Hydroponics for dummies free download

Fluctuations in nutrient concentration and pH are more likely in smaller reservoirs, you will also have to top up the water more regularly. Light should not be able to penetrate your container, otherwise there is a high risk that algae will grow in your water.

I used this 55l opaque storage container which we had leftover from a previous project. In retrospect, I would have preferred to use a deeper container but for my purposes of growing leafy greens this will work fine. Drill holes into the lid of the container. The plants will grow in net pots, these are pots with plenty of holes for roots to grow through.

The next step is to drill holes into the lid of the container where the net pots will sit. Pro-Tip: Place some wood below your lid when you drill your holes, this will prevent the saw jolting and breaking the plastic. Assemble your air pump. The air pump must remain outside of the reservoir. It will come with a check valve, this ensures that the pump does not suck water back up if it is turned off. If it does not come with one, you must keep the pump above the water level.

Connect the air stone and check valve with a length of tubing, ensuring the arrow on the check valve faces the air stone. Then connect the check valve to the air pump in the same manner. Fill the reservoir, add nutrients and adjust the pH.

The system can be quite heavy when full, so make sure you decide where your container will live before filling it up! Fill it almost full with water, leaving cm of space at the top. Next you need to add your hydroponic nutrients to the water, following the instructions on your bottle. Mine advised me to add 2ml per litre of each A and B nutrients; using a measuring cup I added ml of each into my 55l container. We also need to adjust the pH of the water.

Using a pH meter, measure the pH; tap water will be anywhere from 6. Most vegetables and herbs require a slightly acidic nutrient solution. You can bring the pH down to 5. Wear gloves when handling pH down and remember to mix the solution well after application.

Assemble the system. Plug in the air pump and place the air stone in the reservoir. Adding your plants is simple, I placed some plants grown in rockwool plugs into the net pots. You can use seedlings grown in soil too but we advise using a medium that doesn't make a mess. Rockwool plugs or hydroton clay pellets are a cleaner solution.

How do I maintain my hydroponic system? All done! Now for some maintenance must-dos. As long as the water has sufficient contact with the roots they should grow well. Keep an eye on the pH levels by checking it every time you top up water. I use an old 2L water bottle to top up my water so I know exactly how much water I am adding. Clean the reservoir and replace it with fresh water every days. How to sow seeds directly into your DWC system.

To do this, place a rockwool plug into a net pot and place a seed or two into the plug. Ensure that the plug does not dry up at all or this could affect germination. How to grow cuttings in your DWC system. You can also experiment with growing herb cuttings, I tried it with a mint cutting using a foam collar.

I cut a mint stem under a leaf node, and then removed the bottom leaves and placed it into the foam collar and then net pot.

Instead, you will pick out some special containers and an irrigation system in order to work with just water to keep the plants healthy. By adding in a little bit of nutrient solution to the water, and adding a pump to move around the water, you will be able to provide the plants with everything they need without having to fight with the soil and other issues that are present.

Anybody can do this process as it is not difficult and this guidebook is going to go through all of the steps that are needed to make it work for you. From understanding more about this process to picking out the right containers, understanding the nutrients that are needed, and even the ways to get perfect lighting for your garden, there is nothing you won't be able to do with your hydroponic garden.

Whether you are a dummy, a beginner or you have been gardening for a long time, hydro- ponic gardening can be the best option for you. It helps you to get all the nutrients and benefits from a great and tasty garden without the issues that come from using your soil to make the plants. Read through this guidebook and learn everything that you need to know in order to get started with a hydroponic garden. Benton Jones, Jr.