Gardening Content

Normally people think of hydroponics as a means to grow marijuana. However it’s actually a technique which dates as far back as the gardens of Babylonia and can be used for growing a variety of plants.

Essentially hydroponics is simply a way to grow plants without soil. If you wanted to grow tomatoes for instance, instead of using a potting soil, you’d use another type of substrate like sand. You then feed the plants with liquid nutrients. Many people feel that hydroponics produce healthier plants and it reduces problems with diseases and pests.

Benefits of Hydroponic Growing

Weather - There are many benefits of grown plants in a soil-less environment, for both private as well as commercial growers. You don’t have to concern yourself with growing seasons because the plants are not affected by outside weather.

Pests and Diseases – Soil can contain unwanted foreign bodies, however the substrates in hydroponics don’t. This makes the whole growing process cleaner and more indoor-friendly.

The result is a crop which is bigger, healthier and produces a higher yield. Plus there’s no need for weeding.

Eco Friendly – Because less water is used, there are diseases, pests and weeds are less of a problem. This is turn means there is less need for those awful chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.

How to Start Growing Hydroponics

Read up as much as you can before you begin. Although on the surface hydroponics may seem easy, there is still a lot to learn. There are different growing mediums and nutrient systems plus the actual hydroponic systems can be very different.

The easies way to start in your own home is look at buying a kit. Starter kits are designed for those who are novices and are looking for something quick and easy to get started.

One of the most popular systems is the Ebb and Flow type because it is easy to use and maintain. Described by its name, the Ebb and Flow system does just that. The plants grow in their medium whilst the other container contains water and a nutrient solution. Every so often the liquids flood the plant roots and substrate causing the roots to absorb the water mixture. As the water recedes back to its container, the roots are exposed to air. It’s a simple system enjoyed by both beginners and advance growers.

There are many types of devices that can be used in hydroponics. At the most basic level you can just grow plants in water with substrate. However in commercial greenhouses they have computers that are programmed to deal with everything from temperature to watering. You will find that most people who do hydroponics as a hobby tend to fall in the middle.

Choosing the right substrate is very important because they each have advantages and disadvantages. Gravel, rockwool, perlite and sand are just a few available. Each type absorb water differently so you’re choice depends on what you’re growing.

What to Grow With Hydroponics

You can grow just about anything including tomatoes, houseplants and herbs. Because you can grow plants all year round you can have fresh tomatoes and basil in the middle of winter.

Make sure you understand about the crop you want to grow. You need to know what its nutrients, light and temperature requirements are. There are some terrestrial plants that will do better than others. You will also learn a lot just by giving it a go to see what works.