The DIY Aeroponic System Build Guide is a complete 16-page, step-by-step guide to building your own indoor aeroponic growing system from scratch — from drilling your first hole to planting your first crop. It's based on the same system we've run since 2018, the build that hit over 4 million views on Instagram and Facebook when we first posted it in 2025. Easy build level.
Aeroponics is one of the most efficient soilless growing methods, delivering nutrients and oxygen directly to plant roots through timed misting cycles. This system is a low-cost alternative to expensive pre-made hydroponic and aeroponic units, and grows leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables — Swiss chard, kale, lettuce, basil, pak choi, and more — indoors, year-round.
What's inside
Build level: Easy. A complete 16-page build guide covering:
- Safety & tool guidance before you ever pick up a drill
- Full supplies list organized by category with QR code links
- Step-by-step build instructions for assembling your system
- Nutrient solution mixing guide with our exact fertilizer recipe
- Lights & timer setup including our preferred settings for leafy greens and herbs
- Seed starting instructions from rockwool cube to transplant
- Cloning & propagation guide — root cuttings directly in your system
- Daily & weekly maintenance checklist to keep your system running smoothly
- Converting to DWC if you want to switch growing methods
- Common questions & troubleshooting so you can problem-solve with confidence
- Scannable QR codes linking to supply lists and video tutorials
Note: the guide contains scannable QR codes only — there are no clickable links for digital readers at this time.
Specifications
- Length: 16 pages
- Build level: easy
- System type: aeroponic (timed misting), with instructions to convert to DWC
- Page size: standard A4 (8.27" × 11.69" / 210mm × 297mm)
- Access: instant access, lifetime, self-paced
- Covers: supplies, build, nutrient mixing, lights and timer setup, seed starting, cloning/propagation, maintenance, troubleshooting
- Crops: leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables (Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, lettuce, basil, pak choi, tatsoi, and more)
- Based on: the system we've run since 2018, documented from our viral build video
- Extras: QR codes to supply lists and video tutorials
- Not included: supplies, tools, and equipment (build guide only)
Who this guide is for
- Beginners who want a clear, structured starting point for soilless or hydroponic growing
- Experienced growers looking to add a DIY aeroponic system to their indoor setup
- Anyone who saw our viral build video and wants the complete written guide to follow along
- Indoor gardeners who want fresh greens year-round regardless of season
- Plant propagators looking for a low-cost cloning and propagation setup
- Educational use — learning how to grow food hydroponically indoors
Not for
- Anyone expecting supplies or parts included — the guide is instructions only
- Growers who want a ready-made, no-assembly unit out of the box
- Growers wanting clickable in-guide links — this version uses scannable QR codes instead
What crops can you grow?
The system works well for a wide range of leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables, including Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, lettuce, basil, pak choi, tatsoi, and more. It can also root cuttings and clone plants, making it one of the most versatile DIY indoor growing setups available.
Why build your own?
Pre-made aeroponic and hydroponic systems can cost hundreds of dollars. This DIY system can be built for a fraction of that using supplies from your local hardware store and online, and the guide shows you exactly how to do it step by step. You can also read our full blog guide to learn more.
FAQ
How many pages is the guide? 16 pages, formatted for standard A4 paper (8.27" × 11.69" / 210mm × 297mm).
What skill level do I need? Easy — it's beginner-friendly, with safety and tool guidance before you pick up a drill.
What does it cover? Supplies, the full build, nutrient mixing with our exact recipe, lights and timer setup, seed starting from rockwool cube to transplant, cloning and propagation, maintenance checklists, and troubleshooting.
Are supplies included? No — this is a build guide only. It includes a full supplies list organized by category so you can buy the parts yourself.
What can I grow in it? Leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables like Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, lettuce, basil, pak choi, and tatsoi. It also works for rooting cuttings and cloning.
Can I switch it to a different method later? Yes — the guide includes instructions for converting the system to DWC (deep water culture).
Is it the same system from your viral video? Yes — it documents the system we've run since 2018, the one that hit 4M+ views, with the full written build.
What kind of bin do I need? The guide includes guidance on sourcing food-safe bins locally — not all plastic bins are food-safe, so this is a "what to look for" section rather than one fixed recommendation.
How long do I have access? Lifetime, self-paced — keep it and reference it for as long as you run the system.
Important notes
- This is a digital PDF download — no physical copy will be shipped. Once purchased, you'll receive an instant download to print at home or save to your phone or computer. The guide is formatted for standard A4 paper (8.27" × 11.69" / 210mm × 297mm). Supplies are not included — this is a build guide only.
- This guide is based on our personal experience growing in our specific environment in Zone 8a. Results will vary depending on your water quality, climate, lighting, and setup. Use it as a foundation and adjust to your space.
- This build involves water and electricity. Always follow proper safety precautions. Safety guidance is included throughout the guide, but it's your responsibility to make safe choices for your space and setup. On The Grow, LLC is not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from your build.
- Not all plastic bins are created equal. We include guidance on what to look for when sourcing food-safe bins locally — this is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation, and not all bins are made from food-safe plastics.
- Your results may vary. Plant growth and system performance depend on many factors outside our control, including environment, water quality, plant variety, and user assembly. This guide offers a framework, not a guarantee.
Disclaimer & important information
- Digital products are non-refundable.
- This guide is the intellectual property of On The Grow, LLC and is intended for personal use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sharing, distribution, or resale — whether online or in person — is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
- All information provided in this guide is based solely on the personal experience of On The Grow, LLC in their specific growing environment. On The Grow, LLC makes no guarantees, warranties, or representations regarding the performance, yield, or success of any aeroponic system built using this guide. Results will vary based on individual growing environment, water quality, climate, plant variety, user assembly, and equipment sourced independently by the user.
- This build involves the combined use of water and electricity. On The Grow, LLC is not liable for any damage, injury, or loss resulting from improper assembly, operation, or maintenance of any system built using this guide. Users assume full responsibility for their own safety and the safe installation and operation of all components.
- On The Grow, LLC is not responsible for the quality, safety, or performance of any materials, supplies, or equipment sourced independently by the user. It is the sole responsibility of the user to verify that all materials are appropriate, safe, and suitable for their intended use.
- Some product references in this guide may include affiliate links. On The Grow, LLC may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
- Not all plastic bins are created equal. We include guidance on what to look for when sourcing food-safe bins locally — this is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation, and not all bins are made from food-safe plastics. Always do your own research on the materials you use for this build and make your own choices for what's right for your health.
- By purchasing and downloading this guide, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and accept full responsibility for your own build, safety choices, system placement, and any supplies you choose to use.