Off the Urban Grid

What Is Hydroponic Gardening?

Hydroponic can be broken down into two Greek words, “hydro” and “ponic,” which translate to water and labor, respectively. The art of growing plants started thousands of years ago, and in the 1950s it scientists began experimenting with this type of gardening. Several countries have had success with hydroponic gardening, and you can experience incredible results at your home too.

In a hydroponic system, the seeds sit in water that is oxygen rich and pumped with nutrients. Because soil isn’t in the way to disrupt the flow of oxygen and nutrition, the plant roots are able to take what it needs immediately. In comparison to soil grown plants, hydroponic plants grow at a faster rate, generally between 30 and 50 percent quicker. Also, this type of gardening doesn’t come with the same infestations, fungi and diseases that soil creates the environment for so the plants are overall healthier.

If you’re looking to decrease the amount of water going to your garden, a hydroponic garden requires less. The nutrient solutions are reused. Also, there is no need for organic and natural pesticides. All you need to worry about is the nutrient solution, which are highly concentrated fertilizers that can be purchased at a hydroponic supply store.

There are two models of hydroponic systems: active and passive. An active one has the aid of a pump to circulate the nutrient solution while the passive relies on a growing medium or wick to absorb the solution and pass it on to the plant roots. These systems can be categorized even further into a recovery or non-recovery hydroponic garden. A recovery system reuses the nutrient solution while a non-recovery one doesn’t reuse.

Now that you know a little more about the benefits of hydroponic systems and what types you can start, it might be a worthwhile project to start this spring.

Tags: hydroponic gardening, what is hydroponic