Air lift pump for hydroponics

 Air lift pump is an age old system used to pump water to a higher place. This system is a non effective system, but for hydroponics where we need to push water drop by drop and not in bulk, works best.

Planter to hydroponics

Converted this basic planter to a hydroponics system. The base plate is cut to hold the net pots. The drain holes have to be closed with m-seal. Plants grow happily in this SIP.

Deep water culture. Just had to add the water plus nutrients once in the whole lifetime of the plant (seed to harvest). As the roots grow the water goes down with it. This creates an air pocket which helps in air circulation.

Hydroponics in PVC pipe

Wanted to grow in PVC pipes. Got a 3inch diameter pipe. Cut holes, added end caps. For the water intake added a smaller hole (you can see that on the left). Added a C ring cut from the same PVC pipe to cover the hole so that it can slide for easy access and also save from algae growth in the nutrient. This pipe has 7 grow ports. Also holds a little more than 1.5 L of nutrient. Single set of nutrient runs for an average of 7 days.

Sustainable agriculture / Eco farming

The concept of sustainable agriculture has come because yields from modern farming technique (modern commercial agriculture) reaching a plateau and the environmental problems due to excessive use of chemicals and fertilizers and pesticides residue in food chain.

Sustainable agriculture is that form of farming which produces sufficient food to meet the needs of the present generation without eroding ecological assets and productivity of life supporting systems of future generations. Natural farming is an excellent illustration of sustainable agriculture. It is also known as ecological farming / ecofarming or organic farming or Permaculture. It is called eco-farming because ecological balance is given importance and organic farming because organic matter is the main source of nutrient management. It is a system of cultivation with use of manures, crop rotation and minimal tilling. Sustainable agriculture also involves agroforestry and multilevel cultivation and integrating animal husbandry.

Grow yellow pea shoots

Use yellow pea shoots as an addition to salad. They are milder than the raw peas. They also don't have the lectins which is a natural toxin which is contained in the peas. You can eat the pea shoots for added protein and crunch to your food.

Grow your own wheatgrass for juice

Wheatgrass is:

• High in Nutrients and Antioxidants
• Reduces Cholesterol
• Helps Killing Cancer Cells
• Aid in Blood Sugar Regulation
• Alleviate Inflammation
• Help Promote Weight Loss
• Easy to Add to Your Diet

Wheatgrass can be easily grown at home with handful of wheat from the grocery store. You get lush grass within 10 days and you just need small amount for your juice.

Pet bottle planters

Pet bottle planters are the best thing that can happen to one who is trying their hand on home hydroponics for growing plants st home. Here is a small step by step for how to make your own planter from old pet bottle which is thrown out.