The word hydroponics is derived from the Greek words hydro, meaning water; and ponos, meaning labour. This system of growing plants in water has been around for many centuries. The Babylonians envisaged using it for their Hanging Gardens of Babylon (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) around 600BC; and Marco Polo found it in use in China as early as 1275.
Benefits
There are many benefits to growing plants in a hydroponic environment. The most important are the cost effectiveness and, when growing your own vegetables, the freshness. It is to be noted that hydroponically-grown plants grow 30%-50% larger than their soil-grown equivalents, and that they grow much quicker. As there is no need for constant watering and fertilizers, this method is clearly much more environment friendly. You will also be happy to know that you will not have the problem of weeds and pests, which may make soil-based gardening unpleasant.
How to go about setting up your Hydroponic Grow Room
One may set up your hydroponic grow room almost anywhere, on your roof, in your garage, inside your home. There are very few requirements needed before you may begin growing a vast variety of vegetables, plants or flowers. As we will be discussing plants which are grown in a liquid solution, there is no need for large quantities of soils, fertilizers and the like. This is probably the easiest form of hydroponics.
All one needs to begin is a container, and here almost anything will do, from polystyrene boxes to unwanted aquariums, but please ensure that no chemicals were ever used in the container. Two of the easiest ways of growing plants hydroponically are:
1) To suspend the plants in styrofoam and float them on top of the nutrient solution (see below), with the plants roots hanging down into the solution; and
2) To have a reservoir next to your chosen container, containing the nutrient solution which will feed your plants. You will need a wick, one end of which is placed in the nutrient solution and the rest of the length is placed in the container, ensuring a constant supply of food. One then fills the container with perlite, into which you plant your seedlings.
The most basic recipe for a hydroponic nutrient solution is to mix together 1 gallon (3.7 liters) water, 1 tablespoon of Miracle Gro and 1 tablespoon of Epsom Salts. This solution should be changed every 4-6 weeks.
The other things to bear in mind as a beginner is that your plants need almost constant light and electric light is therefore the best choice, as it is constant. The ambient temperature should be around 25 degrees Celsius and one should avoid large temperature changes, especially between day and night. There should be good air circulation and humidity should be kept at around 50% - higher and you risk the formation of mould on your plants.
Author Resource:-
Hydroponic Growth are specialist retailers of hydroponic systems, equipment and kits, offering a one stop shop to develop the perfect hydroponic grow room. To view the full range of hydroponic equipment available from Hydroponic Growth, visit http://www.hydroponicgrowth.co.uk
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