What are the benefits of hydroponic gardening?

October 12, 2011 by  
Filed under Articles, Question Corner

garden
by lapideo

Jiniffer Sen asks: What are the benefits of hydroponic gardening?
Can anyone suggest me the benefits of hydroponics gardening. Acctually I am little bit confused bcoz one of my frnd suggest me not to go with hydroponics..?????????http://www.hydroponics1.co.uk/

The answer voted best is:

Answer by Diane
I really think vegetables, etc should be grown in the earth. However I have seen a very large scale hydroponic system, growing lettuce, and every herb, there is, everything looked very healthy, and it was all very controlled. Probably be good if you don’t have the room for a conventional garden

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How can I operate a hydroponic vegetable garden in my garage?

October 7, 2011 by  
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garden
by redteam

L.K. Duh asks: How can I operate a hydroponic vegetable garden in my garage?
It seems to me that garage-based hydroponics might be more effective than planting a victory garden. In a moderate climate, what does it take to operate a hydroponic vegetable garden at home?

The answer voted best is:

Answer by thewrangler_sw
Here is an article to help you get started – http://www.hydroponics.net/learn/hydroponic_gardening_for_beginners.asp
and another at wikipediea ( quite a bit more info ) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroponics

There are ALL kinds of suppliers and manufacturers – here’s a search link with a long list, hehe – http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=At9WqsjooDcQZCCc5skG9C182PAI?p=hydroponic+garden&fr=my-myy&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8

ebay has a lot of hydroponics supplies listed too.

Have Fun

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Hydroponic nutrients Gardening Guide – Hydroponic nutrient solutions composition

September 25, 2011 by  
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gardening
by ahp_ibanez

Hydroponic nutrients Gardening Guide – Hydroponic nutrient solutions composition

Nitrogen (N)

The most essential of all nutrients for leaf and stem development. Nitrogen consumption depends on a plants growth cycle and in a vegetative growth phase of plant nitrogen consumption is greatest. Hydroponic nutrients solutions labeled as “grow” or “flower” contains more concentrations of nitrogen. Nitrogen deficiency is the leading cause of plant growth in indoor hydroponic garden systems. Yellowish, soft and weak plants and leaves are tell-tale signs of nitrogen deficiency.

Half-strength nitrogen solutions are ideal for plants between growing phases. This will prevent plant stretch while it’s switching its energy over to flower development. Normal feeding is resumed once the plant reaches the flowering stage.

 

Phosphorous (P)

Phosphorous plays a major part in root and flower development. Phosphorous deficiency signs are slow and stunted plant growth. Phosphorous is crucial to a plants flowering stage. “Bloom” type formulas contain a 0-50-30 concentration, containing no nitrogen and high levels of phosphorous and potassium.

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Potassium (K)

Different in action from the previous two nutrients, it doesn’t feed the plant directly in any specific stage of growth. It merely facilitates plant intake of other primary and secondary plant nutrients. Potassium deficiency cause irregular plant growth and susceptibility to pests and disease. Potassium inhibits fruit production and should be lessened during this stage.

 

Secondary Hydroponic Nutrients

Calcium (Ca)

Facilitating and filtering the absorption of other nutrients Calcium is one essential nutrient. It is also a natural base that increases the pH level is needed. Commonly used in the vegetative phase of plant growth, calcium consumption is decreased during the flowering stage.

 

Magnesium (Mg)

Mainly for chlorophyll production in photosynthesis, deficiency causes yellow leaves.

 

Sulfur (S)

Yellow leaves are a sign of sulfur deficiency and are only used in small amounts.

 

Iron (Fe)

Used in small amounts, iron deficiency is similar to sulfur deficiency. Yellow leaves are the general signs of deficiency. High pH causes iron absorption problems so constant monitoring is advised.

 

Molybdenum (Mb)

Mainly for nitrogen absorption and converts nitrates to ammonium

 

Boron (B)

Facilitates carbohydrate transport in the phloem, it is not essential and maybe disregarded. Boron overdose causes plant kill, it is not found in regular soils and only supplemented.

