Higher Yields Through Hydroponics

Hydroponics comes from the greek term meaning "water working".

In the 1930's scientists working with plants discovered that soil was unneccesary for growing plants, it was only needed to support the plants roots. Since water and nutrients can be more easily controlled in a hydroponic system, producing higher plant yields, this development led to the popularization of Hydroponics in commercial food production, especially in European countries. Today Canada is second only to Holland in food produced by commercial hydroponics.

However, the techniques of hydroponic gardening are far from new. Evidence has shown that the Eygptians used a hydroponic method hundreds of years before Christ as well as the Chinese. The Aztec's floating gardens in Mexico and the hanging garden of babylon are two other historical examples.

Hydroponic and Aeroponic systems are often grouped together under hydroponic systems. They are similar in many ways. However, where hydroponic systems have plant roots sitting in water, which is oxygenated using an airstone, Aeroponic systems have the plants roots suspended in the air. Aeroponic systems use a series of tiny sprayers, which continualy mist the roots with a nutrient spray. This system provides the plant roots with maximum oxygen and reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation to a negligable amount. However Aeroponic systems tend to be more expensive.

You can create your own nutrient solution for you hydroponic system by creating a casting tea out of your worm castings.

Mix one part worm castings with three parts water and soak 12 to 24 hrs.

To learn more about starting your own worm farm check out my lens on Vermiculture
Worm Farming is a great way to create free nutrients for your garden in a small space while reducing your household waste and your families impact on the environment.