NFT Microgreens Production Rack

At a Glance

How This System Works

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) flows a thin, continuous stream of nutrient solution along the bottom of a slightly tilted channel. Plant roots sit in this shallow film of liquid, absorbing water and nutrients while the upper portion of the root mass stays exposed to air for oxygen uptake. Solution flows by gravity from the high end of each channel to the low end, where it drains back into a central reservoir and is recirculated by a pump.

This plan adapts NFT for semi-commercial microgreens production using a 4-tier shelving rack. Each tier holds two NFT channels lined with growing mats, giving you eight channels total. Microgreens grow fast — most varieties are ready to harvest in 7–14 days — so this system can produce 4–8 harvests per month. At full capacity, you can yield several pounds of microgreens weekly, enough for personal use, farmers market sales, or supplying a local restaurant.

Why NFT for microgreens? Traditional microgreens are grown on soil or coco coir mats and watered by hand. NFT automates the watering entirely and eliminates soil, producing cleaner greens with less labor. The thin film of nutrients is perfect for microgreens' shallow root systems.

Materials List

Our philosophy: Use what you already have. Hydroponics does not require store-bought equipment. People around the world grow food this way using recycled containers, scraps of fabric, and seeds saved from last season's harvest. The links below are for convenience if you prefer to purchase, but we encourage you to improvise with what is available to you.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Shelving

A 4-tier shelving rack provides the frame for the entire system. Use what you have: Any sturdy shelf or table works. Old bookshelves, repurposed storage racks, or even a stack of cinder blocks and boards can get the job done. If you want something purpose-built, a heavy-duty wire shelving unit is a solid choice.

NFT Channels

Eight 4-foot NFT channels (two per tier), sloped slightly for gravity flow.

Use what you have: You can build channels from PVC fence posts, rain gutters, or halved PVC pipe with end caps glued on. It takes a bit more effort but saves a lot of money. For a quicker setup, NFT hydroponic channels (4-pack with lids and net cups) come ready to go. You will need two packs for eight channels.

Reservoir

A 20-gallon storage tote sits at the base of the rack as the central reservoir.

Use what you have: Grab any opaque plastic container you already own. An old storage bin, bucket, or even a small cooler will work. The key is blocking light to prevent algae growth. If you need one, a 10-gallon dark storage tote or larger does the trick.

Lighting

Each tier needs its own grow light. Two-foot LED grow lights fit the rack width well.

Use what you have: A sunny window or basic 4000K LED shop lights from the hardware store work just fine for microgreens. If you want dedicated grow lights, try full-spectrum 2 ft LED grow lights.

For timing, you can switch lights on and off manually, or grab a timer from a thrift store. A programmable outlet timer automates the schedule for you.

Growing Supplies

Seed-starting supplies and nutrients:

Use what you have: For microgreens, your growing mats (listed below) replace traditional starter plugs. But if you also want to start transplants, a small piece of sponge or cotton ball works to hold a seed until it sprouts. You can buy Rapid Rooter plugs (50-pack) if you prefer.

Nutrients are one thing you really do need to buy. Plants growing in water need dissolved nutrients, and a single set lasts for months. The General Hydroponics Flora Series (3-part kit) is a reliable option.

Monitoring

Use what you have: pH test strips from a pet store or the pool supply section at a hardware store will get you started. When you are ready for more precision, a digital pH and TDS meter kit is a worthwhile upgrade.

