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A Hydroponic Garden Design
January 2004
(1 draft May 1996)
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Forward
Since this was originally written, I have continued to modify the system herein
described. The most significant changes include moving from a condensate pump to a
submersible mag-drive pump, removing drippers and using 1/8" irrigation hose instead,
and adding 2" PVC tubes in between the 3 main (4") tubes for excess seedlings (to
support sexing). I have also added full-time TDS and pH monitoring capabilities.
I am noting this because the only part of this document that I have rigorously kept up to
date is that of the nutrient formulation and summary appendix, page 27.
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Table of Contents
1. Overview
......................................................... 1
2. Growth Area Requirements
.......................................... 1
3. Fabrication
....................................................... 2
3.1. PVC Structure ............................................... 2
3.2. The Primary Reservoir ........................................ 2
3.3. Room Setup ................................................ 3
3.4. Programming the Timers ...................................... 4
4. Starting the Seeds
................................................. 4
5. A Rapid Growth Cycle Method
....................................... 5
5.1. Moving in the Seedlings ....................................... 5
5.2. Lighting .................................................... 6
5.3. Nutrients ................................................... 6
5.4. Sexing ..................................................... 8
6. Pests and Growth Problems
......................................... 9
6.1. Pest Prevention.............................................. 9
6.2. Plant Problems .............................................. 9
6.3. Algae Problems............................................. 10
6.4. Weak or Dead Drippers ...................................... 10
7. Harvesting & Drying
............................................... 11
7.1. When to harvest ............................................ 11
7.2. Drying .................................................... 11
7.3. Expected Yields ............................................ 11
8. Preparing for the Next Cycle
........................................ 12
Appendix A. Parts List & Sources
...................................... 13
A.1. Parts List ................................................. 13
A.2. Parts Sources .............................................. 15
Appendix B. Nutrient Mixes
........................................... 16
B.1. Preparing the Concentrated Nutrient Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
B.2. Preparing the Nutrient Mixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix C. General Growth Requirements
............................. 20
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Appendix D. Fabrication Drawings
..................................... 21
Appendix E. Mixtures................................................. 27
E.1 Quick Reference Chart ....................................... 27
E.2. Nutrient Formulation ......................................... 28
E.2.1. MicroNutrients....................................... 28
E.2.2. MacroNutrients ...................................... 29
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1. Overview
The hydroponic garden design presented herein is the result of several years of
development, using information from conventional commercial systems and methods.
It was developed in the desire to have a good quality hydroponic method for the
smallest possible space, without having to buy expensive and faulted commercial
systems. Additionally, building your own saves the scrutiny that often accompanies the
purchase of a commercial system.
This document will not try to cover all aspects of hydroponic growth -- it is only intended
to provide one method that has been developed and proven. In addition, this document
is still in development and should not be considered complete. Should you see
something questionable, an error, or have questions, please feel free to contact the
author directly.
2. Growth Area Requirements
Chose your hydroponic garden area carefully. Ideally, it should be an enclosed and
lockable space such that entry and hence, pests can be controlled. For the design
discussed in this document, a small room of approximately 5-1/2' by 8-1/2' by 6-1/2'
high will be sufficient. This size should also provide supplemental seedling starting
space as desired. Note that the ceiling of the area should be such that hooks and other
support hardware can be put into the ceiling, and that there is at least one outlet group
on each of the walls.
The area you select should be able to be sealed for light, both for security and for
hormonal / flowering considerations. Sealing the room will also help you control pests --
which not only include insects, but also house pets and visitors. The area itself needs
only nominal ventilation, typically only internal recirculation will be sufficient.
One further consideration should be made to facility ease of cleaning -- that of access
to a floor drain and a water source. If it is not possible to drain directly onto the floor of
the area you select, you should consider putting plastic over the area’s floor to protect
it.
If you do have a larger space, you may want to reconsider the PVC structure
dimensions given in the drawing. As the drawings are presented, there is 9" center-to-
center between plants. Expanding this may increase your yields. As an example, if you
plan to grow full-size tomatoes, I have found that 12-18" would be a good range to
consider.
3. Fabrication
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