CityGreens Hydroponics - Blog #DWCCityGreens Hydroponics - Blog #DWChttps://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/tag/dwcWed, 17 Jun 2026 23:48:08 +0530http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[What is Hydroponics? 5 Popular Hydroponic Technologies to Know.]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/what-is-hydroponics-5-popular-hydroponic-technologies-to-knowThe new Hydroponics system in the agriculture industry is slowly gaining popularity due to its high crop outputs and the smart technology that it uses. If you do not know what hydroponics is, need not worry, in this article, we will learn about hydroponics and its different technologies.]]>

The new Hydroponics system in the agriculture industry is slowly gaining popularity due to its high crop outputs and the smart technology that it uses. If you do not know what hydroponics is, need not worry, in this article, we will learn about hydroponics and its different technologies.

NFT A Frame Spinach Hydroponics

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a process of growing plants, wherein the soil is replaced by water i.e. – the roots remain soaked in a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil, absorbing all the minerals required for growing from the water reservoir.

Different Types of Hydroponic Technologies

Kratky Hydroponics

Kratky hydroponics is a non-circulating, passive hydroponic method of growing plants. This method is simple, low-cost, and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great option for those new to hydroponics or with limited resources.

In the Kratky method, plants are placed in a container filled with a nutrient solution. The container is sealed to prevent evaporation, and the plants are allowed to grow without the need for a pump or other equipment to circulate the nutrient solution. As the plants grow, they consume the nutrients in the solution & the water level in the container drops.

This system is better for growing small plants and on a small scale.

DWC Hydroponics

DWC, or Deep Water Culture, is a method of hydroponics where plants are grown with their roots submerged in a nutrient-rich solution. This solution is typically oxygenated with an air pump to ensure the roots receive enough oxygen to allow the plants to grow.

DWC system offers several advantages making it a popular choice among hydroponic growers. Firstly, the simplicity and low cost of setting up and maintaining a DWC system attract beginners and those on a budget. The efficient nutrient uptake in DWC allows plants to absorb nutrients more effectively, leading to accelerated growth and higher yields.


Plant roots require oxygen for their healthy growth. In the DWC system, we use an air pump to oxygenate water. Oxygen depletion in the nutrient solution is one of the main concerns with DWC systems. If this system is not well maintained, the plant roots can suffocate in the nutrient solution.

NFT Hydroponics

NFT hydroponics, also known as Nutrient Film Technique, is a method of hydroponic cultivation where a thin film or stream of nutrient-rich water flows over the plant roots. 

  • In an NFT system, plants are typically grown in troughs or channels with a slight slope. The nutrient solution is continuously pumped into the highest end of the channel and then flows over the plant roots in a thin film. The excess nutrient solution is collected and recirculated back to the reservoir for reuse. 
  • The shallow film of water provides a continuous supply of nutrients, water, and oxygen to the roots, allowing for efficient nutrient uptake. 
  • NFT hydroponics is well-suited for growing leafy greens, herbs, and other lightweight plants. 
  • It offers advantages such as water conservation, ease of maintenance, and effective nutrient delivery. However, it also requires careful monitoring and management of nutrient levels, pH, and water flow to ensure optimal plant growth and prevent root drying.

 Dutch Bucket Hydroponics

It is a recirculating  hydroponic growing system that uses buckets or containers filled with a growing medium such as hydrotons, coconut coir, or vermiculite, to support plant growth. In this system, a small hole is made in the bottom of the bucket, and a drip line is inserted to provide a constant supply of nutrient-rich water to the plant roots. 
  • This system is popular among hydroponic growers as they are relatively inexpensive to set up, can be easily scaled up or down depending on the size of the growing operation, and allow for greater control over the nutrient solution and pH levels.
  • Dutch bucket systems are best for growing vining crops like tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, zucchini, etc.

Ebb & Flow Hydroponics

Ebb and Flow, also known as Flood and Drain, is a hydroponic system that involves periodically flooding the plant roots with a nutrient-rich solution and then allowing it to drain away.

