Home : Organic Gardening

Hydroponic Gardening

Hydroponic gardening is all about growing plants in water. This can be a very effective way to garden organically and help to put healthy food on the table. Green gardening, or organic gardening, is normally done without the use of chemicals. Hydroponic gardening falls inline with these believes and is fun at the same time.

Plants grown in hydroponic gardens have several advantages over plants grown in soil. They tend to grow faster and healthier and take up less space. The plants take nourishment from the water meaning they are able to get by with a smaller root system and the vitamins added to the water goes instantly into the plant. Another wonderful feature of hydroponics gardening is how well it adapts indoors.

Your hydroponic garden will need a growing medium to aerate and support the root system of the plants. You can choose between Hydroton, horticultural Rockwell, vermiculite, perlite or several different types of sand.

Next your new garden will need nutrients. As with normal gardens you can go organic or the more conventional chemical way. These products can be obtained at your local hydroponics store. You will also need a ph meter to keep the water balanced. This is a good time to pick the brains of the shop owner to find out what works best for him or her.

hydroponic horticulture While you are at the store ask about the different types of hydroponic systems. Learn about active and passive systems. Learn about recovery and non-recovery hydroponic systems. If they have the time get a close look at the Wick system and the Ebb and Flow system. These are all good ways to grow plants in water and are worth taking the time to learn about.

Lighting is an important part of your hydroponics garden. Fluorescent lights can be used but we recommend plant grow lights for better results. We also recommend a timer so the plants only get about twelve hours or so a day under the light. Tap water can be used, filtered tap water is better and distilled water is best. Keep the water level up, the ph balanced and don't over fertilize and you are on your way to having a thriving hydroponics garden.