So What is Hydroponics?

So what is hydroponics? In simple terms, it’s growing plants without soil.

The 4 most common methods (each with their own variations and merits) are:

1. Kratky/Deep water culture (DWC) – plants are suspended into a reservoir of nutrient solution – pictured above.
2. Ebb and Flow (AKA Flood and Drain) – plants are grown on a tray that is periodically flooded with nutrient solution that then drains back into a reservoir.
3. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) – plants are set in channels or tubes (such as pvc pipe) with a small stream of nutrient solution passing through the channels over the roots.
4. Aeroponics – plants are suspended in the air with a nutrient solution periodically sprayed on the roots.

What each method has in common is no soil, roots have direct access to a nutrient solution and air, and tops have access to light. For the beginner, I recommend Kratky/DWC. It’s the most straightforward to set up and for a simple Kratky method, the only thing you will need to buy to get started is water soluble nutrients – you probably already have everything else you’ll need around your house. Click here for a tutorial.