Aeroponics and Hydroponics

In an earlier post I found some info on how to build an Aeroponic system. I do plan on building one but I won't be able to build it for some time as space is an issue. While that is unfortunate, it has given me plenty of time to work on plans for what type of system I want.

I found this system which is nicely done and feasible. It recycles two liter bottles as the plant container which I really like. We go through enough sprite making cherry limeade's that we definitely can use the help recycling. This system is probably the most practical due to the fact that it is a fairly simple design and there isn't an a whole lot of construction involving power tools. Giving this one a 8 on the greener meter. I found another site with similar plans.

I've seen the bucket system quite a bit while researching. While most systems utilize spray emitters, this one simply uses a garden hose which has been punctured to allow spraying. Probably saves a little bit of cash doing it this way, too. The problem I have with this system is that it is bulky. It will take up a lot of room. Five gallon buckets aren't small. In the system above, we can control how far apart the plants are from each other by simply making the pipe shorter or longer to fit out needs. In the bucket system that isn't the case. But a pro for this system is if you're only looking to grow two or three plants then you don't have to do half the work setting it up that you would still have to do for the one above. Liking this one enough to give it a 5 on the greener meter.

The Greenman's system is a rather nice project for the home hobbyist. It isn't a huge elaborate system, but it isn't exactly tiny either. It's done with things that are easily located and purchased locally. It is made in such a way that anyone can do it. The instructions are to the point and there are photo's for each step which helps a lot if you're not construction inclined. 40 holes for small plants or make fewer larger ones for bigger plants. The only drawback to this system is that it isn't easily expanded. So if there are a lot of plants one wants to grow, more than one system would need to be built. Not a bad thing if you like to have a project that will keep you busy for a few hours. Definitely giving this one an 8 on the greener meter.

I came across this set up and it is cool! The stacker method is a space saver, instead of utilizing floor space, it goes vertical to make growing a lot of plants in a small space possible. There is a shot of a large hoop house with these things in it and it will definitely out produce anything that was growing just one layer of plants! More growing without having to buy another room to put it in. Giving this one a 9 on the greener meter.

I also found a potential profit calculator if you are interested in seeing how you might be able to make some extra cash for surplus plants and vegetables/fruits.

Growing plants in this type of environment requires something more than just air and water. There are several different growing mediums for this. Rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, coconut fiber, oasis cubes, ect. The list goes on and on and on. As the plant will get all of the nutrients it needs from the water, the need for soil is eliminated but it still needs something to help it stand up. Read up on the different mediums and make the choice yourself.

And while you're reading up on the different types of mediums, make sure to visit the FAQ at Hydro University. The entire site is just a gem! I learned a good bit there, more than everywhere else.

There are varying degrees of gadgets one could get. CO2 emitters are used to feed the plants just as much as the nutrients in the water. With the CO2, you definitely need a fan to clear the room after each session. Folier sprays help plants with deficiencies recover quickly. pH testers help keep things in balance by letting the grower know if the water is too acidic or alkaline. Temperature and humidity testers, system cleaners, water conditioners, propagation products to help with cloning, pest control, beneficial insects, soil amendments, ect. The list just keeps on going. All of these things are important, but not as important than lighting.

There is a staggering array of lighting units. Fluorescent, metal halide, and high pressure sodium can be found on numerous sites. Reflectors are used to optimize the light plants receive and Mylar is used to line walls to also increase the light plants get. The lights range from 40 watts to 1000 watts.

There are timers to control the lights, fans and pumps. Meters to test lighting, pH balance, temperature, humidity. Equalizers to reduce hot spots that could potentially give the plants sun burn. Motorized systems that send lights moving across large systems. Friendly insects to aid in pest control. Liquid vitamins, bloom enhancers, pH controllers, catalyst additives, flavor and aroma enhancers, disease preventatives, energy boosters, and the list keeps going on and on.

Most of the liquid additives are obvious and for the ones that aren't it is easy to find out what its for exactly by a little research. Some places I've read say that liquid kelp is all that is needed, and others swear by the lot of chemicals listed above and then some. It choice is really up to you and how your plants do.

As I come across more information, I'll get it posted!