For saving space and soil, this method also has several
other benefits, including no soil-borne diseases, no
weeds to pull and no soil to till, run-of-the-mill side
benefits of soil-less gardening.

Is Hydroponics Right For You?

If you haven’t heard of hydroponic gardening let’s start from the top! The word comes from two Greek words meaning water and labor. Hydroponics is a soil-less way of gardening that’s been around for thousands of years. Scientists in Western countries began researching this method during the mid-century, around 1950. However many Eastern countries like China have been aware of soilless gardening for much longer. While it sounds futuristic to garden without soil this method has been around since 7th Century BC! How amazing is that?

Hydroponics Plant

Recent studies have shown that the yields from hydroponic gardening are incredible. Plants grown using this method don’t take up nearly as much space as other plants, they’re of incredibly high quality, and growing them doesn’t require the use of as many resources. The fact that it doesn’t take up a lot of space and that major retailers like Amazon are selling hydroponic systems makes this method of gardening ideal for urban dwellers. Growing indoors has never been more possible!

Let’s take a look at why this method of gardening is so popular among urban dwellers and those who enjoy gardening indoors. The obvious benefits are the fact that hydroponic gardening saves space and doesn’t create a lot of mess. It’s also great for pet owners! If you used to worry about bringing in a house plant that would only end up being a litter box, hydroponic gardening eliminates that worry! Indoor hydroponic gardens can also be a sustainable source of year-round produce, something you don’t get with traditional methods of gardening. In fact this is one of the biggest overall draws for this particular method of gardening. The fact that it produces yields that aren’t subject to growing seasons is a huge benefit. This is one of the many reasons that the farming industry is beginning to invest in hydroponics.

If you enjoy growing your own food, eating healthy, and taking advantage of this method of gardening chances are you’re serious about your health. Kohl’s has great deals on work out gear and fitness clothing that’s sure to help kick your health journey up a notch.

Of course it’s important to note that there can be some drawbacks to this ancient gardening art. Most of these disadvantages affect the technique from implemented on a larger scale and shouldn’t impact your personal decision to begin hydroponic gardening in your home. Either way let’s take a look at what they are just in case they do end up altering your decision. Large hydroponic operations require a lot of care and monitoring. They typically require near constant supervision. These large operations are monitored by specialists who have to tinker with the amount of light, oxygen, and nutrient solution that the plants are receiving. If you’re going to be setting up a small hydroponic kit in your home many of these drawbacks won’t concern you.

You may be asking yourself “Well all of these benefits are great but what can I even grow with hydroponics?”, great question! The main source of hydroponic yields are leafy greens and traditional vegetables. Lettuce, arugula, and kale are some of the most common hydroponically grown plants. If you’re a big fan of tomatoes, melons, eggplants, cucumbers, or peppers, you’re in luck. You can grow all of these plants with hydroponics! Now fruits like strawberries and watermelons unfortunately need more room than a hydroponic setup can provide.

With a wide variety of plants, fruits, and veggies to grow in your own home you’ll be living a happier, healthier lifestyle in no time!

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