Hydroponic gardening is a form of farming where the farmer does not need soil to grow crops. Instead, the plants are grown on growth medium and in a solution of nutrients mixed with water. A major advantage of hydroponic gardening is that you can grow the crops indoors.

Thus, if you are living in a rental property, you can grow vegetables hydroponically. As a property developer looking for a way to bring the outdoor life indoors, you can achieve this through this modern way to grow crops on soilless medium.

In this guide to hydroponic systems, we explore the different types of hydroponic systems in use today. The different types are:

• The Wick System

• Deep Water Culture

• Nutrient Film Technique

• Ebb and Flow

• Drip System

Let us examine how each one of the above systems works.

1. The Wick System

The wicking system is the most basic type of hydroponic system you can set up in your backyard. The wicking system has been in use for decades now, although it was not recognized as a hydroponic gardening method. The plants get the nutrients and the water through a wick. The wicking system is good for smaller plants that do not use a lot of water or nutrients. Therefore, this system is ideal for indoor gardening and good for beginners.

2. The Deep Water Culture System

The Deep Water Culture system abbreviated DWC, is the easiest type of hydroponic system in use. In a DWC system, a reservoir is used for holding the nutrient solution. The roots of the plant are suspended in the nutrient solution. Therefore, the plant will get a constant supply of nutrients, water, and oxygen. An air pump is used for oxygenating the nutrient solution. Alternatively, you can oxygenate the plants using the air stone. The air pump or the air stone will pump bubbles into the nutrient solution. The DWC is inexpensive and can be easily made at home. it is also cheaper to maintain. However, this doesn’t work well for the larger plants and also the plants that grow for a long period.

3. The Nutrient Film Technique

Also referred to as the NFT, this is a popular commercial hydroponic system. The plants are grown in the channels that have a nutrient solution pumping constantly. When the solution has reached the end of the channel, it will drop back. Thus, it is a recirculation hydroponic gardening system. This hydroponic system requires minimal growth medium and recirculation systems like NFT mean less waste. However, pump failure will ruin the crops and the roots might become overgrown clogging the channels.

4. The Ebb and Flow or the Flood and Drain System

Also referred to as the flood and drain system, this is a less common system. The Ebb and Flow system do not expose the plant to the nutrient solution. Instead, the plants are grown in a tray that is filled with a growing medium. The tray is also flooded with nutrients at a specific time depending on various factors.

5. Drip Systems

Extremely common in the commercial setting, this is a great way to grow hydroponic crops. It comes with high-level control and less likely to break. The drip system may be overkill for small scale gardening and is known for fluctuating PH and nutrient level hence requires proper monitoring.

Now you know the different hydroponic gardening systems in use today. The wick system is the easiest to deploy and maintain. The drip system is more tasking and is a high waste system.