The basics of hydroponics

Quad pots can be stacked on top of each other. Pots containing tomatoes can be placed two or three high, while peppers (cucumbers, chillis and so on), lettuce and cucumbers can be five or six high.

The pump delivers solution through 13mm poly tubing that has an end cap. Running along the header line are barbed fittings that are inserted into the header line, which connects to smaller tubing. This, in turn, runs to the pots.

At the end of the 6mm tubes are 2-litre per hour drippers. The drippers are held with plant stakes (or, in our case, cable ties). Two drippers in the top pot and individual lines to the lower pots works well. At the very bottom of the system are single 11L pots that can also be planted.

As far as media goes, we can use any hydroponic media of choice, such as a soil-less mix and coco fibre/coir. Any hydroponic plant food will work too, but, the powder option is cheapest. A common food-grade 200L drum can act as the reservoir.

Two tools that are in most hydroponic growers’ toolbox are a ph pen and EC/ TDS conductivity meter. However, we can reduce costs and just use ph test strips or a liquid test.

A ph of 6.0– 6.5 can meet general vegetable needs, while 1,500–1,800ppm (parts per million) works for most vegetables, although lettuce will be fine at 400–500ppm.

Because plants that are grown hydroponically can produce large yields, staking is required for vegetables such as capsicums, tomatoes and jalapeños. Lettuce and cucumbers are low maintenance, while many varieties of tomatoes can simply hang down.