Grow Toronto!

Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants and food without the use of soil. It is growing in popularity and more people are taking an interest in it every year. There are a number of systems out there, designed to grow different types of plants in various quantities. Hydroponic systems usually come as either pre-designed kits or are sold in pieces which is good for experienced growers who like to design their own systems.

Water Culture Systems

The Water Culture System is the simplest and oldest of the hydroponic systems. A platform simply floats on top of the nutrient solution and the roots are completely immersed in the liquid. An air pump is often used as well in order to help oxygenate the roots. Hobbyist often employ this method first because it is the most inexpensive way to start up.

Water Culture Hydroponic Tray

Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain) Systems

Ebb and Flow (also referred to as Flood and Drain) is the most common system of hydroponics system. Plants are placed in a tray over a nutrient container, and a pump fills the tray with the nutrient solution. Anything not absorbed by the roots then drains back into the nutrient reservoir to be recycled for later use. The Drip system is a variation on this where instead of a flood of the solution at regular intervals, the pump causes a continuous drip of the solution into the growth tray.

Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System Tray

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems

Using the Nutrient Film Technique, roots of the plants are suspended in an extremely thin constant film of nutrient solution. This encourages a very thick root mat to form. This is one of the more effective hydroponic methods, but requires more technical expertise and can require more maintenance then other hydroponic systems. The biggest advantage of the NFT system over other hydroponics systems is that the plant roots are able to absorb to adequate supplies of oxygen, water and nutrients. In all other systems there is a conflict between the supply of these requirements in one way or another.

Nutrient Film Technique Tray

Wick System

The Wick System is another simple method, however its simplicity can be a danger to the health of the plants at times. A simple wick (such as an oil lamp or from a candle) connects the growth tray to the nutrient solution and the nutrients are drawn up to feed the plants. It is a very passive system but the danger of this system is that the roots can become over-soaked, endangering the yield outcome.

Wick Hydroponic System

Aeroponic System

The Aeroponic system is by far the most effective of all hydroponic system. When done properly, large quick-growing plants are produced. The plant roots are exposed to the open air at all times and a continuous vapor-mist solution is sprayed on at all times. This exposes them to a constant mix of water, oxygen and nutrients and yields are often multiplied.

Aeroponic Marijuana Plant