Posted on August 8, 2007 in latest news
What is Hydroponic Gardening?
Hydroponic Gardening means growing plants in mediums other than soil.
When we grow plants in soil, vegetables tend to grow large root system in order to search their food and water. But if the plants are grown in other growing mediums and fed their food and water directly, they can manage with smaller root systems. This leads to the plants energy and resources diverting to the shoot thus helping it grow two times faster.
Hydroponic Growing Mediums
There are different types of mediums used in Hydroponic Gardening. Mediums like volcanic rock, limestone, perlite, vermiculite and different grades are used instead of soil.
Hydroton is an example of a Hydroponic growing medium. It is a light aggregate of expanded clay that allows plenty of oxygen to penetrate to the plant’s root system.
Another example of a Hydroponic growing medium is Rockwool. It is made up of volcanic rock and limestone compressed into growing cubes and blocks. It has the capacity to hold about 10-14 times as much water as soil and retains 20 percent air it can be used in just about any hydroponic system.
Hydroponic Nutrients
In order to provide the plants with all the nutrition they need a Hydroponic Nutrient Solution is given to the plants.
Like soil, hydroponic systems can be fertilized with organic and chemical nutrients.
2-3 teaspoons the Hydroponic Nutrient Solution are dissolved in a gallon of water.
Benefits of Hydroponic Systems
- Hydroponic plants grow 30-50% faster than soil plants.
- Yield for the Hydroponic plants is greater than that of soil plants.
- Plant does not have to grow an extensive root system to search for nutrients.
- Balanced nutrients are supplied directly to the plant’s root system.
- Hydroponic plant requires comparatively less energy to find and break down food.
- Most of the plants energy is used to grow faster and produce more fruit.
- Hydroponic Plants are less susceptible to bug infestations, fungus and disease.
- Hydroponic Plants are comparatively healthier than soil plants.
- Hydroponic Plants use less water than soil gardening because they constantly reuse the nutrient solutions.
- Hydroponic Plants do not pose the problem of Top Soil Erosion unlike soil plants.
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