pressure 0.02Mpa, powered by a 18Watt electromagnetic motor.
- GREAT HEAT DISSIPATION – The housing of this air pump for aquariums is made of aluminum alloy with enlarged surface for the best heat dissipation. (Reminder – the air pump is highly recommended to be placed at a well-ventilated location. A cooling fan will help extend the life of the pump)
- EENRGY EFFICIENT, LONG LIFE – This air compressor is with lubricant free design. The high-quality cylinder and piston are made of wear-resistant materials to ensure the low consumption of power and long life.
- ACCESSORIES – Chrome coated metal air manifold. A 6-outlet manifold is provided for this pond aerator for easy access of oxygenation to anywhere you desire. The air output of each outlet is adjustable by simply turning the adjusting knob on the outlet.
- MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS – This commercial air pump is ideal for oxygenation of aquarium, pond, hydroponics, fish farm, and seafood restaurant, also great for compost tea brewing and air assist for laser cutting.
Last update on 2023-01-09 at 09:04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 7; Connect the Air Line/Tube to the External Air Pump
Once you have selected the right air pump, it’s time now to connect it to the air line. Ensure that the air line is big enough and the air stone is attached to the free end. This will ensure that the air line is able to supply sufficient oxygen to every plant roots in the reservoir.
The air stone should either reach the bottom of the tank or be submerged so as to allow faster movement of oxygen bubbles to every corner. Most of air pumps comes with specifications of the ideal air lines that they can be used along with.
Once you have reached this stage, your inexpensive homemade deep water culture hydroponic system is complete and ready for installation.
Hurray!! You did it. Check yourself on the mirror and smile!!
It’s just that simple.
The next step is to learn how to set up the system and start enjoying fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers at your home.