If you’re interested in growing your own herbs on your balcony but don’t have a lot of space, a small hydroponic setup could be the perfect solution. Hydroponics, the practice of soilless gardening, replaces traditional soil with a nutrient-rich aqueous solution. In this DIY guide, we’ll explore a method that doesn’t require an air pump and instead uses a wicking system to deliver the nutrient solution to the plant’s roots.

Materials you need:

Recyclable plastic box or container (size as per your needs, at least 6 inches deep)
Seeding
Mineral-rich aqueous solution (recipe provided in step 3)
Recyclable plastic mesh pots or planters
Growing medium (e.g. vegetable pellets) clay, coco peat, perlite)
Seeds of your choice
Rope-like material made from felt or fabric
Step 1: Choose the type of unit you want to use

DIY hydroponic systems come in many forms, and for this guide we’ll be using a recyclable plastic box or container. You can easily find these materials locally or reuse containers you already have.

Step 2: Decide on the growing medium to use

Select a suitable growing medium for your herbs. Options include rock wool, clay pellets, coco peat, coco fiber/chips, perlite or vermiculite. Choose the one that best suits your needs and the herbs you intend to grow.

Step 3: Prepare your nutrient solution

Prepare a nutrient solution by combining primary nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, magnesium), secondary nutrients (calcium, sulfur, phosphorus) and micronutrients (iron, copper, manganese, zinc, molybdenum). Here is a recipe for a 20 liter solution:

25 ml calcium nitrate
1.7 ml potassium sulphate
8.3 ml potassium nitrate
6.25 ml monopotassium phosphate
17.5 ml magnesium sulphate
2 ml trace elements
Store the nutrient solution in a container suitable for food at room temperature, protected from light, and shake well before use.

Using the transpiration system for growing aromatic herbs:

Prepare the tank: Purchase or reuse a recyclable plastic box or container. Make sure it is at least 6 inches deep and suitable for your herbs. Punch holes in the lid to pass the rope-like material through.
Fill with nutrient solution: Pour most of the prepared mineral-rich water solution into the box, leaving about 3 inches of space from the top.
Insert the absorbent material: Thread the rope-like material (felt or fabric) through the holes in the lid. One end should be in contact with the nutrient solution inside the box and the other end should extend towards the seed.
Plant your herbs: insert the mesh pots into the holes in the lid. Fill these pots with your chosen growing medium and plant the herb seeds. The absorbent material will draw the nutrient solution from the box to the roots of the herbs.
Pro Tips for Growing Herbs:

Choose herbs suitable for hydroponic growing, such as basil, mint, coriander and parsley.
Make sure your porch receives adequate sunlight or use grow lights if necessary.
Monitor nutrient solution and water levels regularly and keep the pH in the correct range for your herbs.
Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take appropriate measures to protect your vegetable garden.
With this modified method, you can create a simple and efficient hydroponic system on your balcony for growing herbs without the need for an air pump. Have fun growing your own fresh herbs with this soilless gardening method. Happy herb gardening!