Grow Fresh Food Year-Round With Items You Already Have

Hydroponics doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With a few basic recycled materials and a little DIY effort, you can grow healthy plants right from home, whether you’re starting seeds or growing them to maturity. Below is a simple guide using materials you can easily find or repurpose.

Materials You’ll Need:

• 1 large (4l) water bottle with cap – often used for distilled or spring water

• 1 smaller (300–500 ml) plastic bottle with cap

• 1 aluminum pie plate (medium or regular size)

• Clay pebbles (preferred grow medium) — OR small clean stones/gravel

• Blue or white paint (to block light and prevent algae growth)

• Utility knife and scissors

Tip: If gathering gravel from natural sources like rivers or streams, ensure the area is unpolluted. Always sterilize natural materials before use to kill any pathogens.

Why Blue or White Paint?

Painting the outside of your large bottle prevents light from entering the water, which can cause algae to grow.

• Blue is ideal for blocking light.

• White works as a backup and also reflects heat, keeping the water cool.

• Avoid black, as it absorbs heat—roots prefer cooler temperatures for optimal growth.

Step-by-Step Build Instructions:

1. Prepare the Large Water Bottle (Reservoir)

• Find the ring or crease about 1/3 down from the top.

• Cut along this ring to remove the top dome of the bottle. Set it aside—this will be used later during seed germination to retain moisture.

• In the lower section (the reservoir), cut four tabs about ½ inch down from the rim. These will help hold the aluminum plate in place.

2. Modify the Pie Plate (Plant Holder)

• Use a cap from the small bottle to trace 3 circles spaced evenly in a triangle shape.

• Carefully cut the holes just slightly larger than the caps so the small bottle tops can sit snugly.

• Cut small slits near the rim of the pie plate to align with the tabs from the large bottle, helping it sit securely.

3. Prepare the Small Bottles (Net Cups)

• Cut each small bottle at the first visible ring from the top.

• Remove the cap and cut an X-shaped slit into the center of it. Bend the triangles slightly inward.

  • This lets water pass while keeping your pebbles or stones in place.

• Reattach the cap and flip the top upside down.

• Fill with your grow medium.

These small tops act like net pots, allowing roots to wick up water from the nutrient reservoir below.

Putting It All Together

1. Fill the lower part of your large bottle with a basic nutrient solution.

2. Place the aluminum plate over the top, aligning it with the four tabs.

3. Insert the small bottle tops into the 3 holes.

4. Use the removed top dome of the large bottle as a humidity dome while germinating seeds. Simply place it over the setup to trap moisture.

5. Remove the dome once seeds sprout and true leaves appear.

Scaling Up and Custom Setups

• If you're growing larger plants like tomatoes or peppers, consider using an additional 4L bottle to extend root space.

• For mature plants, try setups that hold 4–5 gallons of solution and use support systems like wire cages.

• We also experiment with different container sizes (shorter for germination, deeper for full growth) to maximize space.

Coming Soon: Templates & Measured Instructions

We’re currently perfecting multiple prototype builds and will soon offer:

• Printable templates

• Step-by-step guides with exact measurements

• Tips to avoid common mistakes (like getting your net pot holes spaced correctly!)

In the meantime, this basic version should help you get started.

Support Through ILFJL Collective

If you’re part of the ILFJL Collective, you can access:

• Free seed and nutrient solution packs through Plant Share For All

• Community help for troubleshooting and education

• Tips and plans to help grow your own health and wellness options

LIFE – Love Is For Everyone. Let’s grow something good, together.