DIY Hydroponic Garden

What is a Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab)?

What types of machines exist within a FabLab?

Here are the 4 zones in the Studio5 FabLab

What is DIY?

Examples of DIY

What is Hydroponics?

Watch an informative video about Hydroponics for beginners

These are some basic ingredients one would need for Hydroponic farming

There are a couple of ways one can do Hydroponic farming, demonstrated here are a few examples 

Let us go into the difference between Hydroponics and Aeroponics

Watch a video that explains how Aeroponic systems work

Wait a minute, there is something called Aquaponics too!?

Let us watch a video that explains Aquaponics

Now that you are all experts on Hydroponics, Aeroponics and Aquaponics, let us get in to making one for ourselves!

Firstly, we need some Net Cups. We were unable to find some locally, so we 3D printed our Net Cups! Isn’t it amazing what all you can create with 3D printers!

We will be using our Laser cutter to cut Plywood to create our Hydroponic system. But before that, here are a few techniques you can use to create boxes using your Laser Cutter.

Our Hydroponic box is created using Finger joints

Now let’s Laser cut our Hydroponic garden! (Refer to the Illustrator design file)

Once you have your laser cut plywood pieces, spray it with a clear-coat or varnish both the sides to make your box waterproof. Once you’re done coating it, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step

Assemble the pieces as shown in the image. We are using finger joints, so they’ll be quite a snug fit!

Apply silicone caulk or something similar at your disposal to seal all the edges from inside to avoid any leakage. Let the silicone dry for 24 hours before you add your nutrient solution.

The Hydroponic system we are using is called “The Krakty method”.

You will need to have your desired plant germinated already for this process. We have germinated chickpeas for our garden.

Implant your germinated seed inside the rockwool and place the rockwool inside you net cup.

Lastly, you need to have your nutrient solution for your garden. We have mixed 1.25g of nutrient powder for 500ml of water. Pour your nutrient solution inside your Hydroponic box and close the lid. Insert your net cup inside the lid along with your germinated seed implanted into the rockwool. Make sure the water level is enough for it be in contact with the rockwool.

Now you can start planting!

1. When assembling the pieces, depending on the type of plywood or material you are using, it could be hard to fit it all smoothly. You can use some super glue to hold the pieces together.
2. You will have to use an industrial sealant to seal the edges of the box to avoid any water leakage. Hot glue will not work for this.
3. You do not have to use the Krakty method, you can use any hydroponic system to your liking.
4. Your nutrient solution will vary drastically depending on what type of nutrient you are using. Make sure you to thoroughly check the quantity required for 500ml of water or else it can damage the growth of the plants!