The Power of Hydroponics
Hydroponics in a Nutshell
Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants without soil. That sounds uncanny right? It makes sense to enthusiasts like Shigeharu Shimamura who turned an old Sony factory into the world’s largest indoor farm. Over 10,000 lettuce heads are produced every day without soil. The farm takes up less space than a football field. In nature and traditional farms, plants absorb nutrient-rich water to grow. Nutrients in the soil dissolve into the water before the plants use it. Vegetation does not technically require soil to grow. Some hydroponic systems use a solid medium such as gravel or rock wool and others allow plant roots to grow naked in a nutrient solution. All hydroponic systems use a nutrient solution to feed the plants.
Why go Hydroponic?
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Hydroponic systems have complete control over the nutrients for healthier, larger, and lusher results. Soil can actually trap certain elements over time and hold back essential nutrients from plants. Hydroponic plants have the luxury of a constant supply of nutrient saturated water. Less fertilizer is needed.
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In most cases, hydroponics use less than 10% the amount of water spent on tradition systems. Water is only lost through some evaporation and when the solution needs to be changed. Water doesn’t drain through soil and dry up as fast.
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No weeds and less pests! The controlled environment of indoor hydroponics makes that possible. Weed killer and toxic pesticides are not needed in most cases.
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Hydroponic gardens take less space and they can grow plants through all four seasons.
Getting Started
Emily’s Garden and MegaGarden hydroponic systems make it easy for anyone to get started. They come with illustrated instructions and everything needed for a healthy garden:
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Planters
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Water reservoir – holds nutrient saturated water
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Garden tray, grow tray – covers the reservoir with holes to insert planters into the water
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Nutrients
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Rock wool starter cubes – inert medium to provide base for seeds
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Clay pebbles – inert medium to provide base for roots
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Air pump, submersible pump – stirs water for freshness and even nutrient distribution
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pH test kit
These kits make it fun and easy to grow plants.