  • In this system, plants are placed in a grow tray or container filled with a growing medium, such as perlite or clay pellets, which supports the plants and provides aeration. 
  • A reservoir holds the nutrient solution, and a pump is used to periodically flood the grow tray with the solution. 
  • During the flood cycle, the plant roots absorb water and nutrients, promoting healthy growth. After the flood cycle, the excess solution drains back into the reservoir, allowing the roots to receive oxygen during the rest period. 
  • Ebb and Flow hydroponics are popular due to their simplicity, flexibility, and ability to automate watering. It is suitable for a variety of plants and offers efficient nutrient delivery, but proper monitoring and maintenance are necessary to ensure optimal growth and prevent issues like nutrient imbalances or waterlogging.

Choosing the best hydroponics system requires careful consideration of several factors. 

  • First, consider the types of plants you want to grow and their specific requirements. DWC and NFT systems are best for growing leafy greens, herbs or plants with small heights, while Dutch buckets are best for growing vining crops. 
  • Consider your budget for setting up and maintaining a hydroponics system. 
  • Assess your skill level and available time for system management, opting for a system that matches your experience and commitment. 
  • Finally, think about your long-term goals and select a system that allows scalability and flexibility.
]]>Wed, 10 May 2023 17:00:00 +0530<![CDATA[Three Mistakes to Avoid in an A-Frame Vertical Hydroponic System]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/three-mistakes-to-avoid-in-an-a-frame-vertical-hydroponic-systemA-frame NFT hydroponics is a type of hydroponic system where plants are grown on angled frames in a vertical arrangement. The frames are typically arr ]]>

A-Frame NFT Hydroponic System

A-frame NFT hydroponics is a type of hydroponic system where plants are grown on angled frames in a vertical arrangement. The frames are typically arranged in an "A" shape, hence the name A-frame. The plants are grown in channels on the angled surfaces of the frames, and a thin film of nutrient-rich water flows over the roots of the plants.

An A-frame NFT structure can have up to 20% more plants when compared with a horizontal NFT system. But if it is not implemented correctly, it can be less efficient when compared to growing in horizontal beds.

In this blog, we will discuss three common mistakes that people do when installing A-frame structures.

1. Height of A-Frame

Naturally, when the height of the A-frame is too high it becomes increasingly difficult for any person to perform tasks like transplanting, taking care of the sapling or harvesting the plants. As such keep the height of A-frames to a level that is easily accessible by the workers in your farm. 

2. Base Width

You can indeed accommodate more plants in the same floor area by having a narrow base. But when the base is too narrow, the height of the A-frame increases, which poses operational difficulties. Also, an A-frame with a narrow base will have an increased plant density, which can limit the  growth of the plants at the lowers levels due to increased competition for sunlight and space.

3. Growing Tall Plants

Sunlight & Photosynthesis

In A-frame structures, the top-level plants will cast a shadow on the lower plants. This reduces the amount of sunlight that lower plants receive, thereby reducing the amount of photosynthesis and hence plant's size and yield.

Plant Growing Direction

As the top-level plants cast a shadow on the lower-level plants, these lower-level plants tend to grow in the outward direction in search of sunlight, instead of growing straight naturally. This can affect the photosynthesis process, which could lead to stunted growth and reduced yield.

A-frames are best suitable for growing small-height plants like baby spinach, lettuces, parsley, rocket, celery, coriander, tot soi etc.

In conclusion, when you are setting up an A-frame NFT hydroponics system, do avoid these common mistakes in order to get the best output from you A-frame structures.

]]>Sun, 23 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0530<![CDATA[Subsidy for polyhouse setup in India.]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/grow-bags-vs-dutch-buckets-which-container-system-is-best-for-commercial-crop-production1

What is Subsidy?

A subsidy is a financial aid or assistance provided by the government or an organization to a particular individual, group, or business to promote economic activities or encourage certain behaviors. Subsidies can come in various forms, including cash payments, tax breaks, reduced interest rates on loans, or direct assistance such as grants.

In India, both state and central governments provide subsidies for polyhouse setups and farming to encourage agricultural production and promote modern farming practices. The subsidies and their eligibility criteria may vary depending on the state and the specific scheme. But the subsidy provided by the central government via National Horticulture Board (NHB) does not vary from state to state.


