Growing with Aeroponic Tower Gardens: How They Work and FAQs

An inventive twist on conventional gardening, aeroponic towers optimize productivity and development potential. If you're thinking about using them in your own gardening arrangement, this tutorial will explain the fundamentals of how they operate, why they're beneficial, and what you need to know.

What are Vertical Aeroponic Towers?

Vertical structures known as aeroponic towers are made to grow plants without the need for soil. Instead, nutrients are delivered by dripping (or misting) nutrient-rich water over the plant roots.  With aeroponics - plant roots are exposed to air as opposed to being submerged underwater, as is the case with other hydroponic techniques. 

How Aeroponic Towers Work

Suspending plant roots in air while supplying a nutritional solution on a periodic basis is the fundamental idea behind aeroponics. Here's a detailed explanation of how it operates:

• Plant Positioning: Plants are placed within the tower's pockets or slots. Inside the system, the roots hang loosely and are open to the atmosphere.
• Nutrient Delivery: Water containing nutrients is sent upward via the tower by a pump. Plant roots are watered as the water drips back down the system.  This makes sure the roots get a healthy combination of oxygen, water, and minerals—all of which are essential for development.
• Oxygen Access: Plant roots receive high oxygen uptake since they are not buried, which promotes quicker and more robust development.

Aeroponics vs. Hydroponics

Although hydroponic gardening includes aeroponics, there is a key distinction between the two:  while soilless cultivation is a feature of both hydroponic and aeroponic systems, hydroponic systems typically submerge the plant's root zone under water.  Conversely, aeroponic systems raise the plant's roots above the water reservoir.

Components of Aeroponic Towers

Choose Your Aeroponic System

Although aeroponic chambers vary in size and shape, they should have plenty of room to hold the plants you want to grow. Avoid towers that are too skinny as this will inhibit root growth.  Because they optimize space so well, especially in indoor and urban environments, vertical towers are becoming very popular.

The Irrigation System

Place the water pump at the chamber's base, in the nutrient reservoir. The pump will periodically disperse the nutritional solution to the plant's roots within the chamber. Depending on the particular requirements of your plant, set the timer to provide watering for 10 to 15 minutes every hour, 12 to 16 hours a day.  Note temperature will also play a role in your aeroponic watering schedule.  During warmer temperatures you should increase watering frequency and/or duration.

Give Them Proper Light

Aeroponic plants require additional light to maintain proper growth because they are grown inside and away from the sun. LED grow lights should therefore be placed near the plant canopy. They need at least 8 to 10 hours of light every day and should be positioned 6 to 12 inches above the plants for best development.

Nutrients for the Roots

The plants must receive the proper nourishment at the appropriate time in the appropriate manner since their roots are suspended.  In order to provide your plants the proper nourishment, it is crucial that you choose hydroponic nutrients that are appropriate, balanced, and all-around.

Select an NPK fertilizer that dissolves in water so that it may be diluted in your reservoir.  Keep in mind that the water setup for your aeroponic tower garden must permit watering at regular intervals as described above.

Temperature & Humidity

The ideal temperature range for plants in a vertical aeroponic tower garden is 65 to 78°F, and the humidity level should be kept at about 60%. In most instances it’s okay to use tap water to fill your reservoir.  However, if you suspect extra chlorine or minerals in your tap water that can harm your plants, filtered or distilled water can be used instead.

FAQs

Which plants thrive best in an aeroponic tower garden?

Leafy greens, herbs, strawberries, tomatoes, and peppers are just a few of the many plants that can be grown in aeroponic tower gardens. However, it's important to choose plants that suit the unique requirements of the tower garden.  For example, root vegetables (onions, carrots, potatoes, garlic, etc...) cannot be grown in these systems because they grow downward, "underground."  Aeroponic towers work best with plants that grow upward.

How much space does is required?

Aeroponic tower gardens take up little room and may be used inside or in limited spaces. This is actually why so many people find them so appealing.  Larger systems would need more space, but a tower garden with growing pods can fit on a patio or balcony with ease.

What is the water consumption of an aeroponic tower?

Because of their closed system architecture, aeroponic tower gardens use 95% less water than conventional gardening techniques. However, the size of the system, the quantity of plants, and the kinds of plants being cultivated all effect how much water is used. A tower garden that grows herbs and leafy greens typically uses one to two liters of water every week, depending on the maturity of the plants (larger plants consume more water).

What upkeep is required?

Monitoring pH nutrient levels are the primary maintenance activities. Giving your system a deep clean every few months is also recommended.  To encourage strong development, it's also essential to prune and harvest the plants on a regular basis.