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DIY Horizontal Hydroponic System
Grow plants without soil! This simple do-it-yourself setup lets you explore how plants absorb water and nutrients directly through their roots—an innovative and sustainable way to grow food.
Hydroponic systems are soil-less plant-growing methods where roots are placed in water containing nutrients. Inspired by how aquatic and semi-aquatic plants grow in nature, this model shows how we can mimic those natural processes to create efficient farming systems—even in small spaces.
What You’ll Need:
Horizontal pipe (PVC or plastic bottles cut open and aligned)
Net cups or recycled containers with holes
Lightweight growing medium (cocopeat, sponge, or gravel)
Water reservoir (bucket or container)
Nutrient solution (compost tea, liquid fertilizer, or hydroponic mix)
Watering can or manual pump (for circulating water)
Optional: air pump (for better root oxygenation)
Cut PVC pipes
Materials
How to Make It:
Prepare the Horizontal Base:
Place the PVC pipe or aligned bottle structure horizontally on a stand or rack.
Add Net Cups or Planters:
Fit net cups or containers into holes along the top of the pipe/bottles.
Fill Growing Medium:
Add cocopeat or sponge into each cup to support the plant and retain moisture.
Add Water and Nutrients:
Fill the lower reservoir with water mixed with plant nutrients.
Plant Seedlings:
Place young plants (like spinach, mint, lettuce, or herbs) into the growing medium.
Water Gently or Circulate:
Either manually water the cups or set up a drip or flow system that allows water to circulate.
PVC pipe arrangement
Motor for water circulation
Clayballs in netpot
Placing netpots in system
Complete setup
Care & Observation:
Place the setup in indirect sunlight or under grow lights.
Observe root growth through net cups and plant height over days.
Refill the water reservoir when needed.
Monitor for algae or overgrowth.
No soil needed—watch how plants thrive with just water and nutrients!
For 4 Layered Setup:
Stacking the Layers: Four horizontal PVC pipes are mounted one above the other on a vertical PVC frame. Each pipe acts as an individual growing channel, like the single-layer version.
Cutting Net Cup Holes: Evenly spaced holes are cut along the top of each pipe to hold net cups or recycled containers. These cups contain lightweight growing medium like cocopeat, sponge, or gravel to support the plants.
Water Circulation Design: A submersible pump in the bottom reservoir (bucket) pushes nutrient-rich water up to the topmost layer.Water flows through the first pipe, then drops down to the second, then to the third, and finally to the fourth layer. Each layer is connected by PVC elbows or flexible pipes to guide the flow downward.
Return to Reservoir: The water that flows through the bottom (fourth) layer drains back into the reservoir, completing the cycle. This setup allows for continuous recirculation, saving water and nutrients.
Supporting the Structure: The frame is made of PVC pipes or any sturdy material to hold all four layers securely. Proper spacing between layers ensures that plants get light and room to grow.
Planting and Growing: Seedlings such as spinach, mint, lettuce, onions, or herbs are placed in the net cups. As roots grow, they reach the flowing nutrient water inside the pipes. The system should be placed in indirect sunlight or under grow lights.
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