Deep water culture works by suspending plant roots in a solution of nutrient-rich, oxygenated water in a reservoir. Use an air pump combined with an airstone to saturate the solution with oxygen.

Deep Water Culture

The deep water culture or DWC method is often referred to as the simplest form of hydroponics since it involves just a container with aerated water in which the plants’ roots grow.

For DWC you’ll need:

• A container or reservoir to hold the nutrient solution
• An air pump like those used for aquariums
• An airstone to create bubbles, aerating the nutrient solution
• An air line or hose connecting the pump and air stone
• A basket or pot filled with your chosen growing medium to hold the plant over the nutrient solution.

Three things are critical to a water culture system: oxygen, water and nutrients. The water plus the nutrients—your nutrient solution—is aerated by the pump, giving roots plenty of oxygen while they are submerged in the solution. The larger the reservoir is, the more stable the nutrient solution, resulting in smaller swings in pH, temperature, water level, and nutrients. Proper levels ensure that your plants get the elements they need from the nutrient solution.

The benefits of DWC are few moving parts, meaning simple assembly and very low maintenance, as well as faster growing times compared with growing in soil.

GrowersHouse has deep water culture systems and parts to meet the needs of growers of all skill levels and system sizes.