What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without using soil, by feeding them on mineral nutrient salts dissolved in water.

In basic terms hydroponics can be a plant growing in a pot of aggregate (hydrophilic materials that absorb manufacturing water) and given water containing a liquid fertiliser.

The space between the aggregate contains air so that roots do not suffocate.

Hydroponic systems are used by small farmers, hobbyists, and commercial enterprises.

Growing plants hydroponically significantly uses less energy, resources, and water compared to traditional soil methods.

Plants with access to ample oxygenated water absorb nutrients faster, resulting in growth that is up to 50% faster,

What are 6 types of hydroponics?

There are six separate types of hydroponic systems that you can use: 

• Wick System.
• Water Culture.
• Ebb and Flow.
• Drip.
• N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technology)
• Aeroponic systems.

Hydroponics is suitable for all plants but usually greenhouse crops such as:  

·      House plants,

·      Salad vegetables,

·      Herbs,

·      Tomatoes,

·      Peppers,

·      Kale,

·      Courgettes,

·      Watercress

·      Cucumbers

·      Strawberries

Hydroponic techniques

Hydroponic systems can be divided into two basic types:

1. Those requiring aggregates or other porous rooting media (substrate) to support the plant roots - sometimes referred to as hydroculture. 
2. Those not needing aggregates to support the plant roots - the most widely used term being nutrient film technique (NFT).

To grow well, plants need a wide range of nutrients in various amounts, depending on the individual plant and its stage of growth.

The three key plant nutrients usually derived from soil are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, while carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are absorbed from the air.

Other vital soil nutrients include magnesium, calcium and sulphur.

Gardeners can add nutrients by applying Mr Hydroponic products / fertilisers to boost plant growth and improve flowering and fruiting.

Difference between Aerating and Aeroponics

Aerating provides roots with enough oxygen to promote healthy growth.

Aeroponics is a system where the roots grow in a chamber below the plants where nutrients are periodically applied.

What is the difference between Aquaponics and Hydroponics?

Aquaponics refers to raising fish and growing plants together in the same environment via an ecologically balanced relationship.

Hydroponics is a gardening method that does not require soil to grow plants

Hydroponic tips and advice

• How often do I need to change the water? You usually need to change the water every two to three weeks, but it depends on the system. You also need to add water daily. 
• What are some common mistakes to avoid? Neglecting lighting, pH levels, nutrient management, air circulation, temperature, and humidity. 
• Can I transplant hydroponic plants to soil? Yes, but it can shock the plant. 
• What are some disadvantages of hydroponics? The process requires maintenance and monitoring. 

Why does hydroponics work?

• What are the benefits associated with growing plants hydroponically? Hydroponic gardening remains a safe alternative to growing crops in soil, as growing food indoors reduces the need for pesticides. Additionally, soil borne diseases do not present a problem because the systems do not utilise soil.

• Are hydroponic plants organic? To be classified as organic, produce should be grown in soil that not only supports the plants but also other biological processes.The definition of organic was not inclusive of alternative growing systems. However, hydroponic growers are in support of an organic labeling because of the limited use of water, reduced use of pesticides, and reduced soil and land usage.

• What types of hydroponic growing systems exist? There are several different growing systems, but there are six consistent types used throughout the hydroponic industry – Aeroponics, Deep Water Culture, Ebb & Flow, Wick System, Drip Irrigation, and Nutrient Film Technique.

• What are the common problems of growing indoors? Growers should watch out for: algae growth / humidity, incorrect or improper lighting strategies; and over-production of bubbles inside bubbler systems, which can harm delicate roots.

• Are there humidity issues? Humidity, temperature, and moisture should always be monitored within any hydroponic grow room.

• How long does it take to grow a plant hydroponically? Hydroponics allow plants to grow in considerably less time. Growth can be accelerated almost 30 – 50% or in just a few weeks for some plants.

• How often should the water in the reservoir be changed? Growers should also pay attention to the plant’s water consumption, changing water as needed.
• Where do you place dehumidifiers in an indoor grow room? To combat humidity consider placing the recommended amount of dehumidifiers as high as possible in your indoor grow rooms.

Got a question ??

Contact: info@mr-hydroponic.co.uk  0191 447 6435 Mobile:- 07472 076190