| What
is hydroponics? |
Hydroponics
is the science of growing plants without soil.
The plants thrive on the nutrient-water solution
alone. The growing medium merely acts as
a support for the plants and their root systems
while the solution passes freely. The growing
medium, if any, is totally inert.
|
| What
are the advantages of hydroponics versus soil grown
plants? |
You
can grow more plants per square foot in a hydroponic
garden because roots are directly fed ~ therefore,
there is no competition for root space. As a result,
you can get higher yields per square foot, per
unit of time. Your plants will grow faster because
they will be getting all the nutrients they need
and in the proper proportions. Their root systems
stay smaller, so the plant can concentrate its
grown energy on producing plant mass, rather than
roots.
|
| Isnt
hydroponic gardening complicated? |
NO!
If you follow directions, you can garden hydroponically.
A few simple steps must be followed on a regular
basis to insure that your plants thrive. Once
you get used to the routine ~ its a snap.
|
| Can
plants be grown organically, hydroponically? |
Organic
and hydroponic growers have typically regarded
each other somewhat suspiciously and the two growing
methods were not thought to be compatible. There
is common ground, however, and more people are
finding that with a little experimentation, they
can grow a successful organic, hydroponic garden.
Products used for hydroponic gardening include
bat guanos, liquefied seaweed products, fish based
fertilizers, and an extensive line of organic
nutrients., such as Bio Bizz. Ask us for more
information on organic, hydroponic gardening.
|
| What
types of plants can be grown hydroponically? |
Anything
can be grown hydroponically, but some plants prove
to be more space efficient. Some plants we suggest
are tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot chilies, lettuce,
spinach, squash, cucumbers, broccoli, beans, snow
peas, herbs and flowers of all types.
|
| Do
you REALLY get better yields in less time? |
Absolutely.
The plants, receiving everything they need, tend
to be healthier, faster growing and generally
more productive. Expect 30% faster growth with
many crops.
|
| What
about taste? Will the flavor compare to my outdoor
grown, organic produce? |
You
bet ~ perhaps even better! This is simply due
to the fact that the hydroponically grown plants
are getting everything they need, when they need
it. Dont be fooled by hot house
produce grown commercially. The growers
primary concern is shipability and storage, not
flavor. When you grow your own vegetables at home,
you can expect nothing less than excellent results.
Plus, hydroponically grown produce has the added
benefit of a longer shelf life.
|
| Will
I be using any pesticides? If so, what kind? |
Generally,
indoor environments demand less pesticides for
obvious reasons. Hydroponic growing eliminates
soil borne pests, as well. However, if pests do
become a problem, one can choose to use insecticide
soaps, natural pyrethrums and, in some cases,
beneficial insects. These controls will be completely
safe to use on edible crops and are also environmentally
safe.
|
| What
is the best growing medium?
|
There
is no clear cut answer to this question. Like everything
else, this comes down to preferance. Different mediums
work better for different situations and different
crops.
|
Rockwool will
allow the grower an easy set up, since it
is pre-formed and modular. It holds a tremendous
amount of water and offers a buffer against
drying in the case of electrical outages
or pump failures. As Rockwool is disposable,
it lends itself to quick end of crop clean-up.
Also good for starting seedlings and cuttings. |
|
Coconut Fiber
is recently becoming more popular. Coconut
fiber is the first organic medium
to offer high performance in modern hydroponic
applications. It can also be added into
soil mixtures to increase water retention.
Coconut fiber holds more oxygen than rockwool
and is pH neutral. |
Grow Rocks
(Called Hydroton or Diatatomite) are a
super-fired type of baked clay formed
to create a porous, reusable hydroponic
media. Due to their sturdy nature, Grow
rocks provide secure support for the plants
root zone. This non-degradable, sterile
growing medium provides the delicate balance
between moisture retention and aeration
and holds a neutral pH . Easy to use.
|
|
| TIP:
Stick with dwarf or compact plant
varieties when gardening indoors. They will perform
better under lights and are lower maintenance. Try
hand pollinating tomatoes, peppers and other veggies
for best results! |