subject: Growing Media Options To Consider For Your Diy Home Hydroponics System [print this page] Gardening in the DIY hydroponics way may be as fun as what you think it is. However, there are some factors which you should think about to make sure that your plants will reach their maximum growth possible. In this article, we will be discussing about the various types of growing medium and the role they play in DIY hydroponics.
Perlite is a gray obsidian variety of volcanic rock, made of a very light and spongy material that "wicks" water from its container.
Ceramic grow rocks or also known as Geolite, is made of clay that's typically used in aquafarming. Aquafarming is somehow very similar to DIY hydroponics, only that this method is more focused on fish breeding and growing aquatic plants. Geolite is also spongy and a good medium to grow bacteria that filters the water, ensuring it is clean.
Rockwool can easily raise the water's pH level. It is made from rock, then spun on a fiber-based material and bounded with phenol-based resin.
Pea gravel, alternatively, is just pure gravel. It generally used in a DIY hydroponics system that requires aeration. But note that this type is quite bulked up so it cannot wick water from its container.
The ones mentioned above are the most common growing media that you can use. Although most hydroponics kits online come with everything you need for your indoor garden, there are some plant varieties that are not compatible with the provided growing medium, especially if you're planning to set up by yourself. As well, the results on plant growth may vary.
DIY hydroponics can reveal to you a lot more options to improvise and maybe there are other types which are yet to be found. Some may be popular in the market, some are hard to find. The suggested medium for beginners is perlite since it could retain water for about three or more days.
Do you want to learn more but do not know where to find information? In times like these, remember that the world wide web is something that you could depend on. There are a lot of articles to read and photos to check out. You could very easily evaluate one type to another and figure out which of them is suitable for your DIY hydroponics system.
If you would like to see real results, you could conduct an experiment by planting seeds in four growing pots, each using a different medium. Put the pots where there's enough light and as the seeds grow, note down the details that you can see. I am sure you'll find this experience really rewarding. You'll not only be able to make the best possible decision but as well, get more interested in DIY hydroponics.
If you can set some time and make the effort, research further so you'll be able to settle on the most practical option that is suitable for your DIY home hydroponics system.
