Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil by using mineral nutrient solutions in water. There are many different types of hydroponic systems that vary in their setup, maintenance, and complexity. For beginners looking to get started with hydroponics, the easiest systems tend to be ones that are simple to build and operate.
Page Contents
- 1 The Easiest Hydroponic Systems for Beginners
- 2 Comparing the Different Hydroponic System Options
- 3 Setting Up a Simple DWC System
- 4 Growing Media Options for Easiest Hydroponic Systems
- 5 Ideal Plants for Easiest Hydroponic Systems
- 6 Ideal Growing Conditions
- 7 Tips for Hydroponic Growing Success
- 8 Conclusion
The Easiest Hydroponic Systems for Beginners
Here are some of the easiest hydroponic systems for beginners:
Wick System
The wick system is one of the simplest types of hydroponic systems. It consists of a container filled with growing medium that has a nylon wick extending into the nutrient reservoir. The wick passive draws up the nutrient solution into the growing medium to feed the plants. As the solution in the growing medium gets used up, more gets wicked up from the reservoir below.
The wick system is easy to assemble and has no moving parts. The only maintenance required is topping up the nutrient reservoir periodically and pruning plant roots to prevent them from taking over the reservoir. While growth rates tend to be slower than active hydroponic systems, wick systems are great for beginners looking to get started.
Deep Water Culture
Deep water culture (DWC) is another relatively simple hydroponic approach. The plants are suspended over a reservoir of nutrient solution with the roots hanging down into the water. An air pump and air stones aerate the reservoir to provide oxygen to the roots.
The main advantages of DWC are high growth rates and easy maintenance. Since the roots get constant access to water, nutrients, and oxygen, plants typically grow very quickly. The only maintenance required is topping up the nutrient reservoir and cleaning out the system periodically.
Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain)
Ebb and flow systems work by temporarily flooding the grow tray with nutrient solution and then draining the solution back into the reservoir. A pump timer automates the flooding and draining process. The grow medium goes through periods of being soaked and then getting dried out between flood cycles.
Ebb and flow systems are relatively simple to set up with easily obtained components like buckets, pumps, and tubing. The flood and drain nature provides good aeration to prevent root rot. The main downsides are that the pump requires electricity and occasional maintenance.
Comparing the Different Hydroponic System Options
To help summarize the key differences, here is a comparison of some of the features of these easiest hydroponic systems:
| System | Setup Complexity | Maintenance | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wick | Very simple | Low | Slow |
| DWC | Simple | Low | Fast |
| Ebb & Flow | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
As you can see, wick and DWC systems are the easiest to get started with because they require minimal equipment and maintenance. Wick systems are extremely simple but growth is slower. DWC boosts growth rates while still being relatively simple to operate.
Setting Up a Simple DWC System
To give a sense of how easy it is to set up one of these basic hydroponic systems, let’s walk through an example DWC setup.
Here are the components needed:
- One 5 gallon bucket/reservoir
- Growing cups/baskets and clay pellets or perlite
- Air pump, tubing, and air stone(s)
- Hydroponic nutrient solution
First, place the air stone(s) at the bottom of the bucket and run the tubing over the side. The air pump can sit outside the reservoir. Next, fill the bucket with the nutrient solution. Place the growing cups filled with media into the holes cut in the bucket lid. The roots will dangle down into the nutrient solution.
With the air pump running, the bubbles provide oxygen to the roots. The plants get constant access to food and water. Replenish the nutrient every 1-2 weeks. That’s all there is to it!
Growing Media Options for Easiest Hydroponic Systems
The growing media provides support for the plants in hydroponic systems. There are a few readily available options that work great in the easiest hydroponic setups:
1. Clay Pellets
Clay pellets, also called LECA balls, are a very common hydroponic grow media. The porous rounded pellets provide excellent drainage and aeration while still retaining some moisture. Reusable for many growing cycles, clay pellets are inexpensive and lightweight.
2. Perlite
Perlite is crushed volcanic glass that has been expanded into lightweight white particles. The irregular shape of perlite pieces allows for great drainage. Perlite is also reusable for many seasons. Rinsing well between uses prevents buildup of salts.
3. Coconut Coir
Coconut coir comes from the fiber of coconut husks. It has good moisture retention but still allows for plenty of oxygen to reach plant roots. Coir has become popular for hydroponics and is affordable and renewable.
4. Rockwool
Rockwool is a media made from melted basalt rock spun into fibers. It comes in cube or block forms convenient for starting seeds and cuttings. With proper buffering, rockwool regulates moisture and provides support.
Ideal Plants for Easiest Hydroponic Systems
When selecting plants, it helps to choose varieties that thrive in a hydroponic growing environment.
Some top plant choices include:
- Lettuce – Grows quickly and tolerates crowding well. Smaller varieties work for compact systems.
- Spinach – Fast growing and high yielding. Does well in cool weather.
- Kale – Nutrient rich and grows well in hydroponics. Different varieties offer range of textures.
- Herbs – Many fresh herbs like basil, mint, oregano grow prolifically in hydroponics.
- Tomatoes – Vining types will need more space but determinate tomatoes grow well.
- Peppers – Tolerant of fluctuating conditions. Bell, chili, paprika all good choices.
- Strawberries – Keep biennal planting cycles in mind. Grow well in container culture.
- Beans – Bush variety beans produce well without much space needed.
- Chard – With colorful stems, Swiss chard grows quickly and repeatedly.
These plants tend to thrive with the consistent water and nutrients delivered by easy hydroponic setups. Fruiting crops may require more specialized nutrient mixes and lighting.
Ideal Growing Conditions
While hydroponics removes the need for good soil, some environmental factors still impact plant growth:
Light
Ensure plants get adequate light for 8-12 hours/day. Supplement natural light with grow lights. LED grow lights provide the full light spectrum plants need.
Temperature
Ideal temps for most plants range from 65-75°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Water temperature in reservoirs affects root growth.
Ventilation
Good air circulation is important for strengthening plants and preventing disease. Use fans to keep air moving.
pH Levels
Water pH between 5.5 and 6.5 allows plants to access nutrients. Test and adjust pH when mixing nutrients.
Nutrients
Use hydroponic nutrient blends with essential macro and micronutrients. Follow mixing rates on labels.
Water
Plants need constant access to water in hydroponics. Top off reservoirs as needed between full solution changes.
Tips for Hydroponic Growing Success
Following best practices will help ensure a successful indoor hydroponic garden:
- Start plants from seed or use young seedlings. Mature transplants may struggle with transplant shock.
- Train and prune plants to maximize light exposure and air circulation.
- Monitor water pH and nutrient ppm levels. Top off reservoirs instead of doing full solution changes.
- Clean reservoirs, pumps and tubing regularly to limit algae and bacteria.
- Watch for root rot and stem rot diseases. Improve air circulation to help prevent.
- Support heavy fruiting plants with mesh or cages as needed.
- Invest in high quality grow lights and components for best results.
- Keep detailed notes on plant varieties, nutrient mixes, dates, and observations.
Conclusion
For starting out with hydroponics, simple systems like the wick, DWC, and ebb and flow provide the easiest setup. Focus on fast growing greens, herbs, and smaller vegetables first. With a bit of practice, these systems can grow healthy, robust plants indoors all year using just water and nutrient solutions. The ability to have fresh produce no matter the weather or soil conditions makes hydroponics a fun and rewarding way to garden.