Making budget-friendly DIY hydroponic gardens at home
What's the story
Hydroponic gardening is the practice of cultivating plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. This method conserves water, space, and can save you money in the long run. However, commercial systems can be costly. This article details how to build your own budget-friendly hydroponic garden system, bringing the future of sustainable and efficient gardening to everyone's reach.
Recycling
Use recycled materials for your setup
The cheapest way to start your hydroponic garden is to use recycled materials. Old containers, plastic bottles, and even food-grade buckets can be repurposed into plant holders or reservoirs. For example, a two-liter bottle can be cut in half and inverted to create a simple yet effective hydroponic system for small plants like herbs or lettuce. This not only saves money but also helps in waste reduction.
NFT system
Simple Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) system
The Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) involves a thin film of nutrient solution continuously flowing over the roots of plants in a channel. Create your own with PVC pipes and a cheap water pump! Cut holes for plants in the pipe, set up the pump to circulate the solution, and make sure it drains back to the reservoir properly.
Wick system
Wick System: Easy and affordable
The wick system is the simplest and most affordable passive hydroponic method. It relies on capillary action to transport nutrient solution from a reservoir to the growing medium through wicks, such as rope or felt. Since this system requires no electricity or moving parts, it's great for beginners and those who prefer moisture-loving plants. If you want to experiment with hydroponics without breaking the bank, this is your go-to option.
Lighting
LED grow lights on a budget
Lighting doesn't have to break the bank for indoor hydroponics. While fancy grow lights offer ideal plant growth spectra, you can use inexpensive LED strips or bulbs instead. These cheaper options still provide the necessary light spectrum for plants. By placing these lights close above your plants, you can ensure they get plenty of light without the cost of high-end lighting systems.
Nutrients
DIY nutrient solutions
While store-bought nutrient mixes are handy, creating your own can drastically cut down on the recurring expenses of hydroponic gardening. Simple DIY nutrient mixes can be made using water-soluble fertilizers with key elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients like iron and magnesium. These can be found at garden centers or online retailers, and are much cheaper than pre-mixed solutions.