US Patent 7143544 Hydroponic growing unit

A hydroponic growing unit having a base shaped to hold liquid, the outer periphery of the base defined by an outer, vertical base wall. The unit has a vertical plant support wall forming a generally annular enclosure, the support wall mounted on the wall of the base to extend above the base and to enclose space above the base. There is at least one opening in the support wall providing access to the enclosed space and to the inner surface of the support wall. The opening is normally closed by at least one wall panel forming part of the support wall. The unit has vertical light means mounted in the center of the annular enclosure. Planting block support means are arranged on the inner surface of the support wall near the top and planting blocks, in which plants are planted, are mounted on the support means in a circle to have the plants face the central light means. A watering member is associated with each support means to provide water, pumped from the base, to the top of each block mounted on the support means.