Hydroponic gardening, or the practice of growing plants and food without the use of soil, is increasing in popularity mostly because more and more people are taking an interest in it. As such, several hydroponic systems have come out - each made to help grow plants in various quantities. Hydroponic systems come in either pre-designed kits or units (good for beginners) or are sold in parts (great for experienced growers who will design their own system. This article will discuss few of the more common hydroponic applications and their respective functions.

Ebb and Flow (also referred to as Flood and Drain)

This is the most common method in hydroponics where plants are placed in a growth tray over a nutrient container and a pump is used to "flood" these trays with the solution. Excess solution not absorbed by the roots "drains" back into the reservoir and is recycled. A variation of this is the Drip System, which utilizes a pump to create a continuous drip of nutrient solution into the growth tray.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Here, the roots of the plants are suspended in a constant "film" of nutrient solution; a pump sends this flow into one end of the tray, and drains it out to the other end into the reservoir. This is an extremely effective hydroponic method for nourishing roots, but is also more technical and high-maintenance, since the roots are not anchored in a medium and are totally dependent on the solution.

The Water Culture System

In this very old and simple hydroponic systems, a platform of planters floats in a nutrient reservoir and the roots are allowed to dangle into the solution. To oxygenate the system, sometimes, an air pump is utilized. If you're a beginner, this is an easy and less costly way to get started.

The Wick System

This is another very simple method, and no pump is needed. The nutrient solution from the reservoir is drawn by a wick, such as an oil lamp or candle wick, and is absorbed by the roots. Yes, this is passive and low-maintenance but the danger of this system is that sometimes, this can over-soak the roots, endangering the yield outcome.

Aeroponics

This is probably the most effective, and the most technical of the hydroponic systems. The plant roots are continually sprayed with a vapor-mist solution and are not anchored on any medium, exposing them to air at all times. This method is sure to create large, quick-growing plants when done properly.

These hydroponic systems are proven methods of growing plants without soil. Some are more efficient than others; some are more complicated. Which method you choose is dependent on your budget, time factor and overall needs.