Hydroponic Systems

1. While many recognize that the recent increase in popularity of organic fruits and vegetables is a good thing, everyone will recognize committing to it is expensive. Employing hydroponic growth systems is a fun and economical way to put healthy food in your body and keep money in your wallet.

2. Briefly, there are six primary benefits to employing hydroponic methods; no soil is required, reduced water costs due to easier water reuse, more efficient nutrient use (which also lowers cost), pollution from nutrients is eliminated, yields are predictable and high, and pests present fewer burdens because of the absence of soil and ease of mobility.

3. On the other hand, hydroponic methods do have disadvantages. The presence of nutrients and high humidity create an ideal environment for some undesirable bacteria. Plants may require very different containment systems and nutrients. There are solutions to these main drawbacks, but they will require achieving a level of expertise above that of a casual gardener.

4. Hydroponic methods are grouped into two categories, solution culture and medium culture. A solution culture is strictly water and nutrients, further divided into static, continuous flow, and aeroponics. Medium cultures, on the other hand, employ an inert solid such as sand, gravel or rockwool.

5. Ebb and flow hydroponic systems comprise the majority of hydroponic gardens. The system involves flooding the growth tray, holding the plant, with nutrients. These nutrients are then drained off and the water not used is kept to be used again.

6. Static systems are similar to the ebb and flow, or continuous flow, except the plants are grown in stationary containers. The disadvantage here is that the water is stationary, requiring greater control to prevent algae growth. You also must test each container individually for nutrient levels, whereas with ebb and flow systems you can serve many plants with the same water, meaning you monitor only one water supply.

7. The balance of water, nutrients and oxygen can be difficult to achieve with a hydroponic system. The nutrient film technique is a common solution, employing continuous flow methods and a thick root mat that enables roots to remain moist but exposed to air.

8. The aeroponic method of hydroponic growth means you are continually misting the roots with the nutrient solution while the plant is suspended in a growth chamber. This method has seen its best successes with microgreens, leaf crops, and seed germination.

9. Aeroponics are exceptionally valuable in terms of water use. If you have the resources to use them, you will see excellent growth and yields. Plus, any plant can be grown in an aeroponic environment, while water-intensive methods of hydroponics may waterlog roots if the grower is not vigilant.

10. If you want to get a taste of what hydroponic growing has to offer before going all in, get a simple drip system bucket to learn the basics. You may find yourself a new hobby.

Find more in our Hydroponic Systems Helpful Information section!