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Hydroponics is the art of growing plants without soil. Food for the plants are dissolved in water and fed directly to the roots. Hydroponic gardening is clean, very easy and fun to do. This lens is an introduction to hydroponics. For a step-by-step manual for hydroponic gardening, visit http://www.hydroponic-growing.com
A Definition Of Hydroponics
Definition of hydroponics: crop growth in a mineral nutrient solution, without a solid medium for the roots.
The word hydroponics comes from the Greek language: "hydro" means water and "ponics" means labor.The concept of gardening without soil might seem very science fiction and new, but has been around for a long time.
The word hydroponics comes from the Greek language: "hydro" means water and "ponics" means labor.The concept of gardening without soil might seem very science fiction and new, but has been around for a long time.
The History of Hydroponics
The first publication on growing without soil was Sylva Sylvarum, a book published in 1627 and written by Sir Francis Bacon. A lot of publications by different authors followed.
The word Hydroponics was introduced in 1937 by a professor called William Frederick Gericke of the University of California. In 1940 he published a book called Complete Guide to Soilless Gardening.
One of the first hydroponic successes occured on Wake Island, a stop-over for Pan American Airlines. In the 1930s they used hydroponics to grow vegetables to feed the passengers.
The word Hydroponics was introduced in 1937 by a professor called William Frederick Gericke of the University of California. In 1940 he published a book called Complete Guide to Soilless Gardening.
One of the first hydroponic successes occured on Wake Island, a stop-over for Pan American Airlines. In the 1930s they used hydroponics to grow vegetables to feed the passengers.
The Benefits Of Growing Without Soil
- The growth rate of hydroponic plants is 25 to 45% faster than plants that grow in soil and under the same conditions.
- The yield of hydroponic plants is greater compared to normal plants
- Hydroponic plants have less problems with bugs and plant diseases.
- Hydroponic gardening uses a lot less water compared to soil gardening.
- If you remove a soil-grown crop from the ground, it gets killed, hydroponically grown crops can be packaged alive.
- You can't over or under-water.
- Weeds are eliminated, so pesticides are not necessary.
- No soil-born diseases.
- The crops are not contaminated with soil.
- The plants receive more nutrition and require less energy and space.
- It's easier to fertilize plants in a hydroponic system with the aid of an automatic timer.
Tips For Making Your Own Hydroponic System
Here are some basic guidelines, for a step-by-step hydroponic gardening site, visit http://www.hydroponic-growing.com.- It's best to begin with a container, like a fish tank, to use as a reservoir. The reservoir needs to be light proof, so you need to paint it black. Score a line on your reservoir once it is painted (scratch off paint in a straight line from top to bottom), so you can see how much water is in the reservoir. You can also use a floater for this purpose.
- The next step is installing a styrofoam in the reservoir. Cut holes in the styrofoam for the placing of net pots.
- Your hydroponic system also requires a pump that is able to provide enough oxygen to sustain the plants. Ask professional help to choose your pump.
- ou also have to provide artificial lighting for your plants to thrive. How many lights and watts you need depends on the size of the reservoir. Visit a specialized store for advice.
Types Of Plants Most Suitable For Beginners
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Letuce
- Tomatoes
The Most Common Mediums For Your Hydroponic System
Choosing the right growing medium for your hydroponic system is an important one. Here's a list of the most common growing mediums:
- Peat Moss: vegetables that have been compressed and partially decomposed.
- Sand: cheap and easy to find, but heavy and must be sterilized.
- Gravel: cheap and easy to clean, but heavy.
- Oasis: floral arrangement foam.
- Perlite: volcanic rock that has been superheated.
- Vermiculite: another superheated miniral, but holds more water compared to perlite.
- Rockwool: the most widely used hydroponic medium.
