Before I go any further, let me warn you that there are several large hydroponic systems on the market. I will not be focusing on those at this time.
There are several brands out on the market (iDOO and Aerogarden are examples). Mine is just a little $30 system that I purchased at a big box store. It's made by LaGute but I have used Aerogarden parts and sponges and iDOO sponges.
With most desktop hydroponic systems, you have baskets, sponges, grow domes, pumps, and a grow light. You might also have some covers to control how much light gets in the pod, but I had to purchase mine. They also come with some form of nutrients.
Here is the one problem that I have with hydroponic systems. I have not found an organic nutrient system that doesn't stink to high heaven, and I'm very cautious about that because we do have rats in the area. I don't want them in my house. So until I find one that doesn't stink, I'll use the one that came with the kit or seed pods.
Which brings me to my next point to make. When it comes to planting seeds in a desktop hydroponic system, you can purchase a preseeded set of pods like this:
The second option is you can make your own pods. What I grow in my own pods depends on the time of year. If it's spring or fall, I'm likely to be using the system to start at least some of my seedlings. If it's during winter or summer, I'm using it to grow things that just don't do well in extremes. When I make my own pods, I insert the sponge into the basket. I try to keep at least six on hand. We'll talk more about how to make your own pods later on in this article.
Before getting started, I clean the base (also called a resevoir), baskets, water pump, covers and anything that moves inside the base by spraying with food grade hydrogen peroxide and wiping with a paper towel. Note: you will need to disassemble and reassemble some parts (like the pump). Next, you'll need to follow the directions on your nutrients as you will have to mix your solution. Once the solution is mixed you can pour it into the base. Put the pump into place. Next put your cover on. If you are using a preseeded pod, go ahead and put them in now. Reattach your grow light. Plug in all your cables. Adjust your light so that there is about 4 inches between the cover and the light. NOTE: You will need to adjust the light as your seedlings grow. Keep no less than 4 inches from the top of the plant and the light to prevent burn. Put your grow domes on. The grow domes will come off when the seedlings touch the grow dome. Be sure and guide the seedlings through the covers if needed.
If you're making your own pods, keep in mind some things do better in hydroponic systems than others. Corn, potatoes, onions, garlic...they don't do well in hydroponic systems. Pick something that will grow in a hydroponic system, like tomatoes, herbs or lettuce. Place your pods in the slots like you would a preseeded pod. Select 2 or 3 seeds and place them in the hole at the top of the sponge.
Add your cover. The cover prevents too much light from entering the lower part of the system, which in turn prevents the growth of algae in it. From here, proceed as you would in the first scenario.
And this is where the waiting game begins but it's usually not long. I give my system about a week as they recommend changing the water and cleaning the system every 7 to 10 days. I usually do it on the days when I'm off work. Have a container to place your pods in when you do this to prevent a mess. Disconnect everything. Remove the light, cover and pump. If you like you can use the nutrient solution to fertilize another plant. I try to rotate which plants I fertilize with it. Proceed with the cleaning process as described earlier. However, check for sprouting and root development. If a pod does not sprout, as long as there is no fungus, algae or anything obviously wrong with the pod, you can add another seed to it, but if there is something wrong with it, remove the pod and replace it with a new one. You can let the old pod dry out in a new location, then remove the sponge and clean and reuse the equipment. Now if you have roots developing, you'll need to trim them. I trim about a third off of my roots. Since the roots are somewhat delicate, I use a pair of microsnips like these.
You'll need to monitor the system daily. I usually turn my light on before I go to work and turn it off when I come home. However, when I'm away from home I do use a timer so it will turn itself off and on. If the water level runs low, it will sound an alarm and shut the pump off until the water is replenished. I use a funnel and just gently pour tap water into it through the hole. There is also a window at the front to help you monitor the water level. My pump runs 30 minutes and then shuts off for 30 minutes. After 3 to 4 weeks you should have a plant that you can transplant or harvest.
I know it sounds like a lot but once you've done it a few times, it's really not hard at all. If you do decide to try this, I'd recommend going with a preseeded pod, but if you choose to make your own, I'd start with something simple like lettuce, swiss chard, or some herbs. Now if you choose to go with tomatoes or peppers, you'll need something like a power toothbrush or you could possibly use your finger to just tickle the blossoms. What you're trying to do is mimic a bee pollinating the flowers.
Finally, you'll need to make the decision on whether or not you want to transplant the plant. What I do is if it's not a big plant and it doesn't grow well during that season, I'll keep it a little longer in the hydroponic system or harvest it and start over. If it's time to start seeds, I'll transplant it, sometimes it'll go directly in the ground but sometimes I could put it in a pot and leave it in the garage or greenhouse.
The pros that I see here are that the seedlings sprout faster because they're in a controlled environment. If you keep the area clean, disease is greatly minimized. Pests can be a problem but again it's minimized if you keep it indoors. The cons is that if you do get a disease it usually spreads quickly.
I know this one has been long but I felt that detail is important. Please don't let that discourage you from trying. I feel it does make a contribution to our effort to grow year round. Happy gardening!
Updated 10/9/2024: After 2 years of service, this system had an electrical failure. This is not to say that I would not recommend the system as there was no fire. It just stopped. That being said, a new system has been ordered, and I will be doing an unboxing and review of the new system. The new system will be an 8 pod IDOO, as it can arrive within 24 hours but if it does not it is not a deal breaker for me.
