Hydroponics
If you are determined to have a more sustainable mindset and grow and harvest your own food, we recommend delving into the wonderful world of hydroponics. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich solution rather than soil. A hydroponic plant needs three things: moisture, nutrients and oxygen. In hydroponics, the roots are supported with an inert medium: perlite, rockwool, clay pellets, peat moss, coconut fiber or vermiculite. The medium allows the plant root direct contact with nutrients and oxygen, essential for growth.
Hydroponics Advantages
Besides being hip and healthy, and a definite conversation starter, what are the advantages of hydroponics? Some are obvious. This method of growing crops is better for the environment, it reduces waste and pollution from soil runoff.
A hydroponic garden enjoys faster plant growth, and production will also increase, more than the same plant would experience in soil. Why? Because plants don’t need to work as hard to absorb needed nutrients.
Hydroponics does not require a farmer or a tractor or living off-grid. The concept does not lie in the past nor has it been extracted from a sci-fi novel. It’s very doable. No green thumb required; hydroponics has gone mainstream.
The most laborious part of the hydroponics process is the management of PH and nutrient levels. It’s a daily job. But it does allow for more control of elements that affect your plants—so try to look at the glass half-full.
Where to start
Figure out your space. It seems natural to plant outdoors, but not everyone has access to a little patch of heaven. With hydroponics, it makes no difference! The science of hydroponics has shattered limitations on growing food to feed our families. We can do it wherever or whenever, and even, however.
Decide which plants will call your garden home. Don’t limit yourself. Challenge yourself. The system will need to handle plants at full size, so keep that in mind. Plant requirements, plant’s size, root size, oxygen and water, should also be considered.
Choosing the design of a hydroponics system, what to build or how to build it, is part of the creative challenge. There are six basic designs of hydroponic systems: Wick Systems, Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Ebb and Flow (Flood and Drain), Aeroponics and Drip Systems. System architecture dictates budget, time, and even risk. Hydroponics systems allow for creative expression and experimentation. Hybrid systems are appreciated. Even failure is viewed as one more step towards success and a more sustainable way of life.
One of the most critical elements to get right is the pump. This is the engine that will dictate the fate of your hydroponics garden. Most hydroponics use a submersible pump to pump the water from the reservoir to the growing chamber for the plants. Consider the type of system and the variety of plants. It is important to pick a reliable pump, if your pump fails, your plants can die off in hours. Our Fountain and Pond pumps are energy efficient and reliable! With a range of sizes, you are sure to find the right one for your new hydroponics system.
If you've been contemplating a journey into sustainable gardening and yearn to take control of your food production, hydroponics might just be the solution you've been seeking. The beauty of hydroponics lies in its practical advantages and accessibility. Regardless of space constraints or prior gardening experience, hydroponics opens a world of possibilities for growing fresh produce right in your own home. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, dive into the world of hydroponics and discover the joy of growing your own food sustainably and effortlessly. With determination and a little help from innovative technology, a bountiful harvest awaits!