Abstract: The apparatus is concerned with an economical and efficient means for getting plants (e.g., lettuces, strawberries, etc.) into and out of the hydroponic growing troughs. The many troughs are stacked together in a rack. The troughs need not be moved for access purposes, relative to the rack, for insertion and removal of plants. Instead, the plants are placed on a flexible strip of fabric e.g. cheesecloth. The cheesecloth is drawn into the trough, and the plants are placed thereupon one by one as the strip moves progressively into the trough. This arrangement reduces the need for access room, and permits a maximum utilization of space in the growing room. The fact that the troughs never move also simplifies the lighting, ventilation, water supply and drainage structures.