Introduction: Wick Based Hydroponics
Here's another hydroponic system, it is, again, passive, set and forget it. I did this during lunch one day at work so assembly goes pretty quick.
Let the debate whether or not this is hydroponcs begin.
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Step 1: You'll Need a Wicking Material
Cotton rope is the easiest, however it has the disadvantage of rotting, so I borrowed some "nylon" rope from a tree guy i know. What I got is a hank of synthetic rope, probably polyethylene. Then i tested it's wicking ability, both washed and unwashed. Washing it really help. I measured the absorption at 1ml/Hour/wick
Step 2: Now That You Have a Wick
Mix up a bucket of nutrient solution, punch a hole in the top, thread the wicks (I decided to use four) through and snap the lid on the bucket.
Step 3: Now the Grow Container
I cut down a couple of 5 gallon plant pots and forced on inside the other so that the media wouldn't wash out the holes. Then threaded the wicks up through the bottom hole and spread out the wicks.
Step 4: Finally
I put an inch of vermiculite in the bottom of the grow container to ensure good wickability, and then filled the rest of the container with 50/50 vermiculite/perlite.
Pre-moisten the media, sprinkle with lettuce seeds and set in the sun.
Here's 4 weeks growth, could have been better, poor nutrient mixture.
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28 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! You can make many other simple to advanced hydroponics systems with the hydroponics supplies and parts found here. http://www.bestgrowlights.com
15 years ago on Introduction
can the nutrient solution be made from any home supplies? rather then buying the stuff?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Two tablespoons miracle gro + 0ne tablespoon epsom salt to 1 gallon of water. Or make a compost and use the liquid runoff.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
hi
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Hi!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
okay thanks
14 years ago on Introduction
hydroponics is great. well infact i have my strawberry and its so sweet . but i dont have idea how Wick Based Hydroponics means.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I like strawberrys
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
All your base are belong to us
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Haha! I just chocked on my soup! :P
12 years ago on Introduction
Very inspiring!
I know this is old but I thought I should ask my question where it was inspired-here.
I have built and used two-bucket soil wicking, self watering systems.
Rather than using a basket to hold the soil, I drill a 3"or so hole,lay a sheet of screen over it, push the screen through to the bottom of the lower bucket, staple the screen in place, trim off the excess screen,and pack the screen pouch and upper bucket with wicking soil.
Easier for me than the "wicking basket" usually used, but a handful of rope wicks would be easier still.
I add peat moss to potting soil and solid fertilizer to make my wicking soil.
Would this soil work in place of the vermiculite and perlite used in this Instructible?
Also,what is the best kind of rope for a wick?
I am trying this right now,with pure peat soil,and hemp(maybe) rope, in both a two-liter bottle design and a margarine tub/tomato sauce can build.
I want to scale this up to the multi-gallon size seen here, or even beyond into 55gallon drums.
Any feedback would be great.Thanks.
12 years ago on Step 1
Aren't most lamp wicks cotton?
13 years ago on Introduction
Excellent construction! The Earthbox is a wicker too but doesn't admitt it! You can also make a drip or flood and drain system - check out the videos at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUS3asuw2UY
14 years ago on Introduction
This is a very clever idea - thanks!
14 years ago on Introduction
I'm growing peppers and basil. Going to try this out.
15 years ago on Introduction
a community of bright, capable and inventive people who enjoy the chalenge of a project to work on, lots of whom are uni or collage students. I think everyone is trying to avoid posting what's really on their mind.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
The answer is yes, this would work for growing pot.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thats exactly what was on my mind! =P
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Dude, I have no idea what you are talking about.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
;-)