Trial at Hydroponics Farming

Recently, I started becoming concerned about the food we eat, the vegetables sold in the markets and the pesticides widely used in all the crops. I then started reading up on urban gardening. I found out that Oh Farm does hydroponics farming and so I went to visit. They hold school visit tours and have a small office for purchasing of starter kits and hydroponically grown vegetables at $1 per pack.


DIY Hydroponics Veg Kit $18 for 8 small holes, $14 for 4 big holes

Materials Provided

  • 1 Styrofoam box
  • 1 Water level indicator
  • 1 packet of Seed
  • 1 packet of Leca
  • 1 packet of Vermiculite
  • 1 set of Nutrient solution (120ml)
  • 1 Measuring cup
  • 8 Small net pots / 4 Big net pots (depending on the set you buy)

Steps for setting up

  1. Prepare net pots
    • Fill 3/4 of the net pot with Leca
    • Spread a layer of vermiculute till the leca is covered
    • Drop 3 seeds into each pot except for Kang kong which requires 5 seeds
  2. Prepare nutrient solution
    • Fill the styrofoam box with 8-9 litres of water.
    • Put the Water level indicator into the box and ensure that the water is at its maximum level.
    • Pour in 40ml of each nutrient into the water. Do not attempt to mix the nutrient together, just pour into the water separately.
    • Stir well.
  3. Final Setup
    • Put the cover on, and make sure it sits perfectly
    • Place all the net pots into the holes.
    • Place the kit somewhere that has sunlight but showered from rain
  4. Daily maintenance
    • Whenever the indicator drops to its minimum level, top the nutrient solution up to OPT level. 
    • To make the nutrient solution, pour 5ml of nutrient A and B into 1 litre of water. Keep this solution and pour into box whenever required.
  5. Pest Attack
    • Mash a clove of garlic and mix with 500ml of tap water.
    • Spray the underside of the vegetables
    • Alternatively, cover with a net
  6. Harvesting (30-35 days later)
    • Trim plant off the net pot for consumption
    • Pack in a plastic bag for easy storage in the fridge
    • Leftover nutrient solution in the box can be used for watering your house plants.
  7. Recycle
    1. Wash the net pots, styrofoam and leca.
    2. Sun all the materials for 2 days, ensuring that it is dry and clean.
    3. Repeat the whole process for another round of crops.