By Kent Higgins
Hydroponic gardening is not a new invention, but its popularity is currently increasing drastically. People are now using this process of growing plants, flowers, and vegetables without soil in their homes, where previously it was mostly used just by professional gardeners.
Because of the 'hydro' in the name, it is a common misconception that the plants are being grown in water instead of soil. They are in fact grown in liquid, but it is a mineral nutrient solution, not water. It is also possible to use clay, sand, gravel, or vermiculite in hydroponics.
In hydroponic gardening, plants have a constant access to water and the nutrients that they need. You can give them exactly what they need when they need it. You don't have to worry about watering too much or too little, or not giving enough nutrients, since the plants absorb everything that they need at the right time.
The following information will explain other advantages to hydroponic gardening. First of all, you don't have to worry about what type or quality of soil to use, since you use no soil.
If you have poor local soil, there is no longer a need to worry about how you can grow healthy vegetables. Since the fruits and vegetables will be receiving more nutrients, you will also receive more nutrients by eating them.
Also, you won't have to worry about weeds or infestations that arise from planting in soil.
If you live in a dry, desert, or rocky area, you would normally have to bring in soil to plant a garden. Hydroponic gardening eliminates this problem. NASA even works with hydroponics in case anything needs to be planted on the moon in the future, where there is no soil or nutrients for the plants.
When plants grown hydroponically are removed from their growth system, they continue to live and grow. This is great for fruits and vegetables that are being shipped off to stores to be sold and eaten. Plants that grow in soil die when they are removed. Produce is therefore more fresh when it is grown hydroponically.
There are a few negative aspects of hydroponic gardening as well, however. It is much more technically involved to be successful in growing. You will need special tanks, lights, pumps, and other expensive equipment - but you can also use sub irrigation planters for houseplants making the process easy. There are a lot of aspects that are important in the success of the plant's growth. If one part of it fails, it is likely that the plant will die.
If any of the advantages of hydroponic gardening would greatly help you, you should research it further to see how feasible it is for you to begin growing in this unique way.
Surprisingly enough sub irrigation planters let you enjoy the benefits without much expense. In fact, I make planters by recycling. Visit http://www.plant-care.com/subirrigation-indoor-plants.html to learn more on self watering planters.
Hydroponic Gardening - Popular, Not New
8:49 PM
ThanateTan
