Hydroponic growing system and method

Abstract

An improved hydroponic growing system comprises, in combination, an elongated preferably rectangular hollow trough having substantially closed sidewalls and bottom and an open top defining a central space. The trough defines a pair of spaced tracks extending the length thereof in the space and an elongated flexible strip is slideably disposed in the tracks. The strip contains a plurality of spaced apertures extending vertically therethrough along the length thereof and in each aperture is disposed a plant growing cup having a hollow body defining a central space, an open top, a porous bottom and substantially closed or perforated sidewalls. The sidewalls bear outwardly extending peripheral supports so that the body of the cup extends down into the trough space and the cup is releasably held in position by the support bearing on the upper face of the strip. The porous cup bottom may include a metal or plastic grid or may be formed integrally with the sidewalls and contain a plurality of holes sufficiently large to permit plant roots and hydroponic fluid to pass through but small enough to prevent plant seeds from falling down therethrough. Preferably, the cup is conical or cylindrical and the strip is a single continuous strip. Alternatively, the strip can comprise a plurality of substrips linked lengthwise together. The trough may include an internal conduit with spaced openings to supply hydroponic makeup fluid to the trough space. The trough includes spaced hydroponic fluid exits for removal of hydroponic fluid.