Hydroponics is a blend of two Greek words; “Hydro” meaning water and “ponos” meaning work. Therefore, hydroponics literally means “water work”. It is an unconventional solution for gardening aficionados who have limited or no outdoor space available. Basically, hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, nutrient-rich water is used as the main medium of growth. One particular form of hydroponics that has hit the market and revolutionized gardening is the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Hydroponic System. It’s a continuous flow system where a thin film of nutrient is passed over the roots of the plants positioned in a sloping trough or tube. Let’s take a look at the top four DIY NFT Hydroponic System Designs that can help you maximize growth and efficiency in your indoor garden.
Table Layout NFT Hydroponic System
This system is perfect for beginners. The simplicity of its design lies in the shallow stream of nutrient solution constantly flowing past the plant roots. The key to success here is to keep the flow of water at a constant level. And, even though it might be a bit tricky in the beginning, with a bit of patience and dedication, you’ll find it quite manageable.
Building a table layout NFT system requires a flat table like surface, collection gutters for nutrient film, a water pump, and a nutrient tank. You will plant your seedlings in holes made on the table surface fixed with flow tubing for the nutrient film. To ensure a constant flow, the nutrient tank should be connected to the highest part of the table allowing gravity to handle the flow. Here is a relevant link where you can find more insights on how to DIY your first hydroponics structure.
Wall Mounted NFT Hydroponic System
A wall mounted NFT system is quite literally, a wall of green! This unique design saves a lot of space, making it ideal for those with cramped quarters. Imagine turning a blank wall into a vibrant, productive garden – all while saving precious floor space.
In terms of construction, the wall mounted system is almost similar to the table system with the only difference being it’s raised against the wall. Depending on your space, can design your system horizontally or vertically. Horizontally made tiers that are slightly tilted also work extremely well as it provides an even flow of nutrient film to reach each plant. This link can provide a more detailed plan on how to build a wall mounted system and some tips on how to utilize the space efficiently.
Multiple Layer Free Stand NFT Hydroponic System
The multiple layer free stand system is the epitome of efficiency. This system hosts multiple layers of shelves which maximize growing space without increasing the system’s footprint. It is particularly suitable for small plants that require less vertical space.
To construct this system, you will need PVC gutters, a water pump, reservoir, and stands to hold your layers. The layers are made such that each layer is staggered up from the previous one with gutters draining nutrient film into each other. This cascade effect ensures a constant flow of nutrients to every plant.
A Frame Free Stand NFT Hydroponic System
The A-frame system is named for the shape of the structure. This design is suitable for larger plants as it provides more space vertically. The free stand design includes a tilted A-frame structure with holes at intervals where plants are kept and nutrient film is supplied.
One of the advantages of the A-frame system is it can support multiple layers of plants, increasing your yield significantly. Here’s a link to an Amazon book that provides a detailed guide on constructing an A Frame Free Stand system. It outlines ways to grow your plants more efficiently even in a limited space.
So there you have it, the pinnacle of hydroponic systems for space-saving, yield-maximizing, and efficient indoor gardening. The best part is, these systems are DIY, reducing costs significantly. Plus, the joy of setting up and maintaining your own hydroponic system is unparalleled. Happy hydroponic gardening!