Cost breakdown for first my hydroponic system
There were several things that I needed to consider when I decided to set up a hydroponic system, but to me the most important were the costs. Not only the ongoing expenses associated with this type of gardening, but the set up costs as well.
My first system was made up of the following items:
- Netted Pots 3.75" -20 pack...$10.94
- 27 Gallon Construction Grade Commander Storage Tote...$29.99 (used a Rubbermaid 54 gallon tote for the initial project but it will only last you 1 year, use the stronger 27 gallon)
- Hydrofarm ASCL Large Active Aqua Air Stone Cylinder...$6.87
- Beckett DP400 400 GPH Pump for Ponds and Fountains...$38.38
- 1/2" x 6" Poly Cut-off Riser...$.13
- Orbit WaterMaster Underground Pop-Up Sprinkler Head with Brass Nozzle, Full Circle...$2.98
- Hydrofarm JSEF55 Smart Float Grow Tray with Plugs...$26.11
- Hydrofarm AAPA15L 6-Watt 15-LPM Active Aqua Air Pump with 4 Outlets...$27.48
- PENN PLAX Standard Airline Tubing Air Pump Accessories, 25-Feet...$5.49
- Hydroton GMHT10L Hydroponic Grow Rocks, 10 Liter Bag...$22.79
- General Hydroponics Flora Series QT - FloraGro, FloraBloom, and FloraMicro...$38.36
So the total cost on the system before shipping was $183.41. At the time, I was able to get the totes and the sprinkler heads from Lowes, but many of the things I had to order online. This list didn't include any tools that I had to buy. (the hole saw for example)
If I were to break this cost down for each plant it would be $9.17 per plant. Keep in mind though that this system can be used from year to year. This will leave you only the monthly operating costs to contend with. The last item on the list above are the nutrients. This will only last about 6 weeks. To save money I purchased dry hydroponic fertilizer and mixed the nutrient solution myself which I still had plenty remaining for use the next year.
Hydroponic systems can be a bit expensive to get started. But it is only the first year. The years that follow you only buy nutrients. That is not a big cost. I have made a post with my system. It is highly addictive when you get going:)
Exactly. This year me and my father built a greenhouse/screenhouse for growing. There are some hybrid soil/hydroponic systems in it. I will be posting the picks one of these days here soon. It really is a neat project.
Just followed and upvoted as this is exactly what i want to do in the near future. Thanks for sharing
thats awesome. thanks .
As lo g as it worth it..thats a money well spent