Having a traditional garden in an open, sunlit outdoor space is impossible for most city dwellers. People living in high rises or apartment buildings who want to grow herbs and vegetables indoors increasingly turn to hydroponics, a method of gardening successful in nearly any type of non-traditional setting. Residents of Seattle, WA rely on a hydroponics store not only for the latest supplies, but also for advice and information.
Although the name given to this style of gardening refers to water, the term has gradually become associated with all types of indoor plant cultivation that do not use natural soils for growth. In most cases the process requires a variety of soil substitutes that include prepared gravel, sand, bits of wood, or vermiculite. Because there are no natural plant foods in those media, growth is achieved by applying specially blended nutrients via water.
Commercial hydroponic operations normally take place inside greenhouses, but the principles involved can be used with equal success in small closets or restricted kitchen spaces. Growers in many countries are not only providing fresh produce, but are increasingly providing cut flowers for the floral industry. In states where personal cannabis cultivation is now legal, the method is ideal for producing healthy plants.
Pests are always the enemy of gardeners, and in some locations are difficult to control without using chemicals. Hydroponic growth methods can nearly eliminate the losses caused by soil-borne insects, in addition to preventing plant diseases and fungus infections from spreading as rapidly. There are no hungry rodents or rabbits intent on devouring fresh sprouts, and climate control is far simpler.
For beginners, getting started is not complicated or difficult. Basic setups are available online or at traditional shops, and do not require a large financial investment. The main requirement is a space large enough to safely house a structure capable of supporting both plants and their liquid nutrients. While these systems can be complex, they can also be as simple as a grow light and carefully stacked trays.
Growth methods include drip systems that provide steady levels of nutrients and water, operations featuring ebb-and-flow nutrient film techniques, as well as wick and aeroponic methods. While starter kits are available, many people design their own systems in order to fit a particular space. The nutrients needed differ from traditional soil fertilizers, and most beginners choose a proven formula.
The medium used to anchor plants varies, and there is really no single material superior to the others. Successful growth is also dependent upon individual location and circumstance, and requires both a water and nutrient circulation that does not stagnate. Some growers use pumps to aerate the growth solution, and all systems require an artificial light source.
Stores that feature hydroponic systems provide consumers with more than quality merchandise. Most offer tips on growing organic produce that is nutritionally equal to the field-grown varieties, and can recommend plants are most ideally suited for a particular indoor gardening situation. Hobbyists are limited only by space and the amount of time available for gardening.
Although the name given to this style of gardening refers to water, the term has gradually become associated with all types of indoor plant cultivation that do not use natural soils for growth. In most cases the process requires a variety of soil substitutes that include prepared gravel, sand, bits of wood, or vermiculite. Because there are no natural plant foods in those media, growth is achieved by applying specially blended nutrients via water.
Commercial hydroponic operations normally take place inside greenhouses, but the principles involved can be used with equal success in small closets or restricted kitchen spaces. Growers in many countries are not only providing fresh produce, but are increasingly providing cut flowers for the floral industry. In states where personal cannabis cultivation is now legal, the method is ideal for producing healthy plants.
Pests are always the enemy of gardeners, and in some locations are difficult to control without using chemicals. Hydroponic growth methods can nearly eliminate the losses caused by soil-borne insects, in addition to preventing plant diseases and fungus infections from spreading as rapidly. There are no hungry rodents or rabbits intent on devouring fresh sprouts, and climate control is far simpler.
For beginners, getting started is not complicated or difficult. Basic setups are available online or at traditional shops, and do not require a large financial investment. The main requirement is a space large enough to safely house a structure capable of supporting both plants and their liquid nutrients. While these systems can be complex, they can also be as simple as a grow light and carefully stacked trays.
Growth methods include drip systems that provide steady levels of nutrients and water, operations featuring ebb-and-flow nutrient film techniques, as well as wick and aeroponic methods. While starter kits are available, many people design their own systems in order to fit a particular space. The nutrients needed differ from traditional soil fertilizers, and most beginners choose a proven formula.
The medium used to anchor plants varies, and there is really no single material superior to the others. Successful growth is also dependent upon individual location and circumstance, and requires both a water and nutrient circulation that does not stagnate. Some growers use pumps to aerate the growth solution, and all systems require an artificial light source.
Stores that feature hydroponic systems provide consumers with more than quality merchandise. Most offer tips on growing organic produce that is nutritionally equal to the field-grown varieties, and can recommend plants are most ideally suited for a particular indoor gardening situation. Hobbyists are limited only by space and the amount of time available for gardening.
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If you would like to know more about soil-less gardening, check out the link to Seattle's Hydro Spot hydroponics store. We currently carry over 2000 products for hydroponic and soil based gardens and you can find us at http://www.seattleshydrospot.com today.
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