Deep Water Culture:

Deep Water Culture (DWC) is a common hydroponic gardening method. In deep water culture hydroponics, the root systems of the plants are placed directly into a reservoir of nutrient rich solution. The solution provides everything the plants need to grow including fertilizers and plant nutrients. The nutrient solution in deep water culture systems must be oxygenated or the plants will develop root rot and other maladies and die. This is typically done by using air stones which are placed at the bottom of each reservoir. The airstones provide enough oxygen to keep the root systems healthy.

Deep water culture is typically used with mature plants that have already developed root systems which can be placed into the nutrient solution. Another perk to using mature plants is they are not as sensitive to nutrient solutions that are not perfectly balanced. Since deep water culture hydroponic systems are low maintenance, it is a preferred method of growing of indoor gardeners.

Deep water culture systems are pretty basic, and only a few basic materials are needed. Plants are placed in net pots filled with grow medium, which are then placed into holes in reservoirs of nutrient solution. A water pump attached to tubing brings the solution to the top of the plants which then drains down through the roots and back into the reservoir. By circulating the solution this way, oxygen content is increased which aids in plant growth and development. The watering process may be set up to be operated by a controller, which makes the entire watering process automated.

Since deep water culture systems are easy to maintain and operate, they are an obvious choice for indoor gardeners. Deep water culture systems are good for both beginners and experienced growers alike. With deep water culture hydroponics, all a grower needs is some grow lights, a bucket, and an airstone with a water pump!