A hydroponic growing system including a nutrient reservoir and a planting tray having a perimeter air channel for floating on a liquid in the reservoir. A continuous planting trough is included in the planting tray for growing multiple plants in an un-segmented arrangement which is defined by a series of laterally spaced support arms extending across and underneath an opening in a support plate for carrying plant growth materials. The planting tray floats in the reservoir so that a majority of the planting trough is disposed above the liquid in the reservoir to allow for lateral air root growth. A flexible flange is carrier around the perimeter of the planting tray engaging the reservoir to form a light barrier between the planting tray and the reservoir. An air line passes into the reservoir which is connected to an air pump for introducing air into the liquid in the reservoir.