There are seven main types of hydroponic systems: Kratky Method, Ebb & Flow (also known as flood and drain), NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), Deep Water Culture, Drip Systems and Aeroponic systems.
No matter what kind of system you choose, the goal is the same: to provide an optimum environment in which plants will thrive, growing faster and healthier than you’ve ever seen before.
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics, a revolutionary cultivation method, replaces soil with a nutrient-rich water solution. Its name, derived from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "ponos" (labor), reflects this water-based approach. In these systems, plant roots are either immersed directly in the nutrient solution or anchored in an inert medium, enabling precise control over environmental factors.
This technique offers significant advantages over traditional soil-based agriculture, including faster growth, higher yields, and year-round harvests independent of climate.
As this guide will explore, hydroponics' versatility has fostered its adoption across diverse scales, from personal indoor gardens to expansive commercial farms, and even in the unique environment of space exploration.
The Kratky Method
The Kratky Method is the simplest system for growing plants hydroponically. This is because there are no pumps, bubblers, wicks, or timers required. A Kratky hydroponic system requires no electricity and very little effort and money to build.
Best of all, it’s a passive method—you just set it and forget it.
How it Works
How it Looks Like
Where to Buy
(Kratky Box) Amazon: https://amzn.to/40TssrJ
Kratky Pot Amazon: https://amzn.to/3X068f8
Ebb & Flow Systems
The plants are usually grown in pots with a growing medium. The pots sit in a plastic tray that sits above a reservoir filled with nutrient solution. Since the system relies on gravity to do the work, the growing tray must be higher than the reservoir.
A pump in the reservoir is connected to the bottom of the tray. When the pump turns on, the tray fills with water, temporarily submerging roots. When the pump turns off, the water runs back down through the pump into the reservoir.
How it Works
How it Looks Like
Nutrient Film Technique (Type of Hydroponics System)
Nutrient Film Technique, NFT, is mostly used in large commercial applications. A basic NFT setup involves a thin layer of nutrients flowing over the roots of the plants in the system. NFT is really only suitable for small, fast-growing plants like lettuce.
Nutrient Film Technique uses tubes or channels instead of flat trays for the grow tray. This makes it easier to set it at an angle and to make sure that the nutrient solution flows directly to the roots without wasting any of it
The nutrient solution flows in a thin film over the roots, ensuring that they are watered and fed but not completely soaked. The thin film ensures that the upper part of the roots will remain dry and have access to oxygen in the air.
Nutrient Film Technique works best if you choose plants that do not require a lot of support- lightweight, fast-growing plants that can be harvested quickly. If you want to grow plants such as tomatoes or squash, just make sure that you have proper support systems in place such as trellises.
The roots are not suspended in a growing medium in this system, so they cannot handle supporting a lot of weight from a top-heavy plant.
How it Works
How it Looks Like
Where to Buy
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aTuqNz
Deep Water Culture
Deepwater culture systems are some of the least expensive and easiest systems to start up. They are usually made up of a bucket filled up 1/3 of the way with water and a net-pot-bucket-lid, filled with HydroCorn (Grow Rocks) that sits on top of the bucket allowing the roots to grow through the net pot and then into the water.
The water is continuously being bubbled with air from an air pump/air stone combination. The water solution is filled with nutrients and pH’d to the proper levels. Voila!
How it Works
How it Looks Like
Where to Buy
Amazon:https://amzn.to/3Ey7Vl8
Drip System
Drip systems are the most widely used hydroponic systems in the world. They’re commonly used in commercial facilities for growing long-term crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Similar to your backyard irrigation system, the nutrient solution is literally ‘dripped’ onto plant roots before being recycled through the system’s reservoir. These systems are great for budget-minded beginners.
How it Works
How it Looks Like
The Dutch Bucket System
The Dutch bucket method is a hydroponics method that allows you to grow your crops in buckets. It takes a different approach to all other systems of hydroponics in that it breaks the medium bed down into smaller buckets.
The Dutch system allows you to space your crops as much as you want without wasting medium; and also allows you to grow larger crops which may not be possible in other mediums.
These and other reasons have made the Dutch bucket system one of the most popular systems for growing a variety of vegetables.
How it Works
How it Looks Like
Where to Buy
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jOaBvb
Aeroponic Systems
Plant roots are suspended in the air and misted by high-pressure sprayers which break nutrients into small particles and saturate the roots.
The roots are grown in a misty, humid environment, with minimal grow media. Due to the water’s constant circulation and the action of a high-pressure pump, the levels of oxygen in the water are kept high.
How it Works
How it Looks Like
Where to Buy
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hxFl1W
Choosing the Right Hydroponic System for Your Needs
Choosing the right hydroponic system can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The key is to match the system to your specific needs and goals. Are you a beginner looking for simplicity? Or an experienced grower aiming for high yields and diverse crops?
This guide will help you navigate the different hydroponic methods and determine the best fit for you.
Understanding Your Needs:
Before diving into the specifics of each system, consider these crucial factors:
Experience Level: Are you new to hydroponics or a seasoned grower? Some systems are easier to set up and maintain than others.
Space: How much space do you have available for your hydroponic garden?
Budget: Hydroponic systems range in cost from simple DIY setups to more complex, automated systems.
Plant Type and Quantity: What types of plants do you want to grow? Some systems are better suited for certain plants than others. Consider the mature size of your plants and how many you plan to grow.
Time Commitment: How much time are you willing to dedicate to maintaining your system? Some systems require more attention than others.
Making the Right Choice:
Consider the pros and cons of each system in relation to your needs. For example, if you're a beginner with limited space and a small budget, the Kratky system might be the best starting point.
If you're looking to grow a larger variety of plants and have more space and resources, the drip system or NFT might be more suitable. If you'd like to grow fruit bearing plants like strawberries or tomatoes,
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