A beginners guide to hydroponics How to Build Your Own
Hydroponics: How do I start?
Are you interested in hydroponics or growing at home, but aren't sure where to start? Do you wish to build your own system using recycling the materials you already have? Growing hydroponically at home has many advantages: a regularly-scheduled supply of fresh, healthy produce will definitely save you from making lots of trips to the store!
There are numerous various hydroponic systems. In this blog, we'll discuss the most basic one to understand. We will go over the fundamentals of the Deep Water Culture Hydroponic System and help you construct it yourself.
What's the most efficient hydroponics system for newbies?
Deep Water Culture (DWC) is the most simple type of hydroponic system that can be constructed and maintained at your home. In this type of system, plants grow in direct submersion in water that is rich in nutrients. This can be done by home growers using large storage containers that are opaque, or buckets. Commercial growers use floating rafts that are floating over large quantities of water. They function as conveyor belts with the young plants on one side and they move on until it is time to harvest.
DWC systems are simple to construct and cost-effective since there aren't any moving components. DWC systems do not permit water to circulate. Instead, the water remains in the reservoir throughout the time of the plant. To replenish oxygen used by the roots, you will require aeration of the water.
The air pores in soil are a source of oxygen for roots. In hydroponics systems that recirculate, water is aerated as it circulates. We can remedy this in a DWC system with an air pump that has an air stone attached (used in fish tanks) to ensure that the water remains oxygen-rich.
What's my DWC system's limit on growth?
The best crops to grow in DWC systems are Lettuce, Kale, Chard, Bok Choy, Basil, and Parsley. These aren't very heavy plants. In DWC systems, the roots aren't properly anchored and this means that taller plants like tomatoes could be difficult. If you choose to plant tomatoes, you'll require the right supports to keep the plant upright.
How do you create a DWC hydroponics system at home?
Materials:
-
Container or bucket to store items
-
Net pots
-
Airpump and airstone
-
Hard Water Liquid Nutrients (A & B)
-
pH Down
-
pH Meter
-
Measurement of beaker
-
Pipettes
-
Arbor saw with a hole
-
Drill
Method:
1. Select the appropriate container for your system
Many people have found that deep storage containers as well as buckets work best for these types of systems since the larger the reservoir of water, the more stable the solution for nutrients will be. Fluctuations in nutrient concentration and pH tend to be more prevalent in smaller reservoirs. You will also need to top up your water more frequently. You should keep the light out of your tank. In the event that it is not, you're likely to find that algae could grow in the container.
2. Make holes in the lid of the container
Net pots are containers that have ample holes that allow roots to develop. These pots are used by plants for their growth. The next step is to drill holes into the lid of the container, to allow the net pots to be put. This requires the only special tool you'll need in this project, a hole saw, they're quite inexpensive and user-friendly. The size of the net pots you select must be bigger than the hole, so they won't get smashed through.
3. Assemble your air pump
-
The air pump should remain out of the reservoir. The check valve is included in the air pump. This makes sure that water does not get back up when it is turned off. If it is not equipped with a check valve, it is important to maintain the pump above the level of the water.
-
Attach the check valve and air stone with a length of tubing, and ensure that the arrow on the check valve faces the stone that is air. Then connect the check valve to the air pump the same way.
4. Fill the reservoir, add nutrients and adjust the pH
-
The system could be heavy once it is full, so ensure you know where your container will be placed before filling it up! Fill it to about full water, leaving 1-2cm of room at the top.
5. Install your system
-
Connect the air pump and place the air stone inside the reservoir. It's almost done!
-
It's easy to place your plants. I simply put the plants that were growing in Rockwool in the net pots. While seedlings can be planted in soil, we recommend making use of a medium that's not dirty. Hydroton clay or Rockwool pellets can be a better option for cleaning.
This is a great way to create a hydroponic system. We would love to see what you've created on Facebook.
Indoor Earthworms bring vertical urban farming to city dwellers at their work and at home. We aim to connect people to the production of food and to build a culture of healthy, sustainable living. Find out more about our services for offices and homes, and get in touch here with any queries.