What are the Benefits of Hydroponic Growing?
When faced with the task of gardening indoors, there are many systems, styles and cultural practices that can lead growers towards a successful harvest. However, among other systems that seek to reward gardeners with the most fruitful and quality-driven harvests, styles of “hydroponic” horticulture are arguably the most reliable. While other systems utilize soil, peat or other mediums to support plants during a crop, a true hydroponic system relies on nothing but water to facilitate nutrient to root-zone exchange, and offer the gardener reduced water, nutrient and labour expenditures throughout the lifecycle of a plant. If you’re interested in saving your garden time, money and natural resources, then growing with hydroponics may be a good fit. Follow the article below for a detailed description of hydroponics and the most popular water-working systems in the industry.
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is the science and method of growing plants outside substrates like soil, and typically involves the “working” of water to strategically satisfy the needs of growing plants. This definition, however, can be used quite loosely, as a “hydroponic” garden can be described as any system which utilizes technology in order to irrigate plants that are not in soil. In this sense, even a relatively primitive drip irrigation system can be thought of as hydroponic. The main “goal” or strategy of hydroponic gardening, however, is to manage the growth of plants by maintaining precise measurements of water and nutrients. With these goals in mind, gardeners can typically expect the following advantages (among others) from growing in a hydroponic system:
Water Savings
Nutrient Savings
Labour Savings
Perhaps the most important advantage to expect from a hydroponic system is the savings of time and labour. In short, hydroponic systems that are governed by a timer do not need to be manually irrigated. This feature can save growers valuable time, and costs of labour on a larger scale. Want to manage your garden from a distance? Check out TrolMaster’s line of irrigation technology available at GreenPlanet Wholesale!
Types of Hydroponic Systems
Now that we’ve covered the expected advantages of growing hydroponically, it’s time to examine the types of potential systems that seek to promote these growth-enhancing properties. Now, while this list describes perhaps the most popular systems, it is in no way exhaustive. And, although the systems appear different, they all attempt to facilitate the goal of providing plants with natural patterns of growth through more technologically efficient means. Before choosing your system from the list, make sure you’ve invested in the necessary tools to manage the inputs of your hydroponic system; these may include a digital pH monitoring system, a PPM or TDS meter, and, depending on the type and size of your system, a water chiller may be essential.
If you are looking for a simple, easy-to-use nutrient system for your hydroponic system, look no further than the GreenPlanet Nutrients Dual Fuel feed program.
Drip Irrigation
Drip Irrigation Diagram Adapted From www.nosoilsolutions.com
Flood and Drain (Ebb & Flow)
Flood And Drain Diagram Adapted From www.nosoilsolutions.com
AeroponicsAn aeroponic system uses small fittings attached to mainline pipe to mist the root-zone of plants. The waste-water which runs off the root-tips is then recollected in the reservoir for later use. Unlike the other systems in this list, aeroponic gardens have the greatest potential for water and nutrient savings; however, this system is known to be very tricky to master, and aeroponic gardens require several misting cycles an hour. So, be sure to keep an eye on your crop!
Deep Water Culture (DWC)Great for plants that resemble trees, a deep water culture system houses a crop in large buckets or totes and immerses them completely in aerated water. Like an aeroponic garden, this system has amazing potential for water and nutrient savings, because not a drop of valuable resources is wasted. These systems can be fabricated from hardware found in garden stores, or bought pre-made and assembled at home from manufacturers like Current Culture H20.
Ready to elevate your garden? Find out which medium would benefit your system the most by reading the blog: The Difference Between Organic and Synthetic Gardening. Discover which medium, fertilizer and method of use is the best choice for you and your garden. For all other questions, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store for product information and purchasing inquiries.
