DI

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5-
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HYDROPONI
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SUSANPATTERSON,CERTI
FIEDMASTERGARDENER
 SUSAN PATTERSON
CERTIFIED MASTER GARDENER
 Copyright © Splash Campaign, The Alternative Daily

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Don’t let the word hydroponic scare you. Although large-scale
growers use this system to grow massive amounts of produce in
a short period of time, the system is not limited to commercial
agricultural use. You can make your very own hydroponic system at
home and get started right away growing tasty produce all year long.

While there are many variations of hydroponic systems, one of the

easiest ways to make one at home is using what is known as DWC
(Deep Water Culture). This is where the plant roots are suspended in
a solution of nutrient-rich, oxygenated water.

This system is best for long-term crops that produce a lot of fruit and
need a lot of water like tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons.

© The Alternative Daily 3

DO THIS STUFF FIRST

• Find a suitable location for your hydroponic system. A

greenhouse or a basement works well for an indoor space. If you
are going to grow outside, a patio or a deck make a great spot.
Make sure that your system is protected from strong winds and
too much hot sun.
• You will need sunlight or grow lights for your system to work
appropriately.
• The floor of your space must be level so that there is an equal
distribution of water and nutrients.

© The Alternative Daily 4

PARTS LIST

• 5-gallon black bucket.

• A net cup that fits directly on the top of the 5-gallon bucket.
• Air stone for aeration ( 6-10”)
• Air pump for oxygen
• ¾” air hose
• Check valve
• Drill and ¾” drill bit
• Hydroton clay pebbles
• 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer with minor elements
• Epsom Salts (or Magnesium sulfate)
• Plant

© The Alternative Daily 5

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

1. Position your bucket

where you want your
hydroponic system to be.
2. Cut a couple of inches off
the end of the air hose.
3. Connect this piece to
your air pump.
4. At the other end of the air
hose, connect the check
valve according to the
instructions.
5. Take another piece of air
hose that is long enough
to run from the check
valve to the bottom of the
bucket. ( the longer the air
hose the less effective the
pump will be).
6. Drill a hole for the tubing
near the top rim of the
bucket.
7. Push the hose through
the hole to be sure it fits.

© The Alternative Daily 6

 8. Place the air stone in the
bottom of the bucket.
9. Attach the hose to the air
stone and also to the air
pump.
10. Fill the bucket 70% full
with water.
11. Add 2 teaspoons per
gallon of water of 20-
20-20 water-soluble
fertilizer with minor
elements and 1 teaspoon
per gallon of Epsom salts.
12. Turn on the pump to see if
the pump is working - you
should see bubbles.
13. Place net pot on top of
the bucket.
14. Add the clay pebbles to
the net pot.
15. Place your plant into the
net pot and add more
pebbles to hold it in place
until the roots start to
grow.

© The Alternative Daily 7