Sustainable Vertical Aeroponic Urban Garden
As spring approaches my mind has been wrapping around taking my aeroponics outside. Using tubs inside with artificial lights works so well that I have decided to start an outdoor project this year using the vertical aeroponic concepts. Being I like doing things myself with material that can be purchased locally I plan on giving this a shot and feel that it will work and save space.
Here is the idea using large pvc pipe and hanging them from the eves of my house. The back side of my house has full southern exposure where I plan on hanging the pipes. The only thing I have not done is figure out how I am going to house the two inch net cups in the pipe. But I am sure I will be figuring that out soon as I have some pipe lying around the house. When I start making that part I will post how I do it. Please look forward to future posts.
Vertical Aeoponic Concept
I have also thought about how hot the summer can get and the temperature of the water. So I am going to use mother earth to cool the water by placing the reservoir tub in the ground to maintain the water temperature. Being that the pipe is white it will also help to keep the water as cool as possible. While the plants foliage grows it will also shade the pipe and help to keep the water temperature cool.
Of course these are assumptions right now, but I think they are feasible assumptions and my concept will work.
I have also thought of what types of plants I will want to grow. I know tomato plants will be one. Pepper plants will be the other as these are my favorites I like to eat and cook with. I also think lettuce will be another. So I am looking forward to figuring it out a little more and buying my seeds soon. I will be able to start my seed soon in my indoor garden so they will be ready when the weather permits.
Being that the plants will be under the eve of the house I will not have to worry about late frosts. So as soon as the last freeze has past I will be able to start my vertical garden. But for now I have to get to work on the pipe and housing the two inch net pot into the pipe.
Vertical Aeroponics
As I start building I will post photos and videos. I am as excited as the day that I discovered aeroponics and built my first system and watched it work. I just want you to know that I appreciate that you are interested in aeroponics and I truly believe that as food prices go up that people are going to need a better way to eat and feed themselves.
One of my goals for this outdoor project is to use solar energy to run the pump. But that is another project. Living in Northern Michigan presents challenges with our short summers and cloudy days, so I am skeptical to solar power, but it is a thought I will investigate to see if it is achievable. Self-sustainable is the ultimate goal and to not depend on the super-market for my daily fresh vegetables.
Vertical concept
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To hold the netpots we bought pvc couplers and cut them in half at a 45 degree angle then screwed the bottom into the tower (food grade buckets) and sealed the edge with a food grade silicone caulk. We are still testing our towers and food mixture but had some success. Still a lot of figuring out to do.
Thanks for the comment. Towers? Sounds very interesting. I was looking at couplers to for the vertical (tower) and have yet to figure out the angle I need. How are you doing the spray? I have been keeping my ppm at around 350 and the Ph below 7 around 6.5. The plants grow very well, everyday. The one thing about changing anything is the wait to see what happens. Small adjustments are best, but sometimes those small adjustments wont show much change. Farming is so much fun, as we are pioneers in this promising farming adventure. Thanks again for the comment. I can give you access to post pictures and share your story if you like. I know I would love it. Scott