The vertical cultivation tower is a support that allows you to practice the cultivation of plants without soil in a vertical way. As a result, the mineral nutrients are supplied via a closed water circuit. Hydroponic systems that allow plants to be grown vertically are generally known as vertical hydroponics.
This kind of culture works using conventional hydroponic techniques in a vertical system fed by the gravity of water. In a vertical grow tower, nutrient-rich water is fed from above and collected from below using a pumping system.
Using a vertical grow tower has various advantages! Moreover, when comparing hydroponics to traditional production methods, it is very rare to find any disadvantages.
The benefits of growing with a vertical grow tower
- Fits perfectly in small sunny spots like balconies, patios or rooftops;
- given the assisted management, it allows indoor production all year round;
- the vertical culture tower allows a water saving of almost 90% compared to the traditional culture method (key principle of hydroponics);
- allows for high density yield per unit area. This is due to the vertical position of the crops;
- diseases usually transmitted by the soil are avoided.
The hydroponics tower
The tower is a hydroponic growing system but upright. The vegetables and fruits are arranged one above the other, which therefore saves a lot of space. There are different products but the initial operating principle generally remains the same. In a typical hydroponic tower, the idea is to use a system of tubes with a pump to bring water to the upper layers. From there, gravity will channel the water and flow to the reservoir. The plants will therefore be watered continuously by one or more small streams of water.
You can use a single tube to deliver water to the upper level or use multiple channels to different layers for more optimal distribution of water and nutrients.
A DIY hydroponics tower design will usually involve using PVC pipes or thicker drainpipes for the center tower. On these, smaller holes will be drilled at regular intervals to house each plant individually. Plants are usually housed in mesh cups to allow water to flow through the root systems (angles usually between 30 and 45 degrees).
What are the prices for a hydroponic tower?
There are various online sources to get these growing systems. Prices vary greatly from provider to provider and depend mainly on the size and build quality of the system. After some research, we found prices that vary from 300.- to 1'000.- for the most sophisticated systems. Some vertical grow towers offer an optional lighting system that can allow indoor use with a few plants.
The criteria that seem decisive to us:
- it is a product for food use and therefore make sure of the quality of the product;
- choose a culture tower that meets your needs and especially your space constraints;
- opt for a system that offers you real assistance in the practice of hydroponics;
- proximity to your supplier is also an important point. In case of problem you will appreciate an easy contact.
The key points of vertical hydroponics
Compact and space-saving design
This is one of the main reasons many experts are touting vertical gardening as the future of food production. You can grow more produce even in small indoor spaces, making it ideal for urban farming.
Does not require soil
This is, of course, a general benefit enjoyed by all hydroponic systems. But growing without soil is particularly suitable for a vertical system.
Lack of soil minimizes the growth of weeds or pests. It also makes vertical hydroponics the lightest and most convenient form of vertical gardening.
Efficiency and productivity
With these systems having the required surface space for one plant, you can grow at least 3-4, if not more. High growth can be achieved by using the right mix of nutrients and proper lighting.
Minimal waste and maintenance
Hydroponic vertical grow towers usually have a closed nutrient and water flow system. There is therefore only very little loss because the water continues to circulate permanently.
The waste of water being a major problem in our time, hydroponics offers to date the best alternative for growing vegetables and fruits while saving a large amount of water. With an adequate control system, growing in hydroponics becomes extremely easy and requires very little time.
What are the ideal plants for the vertical growing tower?
There are a multitude of vegetables and fruits that can be grown in hydroponic systems. This therefore offers real food diversity, while making this practice accessible to everyone and, more specifically, allowing the development of culture in urban areas.
Here are some examples of vegetables and fruits that allow an easy approach to this practice. If you want to know more variety, you can refer to the planting data.
| Strawberries | Kale | Dill |
| Mint | Chive | eggplant |
| peppers | Cucumbers | Basil |
| Salad | Coriander | chard |
| Tomatoes | Spinach | Broccoli |
| Cabbage | Mustard |
The hydroponic tower in conclusion
Vertical hydroponics using a tower is a boon for people who don't have access to soil to grow. Vertical growing systems can dramatically increase the productivity of your outdoor and indoor growing areas. As we have seen, all the benefits of hydroponics make it clear that vertical gardening is a vital technique for a more sustainable future. If reading this article made you want to grow your own fruits and vegetables? So in this case, discover the exclusive solutions of Blumeo to start your first experiences. Blumeo's hydroponic solutions are among the most efficient, qualitative and profitable systems in the world! Contact us to discuss it with one of our specialists who will be happy to answer all your questions.