Hydroponics is a gardening system where you grow plants in water.A soil garden has a slower growth rate than a Hydroponic garden.There are fewer bugs, pests, and diseases in Hydroponic gardens.The first thing you need to do is build the Hydroponic system.Adding the crops to the system will allow them to grow.As the garden develops, you should maintain it at home.
Step 1: The flood table needs to be built.
The water will be held at the flood table.A flood table can be built out of wood.The width of the flood table depends on the amount of water you want to use.For a small garden, make a rectangular frame out of treated lumber that is 4 feet, 1-inch (1.2 metres, 2.54 cm) wide and 1 inch long.Line it with a plastic sheet.This holds 20 gallons of water.The plastic tray can be used as the flood table.Pick a container that can hold up to 20 gallons of water.To make sure the tray doesn't leak, line it with plastic.
Step 2: A floating platform can be made out of styrofoam.
To prevent the roots and soil of the plants from rotting, make a floating platform.For a small garden, use a 4 by 8 foot sheet of 1 12 inch thick styrofoam.The plants can float if the edges of the platform move up and down.
Step 3: 2 to 3 inch (5 to 7 cm) wide holes can be cut in the platform.
When cutting holes with a saw, use a plant pot as a guide.To fit all the plants, cut enough holes.Make sure the plant pots fit in the holes and don't extend beyond the platform.
Step 4: The flood table should have drip emitters.
To prevent the water from sitting in the flood table, the irrigation system needs to be used.Irrigation supplies can be found in the irrigation supply section at your local hardware store.They come in different rates based on maximum gallons per hour.The flood table should hold 5 gallons of water per hour for a standard garden.There are two drip emitters that have a rate of 2gph.There are two holes in the flood table.Push the emitters into the holes.Attach the gaps with hot glue or epoxy.
Step 5: The table is on a stand.
The flood table needs to be elevated.There is a bucket under the flood table.As the water drips out of the flood table, the bucket will catch it.Place the garden in a sunny spot in the yard if you are growing it outside.The flood table needs to be positioned so it gets the most sun.
Step 6: The table should be filled with water.
To fill the flood table halfway, pour enough water.5 to 20 gallons (19 to 75 L) of water may be required depending on the size of your flood table.Once you add the crops, you can add more water to the flood table.
Step 7: If you are growing indoors, set up grow lights.
In warm climates, Hydroponic gardens can be grown outdoors.You will need grow lights if you are growing a garden indoors.Use metal halide lights.The grow lights need to be positioned over the flood table to get a lot of light.
Step 8: Get some plant food.
Adding plant food orfertilizer to the water will help the plants thrive.You can find plant food rich in calcium, magnesium, and other minerals at your local plant supply store or gardening center.You can buy plant food for your garden.It will be good for plants grown in water.
Step 9: You should go for leafy greens and herbs.
Plants with shallow roots are best for Hydroponic gardens.You can grow herbs like basil and mint.Plants have the same light and water needs.When they grow close together in the garden, they thrive.You may be able to grow vegetables with deep roots if you expand your garden.
Step 10: The mixture should be made.
Start with a base that provides air and water.There are eight parts perlite and one part coco fiber.It is possible to use vermiculite or peat moss instead of coco fiber.If you live in an arid environment, you should add more coco fiber.Add less coco fiber for a humid climate.
Step 11: Put the mixture in pots.
There are holes on the bottom of 4-inch pots.Plants will be able to get water and plant food through the holes.The pots should be filled with the mixture.
Step 12: You should plant the crops.
Plants can be used in cubes of soil.The cube should be placed in the pot.The plant has media around it.It should be snug in the pot.It will be easier to get your garden off the ground if you use plants that have already been planted.Each pot should have one cube of started seedlings.
Step 13: The crops should be in the flood table.
Place the crops in the flood table.Place the pots in the cut holes if you are using a floating platform.If you don't use a floating platform, place them in the flood table.Make sure the roots of the plants are submerged in the water.This will make sure the roots don't get too wet.
Step 14: The plants need to be watered once a day.
The plants need water every day.Water them twice a day if they start to lose their strength.If the flood table starts to look scarce, you should add more water to it.Plants may not be getting enough air and water if they don't thrive as much as you want.The roots of the plants may be rotting.Move them higher up so their roots are less submerged in the water if they are starting to rot or smell.
Step 15: As necessary, add more plant food.
The bucket underneath should hold the water from the flood table.It can take up to 10 days.Add more water and fresh plant food to the bucket when this happens.The contents of the bucket should be put into the table.This will make sure the plants get the right amount of vitamins and minerals as they grow in the garden.
Step 16: Plants are getting enough light.
If you are growing your garden outdoors, make sure the plants get a constant amount of sunlight.If you are growing your garden indoors, you should have grow lights on the plants for 15-20 hours.The lights should be on at a set time each day.You can buy grow lights with a timer.Shut off the grow lights when a timer is set.
Step 17: As the garden grows, harvest it.
Clean gardening shears can be used to trim the garden.The garden should be Prune for size and eating.Cut the leaves to eat at the stem.As it grows, harvest your yield so it thrives.Adding new plants to the flood table can be done based on your needs.