How to Set Up Wick Hydroponic System for Indoor Vegetable and Herb Cultivation

The technique of growing plants without soil is known as hydroponics. Vermiculite, perlite, coconut coir, and other natural materials can be used as the planting media.  LED lights, which are not only highly efficient but also emit less heat (and consume less energy) than standard light bulbs, are typically used in the best hydroponic system for indoor cultivation.

Hydroponic plants often develop 20 percent faster and provide larger yields than soil-grown plants. Plants flourish quicker when there are fewer barriers between their roots and water, nutrients, and oxygen. Even less water is used in hydroponic gardening than in traditional gardening!

Hydroponic System

Plants are grown in hydroponic systems for beginners in one of three ways: wick, water culture, or ebb and flow. A nutrition film technology and aquaponic systems are examples of advanced systems. Some systems modify the light and oxygen levels while automatically pumping water and nutrients. Some even go above and above!

Hydroponic System: Wick System

Beginner hydroponic gardeners will like the wick system, which requires no moving parts or electrical components.

In these types of systems microgreens, herbs, and peppers thrive. Water-hungry plants, such as tomatoes and lettuce, should not be grown with wick systems. 

Setting Up Wick System

Firstly, set up a water reservoir beneath the tray that will hold your plants. Then, using holes in the tray's bottom, link the wicks to the growth tray. (If the holes aren't already there, use a drill or screwdriver to make them.) 

The wicks will absorb the water from below and draw it up to the tray above, where it will be absorbed by the growing medium. In the growing tray, place seedlings and your preferred growing media, such as perlite, soilless mix, or vermiculite. 

Finally, install your system on a window sill or a light fixture. Set the light 24 inches away from the plants if using incandescent bulbs. LED lights can be placed six inches away from plants, whereas fluorescent lights can be placed at a distance of 12 inches.