Introduction: Desktop Hydroponics Wick System
A simple wick system that can hold a small plant like an herb. Works well with seedlings, but I think it should work with directly sowed seeds too. Please consider supporting me by buying me a coffee!
Supplies:
15oz. can ~75mm diameter
Old cotton shirt / towel
Potting soil
Seedling
PLA filament
Tools:
3D printer
Can opener
File
Step 1: 3D Print
3D print the inside cup that contains the soil and plant. I used PLA filament at .3mm layer height. If you don't have a 3D printer, your local library or maker space will likely have one. You could also make one out of a soda bottle, but it won't look as neat.
Attachments
Step 2: Assembly
Use a can opener to open the can. Make sure the inside is clean and the sharp edges have been filed away. Cut a wick out of a shirt or towel following the example above. Insert it through the hole in the cup and spread out the two flaps to each side of the cup. There should be a few inches of fabric dangling from the other end. Then add the seedling and potting soil and fill a quarter of the can with water. Finally, insert the cup w/ plant and you're done! After about 15 minutes, the soil should be damp to the touch. It's also not a bad idea to add a tiny bit of nutrients to the water. If you liked this, please vote for this in the recycled challenge! Thanks!
![Recycled Speed Challenge](https://content.instructables.com/FX2/A5XT/KED4WX0F/FX2A5XTKED4WX0F.jpg?auto=webp&crop=1240%2C600&frame=1&width=320)
Participated in the
Recycled Speed Challenge