Hydroponic systems are growing in popularity as more and more gardeners seek solutions to a lack of arable land. Let’s look at what they are, what they work well for, and why you might want one.
In essence, hydroponic systems are a way to grow plants using nutrient solutions in a growing medium such as vermiculite, perlite, coconut coir, rock wool, clay pellets, or peat moss. These mediums replace traditional soil and may or may not require artificial lighting, depending on where they’re located. They can be set up outside with natural sun or within a room using UV lighting.
The great thing about hydroponic systems is that you can grow just about anything other than root vegetables, vine fruits, or tall crops such as corn. Those plant types need ample soil to stretch out their roots and support the harvest. So long as you stick with leafy greens, tomatoes, strawberries, and the like, you’re good to go.
When it comes to setting up a hydroponic system, there are several variations to choose from. When you’re first starting, it’s best to stick with what’s known as a wicking system. The plant is suspended in a growing medium over a water reservoir packed with nutrients. Between the medium and the water hangs a wick, which soaks the nutrients up and distributes them into the root system. This is a “passive” hydroponic system because you don’t need a pump to circulate air or water.
Another well-known and widely used system is the “deep water culture” system, also known as DWC. If you’re looking for an easy setup, this one is perfect. It’s similar to the wicking system, except the roots are dispersed throughout the water with the plant suspended directly above and the roots submerged. This means the roots can gather all the nutrients they need directly without using a wick. One huge perk is that the system is cyclical, meaning it produces very little waste as the same water is circulated through time and again.
There are more complicated systems you can set up, and these include the nutrient film technique, the ebb and flow system, the aeroponic system, and the drip system. While the process isn’t far off from the two listed above, each requires more equipment and space. Once you have a good handle on one of the first two systems listed, you can begin to branch out into the other four. Don’t get discouraged if something isn’t working. Keep a journal of your successes and failures and join a few hydroponic groups on social media. They’ll be able to help you troubleshoot any issues you may be having. Keep in mind that hydroponic systems are also an excellent way to start certain plants before transplanting them into any available soil you may have, so don’t shy away from certain plants just because they won’t thrive for long in a hydroponic setup. Good luck!