An Introduction to Hydroponic Gardening

The term hydroponics refers to the growing of plants in a medium other than soil. To accomplish this, a highly controlled and artificial setting is required to ensure plants receive the right amount of nutrients, water, light and support they need. Even though growing plants in a soil-less environment has many challenges, there are many advantages to both the gardener and the plant.

When plants are grown in soil, particularly outdoors where they can receive plenty of natural sunlight and rain, many important factors such as light, nutrient control and pH levels are self-regulating. However, when a gardener is using hydroponics, greater care is required to manage these factors.

It may seem that there is a lot involved in maintaining a hydroponic system, but the benefits can make the effort well worth it. Hydroponics can yield much larger plants, fruits and vegetables. Also, some activities such as weeding are much less of an issue because it is more difficult for weeds to start in a controlled, soil-less setup.

Getting Started with a Complete Hydroponic Kit

One way to quickly see the benefits of hydroponic gardening is to purchase a complete hydroponic kit. There are many kits available that come with all the essential equipment such as pumps, lights, nutrients and seedling trays. Complete kits are a perfect way for a novice to get started because there is no need to design a system from scratch using separate components. All of the ingredients and knowledge necessary to begin are incorporated into the kit.

Even though a kit can make getting started easier, there is still some work involved. In order to ensure the right nutrients are fed to the plants, an automatic feeding system will need to be assembled, filled and checked. A watering system, like under-the-tray tubing or drip irrigation will need to be set up. Of course all of the equipment will need to be kept clean and monitored for fungi growth.

Even Hydroponic Gardens Have Pests

Just as in regular soil based gardens, disease and pest control is an important aspect of caring for a hydroponic garden. Insects such as caterpillars, aphids, white flies and other common garden pests can still be a problem. Additionally, the often constant moisture can provide an environment in which mildew and bacteria can thrive.

Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to deal with these problems. Compounds like fungicides, insecticidal soaps and botanicals come in a wide variety ranging from traditional 18th century methods to the latest chemical products.

A Variety of Approaches and Hydroponic Systems

Some hydroponic gardeners prefer an all-water system in which the plants are placed in trays with their roots submerged in nutrient rich solution. To hold the plants upright, strings are tied to the plants and supports. Another approach is to place the plants in a sturdy media like perlite or rockwool which supports the plants while still allowing plenty of water flow around the roots.

In the end, there are really six basic types of hydroponic system. A wick system draws nutrients to the plants from a reservoir through a wick. An ebb and flow system pumps nutrients into a seedling tray and then drains it in timed intervals. A water culture system floats plants on top of a nutrient solution into which air is pumped to supply roots with oxygen. A drip system pumps nutrients through drip lines that feed the base of each plant. A nutrient film system which supplies a constant flow of nutrient solution across the roots, but substantial portion of the roots is exposed to air. Lastly, an aeroponic system supplies a misting of solution to the roots which are suspended in air.

Every hydroponic method has its advantages. To start using any method it is helpful to some knowledge of the type of plants you wish to grow. Plants have unique needs and knowing what environment they can best flourish in will get the hydroponic gardener started in the right direction.

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