How to Create a Hydroponic Garden in Your Backyard

Want to take advantage of a hydroponic garden in your backyard? Here is what you need to know. 

For personal use, hydroponic gardening allows you to utilize your space much more efficiently than you could with traditional methods. You can grow much more in the same amount of space, leading you to stronger yields. 

Because of all the nutrients used in the growth, the quality of the crop is much higher than with traditional gardening. However, it is important to remember that many factors come together to give you that result — and it isn’t solely about the lack of soil. 

A few additional benefits include: 

• Hydroponic systems require the use of less water than using soil. 
• They consume minimal resources without compromising yield. 
• They are considered to be one of the most sustainable methods of gardening.
• And, perhaps a gardener’s favorite benefit, there are no weeds to contend with. 

What’s more, if you choose to use a solar water pump with your hydroponic gardening system, you are having an even greater positive impact on the environment. 

How you create your hydroponic garden will be as unique as your backyard itself. It will depend greatly on things like design, what you’re growing, where your water source is, and so forth. It will also depend on the specific method of hydroponic gardening you are interested in. 

So, while we cannot necessarily give you specifics for creating your garden, we can share what you need and how it works. Then, you can get creative and get to work on the hydroponic garden you have been envisioning.

There are a few basic things that you will need to get your hydroponic garden up and running. 

Because you aren’t using traditional soil, you will need a substitute that will provide adequate nutrition. There are different types to choose from, such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Soil and sand are also growing media but not ideal choices for this type of garden. 

You can use PVC pipes or any other mechanism for holding the plants and directing the flow of oxygenated water. You don’t want the entire plant submerged underwater so many find that drilling a hole in the pipe or investing in net pots allows for the water and nutrients to reach the roots without drowning it. 

You don't want your plants sitting in stagnant water as this could do much more harm than good. To prevent root rot and other damage, keep the water moving with a solar-powered water pump. The water remains oxygenated and the plants are healthy. 

These pumps don’t require any electricity, but rather access to the sun in order to run normally. 

Of course, you are going to need water as it is a major component. Make sure you have a source that is readily available for pumping through the garden. You also want to see that it is free from chemicals so as not to harm the plants.  

There are several different types of fertilizer available, but choosing one that is already mixed and water-soluble can give you everything you need. You will want to periodically check the pH levels of your water and nutrients. Keeping it within the 5 to 6 ph range will lead to the greatest results. 

Want to give hydroponic gardening a try? 

As mentioned, when you take advantage of all that hydroponic gardening has to offer, you are engaging in a sustainable, eco-friendly practice — especially when you take advantage of our solar water pumps. 

Designed for use in your backyard, these pumps are part of a kit that will have you up and running in mere minutes. Supply your garden with fresh water without the worry of being near an energy source. The sun brings the power. 

Want to learn more? Contact us. Or, if you are ready to get started, shop Solariver today!