For those that have seen a hydroponics setup but are otherwise not familiar with the growing discipline, the entire thing can seem utterly space-aged in an abstract way. Even the name sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel.
That being said, hydroponics (and hydroponics equipment) are anything but the stuff of fantasy. It is a real practice and an alternative to growing plants in traditional media, often accomplished with great success.
Here’s what you should know.
What Are Hydroponics?
Hydroponics systems use specially balanced nutrient solution suspended in water to grow plants, forgoing the traditional growing medium of soil.
That being said, these systems may still incorporate some elements of traditional media, such as perlite and vermiculite, into the setup.
In other words, hydroponics, as the name seems to suggest, entails growing plants in water rather than in soil.
These systems can be used by hobbyists and gardeners as well as both small-scale and commercial growers. It can be utilized effectively to grow crops, ornamentals, and much more.
In other ways, hydroponic systems are more like conventional gardening or farming than they are different.
Probably the most common type is a liquid system, in which the plants are grown with their roots housed in a polyethylene tube (that looks somewhat like a PVC pipe) with slits cut into the plastic to allow for room for the roots as well as for water bearing nutrients to be delivered
With all of this being said, there are some unique advantages associated with hydroponic systems.
Do Hydroponic Growers Enjoy Any Unique Advantages?
Among the many potential advantages of hydroponic systems are that:
- In areas where in-ground growing is not an option, they represent an acceptable workaround.
- Hydroponics offers much greater control over available moisture and nutrient delivery, as well as over pH and other factors.
- Water and nutrients can be recycled within the system, resulting in less waste.
- When properly implemented, hydroponic systems offer optimal watering and oxygen availability, potentially yielding faster-growing, healthier plants and delivering higher yields.
- Since these systems forgo the use of soil, soil-borne maladies such as insects and fungi can be eliminated entirely.
- With one of these systems, weeding is not necessary.
- These systems do not experience soil exhaustion since they do not usually use growing media, and since the nutrients are delivered entirely via the water, anyway.
What Do You Need to Try Hydroponic Growing at Home?
That depends on the type of system you intend to create, as there is more than one. However, if you’re interested in creating a liquid system such as the one described in this article, you will need some essential hydroponic equipment to get started.
You will need, among other things:
- Either mesh net cups, pots, or a pre-made system with a tube cut for positions for the plants.
- Pumps and valves appropriate for the system to serve as a nutrient delivery system.
- Grow lights that are adequate considering what you intend to grow.
- Test kits to ensure the quality and consistency of the nutrient solution being fed to your plants.
- As well as the nutrients necessary for your plants, in a water-soluble format.
Beyond this, you can experiment with the infrastructure of your system so as to determine the ideal layout and size.
Where to Explore Hydroponics Equipment?
Interested in learning more about hydroponic equipment, or getting into hydroponics in general? Check out AC Infinity before you do anything else. They carry a wide assortment of growing accessories for indoor growers, along with a unique assortment of hydroponic essentials. They can help you get started, whether you’re an experienced indoor grower or are just getting started.
