Build a Hydroponics System – Complete Step By Step Guide

The easiest way to build a hydroponics system is to use the ebb and flow system. All of the parts you need to build a hydroponics system in the ebb and flow style are readily available at your local hardware store.

Before you start building, you should understand the basics of the process. Essentially, it works as a reservoir system that contains nutrient solution, located below a growing tray. The tray is what holds the plants in containers filled with growing medium (for example, perlite/vermiculite mix, coconut fiber, grow rocks, or rock wool).

Hydroponics System

Periodically, this growing bed is flooded by a small pump that works on a timer, effectively watering the plants. The timer will shut off the pump when it has dispensed enough water, and the nutrient solution is permitted to freely drain back into its original reservoir, drawing oxygen into the root zone of the plants. At the nutrient fill height, an overflow drain is installed so that the system is not able to overflow.

In order to build a hydroponics system in the ebb and flow style, you’ll need:

  • An ebb and flow tray
  • A support structure
  • A reservoir
  • A pump
  • Fill and drain fittings
  • Flexible tubing
  • Plant containers
  • Growing medium
  • A timer

To build a hydroponics system, you need to first install the overflow drain, followed by the fill fitting, into the ebb and flow tray. If it is not already done, set up the support structure, and place the reservoir underneath it. Place the pump into the reservoir. The tray must then be placed on the support structure in a way that the overflow drain will flow back into the reservoir. Connect the fill fitting on the tray to the pump using the flexible tubing. Don’t forget to connect the pump to the timer. Add the plants into the system, and fill the reservoir with the appropriate nutrients.

As you can see, with a bit of know-how, and the right tools and equipment, anyone can build hydroponics systems.

Widely Popular: Compost Barrels

Over the last couple of decades of increased environmental awareness, compost barrels have soared in popularity among homeowners and retailers alike. They are simple to construct yourself or inexpensive to purchase ready-made, and they offer an easy waste-management solution that fits right in your backyard.

There are a number of brands and types in the market, so be sure to shop around before you buy. They do come in a variety of sizes, and proper placement in your yard also needs to be considered. You’ll want to make sure the compost is semi-shaded and on even and dry ground.

If you don’t find a commercial version you like, compost barrels can be a great spring afternoon project. They are easy and inexpensive to build from any garbage can—just make sure it has a tight cover. You’ll also need some sawdust, straw, or wood chips to fill the bottom after you drill some holes for leaching. Compost barrels can also be mounted: “tumbling” versions help aerate the waste material to produce compost faster.

Compost barrels result in an effective waste reduction for your household. Within a couple of months, you’ll have fertilizer for your lawn, garden, or flowerbeds. Plus, you’re doing your part for the environment by saving space in landfills.

Practical Tips

1. Make use of the available space in your house. Not everyone needs a tool shed.

2. Organization is the key to using your space more efficiently. If you reorganize your garden tool store, you will find out that you have more space than you thought you had.

3. Know what you have at every point. Keep a tool inventory. This inventory should contain the names of the garden tools and where you stored them. Gardeners often buy tools they already have

4. Make sure your tool store is safe and your tools are safe to store.

5. Keep stuff OFF the ground in your garden tool storage area.

6. Clean out your storage space regularly.

7. Sharp and dangerous objects should be unreachable for kids.

8. If you ever need to buy a tool shed, decide on the size you need and buy one that’s a bit bigger. Two common mistakes are buying one that’s too small and buying one that’s too big.

9. Arrange your garden tools in sections to avoid confusion. E.g. powered tools, cultivating tools, watering tools, and cutting tools…

10. Inflammable materials should be kept secure and away from possible flames. If you keep powered tools or inflammable materials in your tool shed, you should NEVER take a naked flame to the shed.

11. Clean your garden tools before storing them.

12. Wall units are good garden tool storage options if you have many tools you can hang them on the wall.

13. Before you buy a tool shed make sure you already know where you will store it.

14. Keep your tool shed dry. Water on the floor could cause accidents. Humidity can cause your tools to rust and it can also encourage the breeding of creatures.

15. Ensure that your tool is not too heavy for your rack or hangar. Heavy tools are better stored on the ground.

16. Keep the space around the door of your shed un-cluttered so that it could be opened and closed freely.

17. Prepare your powered tools and watering systems before you store them for prolonged periods of time like in winter. This will include processes like draining all water, draining fuel, unplugging batteries, etc. Some tips are mentioned on the pages that discuss individual tools on this site.

18. Make tools fit into their storage compartments properly otherwise you could have them fall down and cause injuries.

19. Use wedges to restrict the movement of tools that have tires.