Hydroponic mono planter

Intro

For some time now my interest has grown (cough) in Hydroponic plant growing. It started when I saw a complete kit in a local garden store and bought it spontaneously as a present to my wife to try out. I was caught by how easy it was to plant seeds and get started, as well as with the speed of which it grew. Don't think I have ever seen Basil grow so high and green (not that I'm an expert or anything). Also it was a breeze to maintain, only needed to add water and nutrients every other week, if even that. We grew basil and some sort of lettuce to start with. 

After that, of course, I searched makerworld and also printed a version that could fit several plants, which worked well. However, I wanted a small pot, which would let me keep 1 or 2 plants close to the kitchen stove, for stuff I frequently use when coooking. I tried to find a hydroponic planter for a single plant but didn't find it, so - enter the Hydroponic Mono Planter!

Oh and by the way, it can also be used as a normal plant pot if you just skip the lid.

Design ambition

I wanted a clean design and something that would look nice in the kitchen. I wanted it to be easy to print, not require any supports and no gluing. So that is what the Hydroponic Mono Planter is. Also wanted to offer some possibilities to variation, so have made a few different lids so you can print the type you prefer, be it a minimalistic one, or one that offers grips and a watering funnel hole. Still not sure which I prefer, but the first one I started out was the most minimalistic one. It is still possible to pick up the lid, gripping it with your nails.

To have a flat/clean topside I designed the seed/soil basket and lid as one piece. Might add a lid with a separate seed basket later / if requested. If you'd want to remove the plant to replant it, it might be better to have it separate if you need to cut/break the basket to free the root system. For my own use I see it as a permanent hydroponic plant though, so no plans to re-plant it.

Dimensions

• The base is 11cm in diameter and 10cm high 
• The seed basket is 3.5cm in diameter and 2,5cm high for the wide part

Useful items to get started

There are many guides out there and there are a lot of solutions as to soil/hydroponic seed pellets and plant food/fertilizers. I have used a few different ones and they have all worked. Here are examples for what I used in the planter seen in the pictures:

• Marphyl plant food
• Windhager coconut fibre pellet
• Any seed you prefer basically, herbs, flowers, etc

I have used the planter base as it is, but depending on your print, filament and placement of the planter you might want to further water seal it. I haven't done it for this one, but in other occasions I have simply used a clear coat paint spray on the inside, there are multiple ways to do it though, resin etc. 

A few of the benefits of Hydroponic plant growing

• Faster plant growth – Plants often grow up to 30–50% faster than in soil.
• Higher yields – More productive due to optimized nutrient and water delivery.
• Water efficiency – Uses up to 90% less water compared to traditional soil farming.
• Space-saving – Vertical and compact systems allow for growing in smaller areas.
• Year-round growing – Indoor setups allow for consistent production regardless of season.
• Cleaner produce – Less dirt and contamination; minimal need for washing.

Conclusion

Anyways, I hope you find it useful and I would really appreciate a comment and (for the patient one) a picture proof of you succeeding with your plants! Good luck and hope you find it as fun and rewarding as I have!

/Peter

Update July 6th

There is now also a box shaped version if you prefer that look. Click picture for MakerWorld page. 

Update July 16th

Have made a new version of this, that also functions as a lamp, click the image to get to the model page: