Types

• The three main types of hydroponic gardening systems are nutrient film technique (NFT), wick, and ebb and flow. Plants in a NFT system receive a constant flow of water. Ebb and flow systems use a timer to provide water and nutrients to the growing tray. Wick systems have at least two wicks running from the water basin to the growing tray.
  
  

Identification

• The NFT and the ebb and flow systems place plants in individual pots inside a growing tray above a water basin. NFT systems have roots dangling in moving water and send nutrients into the growing tray periodically. An ebb and flow system floods water and nutrients into the growing tray at specified times. Excess water ebbs back to the basin through an overflow tube. Plants in a wick system are placed in growing medium inside the growing tray. Wicks absorb the water from the basin as needed.
  
  

Benefits

• Benefits of hydroponic gardening include greater yields and the elimination of soilborne pests and pathogens. Hydroponic gardeners control the nutrient balance for the plants and reduce water waste through concentrated feeding.