How to Grow Plants Using Hydroponics

!: How to Grow Plants Using Hydroponics

A lot of people want to learn how to grow plants using hydroponics, actually it is quite easy. It just takes patience, the right supplies, and a little bit of work. Hydroponic gardening has several benefits over traditional soil gardening.

Some of the benefits include -
You don't need a yard because the plants are grown without soil. Your plants mature sooner and produce more. Less water usage. You can avoid bending if you set it up on a table. No soil to cultivate or weeds to pull.

If you are just discovering how to grow plants using hydroponics. The first thing you should decide is which hydroponic system will work best for you. With hydroponics a nutrient solution is added to the water and fed straight to the roots, there is no soil to hold nutrients so proper formulation of your nutrient solution is very important. There are seven basic types of hydroponic systems and many ways to learn how to grow plants using hydroponics.

Here is a list of what it takes to make a Hydroponic System work -
Reservoir - This holds the water and nutrient solution. A tote tub works great. Air Pump and Air Stone - To oxygenate the water. Oxygen is very important for the roots. Growing Medium - Supports the plants instead of soil some examples are perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, and clay pebbles. Nutrient Solution - Very important to include micronutrients along with macronutrients.

Depending on what system you decide to use you may also need the following items -
Grow Tray - To hold the plants. Submersible Pump - To pump water to the plants Timer - To turn the pump on and off, also for lights. Lighting - Examples of lighting sources are metal halide bulbs, high pressure sodium bulbs, fluorescent, or LED grow lights.

Here are some useful tips on How to Grow Plants Using Hydroponics -
Proper Lighting - Start young plants with 8 hours of light, gradually increase to 12 hours a day, remember that too much light can harm your plants. Median Humidity is good - Too much humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow on your plants. Temperature - 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature range. pH Balance - Most plants grow best with a water and nutrient solution of 6.5, pH meters or test strips are available and easy to use to check the pH.

We have discussed the basics that you need to know to start your own hydroponic garden. Even though it seems like a lot to learn, it actually is very easy to do. No matter where you live no matter what the climate is you can grow vegetables or any kind of plants year round, as you answer the question of how to grow plants using hydroponics.