Which Plants for which Type of System?

by Mike C.
(Nashville, TN)

I'm just getting started in hydroponics. I can build/buy any type of system, but... First question after reading everything I can find... What types of plants work best in Ebb&Flow compared to DWC? Seems like I heard that some work better in one vs the other... Is there a resource that lists what type of system is better suited for types of plants? I would rather buy a better system focusing on the plants I decide to work on the most and build the other type (more risk on the built system) to try others and possibly expand the hobby. That would be only if one system is much better for different plants.

Answer: Mike- for the most part, no one hydroponic system is any better or worse for any particular plant. Between changes you can make in the watering cycle and changes you can make in the grow medium, just about every hydoponic system is capable of adjusting and meeting the needs of just about any kind of plant. The exception is the deep water culture.

In that particular system type, plants are grown with their roots permanently submerged in water. Some plants simply don't like that! These plants are often described as liking fast-draining soil, or as plants that do not like "wet feet". Other plants, like strawberries, have a spot that is sensitive to too much moisture (the crown). When grown in a DWC, they often succumb to root rot- starting from this most sensitive point down.

If you are not entirely sure about the preferences of you plants, I recommend building a small (possibly even one-plant) DWC system in which to "test out" each different variety you are thinking about growing. The majority of plants will do just fine in a DWC. Even some of the more sensitive ones do fine as long as you keep air stones in the nutrient reservoir to keep the solution well aerated. However, depending on your particular circumstances, you may want to buy a flood and drain system so you can get gardening right away without too many worries- and as you said, use the homemade systems and a little experimentation to expand the hobby. I hope this helps you out Mike, and Happy Growing!