Hydro hints

Learn to grow plants without soil! This series on hydroponics will teach you several different ways to produce healthy plants with a minimum of inputs.

Hydro hints: What is hydroponics?

Explore how hydroponics offers year-round production, water savings and consistent yields. This guide breaks down key systems and explores best practices for setup, sanitation and crop selection.

Mykl Nelson, Gail Langellotto, Lloyd Nackley | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Hydro hints: Buckets

The buckets system of hydroponics uses individual buckets filled with a nutrient-rich solution to support plant growth.

Mykl Nelson II, Gail Langellotto, Lloyd Nackley | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Hydro hints: Ebb and flow

Ebb and flow, also known as flood and drain, is a hydroponic system where plants are grown in trays that periodically flood with nutrient-rich water and then drain back into a reservoir.

Mykl Nelson II, Gail Langellotto, Lloyd Nackley | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Hydro hints: Deep water culture

Deep water culture is an effective hydroponic system where plant roots grow submerged in a nutrient-rich water solution.

Mykl Nelson, Gail Langellotto, Lloyd Nackley | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Hydro hints: Nutrient film technique

Nutrient film technique is a hydroponic method that uses a thin, continuous film of nutrient-rich solution to nourish plants.

Mykl Nelson II, Gail Langellotto, Lloyd Nackley | May 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

May 2025

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Nursery and greenhouse, Vegetables and specialty seeds

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