$100 Do-It-Yourself Drip Irrigation System
So far in our Do-It-Yourself series we have covered low-budget, easy-to-construct versions of both Ebb and Flow and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). For this installment, we would like to show you how to build one of the simplest hydroponic systems available: Drip Irrigation.
This technique has been used by farmers in low-moisture areas for thousands of years, and for good reason; it allows gardeners to reuse their water when grown hydroponically, and it loses very little water when utilized in traditional soil agriculture.
For medical marijuana growers, the Drip Irrigation technique can be a simple foray into the world of horticulture. We will walk you step-by-step through the process of creating an (economy-style) Drip Irrigation System.
First, Grab Your Tools.
You will need:
- A large plastic container that will function as a reservoir. If you can, also purchase a shallow container of the same brand, as they will probably fit together and save you some hassle.
- A drill (with a very small bit made for plastics).
- Perhaps a saw (should you need to cut a piece of wood -- we will explain later).
- Your immensely powerful human mind.
If Your Bins Fit Together, You Have It Easy
In this configuration, you would simply drill holes in several key spots in the bins.
1. The first would be in the side of the large bin (reservoir), just above the water line, to allow the cords/cables for the water pump, aerators, and meters, to get into the nutrient solution.
2. Several at the lowest points in the upper bin, to encourage water to drain back into the reservoir and not become stagnant. (You may have to slightly prop-up one side of the upper bin to allow for drainage).
But What If I Can't Find Matching Bins?
Never fear, for you have a solution in the form of an simple wooden board. If you try to perch your planting tray atop the reservoir you will most likely end up with a very unstable system. But with a little bit of reenforcement, you have the strength necessary to hold up your growing medium and the massive buds that you created with it.
Once you have your structure set up, it is just a matter of connecting some hoses. In fact, cleaning those hoses after each cycle will be the hardest part of this entire process. There are a variety of do-it-yourself hose kits available in hydroponic and gardening stores, and they are all relatively affordable, especially at an entry level.
So Easy My Grandma Could Do It (And She Doesn't Even Have Internet)
You really can't go wrong with a Drip Irrigation system due to its ease of use and construction, but each growing situation requires a different approach, so make sure you do your homework before buying (or building) any of these systems. Until next time, Happy Harvests!
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Wednesday, 13 February 2013
