Build Your Own Indoor Hydroponic System
Did you know there is a way to enjoy fresh vegetables all year round? An indoor hydroponic system or grow cabinets can provide those tasty veggies easily. In addition to consumers using these systems to grow plants, research facilities use them for research and teaching.
So just what is an indoor hydroponic system? Researchers in the 18th century discovered that plants absorb essential mineral nutrients as inorganic ions in water. Indoor hydroponic systems provide a system that allows plants to grow in water that is nutrient rich, along with a lighting system. The following is a look at how you can build your own indoor hydroponic system, as well as how it works.
First, you should understand that an indoor hydroponic system mimics the outdoor growing weather. However, these systems often allow the plants and vegetables to grow much more quickly.
Decide whether you want to use hydroponic grow boxes or cabinets. In either case, you will place reservoir buckets or containers under the indoor hydroponic system to catch any overflow. These containers will also provide the water used in your system.
The ebb and flow containers of the system will hold the individual plant pots. Then you will install a water pump in those overflow buckets. The pump will then circulate water around the roots of the plants. Generally, the pump should circulate water throughout the system at least twice a day, but no more than five times per day.
Fertilizer and nutrients are added to the water of the indoor hydroponic system. Also, most plants have a pH level of 6.0 and 6.5, which is a slightly acidic level. You will want to test your hydroponic system each day to make sure that the system is at the appropriate pH level.
You will then set up the grow light system on timers that will go on and off on 12 hour cycles. Having the lights set on automatic timers will save you the effort of turning them on and off manually.
Once your indoor hydroponic system is all set up, you just need to check your water levels and watch your plants grow. And finally, harvesting those plants is much easier than traditional gardening methods, so it will be easier to enjoy the veggies!