Do-it-yourself aeroponics installation – what equipment is needed

Growing different crops and at the same time spending a minimum of time and effort is the dream of every gardener. Thanks to modern technology, this has become quite real. Aeroponics is one of the areas of hydroponics, soilless cultivation of various plants.

What is aeroponic installation

The essence of the technology is that the roots of the sprout all the time remain in the open air, and so that the plants can develop, they are periodically irrigated with a special solution using nozzles. The method has become widespread not only in large agricultural farms, but also in private households, and even standard apartments, in limited space.

The technology of “oxygen enrichment” makes it possible to obtain good yields all year round, and also accelerates the development of seedlings in comparison with substrates and natural soil. Caring for the installation is quite simple – it is necessary to periodically flush it.

Do-it-yourself aeroponics installation - what equipment is needed

The only drawback is the dense, elongated roots that are not closed and therefore need protection from pathogens.

You can create an aeroponic structure with your own hands. It will take up a minimum of space and will fit into almost any interior. With its help, you will be able to get a good harvest without resorting to chemistry and not relying on temperature indicators outside the window. The whole process consists in controlling the lighting and nutrition regime based on the season and age of the crop, as well as pruning old leaves.

Construction diagrams

When making do-it-yourself aeroponics, you will need the following components:

  • container for the feeding solution;
  • a dark container that is tightly closed with a lid. Darkening is an important condition so that, under the influence of ultraviolet rays, sediment, algae and other microorganisms that slow down growth are not formed in it;
  • tubes;
  • a sprayer that is selected for a specific crop. Thick and coarse rhizomes need more liquid, so irrigation should be done in large drops. However, it is better to use nozzles that create a finely dispersed suspension, which is better absorbed by the seedlings;
  • aeroponic equipment: pump or compressor blower;
  • timer. It is better not to save on this device. Goods bought at a budget price quickly fail and require periodic replacement. There are two types of devices – mechanical and electronic. The first ones are distinguished by their durability and reliability. But many of them have a 15 minute interval – which may not be enough for plants, most of which need to be hydrated every 5 minutes. It is better to purchase an electronic type.

Do-it-yourself aeroponics installation - what equipment is needed

The system is inexpensive and can be assembled in a couple of hours. Sprayers are placed on the bottom of a dark container, hoses are supplied to them. Their second end is fixed on the selected device, to which the timer clings. The final stage is the planting of seedlings. For this, special bottomless pots are placed in the lid.

Next, let’s dwell on several types: aeroponics based on a water pump and with an air compressor.

With water pump

Let’s consider the simplest type, without taking into account the peculiarities of the climate, provided that the installation is located in an acceptable climate, with good lighting. You will need:

  • flat container with a lid;
  • container for the feeding mixture;
  • spray nozzles;
  • hoses;
  • water pump.

Do-it-yourself aeroponics installation - what equipment is needed

Next, we carry out the following manipulations:

  1. Place the nozzles in the bottom of the container, fix them.

    We bring a flexible tube to them and seal them with glue or silicone.

  2. We attach a pump to the tank.

    Ideal if it is equipped with a timer.

  3. The other end of the hoses also connects to the pump.
  4. At the final stage, the seedlings are planted.

    To do this, you can choose one of two ways: make holes in the lid or use foam rubber or silicone instead. When choosing the first option, you first need to put the roots in bottomless pots – this way you will protect them from hard material.

  5. The installation is now ready for operation. Fill the tank with solution and turn on the pump.

    Through the hose, the feed liquid will reach the nozzles, through which it will get to the root system.

With air compressor

The only difference between this system and the previous one is the method of feeding the feed mixture to the roots. Having prepared similar elements, a compressor must be connected to the container with a nutrient, and a flexible hose into it. All connections and the tank must be strictly sealed. This is a prerequisite for the device to be able to create pressure in the tank and provide the mixture to the nozzles.

Additional accessories are the solenoid valve, which is installed in front of the nozzle and opens only under pressure, and when it decreases, it closes, as well as the pressure sensor. The latter is responsible for maintaining the parameter within 15 atmospheres.

Other aeroponics options

Another, most unusual aeroponics option is ultrasonic. The role of the apparatus for the production of fog is performed by an ultrasonic air humidifier. It creates a cloud of small droplets, the only drawback of which is the high temperature, which is harmful to plants, therefore, in combination with the system, a cooler must be additionally used.

The installation is now ready for operation. Fill the tank with solution and turn on the pump.

It is based on the ability of a sound wave to pierce the nutrient solution, thereby creating bubbles. When released into the air, they burst and the solution enters the rhizome. To create ultrasound, piezoceramic parts in the form of a membrane or disk are used. The peculiarities of the technology allow the use of mixtures of low concentration.

For indoor plants

Anyone can cultivate flowers, vegetables and greens. The most common version of aeroponics consists of a small vessel, the bottom of which is covered with a solution, a lid made of dense material, in which plants are fixed, part of the root system of which touches the feeding fluid. To assemble such a structure you will need:

  • Take a standard pot and fit a hermetically sealed lid to it.
  • Drill a hole in it and place the plant in it. Secure it in any convenient way.
  • Pour the nutrient liquid into a container so that the root is immersed in it by a third.

The installation is now ready for operation. Fill the tank with solution and turn on the pump.

Care in this case will consist of periodic addition of the solution.

For seedlings

To plant seedlings, you must use the following instructions:

  • Take two boxes, one of which is slightly smaller. It needs to be turned over and holes drilled in the bottom relative to the number of shoots.
  • Seedlings are placed in them and fixed with clamps.
  • Based on the volume of the root, the required amount of solution is poured into the lower box, which is added once in a certain period to cover 1/3 of the rhizomes.

The installation is now ready for operation. Fill the tank with solution and turn on the pump.

For crops with a large root system

A solid, dense root system requires large planting boxes. The structure is constructed in the same way as for ordinary seedlings, however, the lower container is chosen deeper so that the roots develop freely.

The installation is now ready for operation. Fill the tank with solution and turn on the pump.

Conclusion

Aeroponics for home use is not intended for the cultivation of green spaces on a large scale, therefore it does not require the purchase of expensive components. It is quite possible to build the system yourself, with your own hands. To do this, use improvised items and elements of household appliances available in everyday life. The design will help you grow an environmentally friendly crop without much effort.

You can bookmark this page

Anna Evans

Author ✓ Farmer

View all posts by Anna Evans →