Hydroponic garden structure

Abstract

A horizontal tray is provided for growing plants and a liquid nutrient reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of liquid nutrient therein is supported, in counterbalanced fashion, for vertical shifting relative to the tray between an upper position elevated relative to the tray and a lowered position depressed relative to the tray. The support structure supporting the nutrient reservoir in counterbalanced fashion is slightly overbalanced to cause the support means to shift the nutrient reservoir, by gravity, toward the upper position thereof and a flexible drain tube communicates the lower portions of the interiors of the tray and reservoir for draining nutrient from the reservoir into the tray upon movement of the reservoir to the upper position thereof and return drainage of nutrient from the tray into the reservoir upon subsequent movement of the reservoir to the depressed position thereof, structure being provided to releasably retain the reservoir in the depressed position. A second form of the invention includes a counterbalance water tank for the reservoir operatively connected to a suitable water supply for slow filling of the water tank to an overbalance condition and provided with a drain for slow drainage of water from the tank to an underbalance condition, whereby the reservoir may return, by gravity, to the depressed position thereof.