We all know that hydroponic is the way to grow plants without soil when the Ebb & flow is one of the most popular methods to be used for hydroponics system. It has gained worldwide popularity due to its reliability, simplicity, and cost-efficiency. For proper growth, the Ebb and flow hydroponics watering schedule is very important and here I am going to focus on that.
Developing an Ebb & flow hydroponic system is not that hard but it requires quality maintenance. The main challenge is to flood the plants for a specific period, drain, and then re-flood the system. While re-flooding, you have to make sure that the growing media has not dried out.
EBB and Flow Hydroponics Watering Schedule
| Stage of Growth | Duration (hours) | Frequency (times/day) | Nutrient Solution Flood Level (inches) | Drain Frequency (times/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 12 | 4 | 1/4 | 4 |
| Vegetative | 18 | 3 | 1/2 | 3 |
| Flowering | 12 | 2 | 3/4 | 2 |
| Ripening | 12 | 1 | 1/2 | 1 |
Calculating the Watering Schedule
Some factors influence the flood and drain system and its timing. Before considering those, let’s get some ideas about the interval period. From seedling to large plants three types of growing media can be followed for flood and drain times.
At the beginning of your hydroponic growing, you have to estimate the time. It will largely depend on the factors which will work as an influencer. Most of the times this estimated period will bring you to a good starting.
You have to look after the time that the plant takes to reach maximum flood height. Based on it the flood cycle will start. Remember that if the lights are on, then it is 16 hours on average that can be called ‘Day’. There is no need to flood during the ‘Lights Off’ session.
The time table for the three growing mediums is given below.
- Expanded Clay Pebbles: For this method, you have to flood your system every 2 to 4 hours. That means 4 to 8 times a day. If you want to know more, read from here.
- Coconut Coir: If you are following this, then watering after every 3 to 5 hours will be enough. So, in a day 3 to 5 times will cover the whole session.
- Rockwool: The Rockwool watering schedule is 1 to 5 times per day. This is the easiest method to go for.
These timings are approximate values only. You should not follow them blindly but the wise is to depend on the behavior of your specific hydroponic system.
There will be no harm if you flood and drain outside these ranges. For getting the ideal timing, you can use BN-LINK 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Timer. It will give you perfect timing for flood and drain.
Imagine that your preferred method is the clay pebbles and you are growing large plants in a hot and dry atmosphere. If you are getting longer day-time with powerful lighting, then you might have to flood and drain 15 times a day. This number may vary up to 9 to 15 times.
For the above-mentioned situation, there might be a long night period in the summer season. In that case, a couple of flooding at night will be good enough. The flood cycle duration should not stand for more than 10 minutes if you are going with coconut coir and Rockwool. For clay pebbles, you should hold the cycle for another couple of minutes.
As I said, by using a mechanical heavy-duty 15-amp timer you will get the exact timing.
Flood & Drain Timing Influencers
For the flood and drain timing of every hydroponic garden, few factors play a big role. I am going to mention those factors to let you gather the idea of how to react to the system of your garden.
1)Size of the Plants: The first thing that comes up is the size of your plants. Plants use the tiny holes to evaporate water in the atmosphere. While this process is running, the roots collect more water from the ground. This is the whole feeding system of the plants.
So, larger plants have more water to evaporate and their roots also collect more from the ground. If your plant size is large then it requires more flood and drains.
2) Light: The strength of the light, as well as its duration, is very important for the watering schedule. Light stimulates stomata and speeds up the evaporation of water. It also affects the transpiration rate. Depending on the light, you have to calculate the flood and drain timing.
3) Temperature: The evaporation speed largely depends on the warmth of the light. Besides, there are other minor factors like the climate and internal heat. All these can accelerate water loss continuously. So, while calculating flood and drain timing you should consider temperature also.
4) Humidity: The humid atmosphere is a vital associate for drying up your hydroponic system. If the humidity level is on the upper scale, it will cause a drier atmosphere. It hampers transpiration and so, you have to flood and drain more often.
5) Size of Your System: If you have a large and deep system then the watering schedule will be minimal. Most hydroponics are homemade and in a shorter space. If the system is large, then it will take more time to flood in the whole area and likely the draining will also take time.
6) Type of Plants: It is not constant that how much water a plant will take. So, before going for plantation you have to study the type of your plant and learn its water consuming process. If you have a variety of plants in your garden then it will take some time for you to know the watering schedule.
7) Grow Media: I have talked about the growing mediums in detail before. You can go for any of the three mediums for your hydroponics system. Depending on the medium, the watering schedule will vary.
Related Questions
Q: What is Ebb and Flow hydroponics?
A: Ebb and Flow hydroponics, also known as flood and drain, is a type of hydroponic system where nutrient-rich water floods the growing medium periodically and then drains away, providing plants with water and nutrients in a cyclical manner.
Q: Why is a watering schedule important in Ebb and Flow hydroponics?
A: A watering schedule is crucial in Ebb and Flow hydroponics to ensure that plants receive the right amount of water and nutrients at the right time, preventing over-watering or under-watering, and optimizing plant growth and yields.
Q: How often should I flood and drain my Ebb and Flow hydroponic system?
A: The frequency of flooding and draining depends on the growth stage of the plants, environmental conditions, and the specific hydroponic system setup. Typically, it can range from 2-4 times per day during different growth stages.
Q: What is the ideal nutrient solution flood level in Ebb and Flow hydroponics?
A: The ideal nutrient solution flood level in Ebb and Flow hydroponics varies depending on the plant species and growth stage. As a general guideline, it can be set at 1/4 inch during germination, 1/2 inch during vegetative growth, 3/4 inch during flowering, and 1/2 inch during ripening stage.
Q: How do I adjust my watering schedule in Ebb and Flow hydroponics?
A: It’s important to monitor the moisture levels of the growing medium and observe the plants’ response. If the medium is too wet or too dry, the watering schedule may need to be adjusted accordingly. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and plant size also influence the watering schedule.
Q: Can I automate my Ebb and Flow hydroponics watering schedule?
A: Yes, Ebb and Flow hydroponic systems can be automated using timers or sensors to control the flooding and draining cycles, making it easier to maintain a consistent watering schedule for the plants.
Q: Should I adjust the watering schedule during different seasons in Ebb and Flow hydroponics?
A: Yes, environmental conditions can vary during different seasons, which may affect the moisture levels and water uptake of the plants. It’s important to monitor and adjust the watering schedule accordingly to ensure optimal growth and nutrient uptake throughout the year.
Q: Can I use different nutrient solutions for different growth stages in Ebb and Flow hydroponics?
A: Yes, it’s common to adjust the nutrient solution strength and composition during different growth stages of the plants in Ebb and Flow hydroponics. This can be done by using different types of nutrient solutions or adjusting the concentration of nutrients to meet the changing needs of the plants.
Q: How do I prevent algae growth in my Ebb and Flow hydroponic system?
A: Algae growth can be minimized by avoiding light exposure to the nutrient solution, maintaining proper water temperature, and using opaque or light-proof materials for the hydroponic system components. Regular system cleaning and sterilization can also help prevent algae growth.
Final Verdict
The ‘Ebb and flow’ is a pattern of hydroponic systems. This is the most used and ideal for the users who are looking for reliable and low investment gardening methods. It does not matter that your system is large or small; by following a proper guideline you will get expected results.
For any hydroponic system, the watering schedule is very vital. Though it is very hard to get the exact timing, you should not allow the amount of water to reach too high or too low. This article has covered the ins and outs of the Ebb and flow hydroponics watering schedule and hopefully, you will be benefited from it.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304423815301199
