Hydroponics is the art of growing plants without the use of soil or media. Hydroponics has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years with the hanging gardens of Babylon said to be the first hydroponic garden on record. Hydroponics has many different uses in the horticultural world and is very valuable in countries where standard soil quality is poor and water is scarce.
Many of the worlds farmers are opening their minds and wallets to hydroponic growing because of the rapid plant growth and increased yields compared to standard soil growing meaning higher profits. When plants are placed in their natural conditions (in soil) the soil acts as the nutrient reservoir holding moisture and nutrient, so when watered the nutrients in the soil can be taken up by the plants roots. On the other hand when using hydroponics you are adding the nutrient to the plants water supply which is passed directly over the plants roots so you remove the need for soil, this saves the roots searching for available nutrients saving energy and time for your plants thus making them grow better. Because of high oxygen content in the solution it makes the plants you are growing more resistant to stress factors such as heat and disease.
Indoor growers have taken to hydroponics methods in a big way and I think the ease of use and increased harvest has contributed to this greatly making it possible for even the novice gardener to produce high quality crops. Hydroponics takes away any doubt as to when to water your plants and makes nutrients readily available making it ideal for beginner and expert alike.
The sharp rise in food prices should encourage all of us to try and grow our own, not only are you saving money you will also get better quality produce and as fresh as you like. The whole family can get involved in this activity giving it another angle.
Hydroponics is in my opinion the best way to grow any type of plant greatly reducing disease and saving water and nutrient, but can be in some situations and with some systems expensive to set up. The positives far out way the negatives on this one though and I encourage all to try it, get the kids involved in growing their own food you will see the enjoyment it brings to them and they will love you for it.
Neil stuart is a hydroponics expert with many years experience in horticulture and growing plants indoors
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