In this blog we will look into the subsidy that NHB provides for supporting protected cultivation in India.

The NHB provides financial assistance for the development of commercial horticulture through various schemes, including the Construction of Polyhouses, Shade Net Houses, and Rain Shelters scheme. It provides up to 50% subsidy for the cost of construction of polyhouses and shade net houses.

Minimum Area for Availing Subsidy

Polyhouses having an area above 2500 sqm are eligible for subsidy. In the case of the Northeast region, the minimum area is over 1000 sqm.

What is the Subsidy Amount?

You can get up to 50% subsidy with an upper limit of 56 lakhs.

Eligible Crops 

Vegetables:  Capsicum, Cucumber, and Tomatoes.


Flowers: Anthurium, Orchids, Rose, Lilium, Chrysanthemum, Carnation and Gerbera.



]]>Sat, 22 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0530<![CDATA[Grow Bags vs Dutch Buckets: Which Container System is Best for Commercial Crop Production?]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/grow-bags-vs-dutch-buckets-which-container-system-is-best-for-commercial-crop-productionThis system uses bags made of porous fabric or plastic to grow plants. Plants are grown directly in the bags filled with a growing medium such as ]]>

Grow Bag System

This system uses bags made of porous fabric or plastic to grow plants. Plants are grown directly in the bags filled with a growing medium such as soil or a soilless mix like cocopeat. In a commercial grow bag system, the bags are typically made of high-quality, durable materials such as heavy-duty plastic or synthetic fabric. The use of grow bags in a commercial setting offers several advantages, including the ability to grow crops in a variety of locations, reduced water usage compared to traditional field-based agriculture, and increased crop yield per square foot of growing space.

Dutch Bucket System

It is a recirculating  hydroponic growing system that uses buckets or containers filled with a growing medium such as hydrotons, coconut coir, or vermiculite, to support plant growth. In this system, a small hole is made in the bottom of the bucket, and a drip line is inserted to provide a constant supply of nutrient-rich water to the plant roots. This system is popular among hydroponic growers as they are relatively inexpensive to set up, can be easily scaled up or down depending on the size of the growing operation, and allow for greater control over the nutrient solution and pH levels.

Key points to consider!

Water Usage

Grow bags are more water-intensive than Dutch bucket systems, as excess water is not recirculated back to the plants like in a closed-loop system.

One study published in the Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology in 2015 compared the water use efficiency of tomato plants grown in a Dutch bucket system and a soilless grow bag system. The study found that the Dutch bucket system used 50% less water than the grow bag system, while producing similar yields of tomato fruits.


Another study published in the Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology in 2016 compared water and nutrient use in a closed-loop Dutch bucket system and an open hydroponic system using grow bags. The study found that the closed-loop Dutch bucket system used 25% less water and 25% less nutrients than the open hydroponic system, while producing similar yields of cucumber fruits.

Maintenance

Both grow bag and Dutch bucket systems can be easy to maintain in a commercial setting, but each system has its own unique maintenance requirements.

Grow bag systems can be easier to set up & maintain initially, as they require minimal equipment and can be set up quickly. However, grow bags can be more difficult to clean and reuse between crops, as the bags can harbor pathogens or debris. They also require regular monitoring and adjustment of nutrient levels and pH, which can be time-consuming.


Dutch bucket systems can require more initial investment in equipment and infrastructure, but can be easier to maintain in the long term. The buckets can be easily cleaned and sterilized between crops, reducing the risk of pathogen buildup.

Yield

One study published in the International Journal of Agriculture and Biology compared the yields of tomatoes grown in grow bags and Dutch buckets in a greenhouse environment. The results showed that the Dutch bucket system had a higher yield per plant compared to the grow bags, with an average yield of 1.98 kg/plant compared to 1.49 kg/plant in the grow bags.

Another study published in the Journal of Plant Nutrition compared the yields of lettuce grown in grow bags and Dutch buckets in a hydroponic system. The results showed that the Dutch bucket system had a higher yield per square meter compared to the grow bags, with an average yield of 19.38 kg/m2 compared to 15.26 kg/m2 in the grow bags.

