No matter what climate or time of year, it is possible to grow delicious fresh herbs and vegetables. In order to start this simple system the primary supplies that are needed are a 10-gallon aquarium, a small air pump, a polystyrene board and the plants. The plants will be grown in a nutrient solution, which can be found at suppliers listed below.
First, set up the aquarium in a south facing window, or if that is not possible, then use an artificial grow light (the full color fluorescent type). To prevent algae growth, line the outside of the aquarium with dark opaque material such as construction paper or cardboard.
Place the air pump (the kind sold for aquariums) outside the aquarium and the air wand bubbler that is sold with the pump on the bottom of the tank. Run air tubing from the pump to the wand.
Fill the tank with clean water and add hydroponic nutrients (sold by hydroponic suppliers). Follow the instructions of the label when mixing the nutrients with water. Once the nutrient solution is in the tank turn on the air pump and adjust the air flow for a gentle flow of bubbles into the tank.
When the nutrient solution has been thoroughly mixed check the pH with a pH test kit. The target is for a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Cut the polystyrene board (foam board, one-inch thick, available at hobby and hardware stores) so it floats on the nutrient solution and fits tightly in the tank. Cut one-inch square holes in the board, six to seven inches apart.
Insert Rockwool or Oasis growing cubes containing small seedlings into the holes in the polystyrene board. After that, all that is needed is to continue to monitor the pH level each week. If the volume of the nutrient solution drops, add more at half strength.
When the crop has completed its growth cycle, drain and clean the tank before starting a new crop. After the initial investment, this system will pay for itself with rewarding fresh food. It may also be used by teachers and parents to show children how plants grow.
Hydroponic resources can be found at sites like CropKing, which sells hobbyist supplies, and Verti-Grow. Another source is ecoenterprises which sells complete hydroponic kits. GrowLight Express is another source for the beginning hydroponic gardener. These sites also provide further information for those who want to learn about these growing systems.
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