Hydroponic Gardening:

How To Grow 40 Pounds of Organic Produce 50% Faster With No Soil And No Yard

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter I: What’s So Great About Hydroponics?

ChapterII: Hydroponics Necessities – Proper Preparation

Chapter III: DIY Self Contained Bucket Drip System

Chapter IV: DIY Ebb and Flow

Chapter V: DIY Vertical PVC Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Chapter VI: DIY Deep Water Culture System

Chapter VII: DIY Bottle Wick Hydroponics System

Chapter VIII: 5 DIY Gallon Bucket Hydroponic System

Chapter IX: Growing Tips and Tricks

Conclusion

Introduction

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to grow plants that are free of disease and annoying pests?

Have you ever dreamed of growing your own organic food to save money and help your family eat healthier but you don’t have a place to grow a garden?

Imagine being able to eat fresh organic homegrown fruits and vegetables all year round, despite weather conditions or where you live.

What if you could use the same techniques NASA uses to grow high quality produce from your own home that’s supported with decades of research and solid science?

Well you can.

In Hydroponic Gardening: How To Grow 40 Pounds of Organic Produce 50%Faster With No Soil or Yard, your eyes will be opened to a whole new world of gardening that blows traditional methods away. Even if you have never heard of hydroponics, you will be able to build your first system immediately after reading this book and will be well on your way to faster growing and healthier produce.

The best part of growing produce with a hydroponics system is that you will be completely in charge of the nutrients that are feeding your plants and therefore be in complete control of the quality and health of the plants you grow. The taste of your produce will improve so much that you may never want to buy produce from the grocery store again.

In Hydroponic Gardening: How To Grow 40 Pounds of Organic Produce 50% Faster With No Soil or Yard, you will learn about this history of hydroponics and the fascination that surrounds this method of gardening We will show you how to build several different types of systems in order to accommodate your personal situation.

You will also learn everything you need to know about how to grow pounds and pounds of healthy produce faster, without pesticides even if you don’t have a yard or you live in an apartment.

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you’re about to fall head over heels with hydroponic gardening!

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Chapter I: What’s So Great About Hydroponics?

What’s all the fuss over hydroponic gardening you ask? Well for starters, hydroponics is a form of gardening that allows plants to grow without the presence of soil. A common misconception in gardening is that the plants need soil in order to grow and produce fruits and vegetables. Plants need nutrients and sunlight to grow and the soil is only the carrier of these nutrients and provides stability to the plants. If you provide the plants with nutrients in other ways, you can eliminate the presence of soil and the problems that may come along with it.

Soil can actually slow a plants growth. The plants will spend much of their energy searching for nutrients in the soil through their roots. This leaves less energy for growth and production. The plants needs to focus so much on growing their roots that little time is left for them to focus on growing taller, blossoming and producing vegetables or fruit. Soil is also where diseases can develop and where pests live that may ruin your plants. Hydroponics is also a very clean way to grow plants. You won't have to dig around in soil, pulling weeds and checking on each individual plant.

Hydroponics is not a new and recently invented method of gardening. It has been around for centuries. The first published report on growing plans without soil was in 1627. It was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks and there is even documentation of it possibly being used by the Egyptians. With hundreds of years of research and experimentation behind it, hydroponics is a form of gardening that anyone can do with a little practice.

Hydroponics is used throughout the world today and is a great way for countries with a desert setting to still grow fresh produce, despite their poor soil and dry climates. This helps their local economy as well. A hydroponic system is a great alternative for people living in apartments or who have little or less than ideal yard space for a traditional soil garden. If a gardener has physical restrictions, hydroponics can be a great way to keep them growing just as many plants as they used to in a traditional garden. Hydroponics is increasing in popularity as the demand for affordable and organic produce grows.

Hydroponics also has a strong future. As the world's population and food demands increase, new technology will be needed to produce more food in less space and also in a shorter amount of time. NASA has also launched the Lunar Garden Project, in which growing plants through hydroponics will be explored in space for possible future use during missions.

Soil-less growing has several benefits. It allows crops to be grown almost anywhere in the world without considering soil health or turf. It also is a healthier way to grow since the use of chemical filled pesticides is not required. It is better for the environment since most systems recycle water. These systems also typically take up less space, meaning that you also have the option of growing more plants in the same amount of space that would be used for traditional gardening. A hydroponics system can also be built to accommodate any height that the gardener desires. If a gardener has any type of disability that has denied them from gardening, they will be able to use a hydroponics system with ease.

