Free Information on Gardening With Hydroponics

Features

• Plants require light, water, air and nutrients. In traditional soil-based gardening, water dissolves the minerals in the soil, and plants use their roots to absorb the nutrients. However, if plants have a ready supply of nutrients, the soil itself is not important to the plant's growth other than as an anchor for support.

Soil and Nutrients

• Hydroponic plants need support for their roots. Support choices include rock wool, gravel, washed river sand and perlite. Plants also need a nutrient solution. Many gardening centers supply commercial nutrient mixes, but gardeners may also purchase nutrients separately and mix their own solutions.

Water and Light

• Hydroponic watering systems vary depending on the garden's size and complexity. Some gardeners water plants by hand several times a day using a watering can, while others install submersible pumps to circulate the water throughout plant beds. Outdoor hydroponic gardens use natural light, but indoor plants require an artificial lighting system.

Benefits

• Hydroponic gardening reduces or eliminates most soil-borne fungi and diseases that damage plants. Gardeners cultivate fresh produce or ornamental plants year-round. Plants are usually healthier and grow faster because they have a ready supply of water and nutrients.