Drip System
A pump delivers nutrient solution to individual plants through a network of emitters. Media-held roots receive slow, steady drips timed to crop demand. Excess solution either returns to the reservoir (recirculating) or drains to waste (run-to-waste).
Specs
- Setup cost
- $120–500
- Monthly op cost
- $10–30
- Footprint
- 3–20 sqft
- Typical draw
- 30 W (peak 60 W)
Strengths
- Scales well to large plant counts
- Per plant dose control
- Media buffers solution interruptions
- Handles fruiting crops
Weaknesses
- Emitters clog without filtration
- More tubing to maintain
- Run to waste variant wastes nutrients
- Requires regular emitter inspection
Best for
- Tomato Cherry
- Cucumber
- Pepper
- Strawberry
Linked names lead to a full hydroponic guide for that plant. Unlinked names will activate as those plants are added.
Compatible plant categories
- Leafy Greens
- Herbs
- Fruiting
Required equipment
- Submersible pump
- Timer
- Emitters
- Distribution tubing
- Filter
- Reservoir
- Growing medium
- Ph meter
- Ec meter
Sources
Data on this page is drawn from the following extension and research sources.
- Purdue Extension — Hydroponic Production (accessed 2026-04-22)
- UF IFAS Extension — Hydroponic Systems (EDIS) (accessed 2026-04-22)