You also have the ability to grow produce throughout the whole year, despite weather conditions. Most consumers of hydroponics grown produce will testify that the produce tastes much better than store bought. Plants also grow at three times their normal rate in a hydroponics system. This means that you can harvest three times the amount of produce that you normally would. It can be consumed or even stored to be used when needed. This can save the average family hundreds of dollars a year, if not more, on produce.

Hydroponics does have a few negative aspects, just like any type of gardening.  But don’t let this discourage you from getting started. With advanced warning of possible issues, you will be less frustrated if and when they do happen to occur.

One important thing to remember is that your hydroponics system does require a time investment from you. Some systems require daily maintenance so if you are out of town often or have other time consuming commitments, you may be setting your plants up for an early demise. The good news is that some systems require very little maintenance and may be your best option if you are a busy gardener. Keep in mind that with a hydroponic system, all of the plants will be completely dependent on you. They have no other way of getting what they need to grow, unlike plants that are in a soil garden.

Hydroponics can also be frustrating at times. You may spend a lot of time building a system, growing plants from seeds and mixing and adding nutrient solutions only to have the plants fail. Take each mishap as a learning experience. Every gardener has reached their skill level through mistakes and this is normal and expected. As upsetting as losing a crop can be, know that the lesson learned from it will prevent the loss of a future crop.

Many people are hesitant of the initial set up costs of hydroponics. If you buy already constructed hydroponics system, the cost may cause you to hesitate. However, many systems can be made at home with items that you may already have around the house. This cuts the cost significantly. After the system is setup, the costs are relatively small. Some systems do require electricity but there are some that do not.

The biggest cost is lighting. If you can use outdoor lighting at all, this will take a chunk out of your electricity bill. There are also many high-efficiency growing lights available on the market that should save you money as well. When you compare the money that you are saving on produce to the money that you are spending on your hydroponics system, you will most likely always find that you are still saving a substantial amount of money each year.

Chapter II: Hydroponics Necessities – Proper Preparation

There is a little more to hydroponics than simply planting your vegetable and waiting to harvest your produce. There are many factors that come into play that you will need to monitor and adjust in order to have the best quality and amount of produce at the end of the growing phase.

Lighting

If you live in an area with a short growing season, growing your own produce can be frustrating. Just when the plants mature and start producing, the weather can put an end to your harvest and investment of time. Horticultural lighting has evolved so much that growing all year round is not only possible but very achievable even for a beginning gardener. Keep in mind that while plants absolutely need light to grow, they will also benefit from darkness. If you leave your lights on all day and night, don't expect faster growing produce. You can actually expect the opposite as the plants will start to suffer and possibly die.

Different lighting systems will have different effects on your plants. They will vary in wattage strength and the type of bulb. Different plants have different lightning needs as well. Investigate each option in order to find the best for your budget and needs. Sodium bulbs will work best for vegetables while halide bulbs are ideal for fruit plants.

A 250 watt bulb will work best for a smaller indoor hydroponics system and is ideal for flowers and small vegetable plants. A 400 watt bulb is required for a garden larger than one square meter. A 600 watt bulb is the most efficient and will be required for a garden larger than 2 square meters. It can be used indoors or outdoors. Choose the best combination for your hydroponics system. The heat from the bulbs will also help you to keep your garden at an ideal temperature for maximum growing results.

PH Levels

Monitoring PH levels is a necessary part of hydroponics gardening but it is often overlooked by beginning gardeners. If you are having problems with your plants, PH levels may be the issue. When a plant is not at the proper PH level, it will be unable to absorb nutrients. Different plants have different ideal PH levels that can be easily found with some research.

To check the PH levels in your hydroponics system, you can use a simple paper test strip. These are inexpensive and very simple to administer each test. Place the strip in the water and it will change color in relation to the PH level. There are also kits that can be purchased from a hydroponics supplies dealer. A small amount of the nutrient solution will be added to a PH sensitive dye. The results will let you know the current PH level in your nutrient solution.

Adjusting the PH levels is fairly simple to do and will get easier with practice. The easiest and most common way is to add a chemical to adjust the levels. Phosphoric acid will lower the PH levels and potassium hydroxide will raise the levels. Many other chemicals are available but some are more difficult to use than others. There is a bit of a learning curve when adjusting PH levels so always add chemicals slowly and carefully to avoid killing the plants. When first learning about PH levels, check them every day until you become familiar with the changes that can occur. The weather, the type and age of the plants and the type of container that your hydroponics system is situated in can all affect PH levels.

Nutrients

Plants typically retrieve nutrients from the soil. Without soil present in a hydroponics systems, you will need to provide the nutrients for the plants through the water. Different plants require different nutrients and in varying amounts. Nutrients can be purchased online or at a store specializing in hydroponics materials. You can then make your own blends at home depending on the state and type of plants that you are growing. Here is a list of the most common nutrients and what they do for your plants.