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Hydroponics gardening guide – preparing hydroponic nutrient solution, transplant seedlings and taking cutting for clones

September 25, 2011 by  
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gardening
by Jon Winters

Hydroponics gardening guide – preparing hydroponic nutrient solution, transplant seedlings and taking cutting for clones

How to preparing hydroponic Nutrient Solution

Nutrient solution is made of water with dissolved fertilizer. It is preferable to have good quality water to be mixed with the fertilizer, the amount of which is always indicated by the manufacturer. It is very important to check and adjust if necessary pH level of nutrient solution with liquid pH adjusters. Usually, pH level of the nutrient solution depends on the plant; however, most often it is between 6.0 and 6.5 for the majority of the starter cubes, with the exception being Rockwool, which needs pH level of 5.5 to 5.8. Fertilizing young plants, a gardener should use a nutrient solution as weak as ¼ to ½ of the full strength suggested by the manufacturer. Only plants older than two weeks can be fertilized by the full strength nutrient solutions. It is recommended to keep the growing medium moist, but not too wet or soaked with the hydroponics nutrient solution.      

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How to Transplant Seedlings

The seedlings should be transplanted when the roots have grown out of the starter cubes. It is just necessary to place the seedling along with the starter cube on top or into the permanent growing medium, which can be any hydroponic growing medium or just soil. 

Notes in taking cutting for clones

Cutting, as a method of plants propagation, works well only if every step of the procedure is done correctly. Otherwise, experiments may result in devastating consequences. Though, when done properly, up to 95-100% of all cuttings grow successfully, it is still may be a good idea to take twice as many cuttings as needed, if you are making first steps in growing cuttings. 

 

One of the hints to increase chances in successful outcome is to use distilled water, while growing cuttings. Generally speaking, this is one of the most reliable and proven methods of plants propagation, suitable for most of the plants. Other examples of propagation techniques are dividing, air layering, and tissue culture. It is even possible to root cuttings without the use of any growing media in specific hydroponic systems. After forming the first roots, such cuttings are usually transplanted into any type of preferred growing media.

Hydroponics gardening guide -introduction to growing mediums and hydroponic supplies used in hydroponics

September 23, 2011 by  
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gardening
by ♀Μøỳαл_Bгεлл♂

Hydroponics gardening guide -introduction to growing mediums and hydroponic supplies used in hydroponics

Growing medium is any medium, in which a plant can grow. Generally, hundreds of multiple types of growing medium exist: some are manmade and some are organic. Sometimes, even old AIR can work as a good growing medium for roots.

 

Defining the best growing medium is pretty challenging and disputable. It is a matter of personal likes, preferences and exact growing needs or requirements in most cases. It is like choosing a car: everyone picks the one, which suits his/her personal likes and requirements: someone chooses a small economic car for city traffic, and someone prefers powerful SUV to conquer sand and morass. Just like choosing a car depends on many factors, while choosing a growing medium it is also necessary to consider many variables, for example, what type of system is used, what plants you are going to grow and under what environmental conditions. Though there are a great variety of factors to consider while choosing a particular growing medium, it often comes to price, availability and personal preferences. 

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The most common types of growing mediums as well the description of their key advantages, disadvantages, their basic characteristics and tips on general use are specified below.

 

Oasis cubes

 Expanded Clay Pellets

 Rockwool

 

Coconut Fiber

 Sand

 Gravel

 

Perlite

 Sphagnum Moss

 Water

 

Vermiculite

 Fiberglass Insulation

 Saw Dust

 

Soilless Mix(s)

 Air

 Lava Rock

Oasis cubes

Oasis cubes are lightweight cubes, which serves the best for plants propagation from seeds or cuttings. Pre-formed oasis cubes are commonly used by hydroponic gardeners. This type of growing medium features neutral pH level and can hold water very well.

Since oasis cubes are usually used at the first stages of plant growth, they are usually not larger than 2” x 2” inches in size. It is very easy to transplant such cubes into any type of hydroponic system, growing medium or even into the soil. 

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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Benefits and Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems

September 23, 2011 by  
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gardening
by Lucy_Hill

Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Benefits and Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems

Efficiency in comparison to traditional soil growing systems would be one of the major advantages. Commercial production and just plain hobbyists would find that moving from regular soil growing methods to the modern Indoor Hydroponic systems to be more beneficial. Freedom from uncontrollable variables such as the weather, climate and time of day would be the most important factor over traditional growing methods. Farmers in Middle East countries would be able to grow plants such as vegetables only previously grown in tropical countries. Light and amount of growth nutrients to be absorbed by the plants could be optimized for best results without wasting any resources. Plant care could be individualized as to the amount of nutrients and light they receive at any time of the day. Plants grown in pots or plots tend to reach a growth plateau, wherein they become root bound and transplanting them is the best solution. This may present the individual with a sense of frustration and could be messy. Expert advice and appropriate planning beforehand could eliminate such unwarranted difficulties experienced with soil based planting.

