Methods of Growing Hydroponics
- Tomatoes are successful candidates for hydroponic gardens.three fresh hydroponics tomatos image by Flashon Studio from Fotolia.com
When you look at a hydroponic growing system, the appearance of the grow chambers, pH testing kits and mineral bath solutions may put you more in mind of Frankenstein's lab than Mr. McGregor's garden. But hydroponics is a proven method of growing larger vegetables in a smaller space with fewer resources. Several methods may be used to grow plants hydroponically. - In aggregate culture hydroponic systems the roots of a plant are placed in an inner container filled with a soilless aggregate such as sand or perlite. The inner container may be a net basket or a perforated container that will allow liquid to circulate freely through it. This inner container is then placed in an outer container filled with a liquid nutrient solution. The hydroponic gardener periodically floods the chamber with nutrient solution to help the plants grow. As plants grow, they receive the correct balance of nutrients from the nutrient solution that filters through their container.
- Plants in water culture grow directly in the nutrient solution with no sand or other aggregate to provide root support. Instead, hydroponic gardeners support the plant along the stem or by tying it to stakes from above. The roots of water culture plants float in the hydroponic solution constantly. The advantage of water culture hydroponics over aggregate culture is that the plant is constantly in contact with nutrients. A disadvantage is that the plant roots are not oxygenated by the nutrient solution. To help oxygenate the plants, some hydroponic gardeners add a fish-tank bubbler or other airstone to the hydroponic system.
- Aeroponic hyroponic systems are systems in which the roots are grown in a chamber along with an emitter that sprays a continuous mist of nutrient solution over the roots of a plant. Good aeration is the primary advantage of aeroponics over water culture or aggregate culture. Growing plants this way can also limit the spread of diseases, since plant-to-plant transmission is more difficult. Aeroponic systems can be more expensive and more difficult to maintain than water culture or substrate systems.
