- Image by Antony Pranata via Flickr
Hydroponics is the process of growing plants in a mineral-rich solution, without using soil.
The techniques used date back many hundreds of years and can be seen in the Egyptian picturegraphs, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and in the ancient Aztec culture.
How to hydroponics is suitable for gardens, balconies and indoors. For both flowers, herbs and for fresh vegetables and produce.
One of the major advantages, especially for commercial how to hydroponic farmers is the increase in yield when compared to traditional soil-based growing methods.
With the absence of soil the risk if insect invasion and soil-borne diseases is minimised which in turn reduces the dependency on pesticides and insecticides for pest and disease control.
Other advantages for the amateur how to hydroponics grower include:
- faster growing plants
- relative freedom from soil-borne diseases
- small area required
- no need for weeding and hoeing
- no hard labor
The increase in yield is due to the controlled environment and the constant supply of nutrients which is adapted depending on the stage of growth of the plant.
Plant nutrients are dissolved in water and the seed, seedling and developing plant are fed the mixture using various methods of nutrient distribution, from drip feed, to spray to capillary action.
The success of the plant’s growth is dependent on the right combination of light, air, water and nutrient mix.
- Image by dcJohn via Flickr
There are many different methods of producing how to hydroponic plants but they all fall into one of the following categories.
Solution Culture
Where there is no solid medium for the roots, and the roots grow in the water-based nutrient mix
Static Solution method:
Plants are grown in containers containing the nutrient solution. Any container could be suitable for use as the nutrient reservoir; glass jars, water buckets, terracotta pots. If a glass container is used the sides need to be made opaque by covering with aluminium foil or black plastic. This will stop algae growing in the nutrient solution.
a) holes are cut into the lid of the reservoir, the reservoir filled with nutrient and seedlings are placed into the holes with their roots immersed in the nutrient solution
b) holes are cut into a polystyrene sheet which is floated on the nutrient solution. The seedlings are placed int he holes with their roots immersed in the nutrient solution
The nutrient solution is either changed on a regular schedule or when the concentration of the nutrient solution drops below a certain level.
Continuous Flow Solution Method:
Plants are grown in containers in which the nutrient mix is constantly flowing past the plant’s root system. The nutrient mix is stored in a large reservoir which can serve many containers of plants.
- Image by Ryan Somma via Flickr
A popular form of the continuous flow method is called nutrient film technique (NFT).
The plant containers are usually long channels set at a small angle to the ground. A very shallow stream of the nutrient is continually circulated past the plant’s root system. The bottom of the root system absorbs the nutrients while the top part of the root system is suspended in air and absorbs the required amount of oxygen.
Aeroponics Solution Method:
A method of dispersing the nutrient solution by saturating the root system with a mist, or fine drops, of the nutrient solution. While rather complicated to set up for the small gardener, commercial operations are viable, using much less water and used to grow both root vegetables and above ground type vegetables.
Medium Culture:
Where the roots grow in a soil-less medium enriched by the nutrient mix. The medium used will depend on the growing technique used.
Diahydro: Natural sedimentary rock high in silica content
Expanded clay pellets: inert, pH neutral. Light weight, does not compact, needs to be washed thoroughly between uses
Perlite: Volcanic rock, very light, can float if not contained.
Vermiculite: Similar to perlite but holds more water and has good capillary action
Sand: Cheap and readily available. Poor drainage and sterilisation needed between uses.
Gravel: Cheap, easy to clean, drains well. However it is heavy and roots will dry out quickly if water supply is interrupted.
Rock-wool:The most widely used medium for how to hydroponics. Inert, good capillary action and not bio-degradable.
Coconut fiber: Known as coco peat or coir, it is the fibrous material from the outside of coconuts. Usually sold in compressed bricks which expand when wet.
Polystyrene peanuts: inexpensive, readily available, however too light and will float unless contained. May also decompose over time.
Nutrient Solutions
There are many different combinations, or ‘recipes’, of chemicals recommended for different plants and for the different stages of plant growth.
Commonly used chemicals used in the nutrient cocktail include:
- potassium nitrate
- calcium nitrate
- potassium phosphate
- magnesium sulfate
Although more expensive than mixing your own, for the beginner how to hydroponics gardener it will be more convenient and safer to buy off-the-shelf nutrient mixes.
Small scale how to hydroponics can be a very rewarding and satisfying hobby as well as providing high quality, nutritious fruit and vegetables for the table and flowers for the home.
{ 0 comments }
