Hydroponics involves more than growing roots from small cuttings in a water solution. It is an ancient practice that is enjoying increased popularity today, especially with urban citizens who usually live in smaller spaces. The process gives people the opportunity to raise herbs and vegetables on a small scale in restricted spaces, and getting started is less complicated with the appropriate type of hydroponic supplies.
Although its name refers to water, the terminology is often applied to any type of gardening not using natural soil to hold root structures in place and deliver nutrition. Instead, it utilizes a variety of media to anchor seedlings, including gravel, vermiculite, bits of shredded wood, or clean, porous sand. These materials contain no native nutrients, which are provided by a liquid solution.
Not only does this create a size and efficiency advantage, but also allows gardeners to more easily control invading insect pests without necessarily resorting to pesticide use. Many grow boxes fit easily into a restricted space such as a closet, but can also be found in commercial farms with hydroponic greenhouses spanning acres. It is not a counterculture phenomenon, but a realistic agricultural choice.
No matter how large or small, the chosen location should imitate natural growing season temperatures. Plants usually thrive when temperatures do not exceed 80 degrees during the day, and do not fall below sixty at night. Cool weather crops are hardier, but the allocated garden space must be able to maintain temperatures above 50 degrees at all times. There should be an easily accessed water source.
Six main types of systems are popular, beginning with a simple wick. Water is drawn constantly from a small reservoir, and various media can be used for roots. Basic water culture is even less complicated, and depends on a floating plastic platform that enables roots to absorb nutrients directly. Ebb and flow systems encourage nutrient-heavy waters to periodically flood, using a pump. Drip systems also work well, but need a timer.
The nutrient film system allows roots to enjoy constant exposure to water and food without benefit of any soil media at all. Plants are suspended in small plastic containers with their roots exposed, and potentially dry out more quickly. Aeroponics refers to the form considered most technically complex, and relies on misting exposed roots frequently.
There are no strict rules governing which system to choose, and many people assemble variations. Tanks can be made of metals, wood, or even an old aquarium, and the size is limited only by available space. Commercially sold soil substitutes are readily available. For optimal results in dark locations, grow lights that imitate the natural outdoor spectrum give plants the ingredients for photosynthesis.
With the number of options available, one way for Seattle, WA residents to get started properly in hydroponics is to consult with the people who sell the products. Legal cannabis cultivation has generated wider interest in the process, and today there is a wide variety of basic equipment and accessories to make most indoor garden projects practical. For many people, gardening indoors is a healthy and money-saving choice.
Although its name refers to water, the terminology is often applied to any type of gardening not using natural soil to hold root structures in place and deliver nutrition. Instead, it utilizes a variety of media to anchor seedlings, including gravel, vermiculite, bits of shredded wood, or clean, porous sand. These materials contain no native nutrients, which are provided by a liquid solution.
Not only does this create a size and efficiency advantage, but also allows gardeners to more easily control invading insect pests without necessarily resorting to pesticide use. Many grow boxes fit easily into a restricted space such as a closet, but can also be found in commercial farms with hydroponic greenhouses spanning acres. It is not a counterculture phenomenon, but a realistic agricultural choice.
No matter how large or small, the chosen location should imitate natural growing season temperatures. Plants usually thrive when temperatures do not exceed 80 degrees during the day, and do not fall below sixty at night. Cool weather crops are hardier, but the allocated garden space must be able to maintain temperatures above 50 degrees at all times. There should be an easily accessed water source.
Six main types of systems are popular, beginning with a simple wick. Water is drawn constantly from a small reservoir, and various media can be used for roots. Basic water culture is even less complicated, and depends on a floating plastic platform that enables roots to absorb nutrients directly. Ebb and flow systems encourage nutrient-heavy waters to periodically flood, using a pump. Drip systems also work well, but need a timer.
The nutrient film system allows roots to enjoy constant exposure to water and food without benefit of any soil media at all. Plants are suspended in small plastic containers with their roots exposed, and potentially dry out more quickly. Aeroponics refers to the form considered most technically complex, and relies on misting exposed roots frequently.
There are no strict rules governing which system to choose, and many people assemble variations. Tanks can be made of metals, wood, or even an old aquarium, and the size is limited only by available space. Commercially sold soil substitutes are readily available. For optimal results in dark locations, grow lights that imitate the natural outdoor spectrum give plants the ingredients for photosynthesis.
With the number of options available, one way for Seattle, WA residents to get started properly in hydroponics is to consult with the people who sell the products. Legal cannabis cultivation has generated wider interest in the process, and today there is a wide variety of basic equipment and accessories to make most indoor garden projects practical. For many people, gardening indoors is a healthy and money-saving choice.
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