Big Tex Urban Farms, the State Fair of Texas’ horticulture-based community initiative, was launched in 2016. Located in the heart of Fair Park, it features planting beds and hydroponic systems. Our mission is to create a food system that:
- Invests financial and human capital into surrounding Fair Park neighborhoods and businesses.
- Connects like-minded, food-related organizations.
- Provides free, fresh, organic produce to entities focused on hunger issues and healthy lifestyle programs.
- Adds community gardens throughout southern Dallas through our “Farming Farms” program.
As of June 2024, we have donated over 1.6 million servings of fresh produce to the South Dallas community. Visit the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway during the Fair from September 27 to October 20 to learn about our unique food-growing system. Our “Innovations in Agriculture” exhibit, presented by Bank of America, will showcase large growing systems.
With the growing popularity of hydroponic systems at home, “Homeowner Alley” demonstrates smaller systems, showing how easy they are to set up even with limited space. These systems have unique qualities and varying setup and maintenance needs. The deep-water snap-lid container is a versatile DIY option, adaptable in size to fit your space and accommodate various plants.
Examples of How to Make a Home Hydroponic System & Recommendations on What to Grow
Deep Water Snap Lid Container for Multiple Plants
You will need a snap-lid container of any size, net pots to hold the seedlings, hydroponic fertilizer, an air pump, airline tubing, and an air stone for a snap-lid system. The air pump, tubing, and air stone can be found at any local aquarium shop. If you use a sizable snap-lid container to hold six to eight plants, add two air stones for adequate oxygenation.
This setup is excellent and easy for growing food hydroponically. In the snap-lid, drill holes evenly spaced for each plant to grow. If multiple plants are growing, space the holes at least a foot apart.
Growing a Single Plant in a Bucket
A five-gallon bucket with a lid is excellent for growing a single plant. Use a net pot, drill a small hole for the airline, and connect it to an air stone. An aquarium air pump with an air stone provides continuous oxygen. Run for 24 hours. Add hydroponic fertilizer to the water as directed.
These hydroponic systems are ideal for growing several plants in a small area and work best for greens and herbs.
Lighting is Important
Lighting is crucial for indoor growing. If natural light is insufficient, add LED grow lights, which provide the correct spectrum for plants and are energy-efficient and cost-effective. Position them above your hydroponic system and run them for about 12 hours daily, adjusting as needed. Plants that appear leggy need more light; if compact with burnt edges, they need less. Experiment and monitor for optimal results.
Tower Gardens
Tower gardens offer a fun way to grow hydroponically. These white, upright structures resemble poles with plants sprouting from them. They can be ordered online and arrive with all necessary parts, fertilizer, and instructions for easy assembly. Though not cheap, they simplify hydroponic growing.
These systems occupy little space, making them ideal for small indoor or patio areas. They are perfect for leafy greens, herbs, green beans, and edible flowers, but you can experiment with various plants. They also make excellent gifts for gardeners.
Get adventurous and start your hydroponic home garden now!
Experience the Garden Video Tours Online:
- Greenhouse Tour: State Fair of Texas | Big Tex Urban Farms Tour (youtube.com)
- Grozilla Tour (shipping container greenhouse next to BTUF, which we also operate): Big Tex Urban Farms: Take a tour of Grozilla! – YouTube
- Big Tex Urban Farms Website (Shorthand URL is BigTex.com/BTUF): Big Tex Urban Farms | State Fair of Texas
- Big Tex Urban Farms Blogs: Urban Farms Blog | State Fair of Texas (bigtex.com)
- The blogs cover various topics, from gardening to what you can do at home and the seasonality of plants, making them a valuable addition to the article.
