How to Grow DWC Hydroponics

Deep water culture hydroponics, frequently abbreviated as DWC hydroponics, involves growing plants with their roots dangling in a pool of liquid. The plants grow without the use of soil, and instead are typically planted in an inert support medium such as perlite, gravel or silica stone. Growing plants with a DWC hydroponic system is easy and can be rewarding at harvest time. Many commercial DWC systems are available, or you can get excellent results from a homemade system for little expense.

DWC hydroponic container with cover
Air stone with air line
Air pump
Nutrient solution
Plants in net pots with inert growth medium

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a DWC tub with nutrient solution to the recommended level. This will be close to the top, since the plants in this type of system must be placed so their roots are in the solution.
- 2
  Feed an air line through the opening in the DWC container that is made for it. It will be marked appropriately.
- 3
  Connect the air stone to the air line inside the tub and place the stone into the nutrient solution. Lay the air stone flat along the bottom center of the tub so the bubbles from it reach throughout the container.
- 4
  Attach the other end of the air hose to an air pump. Set the pump in a location close to power but where it will not get wet if the DWC tub leaks.
- 5
  Plug in the pump and make sure the air stone is producing lots of bubbles. The bubbles should rise from the air stone in a steady stream. If not, check the line for kinks, adjust the pump, if it is adjustable, or replace the air stone.
- 6
  Put the top on the system. Depending on the type of setup you have, the top may either be a type of raft, usually Styrofoam, that floats on the surface of the nutrient solution or a lid that fits onto the container, such as a bucket or bin lid.
- 7
  Set one net pot, complete with a plant, into each hole in the top of the DWC hydroponic system. Started plants are seedlings grown in rock wool cubes and placed in net pots. The net pots are filled with an inert growth medium such as clay pellets, perlite or silica stones.
- 8
  Place the entire system where it will receive adequate light. This can be sunlight or indoor lights set up for the purpose of providing light to the garden. For best results, provide 16 hours a day of bright light to the DWC system.
- 9
  Monitor the level of the nutrient solution inside the tub at least twice a week. If the level drops, add plain water to bring it back to the recommended level.

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