Nitrogen: Builds plant cells and is necessary for the production of leaves.

Phosphorus: Required for the development and growing strength of roots.

Potassium: Used during photosynthesis and cannot produce without it.

Sulfur: Increases the effectiveness of phosphorus and helps to produce energy.

Iron: Helps the plant produce chlorophyll.

Manganese: Allows the plant to absorb nitrogen.

Zinc: Required for energy transfer throughout the plant.

Copper: Aids in the production of chlorophyll.

Magnesium: Distributes phosphorus throughout the plant.

Calcium: Helps the roots of the plant to grow efficiently.

Chlorine: Photosynthesis cannot happen without this nutrient.

Growing Mediums

Growing mediums are simply materials that will add support to the plant's roots and stems. They will not help the plant grow at all but will keep the plant strong and stable. Almost any material that will not decay or break down can be used as a growing medium but some are better than others depending on what you are growing and what type of hydroponics system that you are using.

Rockwool: This is one of the most common growing mediums. It is sterile and porous and composed of mainly granite and limestone that has been heated and melted. It is then spun into small threads. Rockwool absorbs water very easily so don't allow it to become saturated or your plants could become root rotted. Be sure to balance the PH of Rockwool before using it by soaking it in PH balanced water before planting.

Grow Rock: This is a type of clay that has a porous texture created through its manufacturing process. It will provide enough strength for your plants but will still remain light enough to easily move growing buckets as needed. Growing rocks are sterile and hold moisture very well.  They are also reusable so you can use the product over and over with different plants. It is time consuming to clean and sterilize them between uses but is worth the work when you consider the financial savings.

Coco Fiber: This medium is made from the outer husk of coconuts. It is organic so it will decompose, but slowly. It is also PH neutral and holds moisture in a way that feeds the plants but also allows for aeration. It is available in different sizes that can be mixed to allow air pockets but still provide the necessary stability.

Perlite: This is one of the most common growing mediums because of its light weight and absorbent abilities. It may need to be mixed with another growing medium if you are having an issue with it floating within your hydroponics system. Take caution when working with perlite. The dust can be hazardous if it gets into your eyes. Wet it down before using it to avoid it from becoming airborne.

Vermiculite: Like perlite, this growing medium can expand when exposed to very high heat. It differs though slightly because of its ability to hold on to nutrients for the plants to use later. There are several varieties of vermiculite so be sure to purchase one that has been manufactured for horticulture use.

Oasis Cubes: Similar to Rockwool but this growing medium is more rigid. It can absorb water and air easily because of its open cell make-up. They won't become waterlogged easily. They are typically used as starter cubes when first growing a hydroponic plant.

Floral Foam:This growing medium is often overlooked but offers some great benefits. It is easily found and affordable. It can provide stability but can crumble if it becomes waterlogged. Make sure to use it in a system where it will not be in constant contact with the nutrient solution to avoid pieces floating in your system.

River Rock: This growing medium is easily found in craft and hardware stores. It is inexpensive and can even be found on your property if you live in an area where it is naturally present. Rocks are not porous and will not hold onto the moisture but they will allow the roots to get plenty of oxygen and will provide the plants with stability. It drains very easily and is often used as a bottom layer in a growing container so that the other growing medium will not become overly saturated.

Pine Shavings: Pine shavings are another inexpensive option. Make sure that your shavings do not contain any chemical fungicides and is made from kiln dried wood. Look for an organic brand. The shavings will absorb water easily but will not drain as well so keep an eye out for waterlogged clumps.

Water Absorbing Crystals: These crystals are the same material that you would find in a diaper. This means that they absorb very quickly and easily. The crystals are available in different sizes and are even reusable. They work best when mixed with another growing medium since they will become compact and air pockets will not be present for the roots to reach oxygen.

Growing From Seed

Some gardeners enjoy the convenience of buying plants that have already been started by a nursery. This can be a great time saver and will guarantee your plants a much stronger chance of growing and producing. However, if the growing season is over for the year you may not be able to find plants. The cost can also add up over time. With hydroponics, you have the option of starting plants from seed, just as you would in traditional soil gardening. Since you will not be growing in soil though the process is a little different.

Germination is the process in which a plant grows from a seed. It requires several factors, including water, a maintained temperature, oxygen and light. Each different type of seed will need a different combination of these factors in order to germinate.

