A Beginners’ Guide to Hydroponics Gardening

‘hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ meaning labor. Plants are grown hydroponically inside a climate controlled greenhouse facility protecting plants from pests and bad weather. Hydroponics cultivation uses almost 90% less water than traditional farming, making this a highly eco-friendly method of farming.

Some of the best hydroponics in India produce hydroponic peppers, strawberries, tomatoes and much more. Hydroponics is a simple and practical way to grow plants that require less space. We can set up hydroponics in our own balcony or terrace with little or no investment required.

The benefits of hydroponic gardening include a pest and pesticide free produce (less chances of having a pest and minimal Pesticide) and water saving capabilities. It has also been proven that growing plants hydroponically has faster growth rate than growing them in soil. By providing essential nutrients to the plant directly, ensures all the energy of the plant is devoted to growing healthy.

A growing medium is required in the initial stage of hydroponic cultivation. This could be made from coco peat, rockwool etc to keep the roots aerated also act as support system for roots. This medium is used in the earlier stage of cultivation where the seed is made to hatch. After the shoot comes out, this is moved to a nutrient solution.

The nutrient solution is vital in the further growth of the plant. Supplying adequate nutrients to the solution helps the plant grow better by keeping a balance in the solution and hence giving a better yield. Most of these nutrients are available to purchase on market.

The pH of the solution should be kept 5.5 to 6.5 for an optimal growth. Plants wither out under high or low pH of solution. By means of pH testing kit that could be purchased from the market we can keep a check on the changes and prevent damage to plants.

The next thing to consider before setting up a hydroponic system is to choose the type of set up you require based on room size, plant size, and other factors. Here are some of the common hydroponics systems used widely;

  • The wick system;
  • The ebb and flow system;
  • Nutrient film technique;
  • Continuous drip system; 

Research on the various system and build or buy a system accordingly. Happy planting.

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