Family balcony agricultural hydroponic vegetable planting method

Abstract

The invention discloses a household balcony agricultural hydroponic vegetable planting method. The method comprises the following steps of system preparation and disinfection, variety selection and seedling raising, field planting, nutrient solution management, illumination management, pest control and harvesting, wherein timely harvesting is conducted according to the vegetable growth cycle. According to the household balcony agricultural hydroponic vegetable planting method provided by the invention, a plurality of optional hydroponic systems such as deep liquid flow, nutrient films and wick which are adaptive to the northern household balcony environment are integrated; a set of complete, simple and efficient balcony hydroponic planting technical system is formed by matching with a highly-targeted vegetable variety selection strategy, a standardized seedling culture and field planting domestication process and a comprehensive environment regulation and control scheme covering dynamic management of nutrient solution concentration and pH value, intelligent illumination supplementation based on balcony orientation and prevention of diseases and insect pests.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vegetable cultivation technology, and in particular to a method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony. Background Technology

[0002] With my country's urbanization and aging population, arable land and the number of people engaged in agriculture are decreasing. Coupled with rising living standards and the high-pressure, fast-paced modern lifestyle, urban residents have little leisure time to connect with nature. Balcony farming, a new model of growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers using balconies, rooftops, and courtyards, has become a new trend in urban life. Its rapid development allows urban residents to experience farming without leaving home; it also provides a way to relieve stress through the enjoyment of planting, offers children a platform to learn agricultural science through practical experience, and satisfies their own need for green and safe produce. More importantly, balcony farming also plays a significant role in providing fresh air to homes, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and beautifying the city.

[0003] Soilless cultivation is an agricultural technology that uses nutrient solutions or a mixture of nutrient solutions and substrates to replace natural soil. It can meet the water, fertilizer, and nutrient needs of plants throughout their entire growth cycle, offering advantages such as water conservation, fertilizer saving, high yield, no pollution, and avoidance of soil-related cropping problems. Applying soilless cultivation to balcony farming solves the problems of malnutrition, soil compaction, and difficulty in controlling pests and diseases associated with indoor soil-based potted plants, while also maximizing the satisfaction of residents' demand for clean and healthy fruit and vegetable cultivation. Currently, soilless cultivation technology has been widely promoted and applied worldwide, especially in developed countries such as Europe, America, Japan, and the Netherlands, where it has been applied to agricultural production and achieved large-scale production. Significant breakthroughs have also been made in its research and application scope.

[0004] In northern my country, there are few buildings suitable for outdoor balconies or rooftop agriculture. The cold climate, rain, snow, and strong winds further limit the development of rooftop and balcony agriculture. Additionally, residential property management often prohibits the unauthorized cultivation of land for planting. Therefore, indoor balconies are the only suitable location for long-season vegetable and fruit cultivation. Growing vegetables on one's own balcony is easy to manage and can, to some extent, solve the vegetable problem for some urban residents. Especially in recent years, with vegetable prices remaining high in winter, vigorously developing balcony agriculture will become an important supplement to residents' food supply. Although balcony space is small, by utilizing complete hydroponics equipment and technology, the unique natural light resources of balconies, and with a certain amount of financial and labor investment, urban residents can experience efficient, vertical balcony vegetable and fruit cultivation. Therefore, the development of home balcony agriculture in my country has significant potential.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on home balconies to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a method for growing hydroponic vegetables on a home balcony.