Seeds will need water in order for the outer layer of the seed to loosen so that it can break open. Use water that is free of chlorine and chemicals. Do not submerge the seeds, since they will need oxygen. Even if a seed is submerged in soil, there are still air pockets available to it. Temperature  is important during germination. Most seeds will need to be kept at a temperature between 60 and 75 degrees. Use a heater if needed to raise the heat. A seed may still germinate if it is a little warm but it will never germinate if it is too cold. Lighting is not as important since most seeds are not affected by the lighting conditions. However, certain seeds will not germinate until they know that there is a reliable light source available.

When growing seeds for hydroponics, you will need several small containers. You can buy a seed dome or use an egg carton. If using an egg carton, place some Rockwool in the bottom. Fill up the bottom of each separate growing box with a little water.  Then place a starting cube in each spot. Place two seeds in each starting cube with the goal of having at least one germinate. Not every seed will and this is normal no matter the conditions that you provide. If they both happen to germinate, it is best to get rid of the smaller sprout and let the larger one have more room to grow stronger.

With time, you should see the seed break open and a plant will begin to grow. Monitor heat closely during this time. If you would like, you can start adding some of your nutrient solution to the seedlings. But do so sparingly and if you start to see any browning of the plant, stop immediately and use regular water instead. Grow the plants until they are at an ideal size for transplant, usually about four inches tall.

To prepare the plant for transfer, very carefully remove the sprout from the starting cube. Gently run water over the sprout until most of the dirt has been removed. You will want to remove all of the dirt but do so very delicately so that you don't damage the roots at all.  The plants are then ready to be placed in their new growing medium.

Make a note that some systems and pots will allow the sprout to be placed into its new hydroponics home still contained in the growing starter. This is more of a personal decision by the gardener.

Over the next several chapters, you will learn some DIY  hydroponic systems that you can get started with right away.

Chapter III: DIY Self Contained Bucket Drip System

A drip system separates the plants from the nutrient solution and is probably the most popular type of hydroponics system. A pump then pushes the solution through tubes that will deliver the plant its required nutrients. You can have a separate tube for each plant, which will allow you to grow a wide variety of plants in the same system.

You will need a growing medium such as clay pellets that will drain quickly and not retain as much water, avoiding root rot. This system will recycle the nutrient filled water that is not immediately used by the plants.  This method is extremely cost effective since it recycles the water and nutrients but it may be difficult to balance the PH levels for a beginner.

How To Build

Materials:

5 gallon Bucket with lid

Electric or cordless drill with a 5" and 2" whole saw bit

Submersible pump with 3 foot of lift

1 gallon of Nutrient Solution of your choice

2' of 1/2" and 1/4" vinyl tubing

Drip reducer 1/2" barbed connector to 1/8" drip feed.

Irrigation stake

5" net pot

1 seedling prepared for system (preferably in a 5" net pot) with clay pellets

clay pellets

Instructions:

1. Using the 5" hole saw - Place the lid on the bucket and drill a 5" hole in the center of the bucket lid

2. Set your 5" net pot into the whole to insure it fits properly

3. Drill a 2" whole to the side of the 5" whole to feed the tubing from the pump.

4. Drill a 2" whole in the side of the bucket approximately 2" from the top of the bucket.

5. Make sure to clean out bucket thoroughly before moving to next step

6. Take your submersible pump and run the power cord through the 2" hole you just drilled in the side of the bucket and place the pump in the bottom of the bucket.

7. Attach the 1/2" tubing to the outlet of the submersible pump

8. Slip the other end of the 1/2" tubing through the 2" hole in the lid and secure the lid to the bucket.

9. Attach the drip feeder reducer to the end of the 1/2" tubing and push the tubing back down into the bucket so that the reducer sits on the top of the bucket

10. . Fill the bucket with approximately 3 gallons of water and plug in pump to check that water is flowing and your connections are tight.

11. Now add the correct amount of nutrient as per manufactures instructions on the bottle. Example: 3 gallons of water to 1.5 oz. of nutrient.

12. Place your 5" net pot with seedling into 5 " hole in top of bucket.

13. Cut a 2-3" piece of 1/4" tubing and place on outlet of reducer,  place your irrigation stake in the net pot to support the tube.

14. Turn on pump and check your flow of nutrient solution from the pump to the plant.

15. Change the position of the stake so that the solution flows directly into the net pot.

16. Change the nutrient solution every 3-4 weeks.

17. This simple technique can be used to supply nutrients to multiple plants at a time. This is just a basic beginners system.

Chapter IV: DIY Ebb and Flow

This system is also known as the flood and drain system. It uses a container system and it will require a supportive medium. The roots will be periodically flooded in a tray with the nutrient solution of your choice. The water will be stored in a reservoir chamber once it has been drained after a cycle. A pump will be doing the work for you. A bubbler is not required in this system because the roots are being aerated in between watering cycles.

