While net cups don’t get a lot of glory in the hydroponic process, they’re important for the overall system. Not only do they hold the growing medium and keep it from either clogging or damaging the system, they also provide support for your plants. From different types and sizes, to quality, you will find that not all net pots will fit your needs. There are many things to consider when choosing which nets pots to use in your hydroponic garden.
CHOOSING A NET POT
Most commonly used in hydroponic gardening, net pots are used to keep the plants stable and locked into the system. They are effective in several types of hydroponic systems, including deep-water culture, nutrient film (NFT), aeroponics and they ebb & flow system.
Typically made from a solid plastic material, net pots boost drainage and air circulation. They have also proved to be beneficial for optimum root development and plant growth, because they allow liquids, such as your nutrient solution, to freely flow through the roots of your plants. As plants develop, the roots grow out of the holes in the net pot in search of the food they need to thrive. There are several things to consider when choosing a net pot.
PLANT SIZE
When it comes to the net pots used in your hydroponic system, size matters. Typically, you can find net pots in a variety of sizes. The size you choose will depend on the full size and weight of the plants you intend to grow. For smaller plants and leafy greens, like spinach or kale, a smaller net pot will work. However, if you are planning to grow larger plants, like tomatoes, you may need larger pots to provide a bigger base and hold more of the growing medium.
GROWING MEDIUM
Your growing medium will also make a difference in which net pots you choose to use in your hydroponic system. Look for net pots with smaller slots, as they do not let as much of the growing medium slip through into the system. In addition, net pots with more slots will give your plants a better base and better chance to remain upright. Net pots with larger slots are typically better for aeroponic gardening systems, which do not use a growing medium.
LIP SIZE
When choosing a net pot, you will also want to take the lip of the pot, because not all net pots are created equally. As plants grow, they will become heavier. In net pots without enough lip, this could cause the entire pot, along with the growing medium and the plant, to fall through the hole and into the nutrient solution. This inconvenience could cause problems in your system, so you want to do your best to prevent this from happening.
If you are still not sure of which size net pots you will need for your hydroponic garden system, you can use these as a guideline:
- 1” Net Pot – Best for starting seeds, cloning plants, and smaller plants
- 2” – 4” Net Pots – Best for starting seeds, cloning plants, and small/medium sized plants
- 5” – 6” Net Pots – Best for medium/large sized plants
- 6” Net Pots & Above – Best for large plants and trees
TOP HYDROPONIC NET POTS
Now that you know size recommendations for your hydroponic net pots, it is time to choose a brand that works best for you. Because they are inexpensive, there are several makers of net pots on the market. Some of the most recommended brands include:
- Cz Garden Supply – Cz Garden Supply’s line of net pots is made of heavy-duty plastic. With numerous narrow slots, these grow cups allow for proper drainage while ensuring that the growing medium is contained.
- Teku – Teku net pots are durable, weather-resistant, plastic pots that are great for hydroponics. Designed with ideal irrigation and drainage in mind, these pots allow for rapid growth and healthier plants.
- Milliard – Milliard Net Pots are designed to give your plants room to grow. Because a plant’s roots can be expansive as its branches and leaves, you must give roots room to breathe. With mesh sides and bottom, these pots allow air to dry out exposed roots to prevent root circling and tangling, and keeps your plants from drowning in too much water.
- Hydrofarm – Hydrofarm has a full line of net pots, bucket baskets and other containers to help you with your hydroponic gardening needs. Their net pots are designed to promote healthy roots with even drainage. It also allows the roots to grow right down through the pot, resulting in bigger, healtheir roots.
- PonicsFarm – PonicsFarm boasts net pots designed with feedback from their customers. A 45% wider lip and reinforced lip than other net pots, the PonicsFarm prevents the cup and your plants from falling through the hole and into the nutrient solution. PonicsFarm also uses 20% thicker plastic that is UV resistant.
NEED MORE GUIDANCE TO FIND THE BEST NET CUPS?
While net pots are inexpensive, you still need to make a careful decision which choosing which pots will be best for your hydroponic garden. A good quality net pot can last for years, and save you a lot of headaches along the way. Choosing one that will fit your needs depends on the size of your garden, and the size of your plants, among other factors.