 

Expenses made at the start of the project can be offset by the advantages in the long run. Fertilizers with their ever rocketing cost are major source of expenses in plant cultivation. Plants only take the nutrients they can absorb so maximum nutrient absorption without the risk of putting too much fertilizers is eliminated. But the risk of putting too much nutrients which leads to root damage remains, so proper nutrient feeding is advised.

 

All in all, the hydroponic system of growing plants increases plant production and quality of the crops. Nutrients essential for plant growth are readily available, proper ratio and distribution is assured resulting to better efficiency. Pesticides and plant diseases can be avoided as no soil is needed. Soil is an ideal medium for infection and disease, so harm to both plant and the individuals are reduced. Expenses are also reduced as pesticides are eliminated so overall; cost effectiveness is enhanced and make hydroponics a more economical way of growing plants.

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For the environmentalist, the hydroponic system of growing plants also presents a more desirable and alternative way of plant production. The effects of growing plants through this new system has proven to be less polluting as it totally removes the need for pesticides and leaves the soil free from contaminants. Scientifically tests also show that plants grown through the hydroponic system contain more vitamins and minerals compared to those grown through fields.

 

Productivity is also increased with the use of Indoor hydroponic systems. Limited spaces for plant cultivation are maximized because smaller pots are used. Indoor hydroponic systems utilize different types of automated watering systems like drip, pumps and other means, allowing for a low maintenance operation. Spaces not available for plant growing can be utilized and together with regular soil gardens or fields, maximize each growing season.

 

 

Types of Indoor Hydroponic Systems

 

Wick or NFT

The system most often used, operated and maintained with the outmost ease. It requires very little setup and maintenance. This is done by simply cutting a hole in the bottom of the pot and a wick is inserted. The wick’s other end connects to the water reservoir below the pot.

 

Reservoir or Ebb and Flow System

A growing medium is directly placed into a pan filled with water and nutrients. It is easy to maintain, the pans contents needs only to be replaced every few days in order to maintain an effective system. Root adsorption is maximized with root surface in contact with the water, oxygen and nutrients are readily absorbed.

 

Drip Systems

The most common of all systems, drip systems are the most likely choice of hobbyists and professionals alike. The nutrient solution is kept in a container below the plants and is distributed by a pump to each plant thru a drip irrigation system. One type would be the Recovery type system; excess nutrients are recycled and channeled back into the reservoir. Another would be the Non-recovery type where excess system is not funneled back into the system, one advantage of this is that is a low maintenance system. Ph and nutrient concentration remains stable but is not as economical as the recovery type system.

 

Aeroponic System

Technically, the aeroponic system is the most advance of the three. Plants are suspended either without a growth rock or growing mediums. This permits the plant to breathe more air through the roots. Nutrients and water are introduced by timed misting. Root health is maintained by a timer and is set at intervals of a few minutes.

 

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Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

September 23, 2011 by  
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gardening
by whatsthatpicture

Basic Indoor hydroponics Gardening Guide – Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

Improper use of fertilizers is the common cause of many plant problems. Inadequate amounts cause weak and under nourished plants while an amount above desired quantities may burn and even kill the plant. Good judgment and decisions are required when a plant grows. Below are guidelines for applying nutrient solutions.

 

Hydroponic nutrient solutions are normally sold in concentrated forms. They are then added to the water supply with a specific ratio. Ideally, 150-600 parts per million consists a normal concentration of hydroponic solution. Normally sold in two or three parts because direct combination is not possible. Remember to mix nutrients into water first before combining, never combine two nutrients together.

 How Much Hydroponic Nutrient Solution?

 There are specific proportions for each plant type and phase of its growth. Advances in nutrient solutions have greatly improved the precision of concentration based on a plants growth stage. Hydroponic nutrient solutions are usually sold in “grow” or “growth” formulas for the vegetative phases and “bloom” or “flower” for the flowering phase of the growth cycle. Remember to switch to the bloom formula during the bloom stager to increase yields exponentially and max out your plants capacity.

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In poor growing conditions weak nutrients are recommended. Low lighting, overheated gardens, crowding and root bound plants. Weak nutrients are also ideal for newly rooted cuttings and for transporting plants or when they are in the transition of growth cycles.

Normal, healthy plants can be used with regular strength solutions in ideal growing conditions. Increasing nutrient solutions could be utilized to enhance efficiency of your gardens. An ideal system such as high quality lights, proper aeration and ventilation when present is the only instance wherein you could increase the level of nutrient solutions to improve plant growth. Gradually increasing the nutrient solution is advised as not to burn the plant roots.

 

Various additives are also available for optimum plant growth. Maintain good grow logs or records of types of additives used, when applied and results. This enables you to measure its effectiveness in the future. If there are any negative effects with experimentation, flush or rinse your hydroponic system immediately.

