Abstract: One problem which occurs in hydroponic growing systems is that pools of water form in the bottom of the growing bed container. These pools become depleted of oxygen very rapidly and if the plant roots extend into the pools the plants may die. This problem is solved by a false bottom (34, 54) in the growing bed container (10, 10'), so that any pooling which may occur occurs below the false bottom (34, 54). Pooling on the false bottom (34, 56) is prevented by the constructed of the false bottom (34, 56). The false bottom (34) either has a convex upper side, so that pooling cannot occur on the false bottom (34). Drainage openings (36) are provided at the two edges of the false bottom (34), so that any solution flowing towards the edges will flow through the openings (36) into the space below the false bottom (34). Or, the false bottom (56) is a sheet of formanous fabric material (56) which lies over a layer of gravel (54).