Farouk's Guide to Hydroponics at Home

 

Farouk's Pocket Guide to Hydroponics at Home

Grow 4 Plants Without Soil – Easy, Affordable, Assam-Friendly!

What You'll Need (₹1,200–₹1,800)

• Plastic box (15–20L) – Reuse an old paint bucket or storage bin

• 4 net pots or cut plastic cups – Make drainage holes in the base

• Cocopeat or rice husk – Available from nurseries or rice mills

• Hydroponic nutrient solution (NPK) – Order online or from agri stores

• pH strips (optional) – For checking water pH (ideal: 5.5–6.5)

• Cutter/knife – To create holes in the lid of your container

• Seeds (Mint, Spinach, Basil, Coriander) – Best for beginners

How to Build It (5 Simple Steps)

1. Drill Lid

Make 4 evenly spaced holes in the lid of your plastic container to hold the net pots or cups.

2. Mix Nutrient Water

Add 50 ml of hydroponic nutrient solution to 10 liters of clean water. Adjust pH using lemon juice or baking soda if needed.

3. Prepare the Plants

Fill each net pot or cup with cocopeat/rice husk. Plant seeds or place saplings. Insert pots into the holes on the lid.

4. Place the Setup

Keep your system in a sunny area (like a balcony or terrace with 6+ hours of light) or under an LED grow light.

5. Weekly Checkups

Top up water as it evaporates. Re-add nutrients every 10–14 days. Cover the container to prevent algae and mosquito breeding.

Best Plants for Assam Hydroponics

• Mint (Pudina)

• Spinach (Palak)

• Coriander (Dhaniya)

• Basil (Tulsi or Italian)

Try tomatoes and chillies after getting confident.

Smart Tips

• Use filtered rainwater if possible—plants love it

• Cover the container to block sunlight and prevent green algae

• Keep lids tight to stop mosquito larvae

• Use apps like Planta or GrowWithJane to track your plant growth

• Label your plants and note the nutrient schedule for better tracking