Simple Tips to Get Started In Aeroponics

Adventurous growers have found that creating small-scale aeroponic systems is a fun and easy thing to do.

While aeroponic and hydroponic systems vary slightly in how they distribute nutrients to plant root systems, the cost of the small-scale systems is relatively the same.

Hydroponic systems work by providing a continuous flow of water and nutrients over the roots of your plants whereas aeroponic systems provide a generally consistent mist of nutrients and water onto the roots.

Both systems are available online or in stores as ready-made kits. Prices for a store bought kit begin around $150 and can go as high as $3000. Ready-made kits are wonderful for the first time grower or if you have limited space to garden indoors.

If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, then home-made systems are an option and are limited only by your imagination.

Four requirements for a home system:
1) Support the plants above your nutrient solution.
2) Aerate your solution to provide oxygen to the roots.
3) Prevent light from reaching the roots by enclosing them in a supported structure.
4) Provide adequate light to the plant via exposure to natural sun or by using grow lights.
Styrofoam, aquarium pumps, and hangers have been used by the resourceful grower; just remember to take the size of your mature plant into consideration. For example; tomato plants need plenty of room for upright growth and support.
Short plants like lettuce and some herbs will usually support themselves but will need room to spread out. PVC pipe with holes drilled in it for each plant can work well. Additionally, if you're opting for an aeroponic system, small sprayers can be bought for $.50 online or at your local nursery.
First time growers can spend as little or as much as you'd like to get your system up and running but once you've established a system your costs are minimal. Besides nutrients, kits generally cost about $30-$40, the only other purchase you will have to make are the plants or seeds and that's the fun part!