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    Hydroponics Made Easy: EBB & FLOW

    This advanced hydroponic technique is also known as “Flood and Drain”, the ebb and flow method. It allows growers absolute control over the plant root system and its nutrient supply. Read more!

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    • To begin with, it should be noted that Ebb & Flow – this is already hydroponics for the demanding. This hydroponic growing technique, used on so-called EB tables, which is characterised by exceptional efficiency, is therefore intended mainly for demanding, more advanced growers.
    • As we mentioned above, with EBB & FLOW you have almost 100% control over the entire growing process, and what is the greatest advantage for more experienced growers can cause unnecessary damage at the beginning. However, as they say, no one is born learned, and sometimes you have to start somewhere, so theoretical preparation will only help you, whether you consider yourself an experienced grower or are only just beginning to flirt with hydroponics. At the beginning, or even before that, read the introductory article about hydroponics HERE.
    • The table top, which consists of a shallow filling tray, is filled with nutrient solution at certain regular intervals and then drained again after a few minutes.
    • The plants are either in individual pots, or the entire tray is filled with growing medium.
    • We recommend the complete flood tray system from General Hydroponics, which you can also see in the image below.
    • EBB FLOW brings growers maximum variability when it comes to the ongoing adjustment and control of irrigation for the purpose of supplying plants with the nutrients they need.
    • In addition to herbs, fruit or vegetables, this method is also widely used for growing ornamental plants, which, when using EBB FLOW systems, do not need repotting for several years.

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    • When growing with the EBB & Flow system, residues of nutrients left after the last watering dissolve during the flooding of the substrate.
    • This effectively prevents the formation of undesirable deposits and their direct consequence in the form of overfertilisation of plants due to too high a concentration of nutrient solution.
    • Any watering that already exceeds the so-called retention capacity of the substrate in terms of volume flows immediately back into the tank with nutrient solution.
    • One of the most important things a grower must keep an eye on when growing by the EBB FLOW method is choosing the correct irrigation cycle. Then the plant roots have enough oxygen and nutrients, and you avoid overwatering.
    • Watering is supplied to the plants by means of a pump.
    • Individual cycles are controlled by timers.
    • Most EBB FLOW systems are made so that the nutrient solution reservoir is located below the pots, or growing trays, with the substrate and plants.
    • “FLOOD”: Water with nutrients is usually supplied to two-thirds or three-quarters of the height of the growing medium, and even higher in the case of young plants that still have short roots that do not reach deep enough.
    • “DRAIN”: Once the nutrient solution reaches the required level, it stops being pumped further by the pump and returns to the reservoir.

    As we have already mentioned, the frequency of watering is decisive, so how should it be set correctly?

    • The optimal length of the interval between flooding and draining cycles depends primarily on the size and depth of the EB table.
    • The choice of substrate also matters (see below). The frequency of watering must, among other things, be adapted to the ability of the given substrate to retain water, in other words its retention properties.
      • Keramzit (hydroton): watering 2 to 3 times a day.
      • Rockwool: watering once a day (i.e. rockwool retains more water than clay pebbles or granules).
      • These are starting intervals. However, once the plants, or rather their roots, grow larger, the frequency of watering is gradually increased... There is no universal guide, however, with regard to the individual needs of plants. Pay even more attention to your plants from the early stages of development. As beginners, you face a difficult task, namely avoiding overwatering or drying out the plants. Experienced growers, on the other hand, can tell from observation alone how the plants are doing and whether they need more or less watering. In the first case, you will at least gain this experience.
      • In practice, it is helpful to remember the rule that before each subsequent watering you should let the substrate dry out slightly.
      • The essence of the whole method lies in finding a suitable watering regime, and once you manage that, you can congratulate yourself, as you have succeeded in a very advanced growing challenge!
      • To help you achieve this, we have one more practical tip for you. Carefully record from the very first day how much water has been lost from the tank, while the water should never reach the bottom of the pot or growing tray.
      • Young plants then need less water than older, more mature plants.
      • It may also matter whether you are growing drought-tolerant or moisture-loving plant species using this hydroponic technique.
      • As a general rule, it is recommended to water plants during the warmest part of the day.
      • In winter, plants need a smaller amount of watering than in summer.
      • If you need to water more often, for example with regard to specific fertilisers diluted in a certain amount of water, only shorten the intervals between watering, but do not water the plants unnecessarily too much at once.
      • If you identify pests on your plants, in addition to other measures reduce watering and water only once a day; in the case of a more severe infestation, watering every other day is sufficient temporarily.

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    Which substrate should you use?

    • Within the hydroponic ebb and flow method, inert media are used, such as perlite, rockwool or other inert media suitable for hydroponics.
    • The decisive property of the substrate is its ability to retain water. The higher, the better.
    • However, the growing medium must also work well as drainage.
    • For example, keramzit (hydroton) requires somewhat more frequent watering than perlite. 
    • Do not forget that the substrate should not extend higher than 1 cm below the edge of the growing container.

    Shallow or deeper system?

    Deeper systems use a larger volume of nutrient solution and provide more space for the plant root system. In addition, old air is displaced from the root zone every time the substrate is watered with newly pumped nutrient solution. Excess water returns to the reservoir, and in the meantime beneficial fresh air travels to the plant roots. The root aeration time is significantly longer than with shallow Ebb & Flow systems. In deeper systems, it takes longer for the substrate to dry out, which is linked to the need for further watering.

    If you have any questions about hydroponic cultivation of plants through EBB & FLOW systems, do not hesitate to contact us at the well-known address info@higarden.eu.

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