asic Components of a Hydroponic System
(https://www.garden.com/garden-articles/components-of-a-hydroponics-system/52/)
Growing medium: An absorbent medium made from loose gravel or sand that is capable of retaining water and facilitating air circulation for the roots to thrive.
Nutrient Solution: A readymade solution containing essential nutrients for promoting plant health in general. It can be made by diluting one-third the strength of ordinary fertilizer.
pH: The pH should fall between 6 to 6.5 for optimal growth.
-Grow Lights: Use sodium lights or high-intensity discharge lights to supplement naturally filtered sunlight for indoor hydroponics.
6 Types of Hydroponics
(https://hydroponicsgrower.org/introduction-to-different-types-of-hydroponics-systems/)
NFT
Widely preferred for growing leafy greens, the nutrient film technique involves growing plants in channels having a constant circulation of nutrient-rich solution.
Ebb & Flow
Chosen for its versatility and ease of use, this system involves periodically flooding plant roots with a nutrient solution every few times a day.
Drip System
Here, plant roots are individually fed nutrient solution via tubes. It’s convenient for those who grow multiple plants together.
Deep Water Culture
This method involves suspending the roots to nutrient-rich water directly by seating the plants inside a Styrofoam platform. It works best for plants that bear lots of fruit.
Wick Hydroponics
This simple method of hydroponics doesn’t rely on electricity, gas or pumps; instead, plants are grown on an absorbent medium so that the roots stay in contact with a wick connected to a reservoir containing nutrient-rich water. It’s suitable for herbs and any plant that doesn’t need excess water.
Aeroponics
Using foam inserts, plants are held freely in the air and the nutrient solution is simply misted over them occasionally. No soil or electricity needed.
Benefits of Hydroponic Gardening
-Maximum utilization of space. Plants with small root systems can be grown close together.
-Affordable due to the minimal investment in terms of space and resources.
-Versatile with plenty of setups to choose from for beginners and experts alike.
-Effective water conservation. Hydroponic systems use a frugal 10% of the water used in conventional soil-based garden beds.
-The possibility of higher yields is good because as plants have a shorter growth cycle in hydroponic gardens.
-The absence of soil lessens the chances of seasonal pests and diseases.
-Harvest is better for green leafy veggies and those with high vitamin content.
Best Candidates for Hydroponics
-Herbs: Basil, chive, oregano, rosemary, parsley, and drill
-Fruits: Smaller, lighter fruiting plants like strawberries, raspberries, and papaya.
-Veggies: Leafy greens like lettuce, chard, cabbage, and spinach
-Vining plants: peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers
-Root crops: Potatoes, carrots
Growing Food Indoors with Hydroponic Gardening via fix
