They say that once you taste the magic of hydroponic growing, you won’t want to grow any other way. If you haven’t heard of this method, now is the time to get familiar with it.
What is hydroponics?
The word hydroponics is composed of two Greek words hydro and ponos , which translate to water and work.
This is a form of cultivation without the use of soil, with the help of a nutrient solution. The nutrient solution is a direct supplier of all the necessary nutrients for plant roots. By constantly circulating water in the system, the plant has the opportunity to draw minerals and nutrients continuously.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydroponics
Hydroponic cultivation , like any other method, brings with it certain positives, but also minor pitfalls.
Advantages
- Easy control of the dressing.
- Reducing the likelihood of root rot.
- Fast rooting.
- Faster and more robust plant growth.
- Healthy and hardy plants.
- Less frequent transplanting.
- Less time consuming for care.
- It can last several weeks without watering.
- A bountiful harvest.
- Beautiful flowers.
- A minimum of allergens, dust and mold.
Disadvantages
- Higher purchase price of equipment.
- Even though hydroponics is suitable for growing many types of plants, there are also those that cannot be grown hydroponically.
Necessary equipment
Of course, the choice of equipment for hydroponic cultivation depends on whether you want to grow just a few plants at home in your living room, or if you want to pursue it on a more professional level. The absolute basis is a growing medium, a high-quality nutrient solution and enough light.
On the market you will find complete hydroponic systems, tools for watering and cloning plants, growing media, fertilizers and other useful accessories. Growshops offer a large selection of these needs .
Growing medium
The main medium in hydroponics is water, but there are other options.
Coconut fiber
Growing in coconut fiber is a suitable option for beginners and is used most often due to its availability and excellent properties. The airy structure of coconut fibers helps the roots to grow faster. Coconut substrates cannot regulate pH values, therefore each dressing must be from a complex nutrient solution.
Ceramsite
Keramzite or hydroton is suitable as a growing medium for already grown seedlings. It is sintered clay, it is non-decomposable and sterile, holds moisture very well and has a neutral pH. After each harvest, expanded clay can be cleaned, sterilized and used again in a year.
Perlite
Perlite can be used as a separate medium or in combination with another. It swells, aerates and moisturizes the environment very well. Perlite retains water, so more frequent watering is required when using it.
Nutrient solution
A nutritious hydroponic solution can be achieved by mixing a suitable fertilizer with water in the right ratio. Choose the fertilizer according to the type of plant being grown, always filter or let the water stand before use.
The dressing must be replenished regularly, usually once every 14 days.
Lighting
If you want an abundant harvest, it is necessary to provide the plants with a sufficient supply of light. In our conditions, you cannot rely only on sunlight. The most suitable solution is the purchase of LED lights, which are economical, do not heat up the space and are easy to maintain.
What can be grown hydroponically?
You can grow almost anything using hydroponics, but houseplants and vegetables will appreciate it the most.
Room plants
For beginners, a ficus, palm tree or scapula will be suitable for hydroponic cultivation. Thanks to the supply of enough nutrients, the leaves of the plants are fresh, firm and beautifully colored.
Vegetables
Hydroponics is suitable for growing tomatoes, salads, cucumbers, radishes, leeks, pumpkins and other vegetables. Give your body a good dose of health in optimal form.
Fruit
In order to grow fruit, it is necessary to have some cultivation experience. You will be rewarded with excellent fruits of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries or raspberries.
Herbs
A regular supply of fresh fragrant herbs is no problem with the help of a hydroponic system. You can grow any herb you can think of, among the most popular are basil, arugula, mint, marjoram, thyme or rhubarb.
Home hydroponic garden
You don’t need any special space to grow fresh vegetables and herbs at home. A shelf that fits comfortably even in the hall or kitchen is more than enough for the harvest in the amount of your personal needs .
