Getting Started Guide

Getting Started Guide

Go Small and Keep it Simple

The following recommendations can get a system up and running for under $200.

Looking back on my past few years and all my experiences with Hydroponics, I have learned a lot and have made numerous mistakes. For teachers that want to start a hydroponics system in their classrooms, here are my recommendations.

In addition to this page, I recommend checking out my "Tips and Lessons Learned Post"

Table of Content:

• • • • • • • • • Build or Buy

                • Select the Type of System

                • Selecting the Size of the System

                • Picking the right plants

                • Selecting a Grow Light

                • Select a Nutrient Solution

                • Get Some Data Gathering Tools

Build or Buy?

There are a lot of hydroponic systems out there that you can buy for about $200. Just recognize that these do not come with everything you need to do hydroponics in a classroom (including lights). When you spend time understanding parts of a hydroponic system and different hydroponic systems, it does not take long to realize that they are pretty simple and can be built with basic supplies. My recommendation is to BUILD (especially if you are on a budget). You will know the system inside and out and if you build it with students its even better! However, if you do not consider yourself as "handy", you may prefer to buy a system.

Whichever system or route you decide to go, I recommend you start small, you can always grow the system.

One mistake I made the mistake of starting large and making the "Cadillac" version.

Cadillacs have expensive parts and are expensive to maintain. Get comfortable with a few plants before trying a bunch of plants.

1) Select the Type of System- Go simple!

The two simplest versions of hydroponic systems are the Floating Raft and Deep Water Culture systems. All you really need for this system is a reservoir (container) and an air pump & air stone. Here is how to build a simple Deep Water Culture system.

These types of systems can be built for about $25.

2) Select the size of System/ container- Go Small!

Large systems require more of everything! More light, more water, more space which can mean more problems!

I recommend starting with a small system, no more than 5 gallons. You can use a variety of containers and sizes. This video may help you with the decision process.

3) Pick the right plants- Pick fast and easy growers!

From my experience, start with Basil. It is fast growing and does not require much maintenance. Other herbs and lettuces are good plants to start with too!

Plants that need to flower and produce fruit require more nutrients, take longer, and may require additional supplies/growing techniques. For more about different plants, go HERE

4) Select a Grow light: Go Cheep!

There are a lot of resources out there about the "Best" grow lights and using High Intensity grow lights and LED's. However, these lights can be expensive (initial cost) and can be expensive to maintain (annual cost) with pricey bulbs. Additionally in my experience, High-Intensity lights such as High-pressure Sodium and Metal Halide are great but have caused problems with temperature and issues with being used within a classroom setting. My recommendation is to start with High Output Fluorescent grow lights. They are affordable, long lasting, low energy usage, and easy on the eye for students. The only other thing you would need is a timer.

5) Select a Nutrient Solution- Many choices

You will need nutrients to mix with your water. There are a lot of different choices. Though I am still fine tuning this with my plants, General Hydroponics "Flora Series" is the one that has been recommended by numerous hydroponic experts. By a simple starter kit give it a try! You will also need pH adjuster to keep the nutrient solution in the 5.5-6.5 range.

The starter kit can be purchased at HydroGalaxy for around $52.

http://www.hydrogalaxy.com/nutrients-supplements/flora-series-starter-kit/

My review of this product can be found HERE.

6) Get Some Data Gathering Tools!- The more the better!

A great component of hydroponics in the classroom is data gathering and analysis. This can be done with a variety of tools.