There is more to hydroponic gardening that rooting small cuttings in water. This ancient method of raising healthy plants without traditional soil and sunshine is becoming increasingly popular today, especially for urban dwellers. It allows people to grow vegetables and herbs on a scale perfect for limited spaces, and having the right hydroponic supplies on hand makes getting started less complicated.
Even though it takes its name from water, the label is often used in general reference to forms of plant cultivation that do not require natural soils to anchor plants and deliver daily nutrients. It relies instead on a number of substitutes, which may include vermiculite, shredded wood bits, or clean, porous sand or gravel. Because these materials provide no nutrition, is is delivered in liquid form.
The advantages of this method include greater efficiency in a reduced space, but also include better control of invading insect pests without constantly resorting to pesticide applications. Many grow boxes fit easily into a confined closet, but others are part of large commercial growing operations, and may take several acres to house. No matter what the scale, hydroponics has become mainstream.
The chosen location should be able to maintain a temperature that approximates normal growing conditions. Plants thrive best when ambient conditions are less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not sink lower than sixty. Some cold weather leafy crops survive lower readings, but most plants must have consistent warmth. Individual containers also need easy access to a source of water.
Six individual types of systems currently predominate. Wick setups draw up water from a reservoir, using a variety of soil media. Basic water culture is also popular, and relies primarily on a platform that floats, allowing constant root exposure and encouraging direct nutrient absorption. Ebb and flow systems flood the roots at regular interval with the help of a pump. Drip systems are efficient, but require using a timer.
The nutrient film system allows roots to enjoy constant exposure to water and food without benefit of any soil media at all. Plants are suspended in small plastic containers with their roots exposed, and potentially dry out more quickly. Aeroponics refers to the form considered most technically complex, and relies on misting exposed roots frequently.
These individual groups are not immutable, and many variations can be assembled. Tanks may be large or small, and made of wood, glass, metal, or even re-purposed aquariums. Soil substitutes are sold commercially, and are widely available. For good results, grow lights that contain light with a natural spectrum are best, and a pump and timer may also be needed to complete the setup.
With so many available choices, many residents of Seattle, WA speak directly to the individuals who sell the equipment on a daily basis. Legalization of personal cannabis cultivation has generated wide interest in this type of agriculture, and there are many useful options to help budding gardeners successfully raise fresh produce. For many people, an indoor garden is both healthy and enjoyable.
Even though it takes its name from water, the label is often used in general reference to forms of plant cultivation that do not require natural soils to anchor plants and deliver daily nutrients. It relies instead on a number of substitutes, which may include vermiculite, shredded wood bits, or clean, porous sand or gravel. Because these materials provide no nutrition, is is delivered in liquid form.
The advantages of this method include greater efficiency in a reduced space, but also include better control of invading insect pests without constantly resorting to pesticide applications. Many grow boxes fit easily into a confined closet, but others are part of large commercial growing operations, and may take several acres to house. No matter what the scale, hydroponics has become mainstream.
The chosen location should be able to maintain a temperature that approximates normal growing conditions. Plants thrive best when ambient conditions are less than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and do not sink lower than sixty. Some cold weather leafy crops survive lower readings, but most plants must have consistent warmth. Individual containers also need easy access to a source of water.
Six individual types of systems currently predominate. Wick setups draw up water from a reservoir, using a variety of soil media. Basic water culture is also popular, and relies primarily on a platform that floats, allowing constant root exposure and encouraging direct nutrient absorption. Ebb and flow systems flood the roots at regular interval with the help of a pump. Drip systems are efficient, but require using a timer.
The nutrient film system allows roots to enjoy constant exposure to water and food without benefit of any soil media at all. Plants are suspended in small plastic containers with their roots exposed, and potentially dry out more quickly. Aeroponics refers to the form considered most technically complex, and relies on misting exposed roots frequently.
These individual groups are not immutable, and many variations can be assembled. Tanks may be large or small, and made of wood, glass, metal, or even re-purposed aquariums. Soil substitutes are sold commercially, and are widely available. For good results, grow lights that contain light with a natural spectrum are best, and a pump and timer may also be needed to complete the setup.
With so many available choices, many residents of Seattle, WA speak directly to the individuals who sell the equipment on a daily basis. Legalization of personal cannabis cultivation has generated wide interest in this type of agriculture, and there are many useful options to help budding gardeners successfully raise fresh produce. For many people, an indoor garden is both healthy and enjoyable.
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