One of the most basic and common forms of hydroponic gardening is an ebb and flow hydroponic system. Whether you stay at a beginner level of growing without any automation or try more advanced gardening tactics, you’ll always have a reliable hydroponic garden. By learning how to control the water that your crops receive with the simple concepts of what ebb and flow hydroponics is and how it works, you’ll become an expert hydroponic gardener in no time.
Ebb and Flow: Flooding and Draining
The name ebb and flow comes from the treatment of the nutrient solution you’ll provide your plants. Once you set up your garden, you’ll periodically flood the containers with the nutrient solution and then allow them to completely dry out.
Because you’re not using absorbent soil, the nutrients reach the roots and then run off back into the nutrient basin. The pump that you use to push the water and nutrients into each hydroponic container will continue to cycle until it’s time for the roots to dry off.
Depending on their size and needs, you’ll need to water the roots a different number of times each day. Some plants may need more attention than others based on what kind of plant they are—so pay attention to what you’re growing!
The Grow Medium
While the tubes and the nutrient basin are essential to the ebb and flow system, the real backbone of what ebb and flow hydroponics is and how it works is in the parts that you can’t see. Without a hydroponic grow medium, such as rockwool grow cubes or coco coir, moisture would sit on the roots and in the soil instead of draining. This excess moisture would lead to root rot and decay, which kills the plant.
Hydroponic grow mediums don’t retain moisture; instead, the nutrients to either reach the roots or drain back into the system. They also have a secondary job of providing the roots a place to grow, whether it’s through cracks between clay pebbles or through the twists and turns of rockwool.
Ebb and flow hydroponic systems work with any number of hydroponic grow mediums and fit perfectly with automated timers or switches. If the limitless potential of an ebb and flow garden appeals to you, rely on the containers, nutrients, and grow mediums from FloraFlex to keep you equipped for your venture into hydroponic gardening.
