With more people adding hydroponic growing systems to their gardening efforts, there are a few things that must be known about the hydroponic growing trays that are needed for this kind of endeavor. Hydroponic trays are the very life blood of the entire system because they hold the nutrient solution which the plants thrive on.

Also known as flood trays, these hydroponic trays are usually made of water proof plywood or plastic. In order to give support to the plants as they grow or produce, some type of medium or substrate is necessary for the root system to latch onto. This can be slab trays floating freely in the solution or gravel, ground up coconut shells or other natural occurring substance at the bottom of the trays.

Hydroponic growing trays are not stand alone elements of the system. You will also need to be able to circulate the nutrients throughout the system as well as distribute oxygen. An aeration bubbler is often used for this purpose and is placed at the bottom of the hydroponic trays. The aerator should not be placed under the medium so as not to restrict its flow.

After the plants have sprouted in the germination system, they should be moved to hydroponic growing trays so that they can continue their growth. The roots only will be placed in the nutrient solution and the plant will be held suspended with collars. If substrates are being used for the hydroponic trays the roots should also be placed into the pockets provided.

Now it is time to flood the hydroponic growing trays with the nutrient rich solution so that they will begin to receive everything that is needed to sustain their life as well as continue to grow. It is necessary to check the pH of the solution on a weekly basis in order to maintain a favorable environment for optimal plant growth. This will provide you with information needed to add pH adjuster as needed to either lower or raise it as required.

Every four weeks the nutrient solution in the hydroponic growing trays should be drained by removing the plug at the bottom. For those with plants growing outside the hydroponic trays, it would be a good idea to use this solution to feed these. Once the solution is completely drained out, place the plug back into the drain hole, and fill the trays again with a fresh nutrient solution.

Once the techniques described above have been mastered, all that needs to be done is to sit back and watch the plants grow and begin to produce. Other techniques can begin to show up in the master gardeners skill level such as cloning that will allow for the continued production of beautiful plants.

Hydroponic growing trays [http://www.hydroponicsystemspro.com] are only part of the systems that are available to help the novice to the experienced gardener create the kind of plants they wish to keep their green thumbs active. Since hydroponic systems do not take up as much room as traditional gardens, and since some systems can be stacked for greater potential for growth, the possibilities are endless for what can be done with hydroponic trays filled with nutrient rich solutions.