The ebb and flow system is great for the environmentally conscious gardener. It uses little water since it is recycled in between watering sessions. It does depend on electricity though because of the pump so if you have an outage or issue with the power you will need to deliver the nutrient solution manually

How To Build

Most of these items can be purchased at Lowes or Home Depot

Materials:

1 1/4" in hole saw with drill

1-27 gallon plastic black storage bin with lid

1-large concrete plastic mixing tray

6-1 gallon standard nursery pots

6-5" net pots

2' - of 3/4" tubing

1- 3/4" fill and drain kit

1-396 gallon submersible pump

2 bags of clay pebbles to fill net pots

1- standard 24 hr wall outlet timer

*Make sure the base of your storage bin is a dark color that will keep out light

.

Instructions:

1. Start out by placing the 5" net pots into the 1 gallon nursery pots.

2. Next prepared the submersible pump by taking the 3/4" fitting that was supplied with it and screw into outlet of pump until it is snug.

3. Prepare your fill and drain fittings by removing the blue screen cap and the riser from the 3/4" (fill) fitting. Now install the blue screen cap directly onto the drain fitting. This will allow the water to drain out of the bin completely upon shut down.

4. With the 1-1/4" hole saw and your concrete mixing tray. Turn the concrete mixing tray upside down. Now place the lid from the tote on top of the mixing tray facing up. Make sure that tote lid is centered on the mixing pan.

5. Now drill two holes one each approximately 8" from each side and down the center line of the tote lid.

6. *You will also need to drill a 1-1/4" hole in the corner of the tote lid to allow the plug of the pump to pass through.

7. After the holes are drilled you will need to install the fill and drain fittings into the cement pan.

8. First place the rubber rings down onto the fittings and insert the fittings down through the cement pan now place the second rubber ring and secure the fittings using the nuts supplied.

9. Install the 3/4" tubing from the outlet of the pump onto the

10. Now place the pump into the bottom of the tote and run the hose out the hole that you will be using for your fill fitting and connect to the fill fitting.

11. Also run the power cord out the additional hole that you drilled in the corner of the storage bin lid.

12. Now place the cement mixing pan down on the storage bin lid so that the drain fitting fits through the drain hole and into the bin.

13. Place the nursery pots with the 5" net pots filled with your growing medium evenly spaced into the cement mixing pan.

14. Fill the storage bin with 3-5 gallons of water (depending on bin size) and the correct amount of nutrient needed for the amount of water used. See manufactures instructions on bottle.

15. Set your wall timer to come on 4 times per day to flood the tray for 30 minutes each time.

16. Turn on the pump and adjust water flow as needed to flood the tray to the proper level.

Chapter V: DIY Vertical PVC Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

This variation of hydroponics system is fairly standard. The roots of the plants are suspended in channels. Nutrient solution is flowed continuously over the roots but because it is constantly moving, the roots will not become water logged and suffer from root rot. This is one of the most cost effective methods of hydroponics because you can grow several different varieties of plants without having to completely change the system in between harvests. 

This system does not require a growing medium. The plants are placed in plastic baskets which will provide them with support. This system will require a pump. When using this system, you can start plants from seed or buy plants. The ideal size for transfer is 4-6 inches tall.

How To Build

Materials:

Drill with 2" and 3/4" hole saw

2- 1" x 8" x 8' wood planks

8- 1-3/4" wood screws

1- 10' long 2" radius PVC Pipe

6- 2" radius 90 degree PVC slip elbows

3- 2" radius x 3" long couplings

2-2" radius PVC caps

1- submersible pump

15- 2" net cup pots

1- bag of grow media

1 dark plastic tub with lid

10' - 3/4" plastic tubing

Instructions:

1. First cut 2 lengths of the of the 1" x 8" wooden planks at 49" each

2. Cut  2 lengths of the 1" x 8" wooden planks at 26 1/2" each

3. Drill 4- 2" holes on each of the 49" sidewall panels spaced at 5" centers. Make them identical on each of the 49" planks.

4. Attach the 2 - 49" cuts with the 2- 26 1/2" cuts using the wood screws on each end.

5. Cut the 10' of 2" pvc pipe into 4- 2' 6" sections

6. Measuring from the right side mark 4 holes at 5" centers  in the 4- 2' 6" sections of 2" of PVC

7. Using the 2' hole saw drill the holes at each of your marks.

8. Clean out the PVC thoroughly

9. Slide the first three sections of 2" PVC pipe through the holes on each side

10. Join the PVC pipe by using 2- 2" PVC slip elbows and one of the 3" couplings

11. Drill a 3/4' hole in the center of the cap on the top PVC run to accept the 3/4" tubing from the pump.

12. Place cap on top 2" pvc section 

13. On the bottom section of the 2" PVC drill a 3/4" hole on the opposite side of your 2" holes (bottom of PVC) to drain back into tub.

