Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Automated hydroponic planter- No electricity needed!!

As I had mentioned in my previous posts, my constant endeavor is to continuously innovate and create a low maintenance and low cost soilless/ hydroponic gardening system. Well,  after years of experimenting with various types of systems I have created the first prototype of a automated hydroponic system which does not need electricity and other expensive equipment like pumps, timers etc. And it works wonderfully well!!

What you see in the picture does not have a good finish (I lack carpentery skills :)) I plan to get hold of a good carpenter to create a neat finished system which can be kept indoors, in the balcony or in the patio.


Anyways.. coming to the the features and benefits of this system:


1) A large planting area - I plan to create 3 different  sizes - 2' x 2', 3' x 1.5' and 4' x 1.5'. These sizes are much larger that the conventional planters available in the market.  A couple of these systems are enough to grow all your flowering plants, herbs and leafy veggies.

 (I have planted 3 watermelon plants, 12 lettuce plants, 8 ruby red cabbage plants and 3 Chinese cabbage plants in the 3' x 1.5' planter shown in the picture)

2) No daily watering needed - Depending upon the plant growth stage and the weather conditions, this  garden system would require nutrient solution only once or twice a month, you need to refill the system with our nutrient solution

3) Built-in nutrient level indicator - This system has a built-in nutrient solution level indicator, which will tell you when to refill the system with the nutrient solution

4) No water stress due to under-watering or flooding due to over-watering  -  The plants roots get the optimum supply of water and nutrients all the time throughout.
You fill the system once/ twice a month with the solution and the system takes care of dispensing the optimum supply of nutrients to plants.
5) No soil borne diseases - In this soil-less system, hydroponic media is sterile, hence there are no soil borne insects or pests which makes it an ideal indoor growing system

The planters will be designed keeping in mind the aesthetics of  the home interior. With attractive wooden laminate finishes and wheels, these planters will truly gel with your  living room or balcony furnishings.

For more information on hydroponic gardening, please visit Indian Hydroponics

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