For a small garden, make a rectangular frame out of treated lumber that is 4 feet, 1-inch (1. 2 metres, 2. 54 cm) wide by 8 feet, 1-inch long (2. 4 metres, 2. 54 cm). Then, line it with a polyethylene plastic sheet. This will hold 20 gallons (75 L) of water. You can also use a wide, deep plastic tray as the flood table. Pick a container that can hold 10 to 20 gallons (38 to 75 L) of water. You may want to line the tray with plastic to ensure it does not leak.
For a standard garden, you want the flood table to hold 5 gallons (19 L) of water per hour. So, get two drip emitters that have a rate of 2gph. Puncture two holes in the bottom of the flood table. Then, push the drip emitters into the holes. Seal any gaps around the drip emitters with epoxy or hot glue.
If you are growing the hydroponic garden outside, place it in a sunny spot in your yard. Position the flood table so it gets a maximum amount of sun.
You can always add more water to the flood table once you add the crops.
Position the grow lights over the flood table so it gets a lot of light.
You can buy plant food specifically formulated for a hydroponic garden. It will be rich in the nutrients needed for plants grown in water.
Choose plants that have similar light and water needs. This way, when they grow close together in the garden, they all do well and thrive. As you expand your hydroponic garden, you may be able to grow vegetables with deep roots like beets, squash, and cucumbers. Start small by choosing just 1 or 2 plants to grow. All plants have different needs in terms of nutrients, and will require a specific fertilization schedule. It’s easiest to start with 1-2 plants so you can figure out which nutrients you need and learn what issues to watch for (and how to correct them).
If you live in an arid climate, add more coco fiber to the perlite. For a humid climate, add less coco fiber.
Using seedlings that have already been planted and started will make it easier for you to get your garden off the ground. Put one cube of started seedlings per pot.
Make sure the roots of the plants are submerged in the water only ⅙ of an inch. This will ensure the roots do not get too wet but still get enough water to thrive.
If the plants do not thrive as much as you’d like, they may not be getting enough air and too much moisture. Check if the roots of the plants are rotting. If they are starting to rot or smell, move them higher up so their roots are less submerged in the water.
This will ensure the plants get the nutrients they need as they grow in the hydroponic garden.
You can buy grow lights that come with a timer. Or you can set a timer yourself and shut off the grow lights as needed.
You can then add new plants to the flood table or replace existing plants based on your needs.
