Deep Water Culture is a method of growing plants by the root of the plants being suspended in aerated, nutrient enhanced water. The advantage of the Deep Water Culture growing method over the traditional soil method is the fact that the root of the plants do not have to grow as large as they would in standard soil grow systems and can therefore grow in much smaller containers because the roots of the plants do not have to travel to find water.
So in our indoor Deep Water Culture 3.5 Gallon buckets (shown in the video above), we can grow 2 tomato plants to full term instead of the standard 5 gallon bucket to 1 tomato plant ratio in a typical soil grow system. We had also discovered that it is also a much cleaner way of growing tomatoes because we do not have to deal with soil in the house and the typical bugs (gnats and aphids, etc.) that often breed in soil.
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To Build Your Own Hydroponic Deep Water Culture System for Tomatoes You Will Need:
3.5 Gallon Bucket - To hold your nutrient water
Hydrofarm Active Aqua Air Pump
Tomato Nutrients
Calcium Nitrate Nutrient Supplement for Hydroponics
NetPots - 3 inch
Hydroton - Clay Pebble Grow Medium
Aquarium Airline Tubing - Connect one end to the airline port on your air pump and the other end to your Aerator Grid or Airstone inside your Water Reserve Bucket
Tomato Cages (Secure around the Outside of the Buckets)
DIG 1/4 in. Porous Soaker Hose - To create an aerator grid inside the Bucket. You will also need to add additional holes to the line to allow for more airflow. I use a staple remover tool to create extra holes in the soaker hose lines. You will also need 1/4 in. Barb Tees, 1/4 in. Barb Elbows and 1/4 in. Goof Plugs to connect your soaker hose lines to make an aeration grid (see video below). You will also need 316 Stainless Steel Flat Washers to weigh the aeration grid down. If you prefer, you can also use an Airstone to aerate the nutrient water in your bucket instead of making your own aeration grid.
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