Whether you’re having a bad day at work and want to let off steam or simply want to sit back and enjoy a slice of frozen pizza, nature and a good dose of greenery will relax you in no time.
But what if you’re a city rat? You make the best of what little space you have! Depending on where you live, you may not be able to grow gelato strains, but you can have your own little garden of tomatoes, gourds, berries, and more! If your geography permits, you could grow gelato and other strains too. Let’s dig in!
First, Location
Before you can build a hydroponic system, you must carefully consider its location. The floor of your greenhouse should be leveled to provide appropriate distribution of water and nutrients.
PVC Pipes, Assemble!
Six PVC tubes, a 50-gallon nutrient tank, a trellis, a stand, and a manifold comprise the hydroponic system. The fertilizer tank is located directly beneath the tubes. The pump is inside the tank, and a manifold is used to supply fertilizers to plants from the pump.
Each growth tube is equipped with a drainpipe that allows water to be returned to the tank. On top of the PVC pipes, a manifold pressurizes the growing tubes.
The process of nutrient distribution to plants is straightforward. The manifold on the PVP pipes supplies pressurized water to the growing pipes. Nutrient tubes have microscopic pores and are perforated on a small scale near the plant’s roots.
Mix the Nutrients With Water Beforehand
The 50-gallon tank must be filled with water before the procedure can begin. Check the fertilizer label before using it. The amount of fertilizer to be added to the tank varies, and you will have to get your calculator out. Make sure you have enough fertilizer before pouring it into the tank. Turn on the pump to mix the water and the nutrients, and it will be ready to feed your plant babies in 30 minutes.
Get the Growth Tubes
In hydroponics, seedlings are the simplest method to get started when you don’t have the time to grow your seeds. Pick healthier seedlings and thoroughly clean the roots of dirt and soil. If you’re not careful, you could damage the roots — and if you don’t get rid of all the soil and dirt, it might clog the tiny openings of the tubes. Next, you’ll plant the seedlings and add clay pebbles to secure them in place.
Secure Them To the Trellis
The plants can be attached to the trellis using plant clips and string. The trellis serves as a guide for the plants as they reach for the sun. This is a great way to optimize space.
Even if you can’t handle how cute your plants look, don’t tie them to the trellis too tightly. Also, make sure to start from the bottom and work your way up when winding the plants around the string.
Let the Pumping Begin!
Make sure you keep an eye on the water level daily — twice if it’s a hotter region. You need to do this so the pump doesn’t overheat due to the lack of water. Check the pH and nutrition levels every few days.
Your plants will grow quickly and completely cover the trellis in just a few weeks! You will have to regularly monitor their growth and clip or tie the plant stalks every few days.
Protect Them
Luckily, you will not have to install a scarecrow… do you? You’ll make the choice based on where you decide to have your greenhouse and what pests lurk in your vicinity. If you find holes or gnaw marks on the leaves, this is an indication of a problem. Check your plants and the surrounding area for any bugs or insects that may have made a landing there.
Remove any sick plants from the rest of the garden as soon as possible. Those that come into contact with a diseased plant are quickly infected as well. Mold, leaf fungus, and mildew are some of the most common illnesses found on hydroponic plants because the leaves barely get wet. You should exercise extreme caution when dealing with them.
Because they are constantly supplied with nutrients, hydroponic plants are excellent at fighting disease. Pests are mostly to blame for the majority of the issues. That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on your plants. A scarecrow with an inbuilt camera sounds like a great idea!
FAQs
What can I grow?
Just about anything! All your vegetables, fruits, and herbs that don’t grow into large trees will thrive in this environment. Root vegetables might need a different hydroponic method than others, the most common being the ebb and flow system.
Will this burn a hole in my pocket?
A small patio hydroponic greenhouse if you are an avid DIYer will cost you up to €2500 or upwards. This setup can happily feed a small family and occasional large family gatherings. Unfortunately, you can’t grow meat like this, so you will have to drive to the supermarket for that and spices.
However, if you want a larger setup for more produce and want to purchase a kit, depending on the area, your costs can go up to €25,000.
Which option is more economical?
Considering costs alone, it is cheaper to build it yourself. But calculating the time and effort needed to plan, calculate a detailed greenhouse, and make calls to request labor service, it is better to buy a kit than wonder DiWHY?!