Hydroponics 101
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What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is growing plants without soil. Roots sit in water mixed with nutrients, and plants get light from the sun or LEDs. Because the system is controlled, plants can grow faster, use less water, and be grown indoors or in small spaces.
Why it matters for cities
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Uses less water than soil farming
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Can grow food year-round
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Works in places with little land or poor soil
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Cuts transport time so food can be fresher
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Much less diseases and bacterial infections
Common Systems
01
Deep Water Culture (DWC)
Roots hang in a tank of nutrient water with air bubbling through to keep roots oxygenated. Good for leafy greens.
Photo from Hydronov.com
Photo from Trees.com
Photo from trees.com
02
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Photo from trees.com
A thin stream of nutrient water flows through channels. Roots sip what they need as water recirculates. Efficient and space-saving.
Photo from agrowtronics.com
03
Drip / Dutch bucket
Water drips to each plant and drains back to a reservoir. Great for heavier crops like tomatoes and cucumbers.
Photo from Grozy.com
Photo from NoSoilSolutions.com
How a hydroponic farm works (the loop)
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Mix water and nutrients in a reservoir
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Pump moves water to plants
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Plants absorb nutrients and water
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Extra water drains back and is reused
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Lights and fans keep the climate stable
Crops that grow well
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Lettuce, kale, chard, herbs
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Cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers
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Microgreens and seedlings
Benefits and Limits
Honest Review
Benefits
Involvement
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Faster Growth – Plants receive perfectly balanced nutrients directly to their roots, which speeds growth compared to soil farming.
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Space Efficiency – Vertical and stacked systems let you grow a lot of food in small areas, ideal for urban settings.
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Water Savings – Uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming because the nutrient solution is recirculated.
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Lower Disease Risk – Without soil, many common plant diseases and pests are avoided entirely.
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Cleaner & Easier Maintenance – No mud, no weeding, and far fewer pests; systems can run indoors or in controlled spaces.
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Year-Round Production – Artificial lighting and climate control allow for consistent harvests in any season.
Limits
Contribute
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Upfront & Operating Costs – Pumps, lights, and monitoring equipment require investment and ongoing energy use.
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System Failures – A pump breakdown or power outage can cause plants to wilt or die within hours.
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Learning Curve – Requires knowledge of nutrient balance, pH control, and system upkeep.
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Crop Limitations – Works best for leafy greens, herbs, and some fruiting plants; harder for root vegetables and grains.
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Reliance on Supplies – Needs consistent access to clean water, nutrient mixes, and replacement parts.
Photo from momelite.com
Quick tips to get started
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Start with leafy greens to learn the system
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Track pH and temperature daily
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Plan a simple workflow: seed, transplant, harvest, clean
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Build student roles for ownership and learning
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Partner with a cafeteria, pantry, or local org for distribution