Though Dutch bucket systems are more efficient in many ways we predominantly see more no. of grow bag setups in India, due to high initial setup costs and lack of understanding of the system.


There is one more important reason why we find more grow bag setups in India than Dutch bucket systems, comment here to know why!

]]>Sat, 22 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0530<![CDATA[Searching for the Perfect Hydroponic System for your Plants. Here is all that your Plant Needs!]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/searching-for-the-perfect-hydroponic-system-for-your-plants.-here-is-all-that-your-plant-needsLearn about Deep Water Culture Hydroponics System. Build one of your own or buy one starter kit to learn Hydroponics at Home]]>

The new Hydroponics system in the agriculture industry is slowly gaining popularity due to its high crop outputs and the smart technology that it uses, not only this, the hydroponics industry is estimated to grow tremendously in the coming years.


If you do not know what hydroponics is, need not worry, in this article we will be dealing with what is hydroponics and one method of growing plants by hydroponics – that is the DEEP WATER CULTURE (DWC), understanding the mechanism of a DWC system, its benefits, and steps to set up a DWC system.

NFT A Frame Spinach Hydroponics

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a process of growing plants, wherein the soil is replaced by water i.e. – the roots remain soaked in a water-based nutrient solution instead of soil, absorbing all the minerals required for growing from the water reservoir.


How is DWC related to Hydroponics?

While growing plants in the soil we use various methods and tools, e.g. – we would use a tractor or a cultivator for plowing the soil and a seed tape or dibble for sowing the seeds in the ground. Similarly growing plants by hydroponics includes various machinery and methods, amongst many like an Ebb and flow, drip system, aeroponics, and many more DWC is one such method.

1. What is a DWC System?

Complementary to the name itself, Deep/Direct water culture is a method in which the plant roots remain soaked in water throughout their development period. 


The liquid solution in which the plants are dipped contains three main elements, namely-

  • Oxygen
  • Water
  • Nutrients {Mainly NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium), Micronutrients (Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Chloride, Boron, Iron), Mesa nutrients (Calcium, Sulphur, Magnesium)}

Components of a DWC Hydroponic System

·  Plants

·  Water reservoir (bucket)

·  Net pots

·  Air pumps

·  Air stone

·  Hose

·  pH control kit

2. How does a DWC system work?

  • A certain number of plants are placed in a tray. The plants are placed in such a way that the roots of the plants hang down from the small pits.
  • The water reservoir (bucket) filled with the nutrient solution is led into the tray where plants are placed through a pipe/tube.
  • Plant roots absorb the required nutrients from the flowing water, which is sufficiently provided, throughout the process.
  • An air pump is used for availing oxygen to the roots and this air pump is the most important appliance in the whole system of hydroponics. The absence of an air pump would either leave the plant deoxygenated or even lead to its death.

Remember: The nutrient and the water requirement of every plant may vary depending upon its size and type.

3. How to assemble a DWC System?

  • Start with preparing the nutrient solution, once ready check the pH, remember the favorable pH shall be between 5.5 to 6.5
  • Place the plants in the net pots and fix the net pots in the tray through the hollow pits.
  • From the water reservoir connect the hose and towards the end of it attach the air stone, which would enable producing tiny bubbles.
  • After putting up all the above-mentioned apparatus together you can put the system under the light.

4. What are the benefits of a DWC System?

  • Reduces the use of fertilizer, as the plants are always drenched in the nutrient solution.
  • Very slight amount of maintenance after setting up for once
  • Assembling is comparatively easy.
  • Adequate nutrient absorption from the solution, improves cell growth rate.
  • The time required for plant growth is relatively low.

Confused about where to get a full-fledged kit from?

Try CityGreens DWC Starter Kit

City Greens has come up with its hydroponics DWC kids which can not only be used by adults but also by kids and people who are willing to start it as a hobby or even for the experiment.


The kit comes with:

  • DWC pipes
  • Hydroponics nutrients
  • Air pump
  • Net pots
  • Fly Ash Hydrotons
  • Coir Coins
  • Variety of seeds

How is it different from other Kits?