[0007] This invention provides a method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony, comprising the following steps: S1: System preparation and disinfection: Provide and install a hydroponic system, which includes a cultivation support frame, a liquid storage tank, a water pump, various levels of pipes, and planting containers; clean and disinfect the hydroponic system when changing crops; S2: Variety selection and seedling raising: Select vegetable varieties suitable for the balcony environment and raise seedlings by direct sowing in plug trays or planting baskets. S3: Transplanting: When the seedlings have grown to 3-5 true leaves or 6-8cm in height, remove the seedlings from the seedling substrate and clean the roots. Use transplanting cups or sponges to fix the seedlings, so that the seedling roots are submerged in the nutrient solution. Start the nutrient solution circulation of the hydroponic system to carry out hydroponic acclimatization. S4: Nutrient Solution Management: Prepare and supply nutrient solution according to vegetable type and growth stage. For leafy vegetables, replenish water regularly during the growth cycle to maintain nutrient solution concentration. For fruiting vegetables, monitor the conductivity of the nutrient solution in the later stages of growth. When the conductivity is below 1.0 ds·m... -1 Replenish or replace the nutrient solution as needed; S5: Light Management: Adjust the light intensity by adjusting the position of the hydroponic device or using supplemental lighting, based on the balcony orientation, the cultivation season and the light requirements of the vegetables. S6: Pest and disease control: In a relatively enclosed balcony environment, pest and disease control is carried out by manually removing diseased and weak seedlings, physically removing pests, or spraying low-concentration pesticides. S7: Harvesting: Harvest vegetables in a timely manner according to their growth cycle.

[0008] Preferably, in step S1, the hydroponic system is selected from a wick or sprout system, a nutrient film system (NFT) or a deep flow system (DFT); the disinfection treatment is chemical disinfection using potassium permanganate solution.

[0009] Preferably, in step S2, the vegetable variety is a short, compact leafy or fruiting vegetable variety; the leafy vegetables include water spinach, water celery, lettuce, endive, romaine lettuce, and garland chrysanthemum, and the fruiting vegetables include tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries.

[0010] Preferably, in step S2, the seedling raising method specifically includes: using a 50-72 cell tray, sowing 1 seed per cell for fruit vegetables, 1-2 seeds per cell for leafy vegetables, and 4-5 seeds per cell for scallions and chives.

[0011] Preferably, in step S4, the nutrient solution is a general-purpose formula nutrient solution, which contains macro-elements and micro-elements, and the optimal nutrient solution concentration for leafy vegetables is 1.2-2.5 ds·m -1 Fruits and vegetables: 1.5-3.0 ds·m -1 Adjust the pH of the nutrient solution to 6.0.

[0012] Preferably, in step S1, the hydroponic system further includes a timer for controlling the working time of the water pump and the supplemental lighting; the nutrient solution circulation mode is to circulate for 20-30 minutes and then pause for 15-30 minutes, or to maintain a continuous circulation state.

[0013] Preferably, in step S5, for south-facing balconies, select full-sun vegetable varieties and single or multi-layer hydroponic devices; for east- or west-facing balconies, plant light-loving and shade-tolerant vegetables and supplement light during periods of no sunlight; for north-facing balconies, select light-loving and shade-tolerant leafy vegetables and provide supplemental light for more than 8 hours a day.

[0014] Preferably, this also includes timely vine-cutting management for indeterminate fruit and vegetable varieties based on their growth stage and balcony space, in order to control plant height.

