Hydroponics Gardening
The Basics of Hydroponics Gardening.
What is hydroponics gardening?
Derived from the Latin Hydro, meaning water and Geoponics, meaning the study of agriculture, hydroponics is the science of growing plants using a solution of suitable nutrients instead of soil. Most types of plant can be grown very successfully using hydroponics.
In conventional gardening the plants are grown in soil and take their nourishment from the chemical compounds contained within that soil. The hydroponic gardener replaces the soil with a balanced, nutrient rich, solution that the plant can absorb with ease. Because the plant does not have to work so hard to absorb the available nutrients it saves energy which can then be utilised for stronger growth.
Because of this energy saving, plants grown using hydroponic methods outperform conventionally produced plants in both growth and fruit production. Due to the consistent results and good profit margins, more and more commercial growers are turning to hydroponic production. Totally organic production is possible using specially designed organic nutrients, giving excellent, inexpensive, vegetables and herbs.
There are several different types of hydroponic system, but all share the same basic principle of supplying the plants with nutrients and water. The most common systems are:
Water Culture, Aquaculture, or Nutriculture.
This is a Hydroponics system in which the plant roots are immersed in water containing a complex mixture of dissolved nutrients. A simple example of water culture is the Hyacinth bulb growing in a wine goblet shaped glass, its roots growing down into the hollow goblet stem.
Aggregate Culture.
In this system a material such as sand, gravel, or marbles supports the plant roots. It is important to note that the support material, unlike soil, does not absorb nutrient. It merely traps it in the spaces between the grains or stones allowing the plant roots to freely take up the liquid.
Continuous Flow Hydroponics Systems.
In these types of system the nutrient solution flows constantly over the plant roots. This is the most commonly used system for commercial production.
Aeroponics.
This system is one in which the plant roots hang in the air and are misted regularly with a nutrient solution.
There are a number of pre-packaged hydroponics systems available for both the commercial grower and hobbyist. Individuals, who lack building skills, or are inexperienced plant growers, should consider one of these kits as an introduction to hydroponics, a fascinating and challenging hobby. Similar systems can be built at lower cost, however, by those of you who have the expertise.
The requirements for healthy, strong, disease-free plants are covered in my next article entitled - - What do your plants need?
Copyright (C) 2004, 2005, John R Haughton - All Rights Reserved
A partner in a thriving retail hydroponics supply business, Rickie Haughton is the owner of http://hydroponics-gardening-information.com/ which aims to cater for all levels of expertise in the field of hydroponics gardening. The website is packed with good content about all aspects off hydroponics gardening and offers a free newsletter to all subscribers.
Latest News
Garden Calendar Seattle Post Intelligencer - ONGOING Lakewold Gardens: The 10-acre garden estate offers a haven of gardening delights, historical features, statuary, landscape architecture by Thomas ... |
The last of the lawncare -- there's still time Franklin Park Herald Journal, IL - ... Boots Landscaping in Arlington Heights, "but there still are a couple of things to do." Cannon's suggestions range from lawn care to gardening tasks, ... |
Garden calendar for Dec. 4 The Columbian, WA - Naturally Beautiful Backyards: Free volunteer training in gardening and landscaping. Thursdays 6-9 pm, January 22 through March 26, at Clark County 78th ... |
Gardening Texoma: Winter flowers for spring KXII-TV, TX - This morning on Gardening Texoma, landscaping expert Jonathan Castro shows you what to do now in the winter time for beautiful spring flowers. ... |
Botanical Garden Collects Used Plastic Pots Lawn & Landscape, OH - Over the last five years, the program has further expanded to include collections from “green” industry businesses such as landscaping contractors, ... |
Weekly waterings should help plants survive through winter Las Vegas Review - Journal, NV - What advice can you give on winter care of a recently planted desert landscaping? I have lantana, Mexican bird of paradise, red fountain grass and others. ... |
Gardeners love Christmastime Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA - Many of us have new gardeners in our lives. Our kids may have just bought a house and dislike the landscaping. Or they've been hearing about habitat gardens ... |
 Examiner.com | Native landscaping versus xeriscaping Examiner.com - by Jaime Zaplatosch, Chicago Gardening Examiner Many people use the word "xeriscaping" liberally to refer to landscapes that don't require much or any water ... |
Pride of Ownership '08: City, Rotary announce award winners Ithaca Journal, NY - Minn's Garden Gate began as a practical barrier to deer but became artwork under the guidance of professor Nina Bassuk, landscape architect Laurene Gilbert ... |
 Weekly Vista | Garden stores have plenty to offer during winter season Weekly Vista, AR - But, on the contrary, there are many things available at garden shops that are viable year-round. Village Garden and Landscaping At Village Garden and ... |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time