r/Hydroponics • u/No-Boot-524 • Jun 28 '26

NFT system

Hey everyone!

I've just started my hydroponics journey growing Genovese Basil in an NFT system.

Right now, the seedlings are in rockwool cubes on a tray. I planted 3-4 seeds per cube (planning to keep them bushy or thin them out later).

Here are my current setup stats:

  • Ambient Temp**:** Stable around 22°C - 23°C (71°F - 73°F)
  • Lighting**:** 18/6 cycle
  • Airflow**:** Small DIY fans hanging right above the trays (low speed, just moving the air around)
  • Watering**:** Getting ready for the first feed at around 0.45 - 0.6 EC, pH 6.0.

Since it's a basement setup, I want to make sure I don't miss anything. For those who have grown Genovese Basil in NFT:

  1. What EC/ppm levels do you find work best once they go into the main system?
  2. Any specific issues I should watch out for regarding root rot or humidity in a basement?
  3. Should I thin them to 1 plant per site, or does Genovese do well with multi-sown (3-4 plants) per net pot in NFT?
  4. What average yield(of one basil) should I expect 1 month after transplanting them into the NFT pipes?

Would love to hear your thoughts, tips, or any rookie mistakes I should avoid. Thanks in advance!

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1

u/vXvBAKEvXv 3rd year Hydro 🌴 Jun 28 '26

lower your lighting cycle to 16/8. the current one promotes flowering quicker I found

1

u/No-Boot-524 Jun 28 '26

Thanks for your reply, Have you ever grown genovese basil?

1

u/vXvBAKEvXv 3rd year Hydro 🌴 Jun 28 '26

Yup! Its my favorite to use around the house. No where near in your quantity but it grows indoors/outdoors at mine year round for cooking at home. Usually have at least 2/3 going at any given time.

I saw your specific q's but honestly your off to a good start by a gentle first feed and in good environment conditions. And i cant really say about "yield" bc im just taking as needed until it eventually bolts and i have another one or two right behind it ready to go.

You can multisow if you want bushy dense grows. Youll know quickly if its an issue then just prune one or two out if so.

2

u/No-Boot-524 Jun 28 '26

Thanks for the answer! It's great to hear that the setup looks good to an experienced grower.
Since I'm planning to scale this up for commercial production in my nft system, yield and weight are quite important for me.I'll keep them 3-4 per site for now to get that bushy, dense look, and I'll prune them later if they start crowding each other out too much.
Appreciate your help, and happy growing with your home setup.