Tired of consuming vegetables and greens infused with pesticides? Done buying from the market that doesn’t provide you with the choice to go for complete nutrition? Seeking a means to grow your own greens? Hydroponics answers all your questions and worries. Hydroponics is the science of soilless farming. It uses a water solution enriched with minerals for the plants to absorb in. It is a means of gardening where nutrients, sunlight and water are provided for plant growth. The application of the following method ensures that the plants grow faster and receives the right amount of nutrients with its roots dipped in a medium of nutrients.
Advantages of Hydroponic System
The advent of technology has provided adequate aid to home farming techniques. It is a sustainable approach undertaken by urban cultivators. The various advantages of hydroponics are,
- Hydroponics utilizes minimum space.
- The plants receive a continuous flow of required nutrition which enables them to grow 50% faster than traditional soil agriculture.
- The produce can be harvested throughout the year.
- Both the environment and agriculture yields are excellent due to the system of Indoor farming.
- The need for pesticides and herbicides is eliminated with Hydroponics.
- Minimum consumption of water is what Hydroponic ensures. The used water can be reused in Hydroponics.
About Nutrient Solution
Nutrient solutions contain essential nutrients necessary for the growth of the plants. Nitrogen, potassium and magnesium are primary nutrients required. The secondary nutrients comprise of Sulphur, phosphorus and calcium. You can always opt for buying the nutrient solution from outside. You can also make one as per the requirement of the plants, individually. The nutrient solution also needs micro nutrients such as copper, manganese, zinc and iron. The medium needs to be kept at room temperature, away from the direct light of the sun. You would be able to identify whether the plants are receiving less nutrition or more nutrition, that is, when the leaves turn yellow or they appear burnt or curled in the edges, respectively.
What plants would suit the Hydroponics system?
Any plant can be grown within the hydroponics system. Yet, the ones that adapts to the moisture and does not outgrow the hydroponic structure are ideal. Tomato, capsicum, lettuce, cucumbers and leafy greens are some of the most suitable plants to be grown hydroponically. Factors affecting the hydroponic structure includes, the length of root development, sturdiness of the plant and size of the plants.
Is it possible to construct a Hydroponics system at Home?
The Hydroponics system is readily available in the market or online shops. Indoor farming has become extensively popular for the materials of the system to stay available at the stores. The following ways can be used to construct a potent farming system at home.
- Hydroponic raft:
Take an empty container such as a fish tank or a bucket, paint it black in order to inhibit the sunlight to enter. Fill in with the required nutrient medium and use an oxygen pump to keep the flow of oxygen going. Use a Styrofoam to top the reservoir and keep spaces for the plants to grow.
- System of Ebb and Flow:
The system of ebb and flow constitutes of a timer, reservoir and submersible pump and a tray of plant. Hoses are used to make the water flow from the water tanks to the plant tray. It is a continuous process of the water being drained into the tank from the plant tray, only to refill it and flow back down due to the gravity.
Thus, the means to grow your own food is not only easy but also sustainable. With Hydroponics you can grow in larger quantities, with added advantages including conservation of electricity and water.