About this module
Level 2 fed customers. Level 3 runs the farm and the business behind it.
Who it is for. People who have finished Hanging Garden Technology Level 2, or who already run hydroponic systems and can show the same skills. In Ghana's framework, National Proficiency II leads to National Certificate I, which covers complex work with minimum supervision. This module sits at about that level.
CTVET status. No CTVET programme for hydroponics or vertical farming was found. This module is not a CTVET curriculum.
Bridge from Level 2: what you already know
- Site surveys, wet-weight sums and when to call an engineer
- A-frame, pipe and bottle racks with tank, filter and return
- Rice husk and cocopeat media; 1% bleach cleaning
- Kratky bottles and tanks, floating rafts, simple pipe systems
- EC and pH meters; mixing to EC 1.5 and pH 6.0; lettuce bolts in warm solution
- Rainwater sums, basic pest control, weekly planting, harvest records
- Pricing installations and maintenance; selling microgreens
Level 2 used ready-made fertiliser and small systems. Level 3 adds single salts, scale, climate control, formal food safety and project management. For general bookkeeping and business skills, see the Hub's Money Skills Level 2 and Entrepreneurial Thinking Level 2; this manual goes deeper for an urban farm.
How the module works
Each unit has learning outcomes, performance criteria, the range and the evidence your assessor needs. You are judged Competent or Not Yet Competent. About 70% of the time is practical, following CTVET's Oil Palm programme split of about 30% school and 70% workplace.
Unit 1 · Design and run recirculating systems at scale
At scale, the water keeps moving. If the pump stops, the farm stops, unless you planned for it.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 1.1 Lay out a system | chooses and lays out a recirculating system for 50–500 m² |
| 1.2 Size and back up | sizes reservoir, pump and filters, with a power-cut plan |
| 1.3 Commission and maintain | flushes, cleans and descales the system |
Range. One system of 50 m² or more. Evidence. Layout; sizing sheet; maintenance log.
Systems
- NFT: a film of solution only 1–2 mm deep runs down slightly sloped channels and back to the tank.
- Floating raft / deep water: an air pump keeps oxygen high; without power, stir by hand 4–8 times a day, more when hot.
- Dutch buckets: a pump drips solution into each pot and the excess drains back along a pipe.
- Filters protect pumps and drippers: screen, sand, disc or hydrocyclone.
Maintenance
- Disinfect tanks and pipes after each cycle and flush with mild acid to remove salt. To clear a clog, circulate an acid solution below pH 2 for at least an hour, drain and rinse. The trainer handles the acid.
- Shared ponds are rarely drained; filter first so UV disinfection works. Some ponds stay healthy for years because good microbes build up, as long as no disease gets in.
Power cuts
A vertical farm near Accra loses its lights when the grid goes down. Plan a fallback: Kratky tanks need no power, and rafts can be stirred by hand.
Weight and electricity. A 1,000-litre reservoir weighs about a tonne: no rooftop tank without a structural engineer. Pumps near water need earth-leakage protection and a qualified electrician.
Build and commission
- Draw a layout for a 50 m² recirculating system.
- Size the reservoir and pump for the system.
- Write a power-cut plan.
- Commission, run and log the system for four weeks.
Power plan
How long can your crop survive without the pump? Test a small raft and record.
Unit 2 · Mix nutrient solutions from single salts
Branded mixes are easy. Single salts are cheaper and let you feed each crop exactly.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 2.1 Read water | reads a water analysis and adjusts for it |
| 2.2 Calculate and mix | calculates grams from a ppm target; mixes A and B stocks |
| 2.3 Manage the tank | tracks EC and pH and decides when to dump and refill |
Range. One leafy crop and one fruiting crop. Evidence. Calculations; stock records; solution log.
Units and the main formula
1 g per litre = 1,000 ppm; 1 dS/m = 1 mS/cm = 1,000 µS/cm. 1 ppm = 1 mg per litre.
