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It is possible to grow plants, including veggies,
without soil. This can be done using a special
technique called
hydroponics. It involves using a soil-less
culture into which nutrients required by the plant
are introduced. Thus, using a substrate such as sand
or gravel, or even just a water solution, will allow
you to grow veggies without soil.
Growing veggies without soil can be an interesting
hobby for a gardening enthusiast. It is also
possible to grow veggies without soil commercially
on a larger scale. However, this requires
specialized knowledge and infrastructure.
Water Culture
You can grow veggies without soil using a suitable
water culture that contains a nutrient solution. You
will need an appropriate container to hold the water
solution. This could be made of any material such as
clay, porcelain, cement, glass, metal or
fiberglass—just make sure it is leak proof.
The solution you use to grow veggies without soil
should contain all the nutrients required by the
plant to grow. You could refer to a guide and make
your own solution using fertilizers and salts bought
from a gardening supplies dealer. However,
ready-to-use solutions are also available that allow
you to grow veggies without soil. Remember to change
the solution periodically. You will also need to
maintain the acidity or alkalinity of the water to
within the ideal range of pH 6.0 to 6.5.
Because you are growing veggies without soil, you
should use a wire or Styrofoam platform to support
the growing plants. The water solution may need
aeration to replenish the oxygen in it. The aerators
used in aquariums should normally be adequate for
your requirements.<br>
Aggregate Culture
Aggregate culture refers to the solid media used to
grow plants and veggies without soil. Materials such
as sand, gravel, vermiculite, rice hulls, redwood
bark, pine bark, peat moss, perlite, sawdust, wood
shavings, or
rockwool. The same nutrient solution that is
used for water culture may also be used for
aggregate culture. However, different techniques are
used to distribute the nutrients among the plants.
Information on growing veggies without soil is
freely available from various sources. A little
practice will help you to perfect this technique.
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