The mechanics are simple: A hydroponic ebb and flow system works by periodically pumping nutrient-rich solution to the plant sites once, or more often, several times a day. This flooding (the ‘flow’) meets the nutritional needs of your plants by saturating the grow medium with solution. After the mediums have been saturated, the pumps are stopped, and the ‘ebb’ process begins. The ebb is the draining of the solution back to the reservoir. This period in between the flood cycles creates a well aerated and moist environment where your roots, and thus your plants, will thrive.