There are endless variations of hydroponic gardens, ranging from tabletop microgreen boxes to full- room garden beds. Knowing your options means you can choose a system that fits your needs and your space. MAIN TYPES OF AT-HOME HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS
HOW DWC WORKS
With this type of system, plants are placed in a mesh pot that is filled with an inert medium like clay pebbles. The pots are suspended above a reservoir of nutrient solution, allowing the roots to dangle into the oxygenated water.
SUPPLIES:
Reservoir (bucket or bin with lid) Air pump and air stone (to oxygenate water) Net pots and growing medium (clay pebbles, rockwool cubes) Hydroponic nutrient solution (premixed or DIY) pH meter and adjustment solution Grow lights (if indoors) This is a great option for herbs and small plants with shallow roots like basil, mint, and lettuce. Because it’s lightweight and efficient, it can be mounted anywhere. Plus, it’s easy to maintain. This is not a good choice for deep-growing or heavy foods like carrots and potatoes. 2. NUTRIENT FILM TECHNIQUE (NFT)
HOW IT WORKS
For the DIY enthusiast, NFT is a great choice. It’s often made using PVC pipes. The pipes are mounted at a slight angle so the nutrient solution can continuously flow through, providing nutrients, water, and oxygen to the roots of the plants.
1. DEEP WATER CULTURE (DWC)
This easy-to-learn type of system is an ideal starting point, especially if your goal is to produce herbs, leafy greens, and small fruiting plants such as lettuce, basil, spinach, kale, and strawberries. The requirements are simple and inexpensive, so it’s quick to get started and requires minimal maintenance once established. However, it does have its limitations in that it’s not effective for growing large plants like cucumbers and tomatoes. It also requires consistent oxygenation to keep the roots from drowning.
SUPPLIES:
Channels or tubes (PVC works well) Pump to circulate nutrient solution Reservoir with water/nutrients Return line for water drainage Net pots + growing medium Grow lights if indoors
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