Grams of fertiliser = ppm target × litres ÷ 1,000 ÷ fraction of the nutrient in the fertiliser
(rearranged from Source: PSU Nutrient Equations). Fertiliser labels give phosphorus as P2O5 and potassium as K2O: multiply by 0.43 to get P and by 0.83 to get K.
A and B stocks
Keep calcium apart from sulphates and phosphates in concentrate. Stock A: phosphoric acid, potassium nitrate, magnesium sulphate and trace elements. Stock B: calcium nitrate and iron. Dilute each 1:100 into the tank.
Test your water first: pH, carbonates, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and iron. Well water may already supply much of the calcium. Free software such as Hydro-Buddy works out recipes from the salts you can buy.
Calculate
You want 150 ppm nitrogen in a 1,000-litre tank using calcium nitrate that is 15% nitrogen. How many grams?
Managing the tank
In recirculating systems, use up the old solution before refilling, so unused salts do not build up. Lower pH with phosphoric or nitric acid and raise it with potassium hydroxide.
Mix
- Test your water.
- Calculate and mix A and B stocks for lettuce.
- Dilute into the tank and record EC and pH twice a week.
Cost compare
Compare the cost of one tank mixed from single salts with a branded mix.
Unit 3 · Climate control and root health
Warm water holds less oxygen, and root rot loves warm, airless water.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 3.1 Control climate | chooses shade, ventilation and cooling; knows cooling limits |
| 3.2 Keep roots healthy | keeps the solution cool and full of oxygen |
| 3.3 Manage pests and disease | prevents Pythium, controls algae, uses biocontrols |
Range. One system through a hot month. Evidence. Temperature and oxygen log; disease log.
Climate
- Leafy greens prefer 14–20 °C and bolt above about 26 °C; the solution does best at 18–28 °C. Use 30–50% shade in the tropics and good airflow.
- Evaporative pad cooling can only bring air close to the wet-bulb temperature, so it cools little in humid air. In humid Takoradi, put shade, airflow and solution cooling first.
Root rot (Pythium)
- Keep the solution near 8 ppm dissolved oxygen and about 20–22 °C; warm, low-oxygen water increases disease. Oxygen in water falls as it warms, and one Pythium species is severe at about 23–27 °C.
- Infected roots are soft and honey-brown. Pythium arrives on soil, shoes, tools and dirty water; discard infected plants at once.
- Polystyrene rafts carry disease in old root holes: wash and disinfect them.
- Algae shelter flies that spread Pythium; keep tanks fully dark.
- Biocontrols include Trichoderma and Bacillus subtilis; start them at the seedling stage.
Hot month
- Log air, solution temperature and oxygen daily for a month.
- Inspect roots weekly and record any disease.
- Add shade or solution cooling and compare.
Raft cleaning
Write a raft-cleaning procedure for between crops.
Unit 4 · Production planning, food safety and client projects
Buyers want the same volume, clean, every week. Clients want projects on time and on budget.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 4.1 Plan weekly supply | writes a production schedule for a fixed weekly volume |
| 4.2 Run food safety | keeps records, lot codes and a recall plan |
| 4.3 Manage a project | manages brief, drawings, engineer sign-off, handover and maintenance |
Range. One supply contract; one client project. Evidence. Schedule; lot records; project file.
Planning
Transplant straight after harvest at 3–5 true leaves. Lettuce takes about 24–32 days; plant one Kratky tank a week for a weekly harvest.
Plants to sow each week = heads needed per week ÷ expected survival
Food safety
- A Ghana vertical farm uses QR codes to trace each product from seed to harvest and can recall products and tell customers.
- WHO publishes guidance on growing safer fruit and vegetables.
- Never use drain water.
- The FDA registers food products in about 30 working days, and small businesses with 1–5 production staff can use its Progressive Licensing Scheme. Ask the FDA whether your packaged salads or herbs need registration.
Client projects
- Written brief and quote
- Simple drawing with sizes and weights
- Structural engineer sign-off for roofs and walls
- Agreed timeline and payment stages
- Handover pack: drawing, operating guide, nutrient plan, warranty
- Maintenance contract
Plan and deliver
- Write a 12-week schedule to deliver 100 heads a week.
