Hydro-whats a?
Hydroponics: Soilless Growing of Plants
You might think of hydroponics as a new, soilless way of growing plants…but it’s anything but new, it’s actually been documented in books as far back as the 1600s. The biggest benefits of the soilless cultivation of plants are:
- Much higher crop yields
- The fact that hydroponics can be used in places where ordinary agriculture or gardening is impossible
- How much more quickly plants grow
For most of us here in the Houston area, however, it’s just a fun and rewarding way of expanding our gardening horizons!!!
How do you get started?
While there are several different types of hydroponics, one of the simplest is referred to as passive. The passive form of hydroponics involves growing a plant in a hydroponics medium contained in a “self-watering” pot. “Self-watering” pots do not actually water themselves. These innovative plant containers have a wick that transfers nutrient solution from the pot’s reservoir to the growing medium and roots using capillary action. All growing mediums are adequate for passive hydroponics. In addition to a container, there’s some basic equipment that you’ll need. This equipment will include an aeration system - like an aquarium pump—for forcing nutrient solution up into and onto the root system and the nutritional solution. Most of this can be purchased in kits, providing the container, the aeration system, and nutrient solution. For beginners, the kits are a really great option, as the really help increase the level of success.
What can go wrong?
There is, however, a downside to growing using passive hydroponics. Since the plant is still being grown in a pot, the plant can become root-bound, not allowing the plant to reach its full potential. The main benefit if growing hydroponically is the unlimited root space available. This benefit does not apply to passive hydroponics. This limitation is the main reason why passive hydroponics yields the least production compared to the other hydroponics growing methods. Another problem can be if the water/nutritional solution becomes out of whack…and it should be noted, when you mess up, plants can die very quickly, within just a couple of days. However, if you follow instructions on the nutritional solution container, you really shouldn’t have any problems.
What can be grown hydroponically?
Just about anything, but the most popular choices are veggies: spinach, all herbs (basil, dill, peppermint, etc.), lettuce, okra…the list is endless. For larger crops, like squash and cucumbers, just be aware that these will need more space to hang down out of the container.
Ready to get started?
Fall tomatoes are arriving now, so it’s a perfect time to dip your toe into the hydroponic pool!!! Starter hydroponic kits are available at both Plants For All Seasons locations, come in and let us help you get started today!!! If we don’t have the starter kit that you want, we can special order it for you, just talk with a member of our staff.
