Hydroponic Vegetable Gardening: Systems, Media, and Environmental Control

System Types

• Ebb & Flow: Timed flooding/draining of trays with medium.
• Drip: Timed delivery to each plant via tubes; medium used.
• Passive (Deep Water Culture): Roots suspended in aerated solution; no timer.
• Aeroponics: Roots misted in air; no medium; high maintenance.
• NFT: Continuous thin film flow in channels; no medium; power-critical.

Growing Media

Rockwool, coconut fiber, gravel, sand, clay pebbles—must be inert and free-draining.

pH Control: Critical

Maintain 5.5–6.5. Below burns with acidity; above causes alkaline lockout. Test and adjust daily.

Lighting Options

Incandescent (poor), fluorescent (good), HID (best). Match intensity to crop needs.

Getting Started

Choose a system, set up, monitor pH, provide light. Straightforward once basics are learned.