  • City Greens DWC kit is the only one that allows you to open the lid and access the root zone, anytime during the plant lifecycle. It also comes with a dual opening mechanism and lift-open mechanism, with this mechanism you can simply lift up the lid and access the root zone even when the plants are still growing. 
  • Allows you to open the NFT channel or pipes, check the water level and clean the system from time to time.
  • All the required apparatus is available in one box and at a very affordable cost.
  • Perfect for small-scale production or an experiment.


To buy your DWC starter kit visit www.CityGreens.shop

]]>Wed, 02 Feb 2022 17:39:14 +0530<![CDATA[Our experiences with growing Kale in DWC Hydroponics.]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/experiences-growing-kale-dwc-hydroponicsKale is a superfood that grows well in Hydroponics and nutrient packed to the brim. Learn how to grow kale.]]>

Kale in DWC. Simple, straightforward, and doable.

Kale is a minor crop that belongs to the family of cabbage and cauliflower. It is a leafy green that doesn't form a head. Its leaves are green or purple and consumed raw or cooked.


We sowed the seeds for this exotic variant sometime in April 2018. It was simple to take care of this plant. Very soon, we will harvest it and use it in our in-house yummy salad. Kale chips are another option we may think of experimenting with.

Our experience with growing kale

In our Research Centre, we transplanted the Kale in DWC medium as well as in a cocopeat bed. We prepared the nutrient solution by adding 2 ml of CityGreen's Balanced NPK solution per liter of water. Initially, we felt that the growth is not very fast. But we realize that kale is a winter-happy crop. It loves cold climates and, in fact, tastes sweet after a real heavy frost! Alas, we are in Bangalore of today, or I am sure the kale would have grown much more happily in a Bangalore climate 10-15 year prior when cold seemed to be the year-round theme in Bangalore.


We aerate the plants every alternate day and keep a close watch to confirming pests are at bay. The kind of pests that take an absolute liking to a crop like kale are


Considering the varying climates and temperatures that the kale faced, we'd say it has been a success for us to be able to see it grow and increase mass.


In the Indian context, it would be ideal for making a kale paneer dish as its nutrient content and properties seem to outnumber spinach. The nutrients in kale can help boost wellbeing and prevent a range of health problems. It contains fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin K, among others. An excellent source of vitamin C and iron; its one of the must-haves and must grow in your kitchen garden.

How to grow Kale?

Start by sowing the seeds. Ensure that the cocopeat is moist, and the seeds kept in a warm and dark place to promote germination. It will be good to keep an eye and check, periodically, if the cocopeat is moist enough and not dried out. After 7-8 days, the first signs of visible life will appear, which is an experience worth undergoing. Any form of life brings an enthrallment like no other.


Do ensure to provide a good supply of Nutrient solution dose from the time of transplant till harvest. In our case, to start with at the time of transplanting, we used CityGreens NPK solution @ 2 ml/ liter of water. At the end of a month, the plant looked ready and stable and healthy enough with a good root structure such that it will survive in a transplanted environment. So, then the DWC rack was made ready for the kale, and the kale was transplanted.


Notice the clean and healthy roots of kale being grown in our Research Centre


The water was well-aerated, and the kale took shape and form. Day by day, we kept a close watch to monitor and record the pH and EC levels of the water to note for any variances or fluctuations that, in effect, may bother the plant growth. Our nutrient solution already being pH balanced didn't pose any significant perils.


It's now two months past, and one of these days, we will harvest this fibrous multipurpose ingredient that fits well in exotic kitchens as well as in our Indian garnishing effortlessly. No waiting people. Get to work. Its time to get the kales out.


Happy Gardening!
]]>Wed, 27 Jun 2018 07:37:15 +0530<![CDATA[How to grow Mint in your Home Garden]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/grow-mint-home-gardenMint can be grown from seeds or from stolon. Learn how to grow mint in Hydroponics.]]>


In our Research Centre, one of the happy smiling, growing plants is the mint. Today we will share with you the easiest way of growing a delicious, rewarding, humble kitchen ingredient - Mint.


