Hydroponic Growing Options: Which System Is Right for You?
- Anastasia
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
At Urban Green Farms, we believe anyone—from a curious beginner to a seasoned grower
—can benefit from the power of hydroponics. Whether you're growing herbs on your balcony or cultivating leafy greens for a market stall, hydroponics offers clean, efficient, and high-yield methods of growing food—without soil.
But with so many systems available—like DWC, NFT, Ebb & Flow, and more—it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this post, we’ll break down the most common hydroponic systems, who they’re best suited for, and what crops thrive in each.
1. Deep Water Culture (DWC)
How it works:Plants are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution with roots fully submerged. An air pump oxygenates the water to keep roots healthy.
Best for:
Beginners due to its simplicity
Herbs and leafy greens like lettuce, basil, spinach, and kale
Pros:
✔️ Easy to set up
✔️ Low maintenance
✔️ Fast plant growth due to constant nutrient access
Cons:
❌ Not ideal for large or fruiting plants
❌ Water temp and pH must be monitored
🔰 Perfect for someone starting out on their hydroponic journey or growing small greens indoors.
2. Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
How it works: A thin film of nutrient solution continuously flows over the plant roots in slightly sloped channels. Roots absorb nutrients as they grow into the channel.
Best for:
Intermediate growers who can monitor and adjust flow and nutrients
Lightweight crops like leafy greens and herbs
Pros:
✔️ Uses less water and nutrients
✔️ Easy to harvest and maintain
✔️ Scalable for commercial setups
Cons:
❌ Pumps must run 24/7—power outages can be risky
❌ Roots can dry out quickly if flow is disrupted
⚙️ Great for tech-savvy growers who want a slightly more advanced setup for higher yields.
3. Ebb & Flow (Flood and Drain)
How it works: Plant roots are periodically flooded with nutrient solution, then drained, allowing oxygen to reach the roots between cycles.
Best for:
Growers with some experience
A wide variety of plants, including vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, and even flowers
Pros:
✔️ Supports larger plants
✔️ Oxygen-rich environment
✔️ Flexible system
Cons:
❌ More parts = more maintenance
❌ Timing the flood cycle requires attention
🌻 Perfect for someone looking to grow more than just greens and experiment with larger plants.
4. Wick System
How it works: Nutrients are drawn up to the plant roots using a wick (like cotton or felt) from a reservoir below.
Best for:
Absolute beginners
Small plants like herbs and microgreens
Pros:
✔️ No electricity or pumps needed
✔️ Very low-cost and low maintenance
Cons:
❌ Not suitable for water-hungry or large plants
❌ Slower growth compared to other systems
🪴 Ideal for kids, classrooms, or hobbyists wanting a low-tech intro to hydroponics.
Which System Is Best for YOU?
Experience Level | Best System | Ideal Crops |
Beginner | DWC or Wick System | Basil, lettuce, spinach, mint |
Intermediate | NFT or Ebb & Flow | Kale, bok choy, strawberries |
Advanced/Commercial | NFT or Ebb & Flow | Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers |
Hobbyist/Space-limited | Wick or DWC | Herbs, microgreens |
Hydroponics isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s the beauty of it! Whether you’re growing food in a high-rise apartment or converting a garage into a green oasis, there’s a system to suit your space, skill level, and crop goals.
At Urban Green Farms, we offer starter kits, custom hydroponic setups, and expert support to help you grow successfully from seed to harvest—no matter your experience.
👉 Ready to get growing? Check out our Hydroponic Kits & Systems or reach out to us for personalized advice. info@urbangreenfarms.com.au
Grow smarter. Grow greener. Grow urban.