Growing leafy greens
Using NFT tubes to grow leafy greens is a great way to grow herbs. They require a minimal amount of work, and they are suitable for a variety of herbs, including cilantro, basil, dill, and parsley. In addition to herbs, you can also grow arugula, different varieties of lettuce, and other green leafy vegetables.
The Nutrient Film Technique is a hydroponic growing method that involves a thin film of nutrient solution flowing over the roots of plants. This thin film provides a constant source of nutrients, oxygen, and water, and allows the upper part of the plant to remain dry. Unlike other methods, this technique is especially well suited to certain types of plants.
NFT growing systems are available for purchase, and can be customized to suit the needs of the gardener. These systems are also easy to install, and they are ideal for growing herbs. In addition to growing herbs, NFT systems can also grow kale, mustard greens, and oriental vegetables. However, they are not suitable for growing heavy or mature plants.
In addition to herbs, you can also grow green leafy vegetables such as arugula and various types of spinach. Some plants that thrive in NFT systems include lettuce, Bibb and leaf type lettuce, and kale. These systems are also excellent for growing flowers. Adding edible flowers to salads is another way to enhance your vegetables.
In order to grow leafy greens using NFT tubes, you will need the right equipment. This includes a pump and a reservoir. You also need a system that will allow you to recycle the used nutrient solution. There are several options to choose from, including the Wicking System and the Kratky Method.
Growing herbs
Whether you're a gardener, cook, or just love fresh herbs, there are many hydroponic systems available for you to choose from. They allow you to grow herbs in the comfort of your own home without all the hassle of traditional soil gardening.
The most popular culinary herb is basil. It doesn't take up much space and can easily be grown from seed.
A few other popular herbs are thyme, cilantro, and parsley. Besides being easily grown from seed, these herbs regenerate quickly after harvest.
These herbs are great for salads and can be used to improve the presentation of your food. They are also easy to grow in hydroponic systems.
There are two main types of hydroponic systems for growing herbs. The first is the nutrient film technique (NFT), and the other is the raceway hydroponic system. Both systems use a pump to deliver nutrient-enriched water to a channel system.
The NFT system is great for growing herbs. The nutrient solution flows through the channel in a thin film. This helps the upper roots of the plants stay dry.
The raceway system uses a plastic or vinyl liner. It is a simple hydroponic system that can be made with only two or four inch boards. The water is pumped through the channel at a rate of about 1/4 gallon per minute.
The nutrient solution also gets recalculated through a drainage system. This process is referred to as an Ebb and Flow method. It works well for growing mint hydroponically.
The wicking model is a basic hydroponic herb garden. It uses an air pump to oxygenate the water. It also uses special wicks to deliver nutrients to the plants.
Pumping nutrient solution
Using nutrient film technique tubes to pump up nutrient solution is an efficient way of delivering water and nutrients to plants. This type of hydroponic system is very easy to set up and is suitable for a wide range of plants, including herbs and leafy greens.
In order to pump up nutrient solution with NFT tubes, you will need a submersible pump. You will also need to connect the pump to a small hole at the bottom of a PVC pipe. You will also need a short length of half-inch poly tubing.
The channel you will need should be long enough to hold a few plants at a time. This will ensure that the water flows slowly, and that the roots get enough oxygen. Oftentimes, NFT systems use round PVC pipes, which are easy to manipulate and purchase.
The length of the channels will also affect the rate at which plants grow. Having a longer channel will mean that plants will get less oxygen and nutrients, while a shorter one will help them grow better.
The nutrient solution should flow in small channels. This will help the nutrient concentration not fall too low. It should also flow at a gradual slope. If the slope is too steep, it will drown the plants.
If you are just starting out, you should use a half-strength solution. Once the plants grow, you should use a full dosage of the solution. You can also keep your system clean by draining it weekly.
Depending on the number of plants you have, you should also make sure to increase the capacity of the reservoir. You may also want to use an air stone to maintain oxygen levels.