Be advised: This design did not work as intended. As several commenters have noted, the roots were not getting enough oxygen. This can be fixed by putting an air pump in the water reservoir or making it an ebb and flow system. I'll be converting this to a raised traditional garden bed with soil. Materials List and Costs:
3 x 55 gallon plastic Drums ($17-$30): $51-$90
1 x 50 gallon plastic tub from Walmart ($15.00): $15.00
3 x 3/4 PVC Pipe ($3): $9
9 x 3/4 90 deg angle ($0.50): $4.50
10 x 3/4-3/4-3/4 T ($0.65): $6.50
1 x tube of caulk: $2.50
1 x 1/2-3/4 thread hose adapter ($1.50): $1.50
1 x 3/4 thread to 3/4 PVC adapter ($0.65): $0.65
1 x 3ft of 1/2" inner diameter clear hose ($1.00/ft): $3.00
1 x ECO185 Submersible pump with 1/2" hose adapter: $16 on amazon.com
1 x Deep Cycle Marine Battery: $40
1 x 200 watt inverter: $20-$25
1 x 68watt solar panel: $100 (now you can find 70 watt panels for less)
1 x Jack's water soluble plant food: $25
3 x 2x6's: $12 (mine were left over from a project)
1 cubic yard of river gravel: $34
My total Cost of Garden, including solar equipment: $328.65
Total Cost of Garden Build only: $168.85
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