Deep Water Culture

We’re wrapping up Hydroponics 101 with part 6 today. So far we’ve introduced five different hydroponic methods that can all be utilized for personal and commercial gardens and this system is no different. Join us as we introduce the last basic hydroponic system in the series, deep water culture.

 

 

 

 

 

Materials

Grow bucket/reservoir, plastic tubing, nutrient water solution, air stone, air pump, netted pot, course grow medium.

 

Deep water culture systems are the first we’ve introduced that absolutely requires air stones and pumps for oxygenated water. In a deep water culture system the plant’s roots hang freely out of the netted pot into the nutrient water solution. The constant submergence of the plant’s roots makes the oxygen provided by the air stone vital.

Many gardeners choose to connect multiple buckets together to create a recirculating deep water culture system. This relies on a separate reservoir where nutrient water is pumped out to the buckets and back. We’re going to keep it simple and stick to building a one bucket system today.   

deep water cultureBegin by filling a large plastic bucket, 5-gallon is common, with nutrient water solution. Add in your air stone that is connected to your air pump with plastic tubing. If your bucket system is homemade, cut a hole out of the cover of the bucket that will fit your netted pot. Fill the netted pot with a course growing medium like clay rocks and plant. Now firmly place the cover on and make sure the top of your water supply is touching the bottom of the netted pot. Now your plant can grow from seedling to harvest in one simple bucket!

Like other hydroponic systems regular observation of pH, water temperature, and nutrient content of your water solution is required. This system is a little more forgiving if power loss affects your garden. Extended power loss however may cause your plant to experience stress due to oxygen deprivation. All in all deep water culture systems are great for all size gardens, and don’t forget you can always add to your system by modifying it to recirculate. They can be wonderful low maintenance systems as long as you’re observing and correcting water/nutrient issues as they arise.

Thank you for joining us for Hydroponics 101! We’ve learned how hydroponic systems allow patients to cultivate their medicine 365 days a year in any environment. Feel free to apply these tips to your vegetable, herb, or flower garden to lengthen your growing season. However the best part may be that they can all be handmade at home with minimal cost. We hope we’ve opened up some new and exciting possibilities for you and your future or existing medicinal garden. Don’t forget to like us on facebook to get updates on our latest how-tos, videos, and recipes. Now go out and garden!

Posted on: April 28, 2016, by :