Directions for Vertical Hydroponics

Vertical hydroponics commonly refers to the practice of using stacked pots to grow plants hydroponically. For growers with limited space, vertical hydroponics is a way to get the most use out of a small area. Such systems can be readily built from simple materials and set up to run automatically, producing maximum growth in minimum space.

3/4-inch metal pipe, 2 feet longer than the intended garden height
Square plastic buckets
Drill with 3/4-inch keyhole bit and ¼-inch standard bit
¾-inch washer or O-ring
Silicone sealant, food-grade
Perlite
Submersible pump
Timer, safe for outdoor use
Tubing
Hammer
Hose clip
Nutrient solution

Instructions

- 1
  Pound 3/4-inch metal pipe -- 2 feet longer than the planned height of the garden -- into the ground in a level, sunny location. Keep the pipe straight, and hammer it 2 feet into the ground. This will provide the support for the vertical hydroponic garden.
- 2
  Drill 3/4-inch holes in the bottom center of a series of square plastic buckets. Remove any rough edges.
- 3
  Make six to eight ¼-inch holes in the bottom of all but one of the buckets. Keep the holes close to the center of the bucket and do not make any holes in or near the bucket's corners. These holes will let the solution drain from one level to the next.
- 4
  Slip the bottom bucket, the one without drain holes, over the pipe and lower it all the way to the ground. Make sure it is stable, as it will support the rest of the garden.
- 5
  Place an O-ring or a washer over the pipe to seal the hole and seal around the pipe with silicone. Allow the seal to dry for the amount of time indicated on the package.
- 6
  Set a submersible pump in this bucket and feed a power cord over the corner closest to the power source. Be sure not to step on the plug while you finish the installation. An output hose should be attached to the pump at this time. Make sure the output hose can reach the top of the vertical garden with a few inches left over. This is what will bring the nutrient solution from the storage bucket at the bottom to the top bucket.
- 7
  Add a bucket to the pole. Turn it so that each corner of this bucket rests in the center of one of the sides of the bucket it is resting on. Fill the bucket with perlite. Repeat this process for each bucket you want to add to the system.
- 8
  Fill the bottom bucket with nutrient solution. Place the end of an outlet hose into the top bucket and secure it in place with a clip. Be careful not to impede the water flow.
- 9
  Turn on the pump and time how long it takes for the top bucket to be filled to within an inch of the top. Set the timer so that the pump turns on every six hours, runs long enough to fill the top tank to within an inch of the surface and shuts itself off.
- 10
  Place plants in each corner of the bucket tower. Keep an eye on the level of the nutrient solution and replace it completely by pumping out the tank and refilling it with fresh solution.

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