subject: The Basics Of Indoor Hydroponic Gardens [print this page] Leave it to scientists to figure out new and innovative ways to grow plants more effectively! Hydroponics is Latin for "working water," and this growing technique allows plants to thrive and derive their entire nutritional needs from water instead of soil. Hydroponics is rapidly gaining momentum in the commercial food production business, and it is popular with lay gardeners as well. Here is a basic overview of home hydroponic gardens and the type of equipment that is required.
What is it?
Hydroponic gardening is actually one of the easiest, least labor-intensive forms of gardening there is. The main difference between hydroponic and regular gardening is that the plants grow in an inert media that offers absolutely no nutritional value. Some of the most common growing media are perlite, Rockwood, coconut fiber, gravel, and sand. The medium you choose simply must allow for root growth, but other than that there are few restrictions.
Most people who have a glancing knowledge of hydroponics assume that the plants must be grown directly in water; although this is indeed one method, it is by no means the only one. The medium you want to grow your plants in will determine the types of containers and other equipment you will need.
Why is water so important?
Because there is no soil involved, absolutely all of a hydroponic plant's nutrition must come from the water it is given. For this reason, giving these plants plain water is never an option: it must be enriched. This enrichment fertilizer will contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium as well as essential micro-nutrients that are usually obtained through soil planting. The right pH levels must also be maintained in the water. The beauty of hydroponics is that since there is no soil involved, the gardener is the one who has complete control over the growth of the plant. With that control, however, comes great responsibility.
What kind of equipment is needed?
If you do not have a lot of natural light in your home, you will need to purchase special indoor growing lights to give your plants what they need. Many gardeners who are passionate about their hobby will invest in other equipment such as automatic watering/feeding systems, monitoring equipment, fans, misters, blowers, climate control mechanisms and much more.
Hydroponics is a great way for gardening enthusiasts to successfully grow just about any type of plant indoors, and it is the wave of the future for both home and commercial gardening.
