A hydroponic growing medium (39) comprising a three-dimensional self-supporting substrate (39) having a dry bulk density of about 1.8 lb/ft3 (28.83 kg/m3) to 10 lb/ft3 (160.185 kg/m3) and including at least about 2 to 10 weight % of a man-made fiber portion (24) and at least about 90 to 98 weight % of a natural fiber portion (22) having wood fiber, based on the total weight of the hydroponic growing medium (39).
