Introducing Vertical Hydroponic NFT Systems

Last time in our mini-series Hydroponics made easy we outlined in general terms how hydroponic systems of the NFT type work. In today’s article we elevate this popular hydroponic method thanks to unique vertical irrigation systems by VAKPLAST!

So what are the main advantages of a vertical hydroponic system?

• First and foremost, it’s the growing area. Compared to horizontally arranged systems, VAKPLAST products save you a lot of space, or you can grow far more plants on the same footprint. In numbers, vertical irrigation systems provide up to more than 3.5x larger growing area!
• A Czech company based in Ostrava, which has the entire technology protected by utility models and patents, manufactures and supplies these products to the market, so you always have the assurance of availability of all necessary parts and accessories.
• One of the most notable advantages is undoubtedly the intelligent water distribution via a drainage system along the full length and width of the growing containers, so all your plants have a constant supply of water as well as precisely measured amounts of nutrients throughout the entire growth cycle.
• Experienced growers working with hydroponics also appreciate the cleverly designed automatic oxygenation of the nutrient solution, which occurs when the solution passes between the different tiers.

• The nutrient reservoir has a removable lid, which in practice always allows for easy inspection of the nutrient solution. The solution is also the only growing medium. Reliable control is ensured by precise pH and EC meters.
• By not requiring any other growing medium apart from the nutrient solution and by maximizing the growing area and its yield at constant electricity costs, vertical NFT systems ultimately provide an exceptionally economical operation, not to mention waste minimization.
• Their maintenance is also easy. The construction of these irrigation systems allows good access to both the plant root systems and the plants themselves, of which there can be up to 245 in a single system!
• A practical hook system is used for simple and fast attachment of larger plants.
• All vertical hydroponic systems by Vakplast have adjustable feet, so even small floor unevenness will not cause you the slightest problem.

• Each growing container has a rim into which the lid fits easily. The drain is already part of the container itself. Thanks to this there are no water leaks.
• The lids of the growing containers are either flat or sloped. You can choose according to the type of plants you grow. For example, flat lids are more suitable for growing lettuces or smaller plants, while sloped lids are practical for larger plants.
• Whether you choose the smallest and cheapest or the most expensive and most sophisticated variant, or anything between based on individual needs, the entire system can always be quickly disassembled, cleaned and reassembled.

Vertical hydroponic systems open the door to a world of new cultivation possibilities and the Ostrava manufacturer offers a total of 8 patented variants so that everyone can enjoy its benefits:

• Malý jednostěn (9 900 Kč)
• Malý třístěn (29 900 Kč)
• Malý čtyřstěn (39 900 Kč)
• Malý pětistěn (44 900 Kč)
• Velký jednostěn (14 900 Kč)
• Velký třístěn (44 900 Kč)
• Velký čtyřstěn (54 900 Kč)
• Velký pětistěn (66 000 Kč)

Together with our experts we tested all the variants. We were impressed by how each of the models above is perfectly suited to serve a specific group of growers tailored to their needs. If after reading this article you would like to find out which group you belong to, feel free to ask us anything via the well-known email address info@higarden.cz and we will gladly advise you on the selection!

What to read next?

• Reverse osmosis (RO)
• Growing under artificial lighting: HPS vs LED
• Trichoderma - The natural way to a rich and healthy yield