Part II · Design
Balcony and patio: wind, heat, load, electricity
A patio adds constraints you don’t face in a greenhouse. Ignoring them costs more than planning for them.
Wind
A tower loaded with foliage catches a lot of wind. The top anchoring recommended by Oklahoma State is especially relevant. The reservoir is not an anti-tip device.
| Element | In practice |
|---|---|
| Fixed point | Pergola post, load-bearing wall, rigid structure, not a decorative slat. |
| Connection | Outdoor strap, coated cable or small bar. Hold it in place without crushing. |
| Position | Near the top; a second, lower tie if very exposed. |
| Removal | Carabiner or buckle: the tower must be easy to take down. |
| Inspection | After strong wind: play, screws, cracks, plumb. |
Heat
Dark tubing and reservoirs in the sun heat up the solution. White reflects, black absorbs. Reservoirs in the shade, limited direct sun; target solution temperature about 22 to 24 °C (72 to 75 °F).
Load
1 liter of water ≈ 1 kg (1 gal ≈ 8.3 lb). Reservoirs account for most of the load.
| Reservoir | Weight in use |
|---|---|
| 30 L (8 gal) | ≈ 30 kg (66 lb) + tub |
| 60 L (16 gal) | ≈ 60 kg (130 lb) + tub |
| 100 L (26 gal) | ≈ 100 kg (220 lb) + tub |
| 4 towers × 40 L (10.5 gal) | ≈ 160 kg (350 lb) concentrated |
Rain
A reservoir open to the rain gets diluted and overflows: keep it covered, but ventilated and accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a hydroponic garden weigh on a patio?
Count about 1 kg per liter of water (8.3 lb per gallon), plus tubs and structures: a 60 L (16 gal) reservoir weighs about 60 kg (130 lb) when in use. Have the structure checked if the patio’s load capacity is unknown.