14. Insert the last 2" PVC sections and connect with the u fittings we made earlier.

15. Install cap on end of last PVC run

16. Adjust all of the 2" PVC sections so that the holes are facing up. these will hold your plants.

17. Make sure that all of your connections are tight

18. Drill a 3/4" hole 3" from the top in one of the corners of your reservoir tub

19. Next connect the 3/4" tubing to the submersible pump and insert the opposite end into the hole in the cap of the top 2" PVC run. Secure with silicone if needed.

20. Fill the 2" net pots with clay pebbles and your starter plants and insert them into the 2" holes you drilled into the PVC.

21. Add the required amount of water and nutrients needed for your size system.

22. Turn pump on and check water flow. It should be flowing from top to bottom and draining into the reservoir through the hole in the bottom of the last 2" PVC.

23. Adjust the water flow to 18-30 gallons per hour.

24. Drain the system and refill with water and nutrients every 7-10 days. 

Chapter VI: DIY Deep Water Culture System

This hydroponics system is very basic. Because of this, it is very popular among home gardeners. This system is great at growing lettuce very quickly. If you are just beginning to explore hydroponics, this may be the best system to start with.

Use a large container shaped like a box, such as a plastic storage bin. Keep in mind that if the box is clear, light will be able to penetrate through the box and can encourage the growth of algae. Avoid this by purchasing a tote container that is dark to keep the light out. The plants are planted into net pots. They are placed into holes that have been cut directly into the container's top. They will then float over the liquid solution. An air pump will be necessary in order to provide oxygen and keep the air circulating within the container.

How To Build

Materials:

Drill with 3" hole saw

1 - Medium dark colored plastic tote with lid

8- 3" net pots

Air Pump with 3' of air line And bubbler stones 

Hydroton grow rocks

Nutrient Solution

Instructions:

Evenly space out the net pots on the lid of the tote.

1. Mark the location of the net pots using a marker

2. Drill out the holes using your 3" hole saw and drill

3. Clean out bin thoroughly

4. Place net pots into the holes you just drilled in lid

5. Drill 1/4" hole in lid to allow air hose to pass through to bubble stones

6. Push bubbler hose through hole and into bin and connect to bubbler stone

7. Lay bubbler stone on bottom of tote

8. Replace lid with net pots onto bin

9. Secure opposite side of bubbler hose to the air pump

10. Fill the bin with the proper amount of nutrient solution and water.

11. The solution should just touch the bottom of the net cups

12. Turn air pump on and check to see that it is working properly

13. Fill net pots with Hydroton grow rocks and your plants

14. Nutrient solution should be changed out every 14-21 days or sooner if you notice the water is murky.

Chapter VII: Bottle Wick Hydroponics System

This hydroponics system is the most simple out of your options. It does not have any moving parts. It can be easily set up by a beginner and can be a great way to involve the whole family, including children, in learning about hydroponics. This system is similar to the ebb and flow system except that the bottles are connected with an absorbent wick rather than tubing. The solution is pulled up by the wick by as the growth medium becomes dry. This eliminates the need to manually lift and lower the nutrient bucket. Since this system does not require electricity, it is a great option is you are growing in an area where electricity is unavailable or unreliable.

How To Build

Materials:

1- 64 once soda bottle

Growing seeds of your choice

A wick-can be purchased at a hydroponics store or can be made of a household material, like an old t-shirt that has been cut into strips and braided or a strip of felt.

Rubber bands

Fine mesh or panty hose

Perlite, Rockwool, coconut fiber or another type of grow medium of your choice

Nutrient solution

Instructions:

Cut the top of the 64 oz soda bottle off about 4" down from the bottle opening.

1. The top portion is the growing area and the bottom is the reservoir

2. Take the spout of the top of the bottle and cover with the panty hose or fine mesh and attach with rubber band

3. Poke a tiny hole in the panty hose or mesh and insert 6" of the material into the growing area.

4. Now fill growing area with the Perlite soaked in water

5. Sprinkle seeds into growing area and cover with Perlite

6. Fill your reservoir (bottom of bottle) with your growing solution

7. Now insert the wick down into the growing solution and slide the growing area down into the reservoir area.

8. Add nutrient solution as needed.

Chapter VIII: 5 Gallon Bucket Hydroponic System

This is the most advanced hydroponics system and should be reserved for experts in the field in order to prevent frustration. The system uses a high powered pump. This pump will mix the oxygen with the liquid nutrient solution and then spray the roots of the plants with a light mist. The mister will need to be checked often to make sure that there are no clogs or any other type of malfunction. The system will require a timer that will start and stop the pump and mister. The consistent delivery of nutrients will allow the plants in an hydroponics system to grow extremely fast. However, if a problem does occur the plants will decline much faster than they would in another system  as well.

