The most simple method is passive Hydro such as Auto-pots or even better you'er very own simple wick system. The wick system is maintenance free as long as the reservoir is large enough.
A simple wick system = a bucket with a plastic cover with holes drilled in it you then place the cover over the bucket.
Next you need to get some cloth (old pair socks or pants will do) or proper capillary matting from garden center.
you will need to cut the cloth/ capillary matting in to strips that you push through the holes in plastic cover on top of the bucket so it reaches down to the bottom of the bucket
leave enough cloth above the plastic cover because you will be feeding the rest of the cloth in to you'er plant pot that's going to sit on top of the bucket and water its self until the bucket runs dry.
search " passive hydro wick system" its fool proof you can make them any shape size you like they cost for next to nothing to make its just as good if not better ( no - very low maintenance) than any NFT E&F DWC active hydro system you are likely to use.
The reason its so simple once you fill the tank with water and nutrient set the PH that's it! the plant will take what it likes, when it likes, no need to adjust the EC or PH every day unlike recirculating systems where they need almost continuous maintenance e.g= topping up and or adjusted EC/ PH almost daily.
The passive wick method as no moving parts or timers that can fail from braking down or power cut ect.. if a pump or timer brakes and you are away for weeks that is only going to mean one thing= "dead plants when you return"
A simple wick system = a bucket with a plastic cover with holes drilled in it you then place the cover over the bucket.
Next you need to get some cloth (old pair socks or pants will do) or proper capillary matting from garden center.
you will need to cut the cloth/ capillary matting in to strips that you push through the holes in plastic cover on top of the bucket so it reaches down to the bottom of the bucket
leave enough cloth above the plastic cover because you will be feeding the rest of the cloth in to you'er plant pot that's going to sit on top of the bucket and water its self until the bucket runs dry.
search " passive hydro wick system" its fool proof you can make them any shape size you like they cost for next to nothing to make its just as good if not better ( no - very low maintenance) than any NFT E&F DWC active hydro system you are likely to use.
The reason its so simple once you fill the tank with water and nutrient set the PH that's it! the plant will take what it likes, when it likes, no need to adjust the EC or PH every day unlike recirculating systems where they need almost continuous maintenance e.g= topping up and or adjusted EC/ PH almost daily.
The passive wick method as no moving parts or timers that can fail from braking down or power cut ect.. if a pump or timer brakes and you are away for weeks that is only going to mean one thing= "dead plants when you return"
