Mediabed

 

Mediabed systems (also called Wicking, Drip, Ebb & Flow or Dutch Bucket system) use non-soil substrate to support the plants and to deliver a good environment regarding growing conditions. The nutrient solution is provided via water pump, even though there are many different options (like ebb&flow, drip, etc.) to run the cycles [9].

  1. Nutrient Solution Reservoir
  2. Water Pump
  3. Nutrient Solution Provision
  4. Substrate
  5. Plants (germinated on pads or directly in the substrate)

What to expect:

 

Mediabeds are probably the most versatile hydroponic technique regarding crop selection, due to the variety of applicable substrates. Furthermore, the various setups (Dutch Buckets, Wicking Beds, Flood & Drain) allow the system complexity and capabilities you desire. It is also very easy to run and hence great for beginners. Though, the necessity for maintenance asks for a rather small design.

Great Crops [5]:

  • Thyme
  • Cilantro
  • Fennel
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Lettuce
  • Peppers
  • Cucumbers

Advantages [5, 27]:

  • Flexible small- to mid-scale design 
  • Very versatile for growing all kind of crops
  • Forgiving
  • Indoors and ourdoors

Challenges [5, 27]:

  • Choosing the right substrate (oxygen vs. dust vs. support)
  • Choosing the best watering technique for your purpose
  • Cleaning growing bed
  • Clogging (depending on design and substrate)

Materials Needed [5, 27]:

  • Lumber (frame)
  • Screws (frame)
  • Buckets (reservoir and growing areas)
  • Water pump with connection vinyl tubing (reservoir)
  • Substrate (such as clay pellets, etc.)
  • Gaskets (growing areas)
  • Vinyl tubing tees / elbows / connectors /drip emitters (growing areas, depending on your design)
  • Net pots (optional)
  • Outlet timer (optional)
  • Sensors and live monitoring (optional)
  • Paint (optional)

Tools Needed [5]:

  • Rafter square
  • Level
  • Drill and bits for screws/net pots
  • Staple gun and staples / double-sided tape
  • Razor blade knife
  • Tape measure
  • Permanent marker
  • Sawhorse with clamps and circular saw (if not precut lumber)
  • Paint roller/paintbrush (optional)

Link to References