How To Build

Materials:

3" hole saw and drill

5 gallon food grade bucket with a lid

317 gallon submersible pump with 1/2" threaded outlet

1-360 degree 1/2" plastic threaded sprinkler head

1- 1/2" x 12" threaded poly riser

7- 3" net pots with foam lids

1- 24 hr timer with 30 minute increments

Nutrient solution

Instructions:

1. Evenly space out your 3" net pots on the lid of the 5 gallon bucket.

2. Mark pots with a marker and drill out 3" holes to fit pots

3. Clean out bucket if necessary

4. Screw the 12" threaded riser into the submersible pump

5. Now screw the sprinkler head to the threaded riser

6. Place the submersible pump into the bottom of the bucket with the sprinkler assembly.

7. Run the plug up through the center 3" net pot and foam lid

8. Fill the bucket with approximately 2.0 gallons of water and nutrient solution

9. Insert all net cups and foam lids

10. Set timer for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off

11. Plug timer in and check spray. Adjust if needed.

12. Add your seedlings and watch them grow in no time at all.

Chapter IX: Growing Tips and Tricks

What Type of Plants to Grow

So what types of plants can you grow in one of the hydroponics systems? You are only limited by your space. You can grow vertically as well if you are a little tight on space. Some gardeners will have more difficulty with some plants compared to others but after some trial and error, hydroponics can provide you with a large variety of plants. Here are some tips on some common plant varieties that you can grow with your hydroponics system.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the most commonly grown vegetables in soil gardens and also hydroponics. They have great health benefits and you can save quite a bit as prices rise during the off season. Because tomato plants are a flowering plant, they require pollination for the best produce and growth. If possible, grow tomatoes through hydroponics outside. They should receive at least six hours of light a day. If you are unable to grow outside due to weather conditions, you can pollinate the plants yourself. Simply shake the plants every few days once they start producing flowers. This is a common practice among commercial growers.

Lettuce

You can grow lettuce very quickly in a hydroponics system. Lettuce can be great for digestion and is a great way to eat healthy and light. Lettuce is a great starting vegetable for the new hydroponic gardener. Because lettuce is heavily concentrated with water, it should be grown in a system that allows the roots to be continuously exposed to nutrient solution. The water culture system is a great option.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a great food to eat raw or as a substitute for heavy carbohydrate foods, such as mashed potatoes. Cauliflower can be boiled and mashed or served in a casserole or soup. Cauliflower does not need much water to grow and is susceptible to root rot. This vegetable will do best in a drip system. It should get about sixteen hours of light a day, which can be difficult if growing indoors. Make sure that you have the proper lighting system available if you want to grow cauliflower.

Strawberries

Strawberries can be difficult to grow in a soil garden because they are so close to the ground and can be attacked by pests. It is possible to grow strawberries in a hydroponics system but it does require a few extra steps. You will need to recreate the different seasons for the strawberries to know when to grow. Cut the runners from a mature plant and raise the saplings. Keep these cuttings in the perlite to keep the root area humid. Wait for the roots to appear and then dip them in a microbial mixture. Enclose the plant in a plastic cover and refrigerate it for at least four months. This will simulate the winter conditions and will let the strawberries go through their natural cycle.

Keep the saplings in the hydroponic system in a way that the roots sling into the solution. The PH level should be between 5.8 and 6.2. Once the flowers blossom, brush with a cotton swab to spread the pollen to the stamens and pistils. Wait patiently and harvest the strawberries when they are ready. While this process is involved, it can provide you with fresh strawberries any time of the year.

Herbs

Herbs are often an overlooked plant to grow in hydroponics. They thrive in this growing environment though and it is a great way to incorporate fresh herbs into your daily cooking. Herbs are best grown indoors since they require high temperatures and a lot of light. If the herbs begin to get too tall for your available space, pinch off the tops. The drip system is ideal for growing herbs and you will be able to grow several different varieties at the same time.

Solutions to Hydroponic Issues

If you are having difficulties with your hydroponics system here is a list of possible problem sand solutions.

