Homemade A-Frame Hydroponic System

Photo – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqk_WCPSrXc

This video shows a very slick hydroponics system that will allow you to grow more plants in a smaller space without the need for any soil! A set-up like this can give plants more light and help them to protect them from some pests and diseases. It could make for a fun DIY project too! NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) is a type of hydroponic growing developed by Allen Cooper in the 1960’s. It is now becoming very popular.







Many large commercial growers of salad plants across the world use hydroponics because the plants are easier to keep clean and can be grown using a fraction of the water needed for traditional in-ground methods; perfect where water is scarce. The growing conditions can be adjusted carefully to produce standardised uniform crops for the modern market, but on a small scale, the costs of a set-up could outweigh the benefits.

I’m a bit old-fashioned in this respect, despite the advantages! – the hydroponic environment can seem a bit clinical and based on chemicals, rather than natural processes, and there may be a reduction in taste and overall minerals and vitamins in the crops. The main benefit is that planting is less affected by the vagaries of nature and the weather – although there is more reliance on equipment, which can have its moments as well – if your pump fails, the whole crop could die within days.

I would say that if you have a garden or a place for pots of soil, use it – if you don’t, a hydroponic system would allow you to grow some of your own food in a place where it would otherwise be impossible. In an urban environment, this could open up all sorts of possibilities. Be prepared to put in the time for regular maintenance of your system to keep it running smoothly.

PVC is the subject of a lot of debate! – It’s not a good material as far as the environment is concerned – it uses a lot of resources in its manufacture and some toxic chemicals. There is also the fact that it breaks down under ultraviolet light and releases some of those chemicals into the surrounding environment – not the best choice for food crops from this point of view! PVC that is stabilised to withstand UV light is now available but there are other plastics or materials that might be safer.

Ok, here’s the video:

Further resources:











http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/hydro/

http://allabouthydroponics.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/vegetables-in-hydroponics-pros-and-cons.html

Great discussion about safety of plastics here: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hydro/msg060027162563.html

http://www.organicagardensupply.com/hydroponics/hydroponic-garden-food-grade-plastics/

https://www.marleypipesystems.co.za/building-plastic-pipe-manufacturers/plumbing-plastic-pipe-and-fittings/nft-hydroponic-growing-systems

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics