Are you the latest member of the hydroponic fan club? Whether we are talking to professional growers or sustainable living advocates, hydroponics is a growing industry, and with the incredible method to grow plants, there's no wonder. Hydroponics is an innovative approach to growing plants — without soil. Instead, the same elements and nutrients that can be found in soil are added using water and an inert medium. This approach results in less hassle and mess and more impressive results than soil gardening.

 

While vertical gardens using the hydroponic planting method have been around for decades (psst.... The Hanging Gardens of Babylon), the technique has recently gained immense popularity. As a result, people worldwide are looking to start their own hydroponic set up's at home. A hydroponic system allows you to get the most productivity out of your space, including when indoor gardening. Using your own hydroponic garden, your plants grow in less space, with low maintenance and with faster growth.

 

So without further ado, let's jump into all things hydroponic for beginners and everything you need to know to set up your own system at home. You will be growing leafy greens in no time.

 

 

The different types of hydroponics

 

It's important to note that there are different types of hydroponic systems. There are six systems to choose from:

• - Ebb and Flow system (Flood and Drain)
• - Wicking
• - Deep Water Culture (DWC)
• - Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
• - Aeroponic system
• - Drip

 

All of these systems are considered hydroponics. The difference between the methods is how the nutrient solution and nutrient-enriched water are delivered to the plants, whether via a constant flow, a drain system, a raft system (the most water-conscious option) or a submersible pump system.

 

 

What is the best hydroponics system for beginners?

 

The Deep Water Culture (DWC) is the best hydroponics for beginners. Deep Water Culture (DWC) is the easiest hydroponics for beginners to set up, especially for an inside system without direct sunlight. Furthermore, this method requires the least materials, and although all these hydroponics systems are great options for this article, we will focus on setting up a deep water culture.

 

What is DWC (deep water culture)?

 

As the name may suggest, Deep Water Culture is a hydroponic method that works by keeping your plant roots in an oxygenated solution of nutrients and water. AKA your plants are permanently submerged in water (not to be confused with other systems that provide constant watering). Instead, the roots are submerged 'deep' into the water within the Deep Water Culture system. The container that holds your plants must be filled with a large amount of water. The more water, the less maintenance. DWC is a simple hydroponic system that requires very low maintenance once the water nutrient solution is all set up and your plants roots sit in the water reservoir. AKA DWC is the perfect starting point for hydroponics for beginners if you have a suitable environment.

 

 

What is needed to set up a DWC system?

 

The ultimate hydroponics for beginners setup using the DWC system comprises nine components. Those components include:

• - Grow lights
• - Pots or tubs
• - Grow trays
• - Grow medium (nutrient solution)
• - Air pump
• - Air stone
• - Airline tubing
• - Seeds

 

Grow Lights

 

Grow lights are essentially a lighting system made up of lamps that give off a high-intensity discharge. Through this method, artificial lights create an output very similar to that of the sun, replicating sunlight which is an essential part of photosynthesis (the process in which plants use the sun's energy and convert it to chemical energy to absorb nutrients and grow). Carbon dioxide + water + light adds up to photosynthesis.

 

Depending on what you are growing, you may need different lights for different plants. Hydroponic grow lights are designed with unique spectrums and intensities to ensure that your plants get the light they need. Grow lights allow you to grow your plants all year round, no matter the weather.

 

Pots or tubs

 

With hydroponic pots and tubs, you can securely hold your plants during hydroponic gardening. If necessary, these vessels can also be used to transport plants. Net pots are a popular option amongst our offerings as a net pot allows for a more robust root system. 

 

Grow trays

 

Your grow tray or 'nutrient solution reservoir' will hold most of the advanced nutrients needed for your plant's roots and growth. It's best to take a look at different size options and find which size will work best for your space. If you need help deciding on which tray is best to hold your nutrient rich water solution, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

 

Grow medium

 

Growth mediums are materials, other than soil, in which plants are grown. The growing medium is critical for your plants' continued health and growth. If you need help finding the best hydroponic nutrient options for your setup, don't hesitate to get in contact with our team.

 

Air pump

 

Air pumps add oxygen to your water, creating an oxygenated environment for your plants within your water and nutrient solution. The air pump is used to create air bubbles that will rise up from the reservoir. This helps the plants to absorb an appropriate amount of oxygen, promoting plant growth. The DWC system is the only hydroponic system that absolutely requires an air pump.

 

Air stone

 

Air stones are a useful piece of your DWC setup. They help to facilitate oxygenation, prevent the buildup of algae and other matter that could cause disease, and help with root integrity. An air stone is used in combination with an air pump.

 

Airline tubing

 

Airline tubing is used to connect to the pump and the air stone. It's recommended to have some extra tubing around in case it needs replacing in the future. Also, you will need to take a look at the size of your airstone and ensure that the connection point matches your tubing. If you have any questions about sizing, don't hesitate to get in contact.

 

Seeds

 

Everybody's favourite list item; seeds! Have a little research and find which seed option excites you most for your first hydroponic gardening set-up!

 

 

How to grow hydroponics for beginners using the DWC system

 

Now that we have broken down everything we need let's break down how to set up your new DWC system.

 

What to do:

• - Unpack everything and lay it out clearly.
• - Connect the pump to the tubing and then connect the tube to the airstone
• - Place the airstone into the reservoir (container/tray).
• - Fill it up with water 
• - Add nutrients
• - Put your seeds in

 

 

Get started today with Logan Hydroponics

 

Sounds simple enough, right? Setting up a hydroponic system can take a little bit of effort, to begin with, but that effort pays off in no time. We hope this hydroponics for beginners guide has helped give you the confidence you need to set up your own hydroponic system in your space. Growing plants is a fun and rewarding activity, and it's no surprise that hydroponic gardening is continuing to grow in popularity globally.

 

If you have any questions about your hydroponics system, how to get the water and nutrient solution right, which growing medium to use, or whether to opt for an ebb and flow system or a drip system — please don't hesitate to get in contact with our friendly team. Here at Logan Hydroponics, we are passionate about hydroponics for beginners; we love seeing new faces trying out this exciting growing method.

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