Mint, as we know, is a cool and refreshing herb for a kitchen garden. It can be grown effortlessly in soil and soilless media. It is an aromatic herb of temperate region. The primary aroma of mint is of ‘Menthol,’ which has cooling and gastro-stimulant properties. Mint is widely used in food flavoring, confectioneries, cosmetics, preparations, beverages, and pharmaceuticals due to its above-said properties.


Mint Varieties: We have different types of mints, Japanese mint ( Mentha arvensis var. piperascens), spearmint ( Mentha spicata), peppermint ( Mentha piperata) and bergamot/lemon mint ( Mentha citrata). 

How to grow Mint

Mint stolons
Mint is a perennial plant. It mostly spreads horizontally. The plant will grow up to 30 cm and up to 1 m when grown in fertile soils with proper care.

Both seeds and cuttings can be used to raise it. Commercial growers use fresh juicy stolons to propagate them. We can also use stem cuttings to propagate mint.

Stolons are stems, which develops from the lower branches of the stem. These new stem/stolons, when touches the soil, will produce new adventitious roots and grow as an individual plant.


Seeds also give good results, but the drawback is we must wait for the seeds to germinate and then do the transplants. Wherein stolon propagation, we can use the plant which comes from the old part or stem cutting directly. This saves time.

Our experience with growing Mint

Our mint journey started with seed sowing around April 2018. As far as possible, we try to start from the seed stage to be better able to understand the dynamics of plant growth. We sowed them in coco peat and clay pellet mixture.


It took around 15-20 days for the seeds to germination. They were growing well in coco peat. While raising them in cocopeat, we ensured that the plants were provided with sufficient (no overdose) nutrients. We used our Greens range of Nutrient for Mint. We also provided plain water so that there is no accumulation of salts in the cocopeat bed. Since we also wanted to try growing them in the DWC system, we transplanted almost month-old plants to the DWC system.


In DWC, we used both, CG NPK and CG Greens solution. From cocopeat to DWC, the plants adapted easily and did not show any signs of transplant shock. Instead, they seemed to be happy in their new environment. We ensured efficient oxygenation to the plants. We did not feel the need to do any external foliar spray.


Mint is generally ready for harvesting once plants reach a 10-15 cm height. You can harvest only leaves or stems or cut the stem leaving about 1 inch at the base.

As on date, the mint in our DWC system looks all ready to be harvested. And we are happy to share that those living around our vicinity will be able to taste this delicious and humble ingredient from the farm to the fork. 


With mint, there wasn’t any pest and disease in our research center. But the probable pests that can impact mint are aphids, thrips, mites, and cutworms. Also, look out for fungal rust and wilt diseases, if the plants are overwatered (in soil), and densely grown. Remove the infected plants at an early stage to avoid the spread of the disease and ensure safe control methods.


We are getting new stolons from the plants in our DWC system. These we will use to transplant for the next cycle of the crop after harvesting. Can’t get more natural than this.


Happy Gardening!


]]>Sat, 23 Jun 2018 05:48:17 +0530<![CDATA[Our experiments with growing Cherry Tomatoes]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/growing-cherry-tomato-hydroponicallyIs dutch bucket the best way to grow cherry tomatoes? We believe so. Read on to find out why]]>

I hope by now, some of you have your heart inclined to at least trying something in this space. This week we will familiarise you with some of our learnings and experiences as we tried three different methods of Hydroponics for a single crop type - Cherry Tomatoes.


The preparation for this Journey began some time back, to be precise – in April 2018. It started when we sowed the seeds for these Cherry tomatoes (both red and yellow variant). While we are only halfway there, we will be happy to share our experiences with our yields and their sizes shortly.

So once the cherry tomato seeds were sown we prepared ourselves to experiment with three basic types of growth systems in Hydroponics

The seedlings were ready to transplant within a month. In May 2018, we transplanted them into these three mediums.

Cherry tomatoes in Dutch Bucket system

At the onset after transplanting, we used City Greens NPK solution at a concentration of 2 ml each/liter of water. Along with that, we ensured that the plants received sufficient sunlight and a lot of love.