[0015] Compared with related technologies, the hydroponic vegetable cultivation method for home balconies provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony. It integrates multiple optional hydroponic systems, including deep-flow hydroponics, nutrient films, and wicks, adapted to the environment of northern home balconies. It also includes targeted vegetable variety selection strategies, standardized seedling and transplanting acclimatization processes, and a comprehensive environmental control scheme covering dynamic management of nutrient solution concentration and pH, intelligent light supplementation based on balcony orientation, and priority pest and disease prevention. This forms a complete, simple, and efficient hydroponic cultivation technology system for balconies. It significantly reduces the technical barriers and operational difficulties for urban residents, especially those in northern regions, in practicing hydroponics within limited balcony space, enabling ordinary families without professional knowledge to successfully grow fruits and vegetables. By providing a complete solution from system setup and variety recommendation to daily water, fertilizer, light, and temperature management, it effectively solves the problems of soil compaction, pests and diseases, and indoor pollution that are common in traditional balcony soil cultivation, as well as the poor adaptability and complex management of single hydroponic modes. It not only helps residents stably produce fresh, safe, and green vegetables, achieving self-sufficiency in their "vegetable basket" and saving living costs, but also beautifies the living environment, increases urban greenery, and alleviates the pressures of urban life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the types of balcony hydroponic machines. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the balcony hydroponic vegetable planting process provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0018] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this invention provides a comprehensive hydroponic vegetable cultivation system and method suitable for balconies in northern households. It addresses the difficulties in applying hydroponics on balconies caused by climate limitations, limited indoor space, and residents' lack of professional planting knowledge in northern regions. The system integrates equipment selection, variety selection, seedling cultivation, environmental control, and management technologies, achieving simplified, efficient, and sustainable balcony agriculture. The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific examples. Example 1: A hydroponic vegetable growing system and method for home balconies This embodiment provides a complete implementation plan for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony, covering the entire process from equipment setup to daily management. Hydroponic System Selection and Setup Users first need to select or build a suitable hydroponic system based on the location, size, and personal needs of their balcony. The following systems are available for selection or combination: Budding / sprout system: such as Figure 1 As shown in -a, the system has a simple structure, requires no electricity, and utilizes the capillary action of the lamp wick to deliver the nutrient solution in the storage container to the plant roots. It is suitable for beginners to use in planting foliage flowers, bean sprouts, radish seedlings, and other crops with short growth cycles and low nutrient requirements. Nutrient membrane technology (NFT) systems: such as Figure 1 As shown in -b, this system employs a shallow liquid flow circulation mode. The nutrient solution flows continuously or intermittently in a thin layer (approximately 1-2 cm deep) at the bottom of a slightly inclined planting trough. Part of the plant roots are submerged in the flowing nutrient solution to absorb water and nutrients, while the other part is exposed to the humid air to absorb oxygen. This effectively balances oxygen and water supply to the roots, making it suitable for planting crops such as lettuce, romaine lettuce, and strawberries. Deep flow (DFT) systems: such as Figure 1 As shown in -c, the nutrient solution layer in the system's planting trough is relatively deep. It includes the planting trough, planting plates / cups for supporting the plants, a storage tank, a water pump, and connecting pipes. The nutrient solution circulates between the storage tank and the planting trough. The system has a deep nutrient solution layer and good buffering capacity, and the temperature, concentration, and pH of the nutrient solution are relatively stable, making it suitable for planting long-growing fruit and vegetable crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. This embodiment takes the construction of a multi-layer DFT system as an example: Cultivation support frame and piping: Use commercially available multi-layer plastic assembly cultivation racks, or design your own according to your balcony size. Each layer is connected by piping to form a nutrient solution circulation path. Dark, opaque materials such as gray or black are preferred to reduce algae growth. Nutrient solution storage tank: A sealed, opaque plastic tank is used, placed at the bottom of the cultivation rack. An external water level observation tube can be installed on the side of the tank for easy and direct monitoring of the remaining nutrient solution. Water pump and timer: A low-power, low-noise submersible pump is placed at the bottom of the storage tank. The pump is powered by a programmable timer connected to a household outlet. The timer can be set to run (cycle) the pump for 20-30 minutes, then stop (intermittently) for 15-30 minutes, and so on. For leafy vegetables, it can also be set to run continuously. The timer can also be used to control the on / off switch of the supplemental lighting. Supplemental lighting: Depending on the number of cultivation rack layers, install 1-2 LED plant supplemental lights (10-15 watts each) approximately 20-30 cm above each cultivation trough. The on / off time of the supplemental lights is set via a timer and adjusted according to the actual sunlight conditions on the balcony, the type of vegetables, and their growth stage. For example, turn them on before sunrise, after sunset, or on cloudy days. Vegetable variety selection For the balcony environment of northern families, choose varieties that are short, compact, and have both ornamental and edible value: Leafy vegetables: Recommended varieties include water spinach, water celery, lettuce (heading or loose-leaf), endive, romaine lettuce, and garland chrysanthemum. These varieties have short growing seasons (harvestable 20-30 days after transplanting) and can be planted in multiple crops. Fruits and vegetables: Dwarf tomatoes, mini bell peppers, fruit cucumbers, and strawberries are recommended. For indeterminate tomatoes and cucumbers, when balcony space is limited, a timely "vine-dropping" management method can be adopted. That is, when the plant's growing point is too high, remove the lower old leaves, and let the stems and vines coil downwards, so that the growing point is always kept in the optimal position for light exposure. Seedling raising: To shorten the growth cycle and ensure seamless crop rotation, seedlings need to be started in advance: Seedling raising method: Use 50-72 cell trays, fill with sterile seedling substrate and sow. Sow 1 seed per cell for fruiting vegetables, 1-2 seeds per cell for most leafy vegetables, and 4-5 seeds per cell for scallions, chives, etc. Transplanting time: Transplant when the seedlings have 3-4 true leaves (or the plants are about 6-8 cm tall), or you can sow the seeds directly on the sponge blocks in the transplanting basket. Planting technology process System disinfection (performed during crop rotation) After each 1-2 harvests of vegetables, the system needs to be disinfected, as follows: Drain the old nutrient solution and rinse the planting trough, planting cups, pipes, and storage tank with clean water. Chemical disinfection method: Pour 0.1% potassium permanganate solution into the storage tank, start the water pump to circulate for 15-30 minutes, then drain the disinfectant solution and pour in clean water to circulate for 3-5 minutes to rinse away any residue. Physical disinfection method: After cleaning, place all parts in the sun to dry for several days. Planting and domestication: Carefully remove the seedlings that meet the standards from the seedling trays, gently shake off the substrate from the roots, and rinse them thoroughly with clean water (avoid rubbing to prevent root damage). like Figure 2 As shown in -a, two methods are used to fix the seedlings: Method 1: Use a planting cup that matches the planting hole. Put planting cotton or expanded clay pebbles inside the cup, place the seedling roots inside, and then insert it into the planting hole. Method 2: Wrap the seedling's rootstock directly with a sponge block, leaving room for growth, and then insert it into the planting hole. Planting density: 1 plant per hole for fruit vegetables and most leafy vegetables; 4-5 plants per hole for scallions, chives, etc. Ensure that the seedling roots can contact or be immersed in the nutrient solution after transplanting, start the circulation system, and begin hydroponic acclimatization. After about a week, the plants will grow clean, new white roots. Figure 2 -b) indicates successful domestication, and the plant can enter the normal growth and management stage. Figure 2 -c), Nutrient solution management: Formula and preparation: The general nutrient solution formula shown in Table 1 can be used, or you can directly purchase commercially available hydroponic-specific compound solid fertilizer or concentrated solution, and dilute it with water according to the ratio:

