Plants have a series of basic needs to survive and thrive, all of which can be satisfied with many materials found around the office and a few online purchases. A hydroponic garden does not use soil, require sunlight, or require a large footprint. Because of this, a hydroponic garden provides an alternative and sustainable approach for a workplace where a traditional garden would not be practical. A hydroponic garden is a great way to bring fresh herbs and vegetables into an office setting by using an affordable setup with minimal maintenance. The garden can be as simple or as extensive as desired to fit the purpose, whether for display, education or simply producing herbs for use by employees.

1. Hydroponic Gardening:
Sustainability in the
Workplace
Contact us!
info@kppc.org
Alex Delgado Beebe
Student Sustainability Engineer
alex.beebe@louisville.edu

2. • Administered by the KY Division of
Compliance Assistance
• Free, voluntary recognition program
that encourages members to complete
projects that improve the environment
at home, within an organization, or in
a community.
www.dca.ky.gov/kyexcel
KY Excellence in Environmental Leadership (KY EXCEL)
• KPPC has chosen to create a hydroponic garden as our
KY EXCEL project

3. A hydroponic garden project fit into KPPCs day-to-day operations as well as
serves as a demonstration of sustainability in the workplace of our client
A hydroponic garden is a low-maintenance, cost-effective way to encourage and
demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social sustainability
There are many factors to decide if a hydroponic garden is right for your
business & organization:
-What a hydroponic garden is
-How a hydroponic garden works
-How much a garden costs
-What maintenance is required
-What benefits can a garden offer
Hydroponic Project Overview

4. What is a Hydroponic Garden?
Plants need five resources to thrive:
Light, Water, CO2, Nutrients, Medium
All can be satisfied with an indoor hydroponic garden

5. Four main components of a hydroponic garden:
– Container: This will contain the nutrient-rich water and air stone.
This also houses the plants through the lid.
– Air pump and air stone: This aerates the roots resulting in
significantly faster growing than soil.
– Grow light: Satisfies the photosynthetic process of the plants.
– Net pots and clay pebbles: Adult plants use the net pots and clay
pebbles as structure, stretching their roots grow down into the
nutrient-rich, aerated water.
How Does a Hydroponic Garden Work?

6. Cost depends on type and purpose of hydroponic
garden, our costs were such:
How Much does a Hydroponic Garden Cost?
Item Cost ($) Item Cost ($)
Clay pebbles $6 Rockwool grow cubes $10
Mesh net pots (15) $5 Airstones + connecters $25
Small air pumps (4) $20 50ft air tubing $8
150w LED grow light $60 Hydroponic nutrients $30
PH control kit $10 Nutrient TDS meter $10
Mechanical outlet timers $8 Packs of seeds $8
Leftover cups for seed growth Display tripod to hang grow light from
Starting Materials
Our total starting cost: $200
Materials donated by staff:
Four 5-gallon paint buckets Soil from home garden for seed growth

7. Three main tasks for garden maintenance:
PH Monitoring: water must not be too acidic or basic
Nutrient Monitoring: minerals are needed for growth
Water Leveling: over time, water will evaporate and be absorbed
How Much Maintenance is Required?

8. Engaging Sustainability: Immediate
“what is that?” factor into any
workplace, exhibit booth or
recruiting event
Staff Benefits: Gardening supports a
healthier, more environmentally
aware and engaged workplace
Sustainable Culture: Gardening can
serve as a “first step” into office
space sustainability
How can a Garden Benefit my Workplace?

9. Contact us!
info@kppc.org
Alex Delgado Beebe
Student Sustainability Engineer
alex.beebe@louisville.edu
Hydroponic Gardening:
Sustainability in the
Workplace