How to Build an Aeroponics Growing System

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants without using any soil. Instead, the plants are often grown in net pots filled with stones that allow the plants’ roots to dangle freely below the pots where they can be misted by a nutrient solution. How often they are misted depends on the type and size of the plant as well as the temperature and humidity of the growing environment. Although aeroponic systems can be quite expensive and complicated, you can build such a system for yourself from readily available and affordable parts.

12-gallon plastic bin, with lid
Drill with 1-inch and 3-inch hole saw attachments
Connecting piece, nozzle to pump
Misting nozzle
Submersible pump
Hydroponic nutrient concentrate
3.5-inch net pots
Silica stones
Rock wool cubes with started seedlings
Digital timer

Instructions

- 1
  Make six holes in the bin lid with the 3-inch hole saw. Space them at least 3 inches apart and keep them at least 2 inches from the edges of the lid.
- 2
  Connect the misting nozzle to the connecting piece. Attach this assembly to the output hole on top of the submersible pump.
- 3
  Cut a 1-inch hole in the upper area of one end of the bin. This will allow the pump’s power cord to pass out of the bin while the lid is on it. Clean the inside of the bin to make sure there are no plastic scraps inside to clog the pump.
- 4
  Set the submersible pump inside the bin, placing it as close to the center as possible. Run the cord through the hole in the end of the bin.
- 5
  Mix the nutrient solution according to the label directions. Nutrient solution is readily available from any hydroponic supplier. Pour enough of the solution in the bin to completely cover the pump, but leave the misting nozzle exposed. Place the lid securely on the bin.
- 6
  Put one rock wool cube in each net pot and fill in around it with silica stones. All of these items are available from hydroponic supply stores. The roots of the seedlings should hang down through the bottom of the net pot so that they have access to the nutrients. Set one pot in each hole in the lid.
- 7
  Set the digital timer to turn on for 10 seconds and off for 10 minutes. It must repeat this cycle continuously. Plug the submersible pump into the digital timer and plug the timer into an outlet to complete your aeroponic setup.

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