In its simplest form this is a container a wick fitted to the base suspended over a tank of nutrient. |
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The reservoir may be topped up manually or via a pump and the wick draws up the nutrient solution by capillary action. Thus the plants control their own rate of watering. A variety of growing media can be used either in a tray or individual wicked pots suspended over the reservoir. Maintenance is minimal provided the reservoir is kept topped up. An air pump to oxygenate the solution is optional as aeration takes place as the solution moves up the wick. Also a well chosen growing medium allows air to diffuse through. |
This system is suitable for all types of plants. |
The Wick System which was developed at the Hydroponicum in Achiltibuie over many years uses uniquely designed Pyramid Pots with a tapered removable top. This reduces the top surface area of the growing medium and minimises the loss of water by evaporation. Each pot is fitted with a capillary matting wick which takes up nutrient solution into the "Hydroponicum Gold" growing medium. This prevents over-watering. |
The Hydroponicum Wick System can be operated on a small scale by manually topping up a reservoir trough which requires no pump. |
On a larger scale the troughs can be joined together, or the pots can be placed in specially designed channels so that the nutrient solution can be recirculated by a pump. |
This system is used by amateurs to grow herbs on a windowsill, and also by commercial growers in the UK and in other countries. |