What is the DIY process of making of hydroponics system?

Advantages of hydroponics systems

Plants have the potential to grow faster and bigger because they don’t need to work hard to get nutrients.

A hydroponics system provides the plants what it needs, so it can grow upstairs fast instead of expanding its root system downstairs.

Uses less water in hydroponic system

A hydroponic system uses less water than soil based plants.

Thus it can be said that a hydroponics system is also environment-friendly because there is a reduction in waste and pollution from soil runoff.

Can build hydroponic system in a small area

Another reason why hydroponics is highly popular these days is because it works well for growers who don’t have a backyard to plant.

Hydroponics can save a lot of space unlike in traditional soil gardening.

Home-based growers can pack their plants closer together.

Hydroponic Basics and Types of Hydroponics Systems

Hydroponic system Wick

Wick is the easiest and lowest costing hydroponic method.

The idea is that a material like felt of wicking rope is surrounded by a growing medium such as perlite.

One end of the wick material is immersed in a nutrient-rich solution, which is then wicked to the roots of the plant.

Wick is best suited for growing small, non-fruiting plants such as herbs and lettuce.

However, it won’t work for large plants that need more water.

Deep Water culturein a hydroponic system

Water culture is perhaps the most popular among home growers.

It is simple and inexpensive to build.

Also known as the reservoir method, this system has the roots of the plant suspended in a nutrient solution.

The latter is oxygenated by an aquarium air pump which prevents the roots of the plants from drowning.

Ebb and flow for a hydroponic system

The third type, ebb and flow, functions by flooding the growing area with a nutrient solution at certain intervals.

The solution then slowly drains back into the reservoir.

To ensure that the process repeats itself at specific intervals, a pump is hooked to the timer.

This allows the plants to get the right amount of nutrients at certain intervals.

This hydroponics system type is best suited for plants that are accustomed to dryness.

Hydroponic system Drip

The fourth type, drip, is also quite simple.

There’s a tank of water where vital nutrients are added, creating a nutrient reservoir.

The water is then released to the plants individually through a network of tubes.

The problem with this system is that it is notorious for clogging due to the particles from nutrients.

How to Build a DIY Hydroponic Garden

If you haven’t considered setting up a DIY Hydroponic Garden you’re really missing out.

These gardens are the wave of the future, and just about anyone can set them up.

The best part is, they can fit into just about any space, so even those in the smallest apartment can have the garden of their dreams.

I live in a climate which is very hot and dry throughout nine months of the year.

While I have a small yard, there isn’t usable soil for growing a garden.

I don’t know much about gardening, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to try.

I realize it will be a greater challenge with the hot climate.

My goal is to have a year round system to produce herbs, lettuce and other greens without needing to bring in dirt or compost.

Building a DIY hydroponic system was one of the first things I did.

Simple Bucket Hydroponic System

This is another simple hydroponic setups for beginners. All you need is a 5-gallon bucket, some growing media like coco coir or perlite-vermiculite, and nutrient mix.

The setup works by using the growing media to make a capillary action, which moves nutrients up to the plants roots.

This system is ideal for single large plants. If you want to keep things basic, you can water the system manually.

For an automated system, you will need another bucket for the reservoir, and a submersible pump, and timer.

Simple Drip System With Buckets

Another entry-level option, this is a bit more advanced than the single bucket system above. It can still be cobbled together using parts that cost less $100 in total.

The original plan calls for growing four plants in separate buckets, all fed by a common reservoir. This is a very flexible setup that can be expanded in Future.

You can change the size of the containers, and reservoir depending on the size of plants involved. You can use large 4-gallon buckets or smaller containers.

Aquarium Hydroponics Raft

This is a very cool project to get your feet wet in the world of hydroponics. It is also a great way to get your kids hooked to the field.

As the name suggests, you will need an aquarium fish tank to make this work. This system can be used to grow small beans or even a single large lettuce.

Along with the usual ingredients like nutrients, water, and plants, you will need a raft of barge fashioned out of foam. The system can be passive or active, using pumps and electricity.