- Set up lot codes and a recall plan.
- Prepare a full project file for one client.
Buyer spec
Ask a supermarket or hotel what size, packing and delivery days they need.
Unit 5 · Establish your urban farm business
Register properly, pay the right tax, insure, and employ fairly. Hotels and supermarkets check.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 5.1 Choose a legal form | compares business types and registers one |
| 5.2 Meet tax and permit duties | lists tax, VAT, FDA and Assembly duties |
| 5.3 Employ fairly | applies SSNIT, PAYE and Labour Act basics |
Range. Own business plan. Evidence. Registration checklist with costs; payroll sheet.
Choose a legal form
| Type | ORC fee (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business name (sole proprietor) | GH¢130; GH¢70 renewal | You carry all debts |
| Partnership | GH¢270; GH¢100 renewal | 2–20 partners; written agreement |
| Company limited by shares | GH¢585 + capital duty | 2 directors and a secretary; yearly returns |
| Company limited by guarantee | GH¢490 | For social enterprises |
Companies file annual returns (GH¢175) with financial statements.
Tax and permits
- Your Ghana Card number is your tax number.
- Small sole traders may use the Modified Taxation Scheme: 3% of turnover between GH¢20,001 and GH¢750,000. Companies pay 25%.
- From 2026 VAT is 20% in total, and businesses selling goods register once turnover passes GH¢750,000.
- Assembly business operating permit; FDA licensing for packaged products (Unit 4); insurance only from licensed insurers.
Employing staff
- Pay at least GH¢21.77 a day.
- SSNIT: worker 5.5% plus employer 13%, paid by the 14th; register workers on hiring.
- PAYE: the first GH¢588 a month is tax-free; pay by the 15th.
- Written contract for work of six months or more; 15 working days' paid leave.
Accessibility
Ghana's Disability Act bans job discrimination. Soil-free systems need less physical effort. Set tables and channels at waist or wheelchair height, use large-print colour-coded A and B labels, and pair workers for acid handling.
Register
- Choose a legal form and explain why.
- Make a registration checklist with every fee.
- Work out one month's payroll for two workers.
FDA
Call the FDA regional office and ask what a packaged-salad business needs.
Unit 6 · Bookkeeping and accounting for an urban farm
Two businesses live in one farm: produce sales and installation contracts. Keep their numbers apart.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 6.1 Keep daily books | keeps cash, MoMo/bank, sales, purchases and stock records |
| 6.2 Produce statements | prepares a monthly profit and loss and balance sheet |
| 6.3 Control cash | reconciles MoMo and bank, and forecasts cash |
Range. One month of real or example transactions. Evidence. Books; statements; reconciliation; forecast.
The records
| Record | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Sales book | Produce and installation sales, paid or owed |
| Purchases book | Seed, salts, media, packaging, parts |
| Cash book and MoMo book | Every cedi in and out |
| Stock sheet | Salts, seed and packaging in store |
| Job cards | Materials and hours for each installation |
Keep receipts and records for at least 6 years. Separate CAPEX (equipment) from OPEX (salts, power, labour) and spread equipment cost over its life.
The rules behind the books
Assets = liabilities + owner's equity; a trial balance checks debits equal credits but does not catch every error. Depreciation = (cost − end value) ÷ years of use.
Worked example (all figures are examples)
Esi's urban farm, May
- Esi puts in GH¢15,000.
- Buys pumps, channels and tanks for GH¢9,600 (4 years, no end value).
- Buys seed, salts and packaging for GH¢1,800; GH¢300 is left in stock at month-end.
- Sells lettuce and herbs for GH¢4,200 cash.
- Completes an installation for GH¢5,000; the client has paid GH¢2,500.
- Installation materials cost GH¢2,000.
- Pays rent GH¢500, power GH¢400, one worker GH¢1,200.
- Esi takes GH¢800 (drawings).
Work out: (1) cash at the end of May; (2) net profit; (3) the balance sheet; (4) which line, produce or installations, made more gross profit?
