Can I Take Tomato Plants Grown in the Soil & Switch to Hydro Without Contamination?

Types of Contaminants

• Plants that are grown in the soil are at risk for a variety of pests and contaminants. Microscopic pathogens, insects and animals are all potential problems in conventional gardens, and to a large extent these things are impossible to avoid. In some cases, these problems remain with the soil, but mold, fungus and diseases are likely to have infected the plant and will remain with it until it dies. If the plant is moved, these problems move with it.

Process

• In order to transfer a tomato plant from soil to a hydroponic system, it is necessary to remove all traces of dirt from the roots of the plant. This requires gentle rinsing of the roots until the soil is completely gone. During the rinsing process, most of the insects and soil-borne organisms that were on the plant will also be rinsed away. It is possible, however, that some eggs, larvae or pathogens are too small to be seen and will not be removed with rinsing. These will then contaminate the hydroponic system when the plant is introduced into it.

Hydroponic Systems

• Hydroponic growing eliminates the use of soil completely. Through the use of a carefully controlled environment, the grower is able to ensure that plants live in an environment free from pests and pathogens of any sort. Since hydroponic growing tanks, trays and medium are all cleaned or replaced between each growing cycle, any problems that are introduced to the system are eliminated before the next plants are started.

Solution

• The best way to grow tomatoes and other plants in a disease-free hydroponic environment is to start the plants from seed in a hydroponic system using a sterile medium such as rock wool cubes or perlite. Use only seed known to be free of disease. Such plants are never exposed to the many pests and problems encountered in the average outdoor garden and, therefore, cannot introduce these problems into a hydroponic environment. Any other method is risking the contamination of the hydroponic system.