How to Build a Hydroponic Garden

1. Measure the Inside of the Bin

   With the tape measure, measure and jot down the inside dimensions of the bin. Since the spray manifold should be about three inches below the lip of the bin, measure from this height. Measure the bin's inside length and width.

   Tip

   This project is based on a bin with inside dimensions of 26-3/4 inches by 16-1/2 inches.

2. Construct the Spray Manifold's Outer Section

   Build a spray manifold for the inside of the bin using PVC pipe, elbows, and tees. The manifold's outer dimensions should match those of your earlier measurements.

   Build the outer perimeter of the manifold with four PVC elbows, six pieces of 4-1/4-inch PVC pipe, two 25-inch pieces of PVC, and four PVC tees to form a rectangle. Each short side of the rectangle is formed from two elbows, two tees, and two 4-inch sections of PVC. The two 25-inch lengths of PVC form the long sides.

3. Construct the Spray Manifold's Inner Section

   Two long sections of pipe run lengthwise in the inner section of the manifold. These long sections are each made from two 12-inch sections of PVC and one PVC tee.

4. Construct the Spray Manifold's Downspout

   The manifold's downspout connects between the two inner long sections of the pipe. It is made from two 1-3/4-inch pieces of PVC pipe and one tee.

5. Drill Holes for the Sprayers

   Drill 16 evenly spaced holes on the top of the manifold. Follow by creating threads in the holes with the steel tap bit. By hand, screw the 16 hydroponic sprayers into the holes.

   Tip

   Hydroponic sprayers face downward, toward the water. So, the side of the manifold where you are drilling the holes will later face down.

6. Create the Downspout

   Place the submersible fountain water pump at the bottom of the bin and measure the distance from the pump to the manifold. Cut the PVC pipe accordingly.

   Fit all of the PVC pieces together and place the manifold in the bin.

7. Drill Drain and Cord Holes

   Use one-inch auger bits to drill two holes in the side of the bin, close to the top.

8. Drill Holes for the Net Cups

   Drill 12 evenly-spaced holes in the bin's lid with the three-inch hole saw.

9. Fill the Bin With Water and Nutrient Solution

   Fill the bin with about 10 gallons of fresh water and add the nutrient solution. Run the pump cord out the side of the bin.

10. Place the Net Cups

    Fit the bin lid on top, then put the 12 net cups in the holes. Fit the neoprene collars on top of the net cups.

11. Add the Plants

    Place the seedlings you have chosen in the net cups.

12. Add a Lighting System

    If using your new hydroponic system indoors, add a lighting system to simulate outdoor growing conditions.

Plants to Use in Hydroponic Gardens

Lightweight, small-root plants such as loose-leaf lettuce, spinach, and kale are well suited for hydroponic gardens. Herbs work well for hydroponic gardening since they are smaller and a cook often likes to have fresh herbs nearby for use.

Depending on the scale and sturdiness of your growing area, you can grow larger plants like tomatoes, strawberries, and celery in a hydroponic garden. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions are not a good match.

Hydroponic Gardening Advantages

• Cleaner: Hydroponic gardening is far less messy than in-ground gardening because no soil is involved.
• Fewer Pests and Weeds: Within this controlled environment, it is difficult for pests or weeds to begin. Plus, any soil-borne pests or weeds are eliminated.
• Efficient: The work-to-results ratio is high with hydroponic gardening because no or little labor is devoted to working the soil or to pest and weed management.
• Faster, Greater Growth: Since the plant directs less energy toward developing a large root system, more energy can be used for plant growth. Growth yields are faster and greater. Overcrowding does not happen because plants are grown in separate cups.