[0019] Table 1 Concentration (EC value) management: Leafy vegetables: Suitable EC range 1.2-2.5 ds·m -1 Throughout the entire growth period, it typically only needs to replenish the water lost through evaporation; there is no need to completely replace the nutrient solution. Fruits and vegetables: Suitable EC range 1.5-3.0 ds·m -1 If the EC value remains below 1.0 ds·m during the mid-to-late stages of growth, -1 If plant growth slows significantly or fruit production is reduced, it is necessary to replenish the nutrient solution or replace the entire plant. pH management: Regularly monitor the pH of the nutrient solution and use a pH adjuster to stabilize it at around 6.0. Light management: Make full use of the natural light on the balcony, and regularly rotate the cultivation rack or change the position of the planting trough to ensure that all sides of the plants receive light evenly. Depending on the balcony's orientation and weather conditions, a timer is used to flexibly control the duration and timing of the supplemental lighting, ensuring that the vegetables receive sufficient sunlight daily. Pest and disease control: Adhering to the principle of "prevention first," ensure that seedlings are healthy and free from diseases and pests before transplanting. Keep the balcony clean and well-ventilated. If a small number of pests (such as aphids and whiteflies) are found, they can be manually removed; diseased or weak plants should be removed promptly. Disease prevention is key, with emphasis on controlling temperature and humidity, avoiding nutrient solution contamination, and in the event of severe pests or diseases, the entire orchard should be cleared immediately, the system thoroughly disinfected, and replanted. Planting patterns for different balcony orientations: South-facing balcony: Best sunlight and good ventilation; almost all types of vegetables can be grown there. Single-layer or multi-layer cultivation systems are available. East- or west-facing balconies: These are semi-shaded environments, so it's advisable to choose light-loving yet shade-tolerant vegetable varieties (such as lettuce, chives, and some herbs), and supplement with light during periods without direct sunlight. North-facing balconies receive almost no direct sunlight and require supplemental lighting (at least 8 hours of supplemental lighting per day is recommended). It is also advisable to grow shade-tolerant leafy vegetables (such as sprouts and some lettuce varieties). Harvesting and Continuous Production: Leafy vegetables can be harvested in batches once they reach marketable size, while fruiting vegetables should be harvested promptly after the fruits mature to promote subsequent fruit set. After one crop is harvested, it should be processed according to the "system disinfection" procedure before the next round of planting can begin, enabling continuous production on the balcony. This invention provides a comprehensive implementation plan that integrates suitable equipment, superior new varieties, standardized processes, and environmental control strategies, significantly reducing the technical threshold and management difficulty of hydroponic cultivation on family balconies. It is particularly suitable for promotion and application in families in northern cities, and has positive significance for enriching residents' "vegetable baskets," beautifying the home environment, experiencing the fun of farming, and promoting the development of urban balcony agriculture.

