4 popular hydroponics systems to enjoy farming

Posted by Andy on July 24th, 2019

For the ease of farming throughout the year, the hydroponics system has grown as a popular process of agriculture today. People who want to garden-fresh fruits and herbs throughout the year, this is an ideal process for them. The system use water and soluble nutrients instead of soil. Plants absorb necessary nutrients and have noticeable growth in this method.

There are a variety of hydroponics systems available in the marketplace. It depends on your budget, time, and what kind of plants you want to grow. Here 4 popular methods you can choose from:

1. Wick system

It is probably the simplest form of running a hydroponics garden. It is an ideal method for the people who are new in hydroponics gardening. Wick system needs a container for the plant, a container for the water; grow mediums such as Vermiculite, coco coir, and perlite, and a wick. It does not need any complex arrangement or water pump and electricity.

The advantage is it does not disturb the plant growth for electricity failure. It can be started with little experience and cost. Small plants such as rosemary, comfrey, chicory, lettuce, basil oregano, and thyme grow well in this method. These plants do not need a huge quantity of water and they do not grow as big as other plants. Wick system is not suitable for big plants.

1. Deepwater culture

This is also a simple form to make hydroponics gardens. It is cost-effective, simple to maintain, and needs simple efforts to grow plants like lettuce, basil, okra, kale, chard, sorrel, collard greens, and bok choi.

This system does not require grow-mediums though you can use a substrate if you want. It needs a water reservoir, an air pump, tubing, and air stone to make the arrangement works. You can use an old aquarium as a substitute for the reservoir.

1. Top Feed or Aka Drip System

This system is much more complex than its typical mechanical arrangement. Usually, professional operators use this process. This form of gardening needs a water reservoir, a container, a pump, tubing, a timer, and a growing medium like Rock wool, coco coir, vermiculite mix, and rocks to run the system effectively.

It is not too expensive to make. The failure rate is very low in this process. You can grow a vast variety of plants with this system. From larger plants like squash to cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, radishes, zucchini, onions, leeks, and peas grow well in this way of hydroponics gardening.

1. Ebb and Flow

It is as versatile as simple with its features. Using a flood tray, a reservoir, grow mediums, tubing, and a screen to set up the arrangement. Selecting the right growing medium is very vital. Instead of lighter grow medium such as perlite, it is better to use heavier mediums like coco coir and Rockwool.

This system is good for the healthy growth of roots. It gives plants more oxygen to grow. Plants that need a strong root system to grow are developed significantly in this system. Tomatoes, beans, peas, cucumbers, green lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots, and strawberries are some veggies and fruits grown in this system.

There are many other systems available in the market. Choose reliable hydroponic supplies Perth Australia and experience the best buy HPs grow lights to enjoy farming throughout the year.