3D Printed Hydroponic Aeroponic Garden Tower for Under $50

I love plants. I love the idea of growing things that can nourish my family. But I am a bad plant mom. I am terrible at remembering to water my plants, so I either over water or under water them no matter how hard I try.

I was doing some research on different ways to build a container garden, since I didn't want to tear up my very small yard. I tried a few things, most of which failed, but then I found aeroponics and vertical tower gardening.

Facebook is heavily targeting me for these towers that cost thousands of dollars, for the setup and the seedling services, and monitoring etc. I might have bought them if they had more capacity. I wanted to plant more than just a few plants for $1k.

Here's my solution.

Tools

1. 3d Printer
2. Box knife
3. Scissors

Supplies

1. Filament (PLA, ABS, PETG, you choose)
2. 5 gallon bucket and lid. Can get both for $5 at Walmart
3. Small low wattage submersible pump with a 6+ foot lift. Like this one: Amazon.com: GROWNEER 2 Packs 550GPH Submersible Pump 30W Ultra Quiet Fountain Water Pump, 2000L/H, with 7.2ft High Lift, 3 Nozzles for Aquarium, Fish Tank, Pond, Hydroponics, Statuary : Pet Supplies. $15
4. PVC Tubing ID 1/2" (12mm) x OD 5/8"(16mm) $4 (6-8' depending on height of your tower)
5. 2" net pots, enough for your desired tower height

Optional (strongly recommended)

1. Short interval repeating cycle timer plug (like Techbee 1 s to 999 h Short/Long On-Off Interval Repeat Cycle Timer Plug Outlet with Countdown and Light Sensor, Waterproof for Outdoor (15A 1HP) - - Amazon.com)

planter_section - I have included the single .stl file for this, but I have also included the .3mf file that has 4 sections squeezed in a single plate. Print as many of these as you like, I haven't tried more than 12 sections for my tower, but feel free to experiment.

All other files print just 1 per tower.

• Use the box knife to cut a hole in the bucket lid large enough for the base_bottom piece to be pushed through.
• Lay the bucket lid over the base_bottom piece and line up the base_top piece on the other side of the lid. twist to screw the base_bottom and base_top pieces together with the bucket lid sandwiched in between.
• Use the box knife to cut a small notch in the side of the bucket big enough for the submersible pump's cord to easily sit in.
• Optional step - if you experience leaks in the tower after assembly, cut a few small holes in the top of the lid to allow the water to drain back into the bucket. This will help slow the water loss from any leaks.

• Remove the front and back plates of the submersible and insert the suction cups that came with it.
• Attach the 1/2" adapter to the submersible.
• Suction to the bottom of the bucket, try to center the hose outlet in the bucket.
• Drape the submersible's cord through the notch in the side of the bucket.

• Push the hose through the circles in the center of the base of each tower section.
• After each section is threaded, twist the sections together to form the tower body.
• Before pushing the hose through the hose_barb, push the hose through the base of the topper_section.
• Screw the topper section onto the last piece of the tower.
• Push the hose barb into the hose.
• Pull the excess PVC through the tower, so that the hose barb sits at the bottom of the topper_section.
• Twist the lid into the topper_section.

• Pull the excess hose through the top of the bucket lid
• Twist the tower into the base_top piece
• Set the lid loosely on the bucket and eyeball the PVC pipe to where it's just a bit too long to reach the submersible. Cut here.
• Push the hose into the submersible's barb.
• Secure the lid to the bucket by pushing down on all sides (make sure the submersible's cord is still seated in the notch).

Please do some research on hydroponics before taking my word on this step. I have found most of my information on towergarden.com

I have purchased a liquid feed from amazon, it is this one Amazon.com : AeroGarden Liquid Nutrients (1 Liter) : Aero Nutrients : Patio, Lawn & Garden

I am adding 4ml to each gallon of water I add to the bucket. Then use a PH up or down depending on your needs. Be sure to check your PH levels. I am following a guideline I found on the internet of 5.5-6.5 PH level target.

Add 3-5 gallons to your bucket. Keep in mind how often you want to change out your water, you don't want to throw too much nutrient solution away for each cleaning, but you want to make sure your tower doesn't get too low that your submersible runs dry.

Plug the submersible into the timer and set it to run on for 3 minutes, then off for 12 minutes, then repeat. Adjust these times if needed, this is just a basic guideline.

You may choose to open the lid to add the water to the bucket, or I have also removed a plant from the lower section and poured water in, then returned the plant.

Read up on aeroponics, choose your plants and your planting methods. I have purchased small plants and used foam cutting collars to plant them in my net pots. Please share what works for you.