Tower Garden How-To

Supplies

• 3-D printed pieces (Print files)
  • 2-part Base (a flat and a flanged piece)
  • Tower Planting Sections (up to 4 sections)
  • Shower Cap
  • Nozzle (not pictured)
  • End Cap
• 5-gallon bucket with lid
• Flexible tubing
• Pump

Tools

• Marker
• Box cutter/craft knife
• Drill
• Hacksaw

Assembly

Click on the first photo to launch the photo gallery where you can see each step in pictures (with each assembly instruction in the caption), or review the step by step instructions (words only) below the photo gallery.

1. Draw a 5-inch diameter circle in the center of the bucket lid. Using a craft knife carefully cut out the circle.
2. Place the bottom (flat) part of the base under the bucket lid so that it comes through the hole you just cut. Screw the top (flanged) part of the base to the bottom part, sandwiching the bucket lid between the two base pieces.
3. Set the lid on the bucket and drill several drainage holes in the bucket lid to catch any water that drips from the tower.
4. Screw the tower pieces to the base.
5. Screw the shower cap to the top tower. The disk with holes in it should lay flat and the nozzle should fit inside the hole and hang down. This will attach to the tubing at a later step.
6. Assemble the pump according to package directions. Choosing the correct hose barb for the tubing size.
7. Mark a spot on the upper rim of the bucket for the cord. Using a hacksaw, make a notch for the cord so that the bucket lid will fit securely.
8. Place the pump securely in the bottom of the bucket with the cord positioned in the notch.
9. Remove the shower cap and attach the tubing to the bottom of the nozzle and thread the tubing through the center of the tower tiers 
10. Attach tubing to the pump barb. Screw the shower cap back on. If the nozzle does not lay flat you may need to trim the tubing. It is easier to trim the end attached to the pump. Trim until the nozzle lays flat. 
11. Once everything has been fitted screw the end cap in place.
12. You may now test the flow.
    1. Fill the bucket part way, water level must be above the pump.
    2. Make sure the the tubing is attached to the pump
    3. Place the bucket lid securely on the bucket.
    4. Plug the pump in.
    5. Remove the cap and observe the flow.
    6. The flow should be sufficient to fall back down through the shower cap but not high enough to touch the end cap. There may be some occasional leakage around the towers but not a steady stream of water.  The flow level can be adjusted on the front of the pump.

Light Tower How-To

Supplies

• 5 sticks of 6-foot ¾-inch PVC pipe
• 6 ¾-inch PVC side outlet elbow connectors
• 2 ¾-inch PVC elbow connectors
• 4 ¾-inch PVC 4-way connectors
• Strip lights

Tools

• PVC cutter
• Marker
• Drill + 5/64-inch drill bit

Assembly

Click on the first photo to launch the photo gallery where you can see each step in pictures (with each assembly instruction in the caption), or review the step by step instructions (words only) below the photo gallery.

Building the Lighting Support Structure

1. Using PVC cutters make the following cuts.
   • 4 – 28-inch pieces (top)
   • 4 – 17-inch pieces (base)
   • 10 – 16-inch pieces (sides)
2. To one end of two of the 17” pieces add an elbow connector.
3. To one end of the two remaining 17” pieces add a side outlet elbow.
4. Add 4-way connectors to the other end of all four 17″ pieces.
5. Add a 16” piece to the other end of each elbow connector.
6. Connect the opposite end of the 16″ piece to the piece with the side outlet connector. Repeat for the other two pieces forming the two sides.
7. Connect the two pieces together with a 16” piece, this will form a three sided base with 4 uprights.
8. Add three 16” pieces to form two sides and a back piece.
9. Add the 28” pieces to the top of the 4-way connectors to form the top tier. 
10. Add the final 4-way connector to the top.
11. Add the last three 16” pieces to form the sides and back, the front should remain open.
12. Optional: Add another 16” piece at the top front for added stability.

Attaching the Lights

1. Remove the 28” PVC pieces and lay on a flat surface.
2. Lay 1 28” piece next to a second 28” piece. Use the first piece as a guide as you use a marker to draw a straight line down the other piece. Repeat with the other 28” sections until all pieces have a straight line.
3. Make a mark 4-5” from the top and bottom of each 28” piece. This will be where you will attach the clips that are included with the lights.
4. Use a small (5/64″) drill bit to drill a hole at each mark.
5. Screw the clips on.
6. Reinstall the 28″ PVC pieces on the Light Tower.
7. Attach light strips and link the lights together using the series connecting cables. Place the series connecting cables on the sides and back, alternating attaching at the top and bottom.
8. Place the final power cord on the bottom of the left or right front side, depending on where your outlet is located.

Planting the Tower

Supplies

• Assembled Tower Garden
• Assembled Light Tower
• Nutrient Solution
• pH Solutions
• pH Test Strips
• Net Pots
• Seedlings
• 2 24-hour Timers
• Power Strip

Tower Setup

1. One to two weeks before you are ready to plant the tower, start your seeds to have a germinated seedling in a root cube to insert in the tower.
   • Seed Starting
2. Remove the lid and disconnect the tubing from the pump.
3. Set the pump to the lowest setting according to pump directions; it can be adjusted as needed. The pump should be suctioned to the bottom of the bucket.
4. Add approximately 4-4 ½ gallons of water.
5. Add nutrient solution according to the package directions, be sure to follow directions for seedlings. Stir to mix.
6. Test the pH using pH strips. The pH should be between 5.5-7. Adjust as needed using appropriate pH solutions.
7. Reattach tubing to the pump and secure bucket lid.
8. Add net pots to each opening in the tower.
9. Carefully place rockwool root cube with seedling in each pot, be sure to include a plant tag. Press the rock wool cube firmly in the net pot.
   • Tip: Vining plants such as cucumbers should be placed at the bottom.
10. Plug lights and pump into separate 24-hour timers. Timers should be set accordingly; use package directions for setting timers.
    • Light: 12 hours on 12 hours off
    • Pump: 15 min on, 30-45 min off
11. Check water level weekly. As plants grow larger they will use more water. Add water and nutrients when the water level in the bucket is approximately ½ full.
    • Do not let the water level go below the pump level as it will damage the pump motor.
    • Yellowing or purple leaves can be an indicator of plant nutrient needs.