Additional Materials (no affiliate link)

• Submersible pump (200–400 GPH), placed inside the reservoir
• 1/2-inch vinyl tubing (20 feet), main feed line from pump to each tier
• 1/4-inch drip tubing (8 feet), branch lines from main to individual channels
• Barbed T-fittings and elbows, to split and route tubing
• 1/2-inch vinyl tubing (8 feet), drain return lines from channel ends to reservoir
• Growing mats (hemp, jute, or hydroponic felt pads), cut to fit inside each channel
• Microgreen seeds (sunflower, pea, radish, broccoli, etc.), purchased in bulk by the pound
• Zip ties and pipe clamps, for securing tubing to the rack
• Plastic sheeting or drip trays, to protect the wall and floor from splashes
• Small fan, for air circulation between tiers
• Spray bottle, for initial seed misting

Tools

• Drill with assorted bits
• Hacksaw or PVC cutter (if channels need trimming)
• Level (for setting channel slope)
• Scissors
• Measuring cup or syringe for nutrients
• Adjustable wrench

Build Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the Shelving Rack

• Assemble the 4-tier wire shelving rack per the manufacturer's instructions
• Position it against a wall in a location with access to an electrical outlet
• Adjust tier spacing to 12–14 inches between shelves — microgreens do not grow tall, so you can fit tiers closer together than typical plants
• Level the rack and secure it to the wall if possible to prevent tipping

Step 2: Install the NFT Channels

Each tier holds two NFT channels side by side:

• Place two 4-foot channels on each shelf
• Elevate the inlet end of each channel by 1–1.5 inches using small shims or blocks to create a gentle slope
• The low end of each channel should overhang the shelf edge slightly, or have a drain hole that aligns with a return line
• Use a level to verify consistent slope — too steep causes solution to flow too fast; too shallow causes pooling

Critical: The slope must be consistent. A 1-inch rise over 4 feet (roughly a 2% grade) is ideal for NFT microgreen channels.

Step 3: Plumb the Feed Lines

• Place the 20-gallon reservoir on the floor beneath the lowest tier
• Set the submersible pump inside the reservoir
• Run 1/2-inch vinyl tubing from the pump up to the top tier
• At each tier, install a T-fitting to branch off to that tier's two channels
• Use 1/4-inch tubing from each T to deliver solution to the high end of each channel
• Secure all tubing to the rack frame with zip ties

Step 4: Plumb the Drain Lines

• At the low end of each channel, attach a short piece of 1/2-inch tubing
• Route all drain lines down the rack and into the reservoir
• You can combine drain lines with Y-fittings to reduce the number of lines entering the reservoir
• Test the system with plain water: run the pump and verify a thin, even film of water flows through each channel and returns to the reservoir without leaks

Step 5: Install Grow Lights

• Mount one 2-foot LED grow light under each shelf, centered above the channels on the tier below
• The top tier's light mounts under the top shelf's surface or on a separate bracket
• Connect all lights to the outlet timer
• Set timer to 12–16 hours on, 8–12 hours off

Step 6: Test the Complete System

Before planting, run the full system for 24 hours:

• Fill the reservoir with plain water
• Run the pump continuously and check for leaks at every connection
• Verify even flow through all eight channels
• Check that drain lines return water to the reservoir without overflow
• Measure the flow rate — you want a thin film, not a rushing stream
• Adjust the pump flow with a ball valve if it is too strong

Step 7: Prepare Growing Mats and Seed

• Cut growing mats (hemp, jute, or felt) to fit snugly inside each NFT channel
• Soak mats in pH-adjusted water before placing them in the channels
• Spread microgreen seeds densely and evenly across each mat — microgreens are planted much more thickly than mature plants
• Seeding density varies by crop (see the table below)
• Mist seeds with a spray bottle after spreading

Step 8: Germination Phase (Days 1–3)

• Cover seeded channels with another mat or a sheet of plastic to create a dark, humid environment (the blackout phase)
• Keep the pump running so mats stay moist
• Maintain temperature between 65–75 degrees F
• No light is needed during this phase — in fact, darkness encourages stronger stem elongation

Step 9: Growing Phase (Days 4–14)

• Remove covers once seeds have sprouted and show 1/2 inch of growth
• Turn on grow lights (12–16 hours per day)
• Mix nutrient solution at quarter to half strength and fill the reservoir
• Monitor flow — roots should not clog the channels at the microgreen stage
• Harvest when the first true leaves appear, or at your desired height (typically 2–4 inches)

Nutrient Guide

Microgreens have minimal nutrient needs — they grow primarily on the energy stored in the seed.

