How to Plant Aeroponic Vegetables

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants without using any soil or growth medium for the roots. Instead, the plants are supported in pots or by other means, and their roots are suspended in the air. A nutrient mist is applied frequently so that the roots never dry out and they receive constant nourishment. There are many complicated and expensive aeroponic systems you can use, but you can also build a simple one that will let you plant and grow vegetables quickly and easily.

Plastic bin with lid, minimum 12 gallons
Drill with 3-inch hole saw, 1/2-inch bit and 1/16-inch bit
1/2-inch tubing, 6 feet long
Sturdy string about 4 inches long
Submersible pump, 200 GPH (gallons per hour), 1/2-inch output
Silicone sealant
3.5-inch net pots
Small vegetable starts
Pea gravel
Nutrient solution
Digital timer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two rows of holes in the bin lid, using the 3-inch hole saw. Space them two inches apart. The exact number depends on the size and shape of the lid, but you should be able to cut between six and eight of them.
- 2
  Drill a 1/2-inch hole in one end of the bin, near the top. This lets the pump cord pass through when the lid is on.
- 3
  Fold over one end of the tubing and secure it with the string. This will keep all of the liquid from pouring out the end once it is connected to the pump.
- 4
  Drill a series of 1/16-inch holes in the tubing. Make them all along one side of the tube, and space them about four inches apart.
- 5
  Connect the open end of the tubing to the submersible pump. Secure it with the pump outlet clamp, which should be a part of the pump. Set the pump inside of the bin.
- 6
  Pass the pump cord through the hole in the end of the bin, then seal around the cord with silicone sealant.
- 7
  Wrap the tubing around the inside of the bin so that it spirals upward from the pump. Use a small amount of silicone sealant to hold it in place, if necessary. Be sure the holes you drilled are facing the center of the bin.
- 8
  Pour enough nutrient solution in the bin to cover the pump. Don’t make it too deep, as that will spoil the misting effect.
- 9
  Put one vegetable start in each net pot. Carefully work it in so that the roots of the plant extend out through the hole in the bottom of the pot. Fill in around the plant with pea gravel to support the plants but leave the roots exposed.
- 10
  Place the lid on the bin and set one net pot in each hole. Make sure they fit securely and can’t fall through. The roots should dangle into the bin.
- 11
  Plug the submersible pump into the timer. Set the timer to turn on for 15 minutes out of every hour. When the water is pumped through the tubing it will be forced out the small holes, creating a mist that will soak the roots of your plants. The break allows them access to oxygen as well. Place the bin in a sunny location and your vegetables will begin to grow.

How to Propagate Pumpkins

Planting Leeks in Toilet Paper Rolls

Growing Vegetables