Hydroponics

Indoor Hydroponics Gardening

When a person first becomes interested in hydroponics the thing that strikes them most is just how diverse it is.  Hydroponic gardening is the one form of agriculture with no set of uniform practices that guide it.

It can be anything from a very primitive wick system where nutrient solution is drawn to the roots through a cloth or gauze wicking system or something as complicated as an aeroponics setup.

There is no one set methodology that every grower must adhere to.  This is what makes for its broad appeal to every level of grower.

The only common thread throughout is that hydroponics is consistently a soilless method of cultivating plants.

That is the whole concept of hydroponics in a nutshell.

There are six known methods of hydroponics.

• Wicking
• Nutrient Flow Technique (NFT)
• Deep water culture (DWC)
• Drip system
• Aeroponics
• Ebb and flow (flood and drain)

The wick system we already touched upon and is the oldest method of hydroponic system and years ago the standard to strive for.  As simple and primitive as it is, wicking was for the pioneers of hydroponics who eventually brought us every technique of hydroponic gardening we now have.

These early growers broke new ground with every step they took and for that we are all grateful.

Some argue that aquaponics should be included but it differs in how the nutrients are formulated which sets it uniquely apart from true hydroponics and into its own classification of agriculture.

The simplicity of NFT.

Nutrient Film Technique or NFT was the next development in hydroponics and it remains a popular system to this day.  

It simply pumps a nutrient solution from a reservoir tank up to a shallow growing tray which is slightly slanted towards back toward the tank.  The nutrient solution is recycled continually throughout the entire system so that the roots receive constant nutrients.

The only drawback to NFT is situation where the power goes out for any reason.  Deprived of the moisture of the nutrient solution the plants can quickly wilt.

Deep Water Culture is perfect for indoor gardening.

The concept of Deep Water Culture is circulating nutrient solution through a system of large, usually, 5-gallon pails where the plants are cultivated.  This is a useful system for large plants that require a little room.  

This too, Is a simple and very effective form of hydroponic farming. Hydrobuilder recommends the Current Culture deep water culture systems as the best advanced to professional hydroponics system.

The Drip System method

Just as the name implies, the drip system doesn’t utilize a heavily flowing water, but rather continuously feeds the plants through a drip system.  Like all forms of hydroponics, however, it does use a nutrient recycling system.

This is a popular system for vegetable growers and is widely favored for the efficiency of the system.

Aeroponics utilizes an injection technique.

Besides being really cool to pronounce, the aeroponic method of hydroponic growing moves nutrient solution through an air injection system.  This system is favored for its high efficiency, higher yields and better overall plant health.

The Ebb and Flow system uses a flood and drain method of hydroponics.

The Ebb and Flow System is a fairly easy method to explain to the novice. It works by flooding and then draining the plant roots continually through a recycled system.  This method is attractive because it works well for many types or species of plants.

Hydroponic kits simply complicated systems through an easy to use format.

The good news is that complete kits for more complicated hydroponic systems are inexpensive, practical and time saving.  

It takes considerable knowledge and effort to assemble something like an Ebb and Flow or aeroponic hydroponic system on your own.  There are many components that need to work together in a uniform way to make the systems work effectively.

Therefore, purchasing a kit is definitely the better route to go.

There is no guesswork and no errors to make along the way.  These hydroponic kits include absolutely everything you will need for any specific system.  There is no concern of not having the proper size tank to an adequate pumping system.

Hydroponic grow kits are carefully planned and assembled with all the right components and materials.