Introduction to Hydroponics

Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants without soil. Because plant roots are not searching through soil for nutrients they are able to grow much faster. In a hydroponic system plant roots are fed through nutrients that are added to the water supply. Hydroponic plants are grown in a soil-less medium, usually hydroton or rockwool but sand, river pebbles, gravel, perlite, or vermiculite can also be used. Since plants are grown in a disease and pest free medium there is little or no need for pesticides.

Because hydroponics is a soil-less stand alone system, it can be used outdoors or indoors. If vegetables are going to be grown indoors then the vegetables are going to need artificial light.

Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening

Plants grown hydroponically tend to be tastier and healthier because nutrients are applied in the exact quantities at the right time. Root systems stay smaller on hydroponic plants so more nutrients are are used to grow the leaves and fruit. Also, since the plants are not grown in soil there is very little chance of soil-born diseases or pests. There is also no need to pull weeds.

Why People Grow Hydroponic Vegetables

It seems much harder to set up a whole hydroponic system than to just stick a seed in the soil and add water so why do people do it? The benefits include:

• Plants are disease and pest resistant
  
• Plants grow up to 50% faster
  
• No digging or weeding required
  
• It's possible to automate the whole system with timers
  
• Control over the environment which yields more nutritious fruit
  
• Makes it possible to grow plants where soil does not allow normally
  
• Little or no pesticides are required
  

What Kind of Plants Can Be Grown Hydroponically?

Almost anything can be grown hydroponically. Some plants will require more space and some are more delicate. Some plants that are recommended for growing are tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, lettuce, and broccoli.