Choosing a hydroponic method

Which hydroponic method is right for you? The honest answer is: it depends on your space, your crop, and how much you want to fiddle. Here is a plain-language comparison of the systems Verdalio supports.

NFT (Nutrient Film Technique)

A thin film of nutrient solution flows past bare roots in a sloped channel. Great for leafy greens and herbs. Watch out for pump failures — roots dry fast without flow. Compact and water-efficient.

DWC (Deep Water Culture)

Roots hang in oxygenated nutrient solution. Great for beginners and fast-growing greens. Watch out for water temperature and dissolved oxygen. Forgiving and cheap to build.

Ebb & Flow (Flood and Drain)

The tray floods on a schedule, then drains. Great for larger plants and mixed crops. Watch out for timer and drain reliability. Flexible and robust.

Drip

Emitters deliver solution to each plant. Great for fruiting crops and towers. Watch out for clogged emitters — verify flow to every dripper. Scales well.

Aeroponics

Roots are misted with nutrient solution. Great for maximum growth rates. Watch out for the highest maintenance and least fault tolerance. Advanced.

Tower

Vertical drip or aeroponic columns pack many sites into a small footprint. Great for apartments and high density. Watch out for pump head height. See the vertical hydro tower story.

Then get your water right

Whatever you pick, read Water source selection before mixing nutrients — source water quality makes or breaks every method.