Commercially available NFT system

         NFT, short for Nutrient Film Technique, is a popular method for growing short term crops such as Lettuce and Basil. To the left is a commercially available unit, to the right is my home made unit. The method works very well, but is dependent on the pump never failing. Some growers run two pumps simultaneously to help guard against just such an occurrence. NFT bathes the plants roots in a thin film of nutrient solution which is highly oxygenated. Keeping the nutrient solution cool is of utmost importance.

         The photo to the left shows what a commercial NFT system looks like in operation. You can build your own system using gutter down spout for the troughs. The supporting frame work can be either metal pipe or PVC. A pump large enough to supply each trough with at least one liter per minute is required. Get one designed to operate in salt water as that is what nutrient solution basically is. A reservoir and some tubing or piping is all that remains to finish the system. Your system should have a slope of 2-4 inches per 10 feet. The photo on the right shows how to build the supply line. Quarter inch I.D. grommets installed in the 3/4” supply pipe. Notice the valve on the line coming from the bottom, that is to control the flow to the troughs. Get the soft 1/4” tubing, not the harder plastic like tubing. This tubing and the PVC can be purchased at the big box home improvement stores. Email me to purchase complete plans with parts list for $10.00

Home made NFT system

How to build supply line

3” drain pipe for nutrient collection leading to 30 gallon Rubbermaid reservoir

Troughs are 2x3 gutter down spout with holes drilled for plant sites. 3x4 down spouts are available also as well as PVC fence post in 4x4 and 6x6 sizes for larger plants.