Hydroponic Supplies

1. Hydroponic pots and containers are available in all kinds, but heavy duty net pots are good for many kinds of growing. These allow roots to grow through the pot into your nutrient solution. Of course, you can buy a more expensive kit with everything included, but for designing your own hydroponic garden, individual pots are nice to have.

2. As you are no doubt familiar with, hydroponic trays can get a little pricey. However, if you look around, you can find good sized trays (about 3 feet square) with adequate pumps and durable designs for under 100 dollars. For aeroponic systems, though, expect to pay quite a bit more, as these trays require more complicated engineering.

3. For hydroponic growth, the ideal pH level of your nutrient solution is 5.6. Small fluctuations around this are fine, but anything too far will turn nutrients into salts incapable of being absorbed by the plant. If too alkaline, the plants will have difficulty absorbing iron. Should your solution be too acidic, calcium absorption becomes a problem.

4. Fortunately, hydroponic pH testers are pretty easy to come by and even easier to use. Should you find your nutrient solution too acidic, add some potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide (using gloves for safety). High pH has an even easier solution, a little distilled white vinegar or aspirin will do the trick. Both of these methods have the disadvantage of being a bit imprecise.

5. Because a constant temperature is required for hydroponic growing, you should have a reliable thermometers for your grow room and individual plants. Certain plants are healthier in different temperatures, so a hand held device that you can carry from plant to plant is ideal. Products are available that will test both temperature and humidity.

6. For your actual hydroponic growing media, you have a lot of options. Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) provides excellent drainage and moisture retention. You've seen it in other garden applications, as well, but it is particularly suited for hydroponic growing because it is pH neutral, odorless, and retains water up to 80 percent of its volume.

7. Coconut peat is an alternative for peat moss that comes in a compact brick and expands to about 2.5 cubic feet per package. Just add water and place accordingly. You'll recognize this material from some entry mats; it is completely sustainable coconut coir and great for aeration and water retention in your hydroponic system.

8. Growing mats are another excellent solution for grow media. These are often made of coconut fiber and rubber. Perhaps the most beneficial feature of growing mats is that they can be cut to any size. Roots grow through the medium to the nutrient water while the rest stays above, allowing for both proper oxygen and water exposure.

9. After the considerable investment you'll make investing in a proper hydroponic garden, it's refreshing to know that nutrient solutions usually don't cost much at all. In fact, if you are handy, crafting your own hydroponic tray and pump system can be done pretty cheap. That away you can start small and build up your operation over time.

Find more in our Hydroponic Supplies Helpful Information section!