100% Free Building Plans
Grow Fresh Food at Home — No Experience Needed
Forget complicated expensive setups and confusing guides. Our step-by-step free hydroponic plans give you everything you need — from materials lists to build instructions — so you can start growing in any space.
Kratky Mason Jar Herb Garden
The simplest hydroponic build possible. Grow fresh basil, cilantro, and mint on your kitchen counter — no pumps, no electricity, no experience needed.
How It Works
From zero to fresh food in four simple steps.
Choose a Plan
Pick a system that fits your space, budget, and experience level.
Build It
Follow step-by-step instructions with a complete materials list.
Plant & Grow
Add nutrients, drop in seedlings, and watch your plants thrive.
Harvest
Pick fresh greens and herbs in as little as 30 days.
Why Grow Without Soil?
Hydroponics isn't just for scientists. Here's why thousands of people are making the switch.
Grow Year-Round
Rain, snow, drought — doesn't matter. Grow fresh food 365 days a year, right in your home.
No Dirt, No Mess
Clean and compact. Set up on a shelf, countertop, or closet — no yard required.
Harvest Faster
Plants grow up to 50% faster with direct access to nutrients and oxygen.
Use 90% Less Water
Recirculating systems sip water instead of guzzling it. Better for you and the planet.
Not Your Average Garden Guide
We spent months testing, refining, and simplifying every plan so you don't have to figure it out the hard way. Each one is designed to be practical, affordable, and actually fun to build.
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Complete Materials Lists — Every part, every size, every quantity. No guessing.
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Step-by-Step Instructions — Clear enough that a total beginner can follow along.
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Budget-Friendly — Most builds cost under $100 with everyday materials.
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No Special Tools — A drill is the fanciest tool you'll need.
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Seed to Harvest — We cover growing, not just building. You'll know what to plant and when to pick.
What Do You Want to Grow?
Pick a crop and we'll show you plans designed for it.
Ready to Start Growing?
Pick a plan, grab your materials, and build your first hydroponic garden this weekend.
Browse All PlansFind Your System
Not sure which method is right for you? Explore them all — from dead-simple to advanced.
Popular Plans
Great starting points whether you're a first-timer or looking to expand.
Indoor Shelf DWC Space Saver
A compact deep water culture system that fits on a standard wire shelf. Perfect for apartments and small spaces. Grows up to 24 heads of lettuce at once.
System: DWC
Space: 12x24
Cost: $85–$120
Build: 45 min
View PlanKratky Mason Jar Herb Garden
The simplest hydroponic build possible. Wide-mouth mason jars and the passive Kratky method grow fresh kitchen herbs with zero electricity and zero pumps.
System: KRATKY
Space: countertop
Cost: $15–$30
Build: 5 min
View PlanDWC 5-Gallon Bucket System
The classic single-bucket DWC setup for growing one large plant. Perfect for peppers, tomatoes, or a massive basil bush indoors or outdoors.
System: DWC
Space: 12x12
Cost: $25–$45
Build: 20 min
View PlanCompare at a Glance
Side-by-side so you can find the right fit for your experience and budget.
| System | Difficulty | Cost | Best For | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWC | Beginner | $ | Lettuce, Herbs | Low |
| Kratky | Beginner | $ | Lettuce, Herbs | Very Low |
| Wick | Beginner | $ | Herbs, Microgreens | Very Low |
| NFT | Intermediate | $$ | Lettuce, Greens | Medium |
| Ebb & Flow | Intermediate | $$ | Variety | Medium |
| Drip | Intermediate | $$ | Larger plants | Medium |
| Aeroponics | Advanced | $$$ | Fast growth | High |
Common Questions
New to hydroponics? You're not alone. Here are the questions we hear most.
Your First Harvest Is Closer Than You Think
Pick a beginner plan, build it this weekend, and eat fresh greens within 30 days.
Start with a Beginner Plan