Before starting out with soil-less cultivation an overview is needed on how to grow hydroponics. There are several systems that can be used for growing hydroponics. From simple homemade systems for hobby gardeners to complex, fully automated large-scale systems for commercial use. Before starting with hydroponic gardening it’s a good idea to look into the different ways on how to grow hydroponics.
- Wick System: This is a very simple system where the nutrients are transfer to the grow medium by using a wick. An excellent system for small, fast growing crops such as salad and herbs. The drawback of this system is that the nutrients can be used faster than they are supplied (especially with large plants). For people who have no clue on how to grow hydroponics this is the ideal system to start with.
- Floating Platform: Another very simple system. This one can be described as a water culture system because the roots are always surrounded by nutrient solution. A platform that holds the plants floats directly on the nutrient solution. Because of that a large number of plants can be grown in a small space, but doesn’t work well with large plants.
- N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technique): This is a common used system where a constant flow of nutrient solution feeds the plants. Nutrient solution is pumped into the growing tray, flows over the roots of the plants, and then drains back into the reservoir. No growing medium required but the roots will dry out if the pump stops working.
- Ebb and Flow: Grow tray intermittently flooded with nutrient solution and afterwards drained back to the reservoir. An overflow controls the height to which the medium is flooded. How the timer of the pump is set depends on the size and type of plants. Can be used for a wide range of plants but the roots can dry out quickly when the watering cycles are interrupted
