How to Make Your Own Home Hydroponic Grow System?
Using hydroponic techniques, a variety of plants can be grown, and sprouts are one of the easier plants to grow. In addition to sprouts, some of the more popular vegetables grown with hydroponic systems include leafy greens and lettuce. More complex hydroponic systems can grow fruiting vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. So, how can you make a hydroponic grow system to use at home?
DIY hydroponic grow systems can be made in a variety of types. For beginners, a deep water culture system using a floating raft in a reservoir or bucket is a relatively easy build and not expensive to start with.
For those with more hydroponic experience, other hydroponic systems are available, such as the ebb and flow system.
DIY deep water culture hydroponic grow system
The deep water culture system is one of the more popular and easier to use hydroponic systems. The roots of the plants are submerged in oxygenated water, allowing them to receive sufficient water, nutrients, and oxygen. This system requires an air pump and an air stone to maintain the oxygen saturation of the water.
Materials needed for DIY
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Electronic timer
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Submersible pump
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Fill and discharge tube
Steps
1. Add water and nutrients to an opaque container, filling to a depth of 30 cm or more.
2. Place the air stone in the water and connect it to an air pump near the reservoir (but not inside). The pump helps to aerate the water, providing enough oxygen to the roots.
3. Cut polystyrene foam to create a growing raft that can be placed and float about 3 cm below the top of the container or reservoir. Make holes in the foam with enough spacing to let plants grow.
4. Next, put the plants in net pots, and then place the net pots into the holes in the foam raft. The net pots allow the roots to grow from the bottom and sides, making it easier for them to obtain nutrients and oxygen. If they do not get enough oxygen, the roots will drown.
DIY ebb and flow hydroponic system
The ebb and flow system is more complex and technical, but it also offers more versatility. Its function is to periodically flood and drain the reservoir based on the needs of the plants, their growth cycles, and even the ambient temperature. As water flows into the system, oxygenated water provides the plants with water and nutrients. When drained, the nutrient solution goes back into the reservoir for reuse, so a pump is also required to flood and drain the growing tray.
Materials needed for DIY
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Electronic timer
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Submersible pump
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Fill and discharge tube
Steps
1. Place a reservoir directly beneath the overflow tray. Place seedlings in pots with plenty of drainage holes, making sure the pots are higher than the flood tray.
2. Connect your reservoir, fill and drain tubes to the overflow tray. The fill tube connects to the submersible pump, which enables you to set up a timer and control the amount of water flooding the tray. The drain tube will rely on gravity to pull water back into the catchment tray.
3. Set up a submersible pump and use a timer to schedule the frequency of plant irrigation and drainage.
After reading about the steps of making these hydroponic grow systems, are you willing to make your own or buy one?