How to Set Up Easy Hydroponics

Plants require light, water, oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients. Soil is important for providing support and access to nutrients, but it is possible to grow healthy plants without it. With hydroponic gardening, substitute materials support the plant's root system and provide constant access to a nutrient solution. Hydroponics is less labor-intensive and offers gardeners the ability to grow crops in areas generally not conducive to agriculture. Systems can be set up according to the grower's space and budget. A floating hydroponic garden can generally be up and running for less than $100.

3 boards of pressure-treated lumber, 2-inch by 6-inch or 2-inch by 8-inch
Table saw or chop saw
Wood screws or small nails
Drill and drill bit to fit screws, or hammer
6-mil polyethylene plastic sheet
4 furring strips, 1-inch by 2-inch by 6 foot
Sheet of 1.5-inch Styrofoam insulation, 4-foot by 8-foot
20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer
Epsom salt
2.5-inch hole saw
32 Styrofoam coffee cups
32 rooted seedlings

Instructions

- 1
  Construct a 4-foot by 8-foot frame. Cut 1 of the pressure-treated boards in half. Nail or screw the 2 shorter pieces to the 2 longer boards to make a large box.
- 2
  Cut the furring strips to make two 8-foot pieces and two 4-foot pieces.
- 3
  Set up the frame on a level section of ground free of sharp debris that could puncture the lining.
- 4
  Form a trough inside the frame by spreading the polyethylene sheet evenly inside the opening. Secure 1 long side and 1 short side of the liner into position by nailing or screwing the furring strips through the plastic and into the wood frame.
- 5
  Test the fit of the garden by temporarily inserting the insulation into the frame. There should be enough room inside the frame so that the Styrofoam sheet will ride up and down in the solution as the water level increases or decreases. Trim the Styrofoam sheet as needed. Remove the insulation, and set aside.
- 6
  Fill the trough with approximately 20 gallons of water.
- 7
  Secure the remaining sides of the liner into position with furring strips.
- 8
  Fill the water garden with at least 5 inches of water. Keep track of how many gallons of water it takes, so the proper concentration of nutrients can be added.
- 9
  Mix in 2 tsp. of a water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer and 1 tsp. of Epsom salt per gallon of water. Stir to mix the solution thoroughly.
- 10
  Drill holes in the insulation material large enough to accommodate the Styrofoam coffee cups. The holes should be 6 inches from the sides of the foam sheet and at least 12 inches apart. The bottoms of the cups should be level with the underside of the Styrofoam insulation. A 32-square-foot floating garden will accommodate 32 holes for planting.
- 11
  Cut slits in the bottoms of the coffee cups. The plants' root systems will eventually grow through these openings. Insert the cups in the holes in the Styrofoam insulation sheet.
- 12
  Plant the seedlings into the coffee cups. Do not removing any potting soil clinging to the roots, and do not add extra soil.
- 13
  Add water and fertilizer as needed to keep the garden floating on a minimum of 5 inches of solution.

Growing Perennial Vinca Upright

Does an Agave Plant Flower?

Specialty Gardens