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An Introduction to Hydroponics Gardening for Starters What is hydroponics gardening? Derived from the Latin Hydro, meaning water and Geoponics, meaning the study of agriculture, hydroponics is the science of growing plants using a solution of suitable nutrients instead of dirt. Most types of plant can be cultivated very successfully using hydroponics. In customary gardening the plant are grown in soil and take their nourishment from the chemical compounds contained within that soil or dirt. The hydroponic gardener replaces the soil with a balanced, nutrient rich, solution that the plant can absorb with ease. Because the plant does not have to work so hard to absorb the usable nutrients it saves energy which can then be utilized for stronger growth. Because of this energy saving, plant grown using hydroponicsmethods outperform conventionally produced plant in both growth and fruit production. Due to the unchanging results and good profit margins, more and more commercial growers are turning to hydroponic production. Totally organic production is possible using specially designed organic fertilizers or nutrients, giving excellent, inexpensive, vegetables and herbs. There are several different types of hydroponics systems, but all have the same basic principle of supplying the plant with nutrients and h2o. The most common systems are: Water Culture, Aquaculture, or Nutriculture This is a Hydroponics system in which the plant roots are immersed in water containing a complex mixture of dissolved nutrients. A simple example of water culture is the Hyacinth bulb growing in a wine goblet shaped glass, its roots growing down into the hollow goblet stem. Aggregate Culture In this system a material such as sand, gravel, or marbles supports the plant roots. It is important to note that the support material, unlike soil or dirt, does not absorb nutrient. It merely traps it in the spaces between the grains allowing the plant roots to freely take up the liquid. Continuous Flow Hydroponics Systems In these types of system the nutrient solution flows constantly over the plant roots. This is the most commonly used system for commercial production. Aeroponics This system is one in which the plant roots hang in the air and are misted regularly with a nutrient solution. There are a number of pre-packaged hydroponics systems available for both the commercial grower and hobbyist. Individuals, who lack building skills, or are inexperienced commercial growers, should consider one of these kits as an introduction to hydroponics, a fascinating and challenging hobby. Similar systems can be built at lower cost, however, by those of you who have the knowledige. The requirements for good plants are covered in my next piece entitled -- What does your plant need?
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Mike Nivato is a editor with Growshop.com. Growshop.com is the leading Hydroponics Gardening directory on the web. You can visit the website at : www.growshop.com
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