The Hydroponics Systems and Gardener for The Home

Hydroponic gardening has evolved with technology, and many methods are available that modify the original idea for optimal growth in certain plants or specific areas.

Hydroponics is a gardening method in which plants are grown without soil.

There is a wide range of nutrients available specifically for hydroponic gardening. All that is required is water, light, nutrients, and inert material to support the roots of the plants physically. The provision of water and electricity is self-explanatory; it is necessary for all plants and animals.

All nutrients contain three factors in all fertilizers: potassium, nitrogen, and phosphate, as well as various trace elements that plants need for growth and development. Physical support can be in the form of rocks, sand, clay beads, vermiculite, perlite, etc. These materials have some water holding capacity; however, they are chemically inert, so they do not change the composition of the water. They sit and stand their ground.

Hydroponic systems

Many hydroponic systems are available but can be divided into several categories.

Deep sea culture

The deep water culture method benefits plants with small root systems, such as herbs and lettuce. In this system, plants float on top of a nutrient reservoir while their roots are submerged in a nutrient solution. An air stone aerates the nutrient solution itself.

Flooding and drainage

The second most common hydroponic system is the flood and drain method, also known as ebb and flow. Plants are placed in a dry tank filled with hydroponic growing medium and flooded with hydroponic nutrients at regular intervals and for short periods, often 15-30 minutes. The nutrients are then allowed to drain away from the plants, drawing air and oxygen to the plant roots. The dried nutrients are collected and recycled in the next flood cycle. The flood and drain system is particularly suitable for large plants and plants with larger root systems, such as tomatoes.

Nutrient film technique

The system is usually built from PVC pipes. The plants are placed in small mesh baskets containing an inert substrate at regular intervals in the tube, their roots hanging down into the tube. The pipe is slightly inclined, and the hydroponic nutrients are pumped to the top end of the pipe. As the nutrients pass through the pipe, they come into contact with the roots, supplying them with water, oxygen, and nutrients.

Aeroponics

The last common hydroponic system is the aeration system. With this method, plant roots can hang down in an open container, and hydroponic nutrients are sprayed continuously or regularly onto the plant roots. The technique provides the roots with the highest possible oxygen level and stimulates rapid plant growth. Since the container can be any size, almost any plant can be grown with an aeration system.