Aeroponics Explained: 6 Parts of an Aeroponic Garden

Aeroponic farming is a method of growing plants without a growing medium. While similar growing systems, like hydroponics and aquaponics, submerge the plant's root systems in water, aeroponic plants are suspended in mid-air. Sometimes referred to as vertical farming or tower gardening, aeroponics makes use of vertical plant supports, referred to as aerofarms or aerogardens. Aeroponics is an effective method for growing all kinds of plants.

A typical aeroponics system consists of a perforated platform or tower. Seedlings are planted in the holes of the platform. The root systems of the seedlings are enclosed in a root chamber. Inside the root chamber is a series of spray nozzles that pull nutrient-rich water from a reservoir. The nozzles routinely spray the roots with an ultra-fine mist of the water solution.

There are two main types of aeroponic systems: low pressure and high pressure.

1. 1. Low pressure: Low-pressure aeroponic setups use a courser mist than high-pressure systems to hydrate plants. Great for beginners, LPA systems are easy to set up at home and relatively inexpensive to operate. Low-pressure systems can typically be found at a hydroponics store.
2. 2. High pressure: High-pressure aeroponic systems atomize the nutrient liquid into an ultra-fine mist, supplying the root systems with nutrients, water, and oxygen more efficiently than low-pressure systems. High-pressure aeroponic systems are the preferred system of commercial growers. They are typically large-scale operations that require lots of space and energy to operate.

There are several notable benefits of aeroponic farming.

1. 1. Nutrient uptake: In traditional soil farming, plants compete for nutrients with other organisms in the soil. Since aeroponics is soilless, the roots receive direct nutrient delivery.
2. 2. Higher yields: The controlled environment allows nutrient solutions to be tailored to meet the plant's needs. The result is expedient plant growth and higher yields.
3. 3. Low water usage: Aeroponics equipment uses a series of nozzles and sprayers to atomize water into a fine mist inside of a closed-loop system. Compared to other farming methods, aeroponics uses much less water than is typical within food production.

There are a few potential drawbacks to aeroponic growing systems.

1. 1. Vulnerable to power outages: Aeroponics technology, which includes water pumps and grow lights, must be running continuously for the plants to survive. Power outages could ruin crops.
2. 2. Difficult for beginners: Aeroponic gardens require constant attention, as well as knowledge of plant nutrient requirements and pH levels. It's recommended for experienced growers.
3. 3. High initial cost: Compared to traditional farming or gardening, the start-up cost of an aerofarm can be high. Depending on the size of the system, an aeroponic setup could run you a few hundred dollars or more.

Though aeroponics is considered a type of hydroponic gardening, there is one key difference between them: the growth medium. Though aeroponic and hydroponic growing are both soilless growing methods, hydroponic systems submerge the root zone in a soil substitute. This soil substitute can be made out of vermiculite, mineral wool, coconut fiber (also known as coco coir or coconut coir), peat moss, clay pellets, sand, perlite, or other materials. Aeroponic systems suspend the roots of the plants above a water reservoir and use misters to spray a nutrient-rich solution to encourage root growth.

You can find aeroponics kits at most hydroponics stores, or design your own by picking up the following equipment from a hardware or garden supply store.

1. 1. Grow tray: You will need some kind of container or housing unit for your plants. Look for grow baskets, hanging pots, and grow trays specifically designed for aeroponic systems.
2. 2. Water reservoir: Typically located beneath the grow tray, a reservoir holds water and dissolved nitrogen-based nutrient solutions. These liquid nutrients transfer from the reservoir to the plants via spray nozzles.
3. 3. Spray nozzles: Aeroponic gardens require special sprinklers capable of atomizing water into minuscule droplets. Look for them at a hydroponic supply store.
4. 4. Water pump: A submersible pump located in the reservoir powers the aeroponic nutrient flow system and transfers water from the reservoir to the spray nozzles.
5. 5. Grow lights: Indoor gardening requires the same warmth and ultraviolet light that outdoor plants get from the sun. Grow lights, or sun lights, provide this to your indoor soilless plants.
6. 6. Air pump (optional): In addition to water and soluble nutrients, growing plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. An air pump is an optional tool designed to provide additional aeration and ensure there is enough carbon dioxide within the aeroponic gardening system.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.