Hydroponic Systems and Styles

The most traditional method of growing plants is with soil and this can become reasonably straightforward with the right amount of practice.

However, hydroponic growth is not as complicated as some of us might think. There are dozens of different methods that free us up to plant practically any plant at any time of year.

A few of the most common methods are mentioned below.

NFT is probably the most commonly know hydroponics system. There is a reservoir that contains the nutrient solution which is pumped into the growing tray. The growing tray, often known as a gully, is suspended at a slight angle so that the liquid gently flows through it for the plants to absorb the required amount.

The roots dangle into the tray and an electric pump ensures that there is a continuous flow. An essential part of maintenance is to ensure that the pump and electrics are in good working order and because the flow is ongoing there is no need for a timer.

We installed and currently help to maintain a NFT systemof this type at the University Academy of Engineeringin London.

The definition of Ebb and Flow is a recurring pattern of coming and going and this system gets such a name as the roots are temporarily flooded. A water pump will cause the nutrient solution to surround the roots for a period of time before draining back to the nutrient tank.

A beautiful aspect of this method is that fresh air is drawn back to the roots each time the solution is drained. A timer will control the flood and drain schedule and various different types of growing media can be used. Free-draining media such as the clay pebbles from Canna can be flooded quite frequently as it will not accumulate and maintain the liquid.

Popular Flood & Drain kits are the ones that we stock from Titan and timers for the pumps are required to ensure control over the system

This is often perceived to be the most straightforward hydroponic system as it has no moving parts such as pumps or timers.

The plants can rest in many different growing mediums such as soil, coco or perlite from which wicks dangle into the nutrient solution. The nutrients are drawn up into the growing medium, pretty much on a supply upon demand basis.

Plants are held in net pots that contain growing media such as clay pebbles. The nutrient solution is highly oxygenated within which the roots are submerged. A pump ensures that each plant is receiving the same amount of nutrient and

Bubbler systems require very little growing media but they do need a lot of nutrient solution. There is also a pump that provides plenty of oxygen to the roots and this really helps the plant to grow rapidly.

The system pictured above is the Aeros IV Master from PLANT!T and the video below gives a great demonstration.

The above methods are just four of the dozens that are available and as always, we have plenty to choose from!