Aeroponics is growing plants in a mist environment. Unlike traditional aquaponics and hydroponics, the plants are suspended without grow medium. Here is a 5 gallon bucket aeroponic system that is easy to make.
The 5 gallon bucket aeroponic system is very simple to make and operate. It was designed to provide a compact and inexpensive way to grow food using 5 gallon food-grade buckets. The unit is only filled with less than 2 gallons of water, so it is much easier to transport than the popular 30 gallon tote aeroponics model.
Aeroponics is a really simple and worry-free way to grow and clone veggies and herbs. Aeroponics is growing vegetation without soil, but the roots are suspended and sprayed with water and/or nutrient solution. It is a worry-free way to clone most non-woody stemmed plants from cuttings. You can also grow plants to harvest in the system as well.
How to Grow with Aeroponics
There is no big secret, growing with aeroponics is another form of regular hydroponics. Purchase your favorite hydroponic solution from the hydro supply stores and follow the directions on the label. It is pretty simple to follow. You should be expected to drain the water and add more nutrient solution every couple of weeks as needed. Aeroponics and hydroponics uses more water and resources than aquaponics.
How to Clone with Aeroponics
Cloning with aeroponics is a better method than conventional soil root cuttings. It is quickly becoming the preferred method of cloning. With cloning from cutting with aeroponics you do not need to add any nutrients to your water. You do not have to flush your water as long as the water quality stays clean. It is a much more sterile way to clone than soil cuttings. We just add tap water, let it run for an hour to let the chlorine evaporate, and then start cloning.
Materials
The materials for the aeroponics system:
(1) 5 Gallon Food-Grade Bucket with Lid
(1) 1/2″ X 12″ cut-off threaded poly riser
(1) 360 degree 1/2″ platic head threaded sprinkler heads
(1) 317 gallon per hour (or equivalent) 1/2″ threaded Hydroponics Pump
(1) Indoor/Outdoor Electrical Timer with 30 Minute Increments
(7 or desired amount) Hydroponic Net Pots with Rubber Foam Lids – You can use any size and quantity you want depending on the plants you are growing. We used seven 3″ net pots with lids.
Tools
Saw to cut poly riser
Sharpie
Hole Saw – Appropriate size for desired net pots. If you are using 3″ net pots, use a 2 7/8″ or 2 3/4″ hole saw.
Drill for hole saw
Safety Glasses
Instructional Video
Class: How to Make a 5 Gallon Bucket Aeroponics System
Recorded LIVE
Who: Dennis McClung
When: October 19th, 2013
Where: Honeyville Farms in Chandler, AZ
Length: 30 minutes
This class was recorded live in a classroom setting. To be a part of our classes in person, join our meetup group. Click here to see pictures from the class.
Instructions
Decide what size net pots you wish to use. The pots should be spaced equally apart, away from the edge, as shown. We used seven 3
Carefully cut your holes for your net pots using a drill and hole saw. The net pots should fit snugly in to the holes and not fall through.
Screw the threaded poly cut-off riser to the hydroponic pump. Cut the threaded riser to desired height and add the threaded 360 sprinkler head. Add pump with riser and sprinkler head in to bottom of bucket. Hydro pumps with suction cups and pre-filters are best.
Run the pump plug through a net pot hole and plug in to a timer. Set the timer for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Fill with 2 gallons of water, add cuttings, and let the fun begin!
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