Our Office’s New DIY NFT Hydroponic System – And How You Can Build One Too!
Xochitl, Senior Educator, setting up an NFT hydroponic system with STEM CPA high school students.
Click on the photo above to watch a Youtube video on How-To Build Your Own Hydroponics System
Exciting news from our Ventura office—we’ve set up our very own Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) hydroponic system! Using a simple DIY kit, we built the system in just an hour and are now growing lettuce, broccoli, and kale right in the office.
What is NFT Hydroponics?
NFT hydroponics is a soilless growing method where a thin film of nutrient-rich water continuously flows over plant roots, providing essential nutrients while keeping them oxygenated. The constant circulation of water ensures plants receive a steady supply of nutrients while preventing water waste. This method is widely used in commercial farming and research labs due to its efficiency, faster growth rates, and reduced risk of soil-borne diseases.
Why Try Hydroponics?
Hydroponic systems like NFT offer several advantages:
✔ Water Efficiency – Uses up to 90% less water than traditional soil farming.
✔ Faster Growth – Plants receive a continuous nutrient supply, leading to quicker harvests.
✔ Space-Saving – Ideal for urban gardens, classrooms, and small farms.
✔ Pesticide-Free – Reduces the need for chemical pest control.
✔ Year-Round Growing – Grow fresh produce indoors, no matter the season.
Want to Build Your Own?
We’ve made it easy with a step-by-step video guide on YouTube! Whether you’re a beginner or a hydroponics enthusiast, this video walks you through everything you need—from materials and setup to plant preparation and maintenance.
Materials You’ll Need:
NFT Hydroponic Kit (or PVC pipes with channels for water flow)
Submersible Water Pump (to keep the nutrient solution moving)
Reservoir Tank (for nutrient storage)
Hydroponic Nutrient Solution (customized for leafy greens or other plants)
Net Pots & Rockwool Cubes (to hold plants in place and retain moisture)
pH Testing Kit (to monitor and adjust nutrient levels)
Timer (to automate the water flow)
The video guide covers:
✔ How to assemble the NFT system
✔ How to prep plants by removing soil and using Rockwool
✔ How to maintain nutrient flow for optimal plant growth
Get Started Today!
Watch the full guide here and start growing your own fresh produce at home! Whether you’re looking to create a sustainable home garden, start a classroom project, or integrate hydroponics into larger-scale farming, this DIY NFT system is a great way to explore the future of agriculture.
Stay tuned for updates on our office garden’s progress—we can’t wait to see how our hydroponic crops thrive!