 How to measure Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions

 Electronic conductivity of dissolved minerals in the water is the usual basis for determining nutrient solution. Parts per million (ppm) is the unit of measure. But this is just a general way of measuring conductivity in the solution and not the actual strength of individual minerals. This is the main reason why hydroponic nutrient solutions are sold as a mix of 3 parts. Once the desired mix is achieved it is very convenient to change the concentration to achieve proper conductivity.

Overuse of Hydroponic Fertilizers

 Flushing out your growing medium is the first intervention once any signs of over fertilization are observed this is to prevent further damage to the plant. Clean water is used for flushing until signs of nutrient deficiency are observed in the plant. Normal feeding and schedule is then resumed. Some hydroponic systems require a top down flushing to completely clean out the plant.

 

2 weeks before your expected date of harvest, flushing is recommended for the plant. It is done to leave your harvest free from the hydroponic nutrients solution taste. 

What is Hydroponic Gardening – benefits, place in present and future agriculture industry

September 23, 2011 by  
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gardening
by TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋)

What is Hydroponic Gardening – benefits, place in present and future agriculture industry

Key Facts on Hydroponics

Hydroponic plants do not require soil to grow in. They use different growing media instead. All the required nutrients are supplied through nutrient solution. Hydroponic system allows cultivation of plants, irrespectively to climate and environmental condition. Hydroponic system allows increasing the density of plants significantly (up to 3 times higher in comparison with traditional soil gardens). It may be surprising but hydroponic plants consume considerable less water than those, growing in soil. Since soil is not used in hydroponic systems, there is no need to worry about crops rotation. Hydroponic plants are healthier, because there are no or very little risks for them to get infected by parasites, living in soil. Hydroponic gardening does not depend on seasons of the year. You can grow plants and gather harvest all year round.

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Hydroponics in the Present

Thanks to many technological achievements and innovations, hydroponic growing has already become much more effective, convenient and affordable. Plastic, used for manufacturing of hydroponic equipment, such as plumbing products, fittings, growing pots and containers, etc., made it possible to lower the cost of hydroponic systems significantly.

Multiple electronic devices, such as pumps, timers and monitors, have made hydroponic growing a fully automated process. Furthermore, the hydroponic plants themselves have evolved significantly, ensuring high yield results even if used under the most extreme environmental conditions, for example, at the submarines.

Hydroponics in the Future

The next goal of hydroponics developers is to make indoor gardening eco-friendly and more energy-saving. In this regard, current achievements in the development of solar heating systems look very promising. On the other hand, current innovations open new opportunities for designing new growing light systems with higher lumen output, better spectrum profile and lower electricity consumption. In the long run, hydroponic systems may allow increasing the amount of grown plants to completely satisfy the needs of people in food products, without using additional natural resources and soil.

Furthermore, maybe in the nearest future hydroponic systems, which have already been tested in space on the space stations, will even become another valuable step in the space exploration by the humans.

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Tips for hydroponics gardening and hydroponic supplies

September 19, 2011 by  
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gardening
by Josh Ward Garden Design

Tips for hydroponics gardening and hydroponic supplies

Hydroponics implies growing of the plants without soil; however, they still need medium to grow in. Hydroponics stores online or local ones offer a wide range of mediums to choose from, and it is better to know them to make the optimal choice.

Different Types of Growing Mediums

Although almost any substances can more or less serve as the growing medium, the most popular are those named below:

- Water / Air / Sand / Gravel

- Vermiculite / Perlite

 - Lava Rock

 - Sphagum Moss / Sawdust

 - Expanded clay pellets

 - Oasis Cubes

 - Coconut Fiber

 - Fiberglass Insulation

 - Proprietary Soilless Mix

 - Rockwool

Although rockwool is the last in the list, it can definitely be named the most popular growing medium among hydroponics gardeners, because it is easy and cozy to use.

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Rockwool was initially used as insulation material in building. However, hydroponic gardeners in Denmark were the first to discover its advantages when used as a growing medium. Nowadays, rockwool is highly valued and commercially available in the forms of rockwool cubes and rockwool plugs. To produce rockwool stone and sand are melted together and then spun into various shapes and sizes, which sounds similar to the production of cotton candy.

Rockwool Advantages

Rockwool cubes (sized 36” by 12” by 3”) are very convenient to use, because they can be easily cut to a shape matching your needs. This material perfectly holds water and air, being very porous. Therefore, the roots of the plants will be protected both from rotting and drying out in case of the pump malfunction or other event long enough for you to be able to correct the situation.