Reconciliation and forecast
Each month, match your MoMo and bank books to the statements; the adjusted balances must agree. Forecast three months of cash: installations often pay in stages, so record when money arrives.
Software and the calendar
Use a spreadsheet, or a free plan such as Zoho Books or Wave.
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 14th | SSNIT |
| 15th | PAYE and withholding tax |
| Last working day | VAT (if registered) |
| Within 4 months of year-end | Annual income tax return |
| By 31 March | Assembly permit |
Month-end close
- Keep all books for one month, with separate lines for produce and installations.
- Reconcile MoMo and bank.
- Prepare a profit and loss and a balance sheet.
- Forecast cash for three months.
Cost per head
Work out the cost of growing one lettuce head.
Unit 7 · Grow and sustain the business
Grow on weekly contracts, satisfied clients and a reputation for clean, safe produce.
Competency standard
| Learning outcome | Performance criteria — the trainee… |
|---|---|
| 7.1 Find finance | identifies finance and support |
| 7.2 Lead and keep quality | leads staff and keeps food safety and quality |
| 7.3 Plan and pitch | presents a one-page plan with a 12-month cash forecast |
Range. Own business plan. Evidence. Business plan; cash forecast; pitch.
Finance and support
- The Ghana Enterprises Agency has Business Advisory Centres in Takoradi, Shama, Effia-Kwesimintsim, Mpohor and Ahanta West.
- The 2026 Budget set aside GH¢401 million for the Women's Development Bank and funds for enterprise support.
- GIRSAL guarantees help agribusinesses get bank loans.
- The Bank of Ghana policy rate was 14%: expect bank loans above this.
Location settings that give good returns
- Close to hotels, restaurants and supermarkets in Takoradi and on the coast
- Reliable water and power, or room for solar
- A shaded, ventilated site
- Near your installation clients
Business ideas and ingenuity
- Weekly supply contracts with hotels and supermarkets
- Installation plus maintenance contracts
- Nutrient mixing and water testing for small growers
- Clean seedling supply
- System health-check visits
- Training courses (one Keta operator has trained over 2,000 people)
Market yourself
- Traceability codes on packs.
- A clean-water, safe-produce promise.
- Photos and client references for installations.
Capstone
Present to a panel: a one-page business plan and a 12-month cash forecast.
Pitch
- Write a one-page plan.
- Build a 12-month cash forecast.
- Pitch to a panel for ten minutes.
Advisory centre
Book a meeting at a GEA Business Advisory Centre.
Glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A and B stocks | Two concentrated nutrient solutions kept apart |
| CAPEX | Money spent on equipment |
| Dissolved oxygen | Oxygen in the nutrient solution |
| OPEX | Running costs |
| ppm | Parts per million; milligrams per litre |
| Pythium | A water mould that causes root rot |
| Recall plan | How to get unsafe produce back from buyers |
Logbook
- Unit 1: layout; sizing; maintenance log
- Unit 2: water test; calculations; solution log
- Unit 3: temperature and oxygen log; disease log
- Unit 4: schedule; lot records; project file
- Unit 5: registration checklist; payroll
- Unit 6: books; statements; reconciliation; forecast
- Unit 7: business plan; pitch
- Every homework, dated
Self-check quiz
- How deep is the solution in an NFT channel?
- What is your plan if the power fails?
- Write the grams-from-ppm formula.
- Why keep stock A and stock B apart?
- What should you test in water before mixing?
- Why does evaporative cooling work poorly in Takoradi?
- What oxygen level and temperature help prevent Pythium?
- What do Pythium-infected roots look like?
- Why use lot codes?
- Name two legal forms and their ORC fees.
- Write the accounting equation.
- Why separate produce and installation figures in the books?
Further reading and sources
Best next reads: your Level 2 manual; the Bologna simplified hydroponics booklet; the Hub's Money Skills Level 2 and Entrepreneurial Thinking Level 2.
What this module does not cover: greenhouse construction, aquaponics (see Fish Farming Level 2) and structural engineering.
Every source used in this manual is listed, with links, in the Teacher Copy.