How to Build an Indoor Hydroponic Vegetable Garden

These are the holders that your net pots will fit into. You’ll need the 3″ drain pipe, the saw jig, and a clamp.

1. Cut the 3″ sewer drain pipe into several 4″ pieces.
2. Insert one 4″ piece into the saw jig. Place a clamp in front to hold it still.
3. Saw through the pipe at jig angle to make two slanted standoffs (holders).
4. Repeat with all 4″ pipe pieces. You should end up with about 24 standoffs.

1. Saw off 4″ of post end. This will be used for the top later.
2. About 4″ away from new end of fence post (opposite bucket lid), start drawing positions for each standoff. There will be six on each side. Divide/mark a post side into equal sections about 9″ each. Do the same on the opposite side.
3. On one of the unmarked sides, start about 8″ away from the top end and mark five or six sections. Do the same on its opposite side. This staggers positions on each side.
4. Place the oval edge of a standoff in one of the sections with long edge down. Draw around the edge.
5. Remove the standoff and move it down to the next section. Draw another outline and so on, until you have filled each section.
6. Turn the post over and do the same thing with all three other sides.
7. Now you’re going to cut them out. Drill four 1/4″ holes inside the edge of each outline. Use the holes to cut out each oval with the jigsaw.
8. On the bottom of the post, beyond the bucket lid, cut a large notch out of one of the sides (about 6″x3.5″) to accommodate the water pump inside the bucket.

1. Using PVC vinyl fence cement (or epoxy), glue standoffs into the oval holes on one side of the fence post. Imagine the post standing. The round edge of each standoff should be facing up. Let the glue dry – approx. 10 minutes.
2. Turn the post to another side and repeat, letting the standoffs dry before turning to the next side. Finish the other two sides the same way. Let them all dry.
3. Using the caulking gun, caulk around the outside of each standoff where it meets the post (to make it waterproof). Repeat on the other three sides.
4. Turn the fan on and let all of it “cure” for a few hours (or overnight).

Prepare the Water Sprinkler Cap

The sprinkler cap will be a two piece structure that includes a bottom tray and a decorative cap. Only part of this next procedure is shown in the video. First gather the 4″ post piece you cut off, the “flat” vinyl cap (it’s actually a slight pyramid shape), both fittings you bought, the water hose, your drill, and a pencil.

1. Place the flat cap on your workspace so the pyramid part is on top (as though it were sitting on the post). Center the post piece on the cap and draw around the edges to mark its position. Set it aside.
2. At the pyramid tip, drill a 1/2″ hole.
3. Now drill about 15 each of 1/4″ holes, spaced evenly across the cap, inside of the square you marked.
4. Find your post piece and glue it in place on its square. Let it dry. Caulk the outside edges to make it waterproof. You now have a tray.
5. Through the center hole, screw your 1/2″ slip-to-thread fitting on the top side of the tray into the 1/2″ female thread-to-bar fitting on the bottom side of the tray.
6. Push one end of your water hose into the fitting on the bottom. The fitting should automatically grip the hose. If it doesn’t you might have to glue it in.

This is where the water goes – pumped up through the hose and the fittings, spilling over the top into the tray, and dripping down through the holes.

Assemble Your New Indoor Vegetable Garden

Now let’s assemble the whole thing. In addition to what you’ve put together so far, here is what you will need for this step: Water pump, decorative cap, and water. You might need a rubber mat and small ladder or stepstool also.

1. Position the bucket inside the house near a window. To protect the rug or floor, place a rubber lined mat underneath.
2. Place the pump in the bucket with the electrical wire fitting into the notch on the bucket rim.
3. If you use one, place the aerator stone in the bucket. Pass the hose through the grommet and attach it to your electrical supply.
4. Stand the post up close to the bucket. Place the tray on top, with the hose running down through the post.
5. Fill the bucket 3/4 of the way with water.
6. Lift up the post and insert into the bucket. Attach the water hose to the pump. Clamp down the lid, but open the port, so you can see what’s going in the bucket. The post should stand up straight.
7. Plug the pump into your electrical outlet (or power strip). Turn the pump on and check the water flow to make sure it’s going up through the hose and coming out of the fitting on top.
8. Plug in the aerator, if you’re using one.
9. Check to make sure everything is working right. Check the top tray and every standoff to make sure nothing is leaking.
10. Then put the decorative cap on top and you’re ready for plants.

Insert Plants Into the Hydroponic Tower

For plants you can choose ferns, herbs, vegetables, fruits (like strawberries or tomatoes), or marijuana in some states. This step is the most fun. You will need plants, net holders, fertilizer, and grow lights.

1. Pull plants out of their grow pots. Wash the roots bare.
2. Immediately insert plants in a net holder. Place the holder in one of the post standoffs.
3. Keep going until as many standoffs are full as you want.
4. Add liquid fertilizer to the water in the bucket, according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Turn on the pump and let the water flow.
6. Mount your grow lights so they shine most strongly on the front side of the post away from the window.

Potential Problems With Hydroponic

Most of the problems incurred with hydroponic systems can be prevented by the way the system is set up. Here are some:

• Clogged pipe – Keep the bucket covered where water collects. Make sure your pump has a filter and keep the filter clean. Also arrange the water channel so there are no sharp bends that could kink.
• Insects – Keep the plants fertilized so they stay healthy. Insects are attracted to weak and sick plants. Keep the upper tray covered too, so there’s no place to breed.

• Weak light – Nearly all plants, especially herbs, need plenty of light. Windows don’t provide enough, so be sure to supplement with plant grow lights.
• Plants drying out – Make sure water is getting to all your containers. You may have to poke another hole or two in the top tray on whichever side isn’t getting enough.

Most likely your system will not be perfect the first time you set it up, but if you have chosen this system to use, and have followed directions as carefully as possible, the resulting problems should be minimal. Resolving them will give you greater skills and more insight into what your plants need. Let the issues that arise and the plants, themselves, trigger your imagination to bigger and better ideas.

Source : dengarden.com