Aeroponics is a really simple and worry-free way to grow and clone veggies and herbs. Aeroponics is growing vegetation without soil, but the roots are suspended and sprayed with water and/or nutrient solution. It is a worry-free way to clone most non-woody stemmed plants from cuttings. You can also grow plants to harvest in the system as well.

Many folks have seen the aeroponics system we designed at the Garden Pool and we have decided to share our design. It is easy to both build and operate. The project takes about 30 minutes to build and only costs around $70 in materials. If you are cloning, it requires just tap water. If you are growing to harvest, then you can add hydroponic nutrient solution. We have our units sitting on our back patio and have cloned and grown mint, tomatoes, lettuce, and much more. The system we design can be built by anyone for a of comparable commercial units.

How to Grow with Aeroponics

There is no big secret, growing with aeroponics is another form of regular hydroponics. Purchase your favorite hydroponic solution from the hydro supply stores and follow the directions on the label. It is pretty simple to follow. You should be expected to drain the water and add more nutrient solution every couple of weeks as needed. Aeroponics and hydroponics uses more water and resources than aquaponics.

How to Clone with Aeroponics

Cloning with aeroponics is a better method than conventional soil root cuttings. It is quickly becoming the preferred method of cloning. With cloning from cutting with aeroponics you do not need to add any nutrients to your water. You do not have to flush your water as long as the water quality stays clean. It is a much more sterile way to clone than soil cuttings. We just add tap water, let it run for an hour to let the chlorine evaporate, and then start cloning. Here is a detailed video about cloning with aeroponics. The info about aeroponic cloning starts at 5:40 on the video.



Materials

(1) 30 Gallon Tote with Lid

(6) 3/4″ slip to 1/2″ threaded PVC connectors

(1) 3/4″ slip “T” connector with 1/2″ threaded top.

(1) 1/2″ threaded bulkhead fitting with gasket.

(1) 1/2″ barb to male threaded connector.

(77″) 3/4″ PVC

(2) 3/4″ slip “T” PVC connector

(6) 180 degree 1/2″ plastic head threaded sprinkler heads

(1) 12″ black flexi-tubing

(1) 1/2″ hose clamp

(1) 1/2″ flexi-tubing shut off valve

(1) 200 gallon per hour (or equivalent) Fountain Pump

(1) Tube of 100% Silicon Caulking

(1) 3/4″ slip “cross” PVC connector

(6) 3/4″ slip “elbow” PVC connector

(1) Indoor/Outdoor Electrical Timer with 30 Minute Increments

(6 or desired amount) Hydroponic Net Pots with Rubber Foam Lids – You can use any size and quantity you want depending on the plants you are growing. We used six 3.75″ net pots with lids.

Tools

Caulking Gun

Saw to cut PVC

PVC Primer & Glue

Hole Saw – Appropriate size for desired net pots & bulkhead fitting

Drill for hole saw

Teflon Tape

Tape Measure

Safety Glasses

Utility or hobby knife (if you do not wish to use the drill and hole saw)

Instructional Video

Class: How to Make a Simple Aeroponics System

Recorded LIVE

Who: Dennis McClung

When: July 21st, 2012

Where: The Garden Pool in Mesa, AZ

Length: 48 minutes

This class was recorded live in a classroom setting. To be a part of our classes in person, join our meetup group. Click here to see pictures from the class.

Instructions

Check out the 5 gallon bucket aeroponics design.