Introduction To Hydroponics

Hydroponics is one of the easiest methods to get started with, when you want a lost cost, high growth yield garden. We will explore and explain some of the many ways to grow beautiful healthy vegetables and fruits without soil. And trust me, you will love it because plants grown in this manner require less maintenance, fewer pesticides and have dramatically faster growth rates.

It's very simple to do, there are no weeds, no digging, plants grow extremely fast, and with a little planning, you can usually manage to have your plants at waist height. Getting your working surface off the ground eliminates the back strain normally associated with gardening, making it more viable for more mature folks (like me). Okay, so enough already, let's get to the good stuff!

Benefits

Hydroponics has several proven advantages over standard "soil" gardens. For one, the growth rate on a hydroponic plant is 30-50% faster than with a soil plant, grown under exactly the same conditions. In the case of a vegetable or fruit garden, the yield is also greater due to the extra oxygen in the growing mediums which stimulate root growth. And you ladies will love this, hydroponically grown plants have fewer probems with bugs! Funguses and diseases are also almost non-existant. This means a healthier, happier garden, and a healthier and happier gardener.

Even better, there are also environmental benefits with hydroponic gardening. Growing your garden using one of the techniques shown below uses significantly less water than soil gardening. Fewer pesticides are required due to lack of necessity (bugs live and breed in the soil). Since hydroponic systems use no topsoil, erosion isn't an issue.

Hydroponic Techniques

There are a number of different hydroponic methods or techniques you can adopt, depending on your needs, preferences, supply availability and a few small details. Let's take a look at the broad outline for each type.

• Static Aerated Technique (SAT):
  
  Plants are grown in a depth of static nutrient solution which is aerated by pumping air into the nutrient solution in the tank. This is referred to as a "Passive Technique" and is ideally suited for learning the basics of hydroponics and R & D work.
  



• Ebb and Flow Technique (EFT):
  
  Also known as the "Flood and Drain" method, plants are grown as in the SAT method, but the solution is drained off 3-4 times a day to permit the roots to breathe. This method is good for both home garden's and nurseries.



• Root Mist Technique (RMT):
  
  A fine mist of nutrient solution is sprayed constantly onto the roots of plants suspended from a frame. This technique is also known as "Aeroponics". It is best for initiating rooting of cuttings and for extracting (milking) phytochemicals from the roots for medical purposes.
  



• Nutrient Film Technique (NFT):
  
  A thin film of nutrient solution is always in contact with the bottom of the roots. The nutrient solution is circulated, but most of the root surface is exposed to air. This helps the roots to breathe which is very good for producing fruits and vegetables.
  



• Drip Irrigation Technique (DIT):
  
  Plants grown in inert or organic substrates, a medium that will support the plant and root system. The nutrient solution is fed closely around the roots with a drip line positioned right above the roots, about 6-7 times a day. The flow rate is slow, just drops or trickes. Deserts in the Middle East are now exporting crop produce because of this technique. It's also a good choice for plantation, orchard and landscaping projects.
  

Starting tomorrow, we will take a closer look at each of these techniques to help making the right Hydroponics choice for you.

More soon.
Cenay'