 

The granules of the rockwool plugs keep together well and are not less easy to use.

Precautions

Unfortunately, rockwool has weakpoints as well, besides the benefits mentioned above. It can hardly be called environmentally friendly, as it is made of rock and thus does not bio-degrade, requiring some efforts to eliminate it. Moreover, it can be dangerous for the human health, causing silicosis if accidentally inhaled. For this reason, it is recommended to wear a face mask with a HEPA filter and handle rockwool carefully. 

One more thing, a gardener should keep in mind while using rockwool, is that this material has a very high pH level, which should be reduced with available acidic substances and regularly checked.

In spite of the rockwool cons, it is still so easy and comfortable to use that it remains the most popular growing medium type among the hydroponics gardeners. The only thing to do is to take necessary precautions while working with it.

Basic hydroponics Gardening Guide – How to Build Basic Hydroponic Systems

September 18, 2011 by  
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gardening
by Ewan Bellamy

Basic hydroponics Gardening Guide – How to Build Basic Hydroponic Systems

Ebb and Flow hydroponic systems or reservoir systems are one of the easiest to build and maintain. Simplicity and low cost in setting up make it ideal for home hobbyists. Basic setup consists of a growing tray for plants in containers. Usually used with pebbles, perlite and rockwool gardening mediums. Reservoirs filled with water and hydroponic nutrient solutions are placed under the growing medium. A timer controls the amount of water pumped back into the growing tray. The draining action helps provide a steady flow of oxygen to the plants roots. An overflow drain is installed to regulate water height and avoid overflow.

 

 

Building Ebb and Flow Hydroponic System

 

 

 

The following hydroponic supplies are required for an Ebb and Flow hydroponic system

 

 

 

Growing Tray

 

 

 

Root protection requires a growing light that shields your roots from light. Plastics are preferred to metals and wood due to its light weight and durability. A thorough check of the growing medium is required to make sure that water drainage is complete. Root rot, pests problems and molds are the main problems encountered by improper drainage.

 

Plant Pots

Any non-metallic plant pot with drainage holes will suffice for a simple ebb and flow system.

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Growing Medium

 

Ebb and flow systems need no special type of growing medium. Clay pebbles (sometimes called grow rocks) are usually used, they don’t need to be mixed with other mediums. Due to frequent flooding cycles, it is advised that water retention be avoided.

Supports

Support for the tray suspended above the reservoir is needed. The setup of the indoor system would dictate if a simple table or milk tray, or a customized support is required. Something sturdy is what you need for supporting the full weight of your setup. Always include the weight of the water and nutrients in planning. Taking note the mature size and weight of the plants should also be considered. Changing the supports would present an impossible if not very difficult scenario once the plants reach their full growth size.

 

 

Reservoir

 

Any large plastic can be used as a reservoir (rubber tubs and trash cans are also ideal). Rust is the main problem with metal containers.

 

 

Drains

 

Two drains are required for your garden, a drain for the water to return to the reservoir and one for the overflow drain. Fill pipes also serve as a drain pipe, allowing it to run up the same way it came down. Overflow pipes should be designed at the desired maximum level of water for the indoor hydroponic garden system. Be sure that the overflow pipe is large enough to accommodate the amount of water to be pumped out of your grow space. Ideally a figure of 125% to 135% of the amount is desired. This assures a optimum flow of nutrients for the growing medium and avoids salt and mineral to buildup.

 

 

Water Pump

 

Pump size depends on the indoor hydroponic systems needs. The amount of water and distance are factors to be considered for the size of the pumps. Aquarium pumps can be used for most small scale systems.

 

 

Timers

 

The type and cost of timers depends on the specific setup of your gardens need. Hobbyists usually employing a single time schedule can work with a cheap timer readily available at a Home Depot or Lowe’s type store. Larger more sophisticated timers are needed for advance or large scale ebb and flow systems this allows control for more than one section at a time.

 

 

Flexible Plastic Tubing

 

Transparent flexible tubing’s should be avoided to prevent algae build up. Ordinary flexible tubing’s may also be used. 

 

 

Care of Ebb and Flow Hydroponic Systems or reservoir systems are one of the easiest to build and maintain. Simplicity and low cost in setting up make it ideal for home hobbyists. Basic setup consists of a growing tray for plants in containers. Usually used with pebbles, perlite and rockwool gardening mediums. Reservoirs filled with water and hydroponic nutrient solutions are placed under the growing medium. A timer controls the amount of water pumped back into the growing tray. The draining action helps provide a steady flow of oxygen to the plants roots. An overflow drain is installed to regulate water height and avoid overflow.

 

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