Hydroponic FAQ

 

How do I get started in hydroponics?

First step is to learn everything you can before investing in a system.  AmHydro has many free learning resources here on our website, you can also subscribing to our YouTube channel or watch the many Facebook Live videos on our Facebook page.  Once you have determined that growing hydroponically is for you, attending our 2-day seminar is a great way to understand what having a hydroponic farm is all about. 

If I start with a smaller system, can I expand easily?

Of course! We strongly recommend starting small, getting used to the work flow, building your market and understanding the basics of growing hydroponically.  As your market grows, you can quickly and easily expand your system. 

What is the best sized system to start with?

The size of your system depends on what your objective is. If you are looking to sell your produce at your local farmer’s market or on a small scale, the NFT 288 or the NFT 1200 system would suit your needs. However, if you are looking to start a commercial hydroponic farm and you already have growing experience, you might start with half and acre and continue to expand from there. AmHydro systems are customizable and can be adjusted to fit your specific objective for your project.

What type of greenhouse should I buy?

We do not sell greenhouses but have relationships with all the commercial greenhouse manufacturers.  The type of greenhouse will depend on many factors: location, weather throughout the year, what you are growing, budget, humidity and external factors.  We can offer you suggestions and make introductions to the greenhouse providers we feel will be most suited to your needs. 

Do you have a business plan/financials for a hydroponic farm?

We offer a small business planning package. This item can be purchased on our website and includes a fully customizable excel sheet with all of the information needed to plan out your hydroponic project. In addition to the excel sheet, you also get 1-1.5 hours of consulting with an expert where you can ask any questions you may have and go over the numbers in your excel sheet.

AmHydro Small Business Planning

Do plants grow faster hydroponically?

No, a seed can’t grow faster than its genetic make up will allow, but hydroponics provides the seed with everything they need to grow within the nutrient solution.  Everything the plant needs to grow is fed directly to the roots allowing the seed to focus its energy on growing rather than searching for the nutrients it needs like they do in soil. 

What can you grow in NFT?

You can grow anything hydroponically; however, certain crops make more economical sense to grow hydroponically than others. The most common and economically viable crops are leafy greens (lettuce, chard, kale), culinary herbs (basil, dill, cilantro), microgreens. The most important thing to determine when deciding what to grow in your system, is to look at your local market and see what crops will do the best with local buyers. Knowing your market is a key component to ensuring your hydroponic business will be successful. 

How do you grow vine crops hydroponically?

Vine crops grow exceptionally well hydroponically. Over 85% of the commercial tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers grown in the US are grown hydroponically.  If you are interested in growing vine crops commercially, check out our Get Growing bundles that set you up with everything needed to get started.
AmHydro Vine Crop Bundles

What kind of vine crops can you grow?

The vine crops that tend to grow the best hydroponically are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, but any fruiting crops can grow well hydroponically.  Some interesting choices our growers have grown are: eggplant, okra, and broccoli. Again, knowing your market and what local markets are wanting is a key thing to consider when starting a hydroponic business.

The water I am using is well water, will this be a problem?

Before we set you up with a system, we always recommend performing a water analysis.  We use Micro Macro International Labs in Atlanta, GA but any reputable water analysis lab results will be fine.  We will review and interpret the results and make any recommendations.

What about growing cannabis?

Cannabis grows very well hydroponically.  It produces a top-shelf product comparable to high grade indoor.  It can be grown using NFT (for a “sea of green”) or in bato buckets (most common).

Where do you ship? Do you ship internationally?

We ship all over the globe.  We have shipped to more than 65 countries since 2012.

Why is shipping so high?

The price of shipping depends on the weight and dimension which can vary depending on the items you order. While our online store can calculate shipping for most items, it is unable to calculate the shipping costs for some items like the channel due to the channel’s 12 ft length.  This is considered an “extreme length” for shipping companies.

Can you put a hydroponic system anywhere?

Yes – we have systems in greenhouses, on rooftops, indoors, and outside.

Why is hydroponics so expensive?

While there is a high upfront cost when starting a hydroponic business, once you have the system, it can be used for decades. AmHydro is the only hydroponic company that uses FDA Approved Food Grade HDPE that can be used for years without warping, cracking, or bending.  When you order an AmHydro system, you receive everything you need to get growing and should only need to replace small parts, such as microtubes, as time goes on.

Is hydroponically grown food safe/ healthy?

Hydroponically grown produce uses exactly the same minerals found in soil grown food.  AmHydro manufactures our own nutrient from all natural salts and minerals.  Also, because hydroponically grown food is grown in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse, there are fewer pests and diseases and e-coli is virtually non-existent. Most hydroponic farmers use no harmful pesticides at all.

Do hydroponically grown foods have less nutritional value than soil grown food?

No.  Since the mineral and elements that the plants need are present in both growing methods, there is no nutritional difference based on the method used.

Do you offer internships?

There are many farms around the US that may be able to provide an internship.  We design, manufacture, support and provide consulting for hydroponic growers. Unfortunately we do not have many opportunities for internships as our staff is very specifically educated & trained.