Blossoming Plants are Losing Their Flowers

If your plants started flowering and are now dropping their blossoms, the most likely cause is a lack of energy from the plant. This can be corrected by adding phosphorus to the nutrient solution. Make sure that the plants are getting the correct number of day and night hours and that the temperature is being correctly monitored throughout the day.

Tomatoes Growing Incorrectly

If your tomatoes are growing but they have rough skin or a concerning shape, you can usually blame the temperature that you are growing your plants at. Colder temperature s can make your tomatoes toughen and develop a thick and bumpy skin. If the temperature are changing drastically between day and nighttime lighting, this deformity can be common.

Wilted and Sagging Lettuce

This is a simple problem to fix. Lettuce needs to grow at a cooler temperature. If the temperature is too warm, the lettuce will absolutely wilt. Keep the lettuce well lit when it is first growing and then keep the temperature cooler.

Root Rot

This is a very frustrating problem for any garden, whether they use hydroponics or a traditional soil garden. This is a fungus disease that occurs when the roots are too wet for too long. Plants will eventually become too sick and will not recover if this problem is not addressed immediately. If this happens in your hydroponics system, you are probably watering the roots too much . Remember that each type of plant is different and should be watered accordingly.  Apply an all-purpose fungicide and move the plant to a drier location, avoiding humidity. If done early enough, the plant will recover and be able to produce normally.

Leaves That are Weak

If you start to notice that the leaves on your plants are drooping, this can be an indication of dehydration in the plant. If you system is automatic, check to make sure that all parts are working correctly and that none of the tubing is clogged. If everything is in working order, test the nutrient solution. It may be too highly concentrated for the specif plant. To correct this issue, remove the nutrient solution and flush the plants with only water. Use plain water for seven days. You can then add a new nutrient solution and continue watering as normal. You should see changes in the condition of the leaves very quickly.

Presence of Insects

When growing indoors, insects are not usually a problem. But if you do start to have some issues with your plants and pests, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of them and prevent their return.  Make sure that all containers are kept clean. Leaves that have fallen off of plants and left in containers are an invitation for pests. If you do find bugs in a plant, separate it form the others to avoid spreading. Many hydroponics gardeners prefer not using chemical insecticides but if the problem continues they may be forced to or they will lose their entire crop. There are organic variations of these sprays. If using a chemical insecticide, always check the directions and see how long to wait before spraying and harvesting.

Tip Burn

If you notice that the tips of your plants and leaves are starting to brown, this is a clear indicator that the plants are being overfed. Flush out your growing medium and only use plain water for several days to give the plants a break. You should see a fast improvement.

Extra Growing Tips

-Lower the air temperature 10-15 degrees at night.

-Flush plants every three with with water that is made of ¼ strength nutrients and an enzyme such as Cannazy, Senizym or Hygrozyme.

-First watering should be in the morning when you first turn on the lights.

-Change the nutrient solution about once a week.

-Store all the nutrients in a dark and cool place, such as a pantry or closet.

-If you water temperature is below 63 degrees, consider using a heater to raise it to a more ideal number. It should not rise above 76 degrees.

-Spray your plants an hour before lighting if possible. This spray water should be lukewarm..

-Last watering should occur an hour before the lights are turned off for the night.

-Above all, have fun with your hydroponics system and growing your own fresh produce.

Conclusion

So many gardeners feel that they are limited by their garden space and environment. They may have a shortened growing season due to cold weather. Their soil may not be ideal for providing nutrients to plants. They are faced with so many obstacles that gardening quickly becomes more of a chore rather than an enjoyable hobby that can produce a family with healthy and organic produce that can benefit their health and save them money.

But with hydroponic gardening, one can grow healthy produce all year round without worrying about plant damaging storms or early freezes. They can grow inside which is especially helpful if you lack ideal yard space or live in the city with only a balcony. Hydroponics can save money once the initial cost of the set-up is paid for.

If you reuse materials then the set up fee can be minimal or possibly nonexistent. Hydroponic systems can grow a wide variety of plants in a smaller amount of space almost twice as fast than that of a traditional soil garden. They are less messy and the plants are less susceptible to diseases and pests are typically not an issue.

Hydroponics can absolutely be intimating at first glance. It can seem futuristic and unnatural. But with a little trial and error, anyone can have a hydroponics system in their house. With each harvest you will learn a little more and figure out your own techniques and tricks that will allow you to grow your own produce faster and with better results than anything you have grown outside or bought before. If you have the proper materials in your home at this very moment, you can have a hydroponics system built by tonight and be eating some great produce in a few weeks time.

I encourage you to give hydroponics a try. I am sure that once you taste the difference and witness the fast growing plants you’ll wish you knew about these methods sooner!

CJ