Garden/Hydroponics Veggie Garden
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What
We would like to have built a vertical hydroponics veggie garden.
It works by pumping water and nutrients to the top of the garden and gravity feed all the plants on the way down. As the water is constantly on the move it doesn't become stagnant and the nutrients/healthy bacteria mix helps keep the system free of clogging and pests.
Requires a water and nutrients top up once a week.
In an ideal world we would also have a yard webcam to make it easier to keep an eye on the health of the system.
Update
- 22-MAR-2015: Solar charger, battery and charge controller acquired, pump on the way.
- 18-JAN-2015: Hydroponics has been shutdown today
- 7-JAN-2015: Will be taking down the hydroponics system soon to make upgrades and have it ready early spring.
Pros
- cost approx £200
- build can be done in a weekend
- no soil or compost required
- uses 80% less water than conventional soil-based veggie gardens
- takes up less space than a garden bed
- plants "hypergrow"
- low maintenance - prune and water/nutrient top up once a week
- flexible - the frame can be constructed on wheels so it can be moved around, plants can be rearranged
Growing what
Good places to check plant pH and cF requirements, also here pH and cF.
| Plant | pH | cF | Got seeds? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asparagus | 6.0-8.0 | 12-18 | Y |
| Basil | 5.5-6.5 | 10-18 | Y |
| Broccoli | 6.0-6.8 | 16-24 | Y |
| Cauliflower | 6.5-7.0 | 16-24 | Y |
| Cherry Tomatos | 6.0-6.5 | 22-45 | Y |
| Coriander | 4.5-8.0 | ? | Y |
| Chives | 6.0-6.5 | 12-20 | Y |
| Lettuce | 6.0-7.0 | 8-20 | Y |
| Mint | 7.0-8.0 | 10-14 | Y |
| Pok Choi | 6.0-7.5 | 16-22 | Y |
| Snow Peas | 5.5-6.5 | 16-18 | Y |
| Spinach | 6.0-7.0 | 16-22 | Y |
| Spring Onion | 6.0-6.5 | 16-22 | Y |
| Strawberries | 5.5-5.8 | 16-20 | Y |
| Target | 6.0-6.5 | 16-18 |
Where
In the bbq/garden area of the hackspace yard.
When
February/March 2014
Build Progress
Request permission from the members to build(Mailing List Request)Collect structural partsRequest permission from the members to store parts during build(Mailing List Request)Build wooden frameCut and assemble pipe structurePaint/weather proof wooden frameTest water flowResearch plants and plan nourishment amount/frequencySow seedsShort term power solutionPlant!- Install power out to bbq area
Who
Add your name here if you're interested in helping out.
Lessons learnt from 2014
- Watch out for rapidly growing plants that saturate the channel with their roots: e.g. brocolli
- Current setup requires a relatively high amount of maintaince
- Don't think we need that much constant flow
Improvements
- "Off grid" setup solar + more efficient pump
- Strengthen the structure using a-frames
- Water level sensing
- Time lapse camera?