After two weeks, we increased the solution concentration to 3 ml of NPK per liter of solution. This was also provided for two weeks at regular intervals. After another couple of weeks, the NPK solution concentration was increased to 3 ml of each per liter of solution. This has been maintained ever since.


Our Dutch Bucket System growing Cherry Tomatoes - No upper support required just yet. The plants have been growing well without many instances of pests.

Cherry tomatoes in Deep Water Culture

We prepared 45-55 liters of the Nutrient Solution at a starting concentration of 1 ml of each per liter of water. The saplings were then transplanted into the DWC rack. We increased the nutrient concentration while refilling the rack with the Nutrient Solution. (i.e after a period of 2-3 weeks). 


The DWC racks were aerated at periodic intervals and to ensure that the solution is not deficient of Oxygen. We also provided double support to the base of the plant in the DWC racks by providing it extra layers of support at the base. Furthermore, By June mid, we supported the stems of the cherry tomato plants with ropes from above so that it received firm enough support to grow.

Cherry tomatoes in soilless media

The cherry tomatoes were transplanted into the soilless medium and the same cycle and concentration of the Nutrient Solution as in the other two mediums. In this media, we also ensured that we alternated with Nutrient Solution as well as plain water from time to time to prevent any salt building up in the media.


If we were to compare the length and growth of the plants in each of these mediums, we could see very clearly that the plants in the DWC system have gained more height and vegetative growth compared to the other two methods. 


This may be because of the 24x7 availability of nutrients in a DWC system. However, they are also the only ones that have been provided with twine support for now. Also, placed at the periphery and being at a higher level than the other two systems, they do get little more sunlight than the rest. So, we cannot say conclusively how much of the result is due to DWC.

We are waiting with our fingers crossed for the yield results. With yield results, we may be able to ascertain in perfection what medium did the best for the plants.  And so, maybe in another month or 2, we could share with you the results! So keep reading.


As of now, the DWC method seems to be doing wonders for the plants. We will just have to be patient until we reach the finishing line.


Happy Gardening!

Update - April 2020

We have now grown cherry tomatoes multiple times in many different kinds of set-ups. The following are our key observations.
    • We have witnessed maximum yield in Dutch buckets, followed by DWC, followed by Cocopeat.
    • We have revised our nutrient protocol for all plants. You can find the updated one here.
    • You should be able to get your first harvest between 70 - 90 days from planting, the last harvest between 210 - 240 days.
    • Each plant should give a harvest of between 3 and 4 kg on average during its life span.
    • We got our first harvest of around 300 gram per plant.
]]>Wed, 20 Jun 2018 08:45:36 +0530<![CDATA[How to set-up a simple Hydroponic DWC (Deep Water Culture) gardening system.]]>https://www.citygreens.ai/blogs/post/hydroponics-dwcStep by step process for setting up a Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponics farm]]>

A floating vegetable garden in your kitchen - Hydroponic DWC, a.k.a. Deep Water Culture. DWC is a hydroponic method of growing plants, wherein plant roots are suspended in nutrient-rich, oxygenated water.


I can say, DWC is one of the cheapest and most straightforward methods of hydroponics to grow your leafy veggies like lettuce, spinach, coriander, fenugreek, and herbs, etc. Due to its simplicity, one can also grow cherry tomatoes, green peas, cucumber, and bottle gourds using DWC. In today's post, we will teach you how to set up a low-cost, basic DWC system.

Kale growing in DWC bed in CityGreens Research Farm in Ahmedabad


Components of Deep Water Culture (DWC) System

Grow Bed

    To set up this system in your kitchen garden, all you need is a tub or tray-like container which can hold the nutrient solution. You can go for any household items like unused tubs, buckets, etc. In CityGreen's Urban Gardening Research Center, we created customized multi-layered, eco-friendly, wooden grow racks.

Lid or Cover

    You can use the standard lid of container or paint bucket or the tub you are using. In our set-up, since we started ground up, we used Styrofoam sheets.

