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Hydroponics is the growth of plants in an inert
water medium using a blend of correct nutrients
based on plant needs. Hydroponics can very rightly
be called the gardening technique of the future
since it helps us grow desired plants just about
anywhere, even indoors. This method of gardening
involves the use of inexpensive hydroponic resources
to raise all types of plants such as tomatoes,
peppers, etc. Using minimum resources, a hydroponic
system provides us the benefit of the best of the
desired produce all year long without having to deal
with hassles associated with weather, soil,
pesticides, etc.
Inexpensive hydroponic resources to run this system
are simply a reservoir to hold nutrients, a pump to
circulate the nutrients, and growing trays and pots
to hold the plants. This system can be adjusted
according to the space available. Inexpensive
additional equipment is available to boost growth at
hydroponic stores, especially if one intends to set
up a system indoors. Available inexpensive resources
for hydroponic gardening are as follows.
Growth Mediums
Inexpensive hydroponic resources in the category of
growing mediums are varied, namely rockwool,
perlite, vermiculite, light expanded clay aggregate
(grow rocks), and soil-less potting mixes. The
growth medium helps build a necessary balance
between air and water for optimum plant growth.
•
Rockwool, made by curing volcanic basaltic rock
and a chalk binder, provides 90–95 percent air space
between its fibers and therefore, capable of holding
more nutrient solution and air than any other
medium.
• Grow rocks are made by heating clay pellets to
extremely high temperatures, causing them to become
porous and hence, better equipped to retain
moisture, drain properly, and circulate air.
• Perlite is a naturally occurring siliceous rock,
which when heated to over 1600°F (871°C), pops like
popcorn to form porous pellets having free draining
and aerating properties.
• Vermiculite consists of mica-like flecks, which
are extremely absorbent and have the ability to
attract nutrients such as calcium, magnesium,
potassium, and phosphorus.
• A combination of perlite and vermiculite in a 3:1
ratio makes an excellent and inexpensive hydroponic
growth medium. Perlite provides proper drainage and
root aeration while vermiculite provides good water
absorption and nutrient retention.
Light
Indoor gardening requires proper lighting to make up
for sunlight. Artificial lighting with the correct
spectrum and intensity is a very effective way to
meet this requirement.High
intensity discharge (HID)lights, such as metal
halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps,
are inexpensive hydroponic resources in this
category covering different areas of the light
spectrum; therefore, they are used alternatively
during different stages of growth. Fluorescent
bulbs, mainly T5 and T8 lights, are usually used for
the germination process. The benefits of artificial
lighting are that they are fairly inexpensive,
energy efficient, and emit very little heat.
Nutrients
It is important to provide the right blend of
nutrients to plants for optimum growth; required
minerals are dissolved in water and absorbed into
the plant through the root system. The pH level, the
measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution,
is regularly monitored, as it affects absorption and
is very important to the maintenance of the plant.
Inexpensive hydroponic resources available in the
market are nutrient solutions such as Ionic and B.C.
Ionic, etc.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is necessary to remove excess
heat and humidity and provide plants with the
necessary supply of carbon dioxide. Fans and blowers
are some inexpensive resources to deal with aeration
in hydroponic systems.
Temperature Control
An air conditioner is an answer to excess heat from
grow lights being used for indoor hydroponic
gardening. An additional heat source may be required
in the winter. |