[0020] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: System preparation and disinfection: Provide and install a hydroponic system, which includes a cultivation support frame, a liquid storage tank, a water pump, various levels of pipes, and planting containers; clean and disinfect the hydroponic system when changing crops; S2: Variety selection and seedling raising: Select vegetable varieties suitable for the balcony environment and raise seedlings by direct sowing in plug trays or planting baskets. S3: Transplanting: When the seedlings have grown to 3-5 true leaves or 6-8cm in height, remove the seedlings from the seedling substrate and clean the roots. Use transplanting cups or sponges to fix the seedlings, so that the seedling roots are submerged in the nutrient solution. Start the nutrient solution circulation of the hydroponic system to carry out hydroponic acclimatization. S4: Nutrient Solution Management: Prepare and supply nutrient solution according to vegetable type and growth stage. For leafy vegetables, replenish water regularly during the growth cycle to maintain nutrient solution concentration. For fruiting vegetables, monitor the conductivity of the nutrient solution in the later stages of growth. When the conductivity is below 1.0 ds·m... -1 Replenish or replace the nutrient solution as needed; S5: Light Management: Adjust the light intensity by adjusting the position of the hydroponic device or using supplemental lighting, based on the balcony orientation, the cultivation season and the light requirements of the vegetables. S6: Pest and disease control: In a relatively enclosed balcony environment, pest and disease control is carried out by manually removing diseased and weak seedlings, physically removing pests, or spraying low-concentration pesticides. S7: Harvesting: Harvest vegetables in a timely manner according to their growth cycle.

2. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the hydroponic system is selected from a wick or sprout system, a nutrient film system (NFT) or a deep flow system (DFT); the disinfection treatment is chemical disinfection using potassium permanganate solution.

3. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the vegetable varieties are short, compact leafy or fruiting vegetable varieties; the leafy vegetables include water spinach, water celery, lettuce, endive, romaine lettuce, and garland chrysanthemum, and the fruiting vegetables include tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and strawberries.

4. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the seedling raising method specifically includes: using 50-72 cell trays, sowing 1 seed per cell for fruit and vegetable vegetables, 1-2 seeds per cell for leafy vegetables, and 4-5 seeds per cell for scallions and chives.

5. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the nutrient solution is a general-purpose formula nutrient solution, which contains macro-elements and micro-elements. The optimal nutrient solution concentration for leafy vegetables is 1.2-2.5 ds·m³. -1 Fruits and vegetables: 1.5-3.0 ds·m -1 Adjust the pH of the nutrient solution to 6.

0.

6. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the hydroponic system also includes a timer to control the working time of the water pump and the supplemental lighting; the nutrient solution circulation mode is to circulate for 20-30 minutes and then pause for 15-30 minutes, or to maintain a continuous circulation state.

7. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S5, for south-facing balconies, select full-sun vegetable varieties and single or multi-layer hydroponic devices; for east- or west-facing balconies, plant light-loving and shade-tolerant vegetables and supplement with light during periods of no light; for north-facing balconies, select light-loving and shade-tolerant leafy vegetables and supplement with more than 8 hours of light per day.

8. The method for hydroponic vegetable cultivation on a home balcony according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes timely vine-cutting management for indeterminate fruit and vegetable varieties based on their growth stage and balcony space, in order to control plant height.

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