Setting Up a Hydroponic System

Before you start

Choose a system first (see the guides), then pick a location that gets enough light, close to water and a power outlet if you use a pump or light.

Steps

• Pick a container. Use an opaque one so light cannot reach the nutrient solution and grow algae.
• Fill it with clean water. Filtered or distilled water gives you the most control.
• Mix nutrients exactly as the label says. Adding more does not make plants grow faster.
• Test and adjust the pH (see pH and nutrients).
• Place seedlings in net cups with a growing medium, so their roots reach the solution.
• Check the solution level and pH every few days, and top up with plain water or fresh solution as needed.

Keep it running

Plan to replace the nutrient solution on a regular schedule, and clean the reservoir when you do. Watch the plants: they tell you a lot about what the system needs.

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