Here's a Great Hydroponic Project for Kids

Hydroponics Made Easy
There are a number of different systems you can purchase to do hydroponics, but what if you just want to check it out with just one or two small things before you pay money for a kit? You can start your hydroponic garden with regular household items then transplant them to a more permanent destination. Let me show you what I mean.
As you go to the grocery store and buy food in plastic containers, many of them can be used to start your own hydroponic garden. In this example I am using the plastic container that was used for a bunt cake from the store bakery.

STEP 1 After enjoying the treat, clean the container using mild dish soap.

STEP 2 Punch a few holes into the bottom of the tray. (Kids need to have an adult assist with this step)

STEP 3 The top of what used to be our cake container now becomes the bottom and should now be filled with the water and nutrient solution. The water solution should be high enough to cover the last ¼ inch of the black tray once it is place on the top. Parents should assist with measuring the nutrient solution. You can start with any organic plant food.

STEP 4 Place the black tray with the holes on top of the bowl with the nutrient solution and add some medium to cover the bottom. The medium can be tiny pebbles which have been cleaned very well or you can purchase a small bag of hydroton (clay like pebbles commonly used in hydroponics) You can even used broken pieces of clay flower pots you may already have around the house. (Kids be sure to have your parents help break the clay flower pots). In this example I am using hydroton.

STEP 5 This picture shows a sample of a 1x1 GroDan rockwool plug most often used in hydroponics. Since this is about using items common to most households, use a few cotton balls to lay on top of the medium you used in step 4. The only reason why we need this is to keep the seeds from dropping down through the medium and going into the water and nutrient solution.

STEP 6 Place your seeds on the cotton and put a tiny piece of cotton over the seeds to keep them in place.

STEP 7 Lastly, put plastic wrap very loosely over the top of the tray to hold in the moisture and humidity until the plant begins to sprout.
The seeds I have planted here are basil so I would expect to see sprouts in about 7 – 14 days. Be sure to place your garden in a well lit window sill or under a florescent desk light for about 7 hours per day.

Remember this little garden is a temporary home. You should change the water and nutrient solution weekly and cover the clear, bowl with something to keep the light out because light in the water and nutrient solution will cause algae to grow. In my case, I found an empty ceramic pot to set my garden into. Once your plant gets to be about 3 -4 inches, you will want to put it into a more permanent hydroponic pot or transplant it into some nice organic soil. Enjoy!

Once you see how much fun it can be to grow your own vegetables you will want to purchase supplies to expand your garden. We are here to help at http://www.hydroveggies.com.
Live, Learn and Grow, Organically!