Nutrients

    Since the grow medium here is water, it becomes essential to provide plant nutrition externally. We rely on our in-house range of nutrients for the same. We use all of these in our Research Center. Still, my personal favorite is CG Symphony Combo Pack, as it gives me enough freedom to control the plant's nutritional plan according to its lifecycle needs.

Air Pump

    Along with water and nutrients, the plant's roots need oxygen as well. Thus an air pump is required to Oxygenate water. A typical aquarium pump can do the job pretty well. You can also skip this and manually oxygenate the water by giving it a gentle shake (or stir or bubbling air through it using a straw) every day.

Steps to setup a Hydroponic DWC System

In the following section, we will elaborate on how you can go about setting up our first Hydroponic DWC system. You can follow similar lines to set up your system. 

Step 1 - Seed Germination

Germinate the seeds. You can go with germinating in standard seed germination trays or net-pots. The advantage of using net-pots is that you will not need to transplant the sapling (and hence minimize the chances of damaging roots or transplant shock) while shifting it to the grow bed. 


The image shows seeds germinated in net-pots using CityGreen's Seed Starter Kit. 

Step 2 - Preparation of Grow Bed

Prepare grow beds or containers in which you will be growing the crops. Ensure that the container or bed is waterproof, and there is no leakage. (Unlike the normal pots with drainage holes, in DWC, you want the water to stay in the pot and used up completely). Do test the grow bed for any leakages using plain water. 

The image shows trainees of CityGreens Commercial Training program learning to make a DWC grow bed.


Step 3 - Preparation of Lid

Make a sufficient number of holes in the container lid. The hole size should be such that it can easily hold the structure that will be housing the sapling. You can go for standard 2-inch net-pots for the same. To keep costs low, you can also go for the common household sponge.  Make holes in the lid as per your requirement.

The image shows holes cut into a Styrofoam lid. 

Step 4 - Preparation of Nutrient Solution

Prepare the nutrient solution by adding the nutrients to water as per the manufacturer's instructions. If you are using our nutrients, follow the instruction set that comes along with the nutrients, or call our support desk for someone to guide you. 

The image shows the original NPK solution from the house of CityGreens. Since then it has undergone iterative improvements based upon customer feedback and our own research. You can get the current batch here.

Step 5 - Readying the DWC System

Fill the grow container with nutrient solution. Fill it to a level that it just touches the base of the structure housing the sapling (net-pots or sponge). This will ensure that plan roots get the water through wicking action, and you don't have to worry about watering daily.  Fill the grow container to such a level to ensure that plant roots never go dry. Slowly roots will emerge out of net-pot down, and even if the water level is going down, you will not need to worry about watering as roots will still be submerged in water.  As the nutrient solution level goes down, roots go further down to draw water, thus eliminating the need for frequent watering. 

Step 6 - Transplant & enjoy watching your plants grow

Transplant the sapling to a grow container, and you are done. Your Hydroponics DWC set up is alive and kicking.  Saplings transferred into grow beds, and here follows the results we got. We opened our center for interested hobbyists and gardeners to visit, and all our produce got sold in less than a week. 

Spinach growing in multiple racks without the use of any LED grow lights or chemical pesticides. 

Regular maintenance and upkeep of DWC System

Once the system is up and running, it will require little maintenance. 


Following are the few things you will need to look for periodically:-

    • Managing pH Level - plant roots can absorb nutrients only if the pH of nutrient solution is in a specific range (between 5.5 to 7.0 for the majority of plants, depending upon plant variety and species). You can use a simple pH meter or chemistry lab pH strips to measure the pH. 
    • Topping up the nutrient solution - as plants will absorb nutrients from the solution, the level of various nutrients available will keep going down. So a periodic (weekly or bi-monthly) top-up of the nutrient solution may be required. 
    • Oxygenating of nutrient solution -  as pointed out earlier in this post, periodic oxygenation of nutrient solution will be required for good growth.
    • Look out for pests -  Last but not the least, do look out for pests or any distress symbols in your plants.

Now that you know how to setup and maintain a DWC system, what are you waiting for. Get started and enjoy safe and high quality home grown food.

Further, if you are interested, you can read here to understand the cost-dynamics of commercial DWC system.

HappyFarming!
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