Note: Many microgreen growers use plain water only for the entire grow cycle. Adding light nutrients can boost yields and color, but it is not strictly necessary. Experiment and see what works best for your varieties.

Reservoir management: Change the nutrient solution completely between each crop cycle. Microgreens shed seed hulls and root debris that can clog the pump if left to accumulate.

Microgreen Variety Guide

Staggered planting: Plant two channels every 3–4 days so you have a continuous rotation of channels at different growth stages. When one set is harvested, clean the channel, re-seed, and restart.

Estimated Cost

Tips & Troubleshooting

General tips:

• Sanitize channels, mats, and tools between each crop cycle to prevent disease carryover
• Purchase seeds in bulk from a microgreen seed supplier — grocery store seeds are far more expensive per ounce
• Track your planting dates, varieties, and yields in a simple spreadsheet to optimize your production schedule
• Sell at farmers markets or approach local restaurants — fresh, locally grown microgreens command premium prices
• Start with sunflower, pea shoots, and radish — they are the easiest and most forgiving varieties for beginners

Maintenance Schedule

Daily

• Check pump operation and flow through all channels
• Mist newly seeded channels if mats are drying at the edges
• Inspect growing channels for mold — catch it early

Every 2–3 Days

• Check reservoir level — top off with pH-adjusted water
• Monitor pH and EC — adjust as needed
• Harvest mature channels — cut microgreens just above the mat with sharp scissors or a knife

After Each Harvest Cycle

• Remove spent growing mats and root material from the channel
• Rinse the channel thoroughly with clean water
• Wipe down the channel with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (3% peroxide, 1:10 with water)
• Replace with fresh growing mats and re-seed

Weekly

• Full reservoir change — dump old solution, rinse reservoir, refill with fresh water and nutrients
• Clean pump intake — remove any seed hull debris
• Wipe down rack shelves — remove any standing water or organic matter

Monthly

• Deep-clean the entire system: run a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution through all channels and tubing for 30 minutes, then flush with clean water
• Inspect tubing connections for wear or mineral buildup
• Check grow light output and clean dust from light fixtures
• Evaluate your crop rotation schedule and adjust based on demand and performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow microgreens without soil using an NFT system?

Yes, NFT is an excellent soil-free method for growing microgreens. Instead of soil or coco coir trays, you line each NFT channel with a growing mat made from hemp, jute, or hydroponic felt, then spread seeds densely across the mat. The thin film of nutrient solution flowing beneath the mat keeps it continuously moist, eliminating the need for hand watering and producing cleaner microgreens with no soil particles to wash off at harvest.

How many harvests per month can an 8-channel microgreens rack produce?

With eight channels and most microgreen varieties reaching harvest in 7 to 14 days, you can produce four to eight full harvests per month by staggering your planting schedule. Planting two channels every three to four days creates a continuous rotation where you are always seeding, growing, and harvesting simultaneously, which can yield several pounds of microgreens per week at full capacity.

Do microgreens need nutrients or just water in an NFT system?

Many microgreen varieties grow perfectly well on plain water alone because the seed contains enough stored energy to fuel growth through the short 7 to 14 day cycle. However, adding a quarter to half-strength nutrient solution starting around day four can boost yields, improve color intensity, and produce sturdier stems, especially for slower-growing varieties like cilantro and amaranth. Keep the EC very low at 0.3 to 0.8 mS/cm to avoid over-fertilization.

Is an NFT microgreens rack profitable for farmers market sales?

An 8-channel NFT microgreens rack can generate meaningful revenue at farmers markets because microgreens typically sell for 15 to 30 dollars per pound, and the cost of seeds and supplies per harvest cycle is relatively low. The key to profitability is consistent production volume and reliable weekly harvests, which the staggered planting schedule on a multi-channel rack makes achievable even for a small-scale grower operating from a spare room or garage.