Hydroponics is an innovative method of growing plants without using soil. Hydroponic systems use water to grow plants indoors, providing a cost-effective alternative for smaller spaces and gardening enthusiasts who don’t have an outdoor space to create a garden.
The hydroponics method is gaining a lot of traction among urban gardeners and environmentally conscious individuals alike as an efficient and sustainable gardening method. As cities become more populated and space becomes a premium, innovative gardening solutions like hydroponics offer the opportunity to grow fresh produce in home environments.
If you’ve heard about hydroponics and soil-free gardening but have no idea where to begin, this guide will explain all the basics you need to know to get started. And if the concept is entirely new to you, but you’d like to grow plants with all the benefits of hydroponics, you’ve found the right page. This beginner’s guide will explain how to start hydroponics, how it works, and all the benefits that come with it.
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is the technique of growing plants in a water-based, nutrient solution instead of using soil. This innovative method provides plants with all the essential nutrients they need while ensuring optimal conditions for growth. In most hydroponics setups, the plant roots are typically suspended in a solution that contains mineral nutrients, providing a more direct and efficient delivery system than soil can offer.
The hydroponics growing method can be traced back many centuries to various ancient civilisations. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the floating gardens of the Aztecs are some historical examples of soil-less agriculture.
In the modern era, hydroponics gained popularity in the 1930s when researchers began understanding the essential nutrients required for plant growth. Over the decades, technology has evolved, leading to the development of various systems tailored for different environments and scales, paving the way for the urban gardening movement today.
Benefits of Hydroponics
While every gardening method has both advantages and disadvantages to consider, the benefits of hydroponics are clear.
The main benefits of hydroponics are explained below:
- Space Efficiency: One of the most significant advantages of hydroponics is its efficient use of smaller or limited space. Traditional gardening often requires expansive plots of land, but hydroponic systems can be designed for vertical gardening, allowing them to fit into small spaces typically found in urban areas. This vertical approach maximises growing areas and can be integrated into smaller spaces like apartments, rooftops, or even small backyards, creating luscious green spaces indoors.
- Faster Growth Rates: Plants grown in hydroponic systems frequently show accelerated growth rates compared to those grown in traditional soil. They can develop stronger root systems and produce faster since they have direct access to nutrients, water, and oxygen. Some studies have also indicated that hydroponically grown plants can yield up to 30% more produce in the same duration compared to soil-grown ones.
- Water Conservation: Water conservation is another crucial benefit of hydroponics. Traditional gardening can use up to 80% more water due to evaporation, runoff, and incorrect irrigation methods. On the other hand, hydroponic systems use a recirculating water system that significantly reduces water usage. The water that isn’t absorbed by the plants is collected and reused, making hydroponics a far more sustainable choice for gardening, especially in water-scarce areas.
- Reduced Pest and Disease Issues: Less soil usage and a more controlled environment also decrease the chances of pest infestations and soil-borne diseases. Although preventive pest control measures are still required, growing indoors or in a greenhouse without soil provides a protective barrier against many types of pests. This allows growers to benefit from cleaner and healthier plants requiring less chemical treatment.
Besides benefiting plant growth, it also aligns with broader sustainable gardening practices by reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.
Types of Hydroponic Systems
There are various ways to grow plants indoors without using soil. The most common hydroponic systems are the following: Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Water Culture, Ebb and Flow System, and Aeroponics, which are explained below.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): The Nutrient Film Technique, or NFT, is an active hydroponic system that uses a pump to distribute a thin layer of nutrient-rich solution in shallow channels. The plants are suspended in a grow tube, allowing the roots to dip in the constant flow of water generated from the pump. The tube is set at an angle to allow excess water to drip back to the pump’s reservoir to prevent overwatering. The NFT system is one of the easiest to start because it only requires three key components: the grow tube, the pump, and the water reservoir. This system is best for growing leafy greens and herbs because they require minimal growing surfaces and have rapid growth cycles.
Deep Water Culture (DWC): The Deep Water Culture hydroponic system, or DWC system, is another beginner-friendly growing method that is relatively easy to set up. Unlike the NTF method, which relies on shallow water, DWC systems suspend plants in the nutrient solution with fully submerged roots. The basic components to set it up are a reservoir, net pots, and an air pump to infuse the water with oxygen. This ensures that the roots receive the required oxygen levels needed for growth. Like the NTF system, this growing method is ideal for herbs and other fast-growing plants like lettuce.
Ebb and Flow System: The Ebb and Flow, or ‘flood and drain’ system, is a slightly more complex setup with a few extra components required. In this method, plants are placed in a grow tray with a hydroponic grow tray and periodically flooded with nutrients before draining the remaining water back into the same reservoir. This hydroponic method allows plant roots to absorb nutrients while also getting air exposure to promote healthy growth. The ebb and flow system is ideal for growing a wide range of plants, including salad greens, herbs, tomatoes, radishes, and cucumbers.
Aeroponics: Aeroponics is a high-tech hydroponic system that suspends plants in the air, exposing the roots to air and the nutrient solution to maximise the system’s efficiency. The setup sprays a fine mist on the roots, and combined with the oxygen-rich environment, plants often grow much faster. The environment of an aeroponic system is also ideal for various herbs and vegetables.
Getting Started with Hydroponics
Besides understanding the basics of hydroponics and purchasing the basic equipment, there are a couple of other steps to keep in mind when getting started with hydroponics.
Here’s how to start hydroponics gardening in four easy steps.
Choosing a System
The first step is to decide which hydroponic system to use. Consider the most important factors, such as the size of your space, your budget, and which plants you wish to grow. The NFT and DWC systems are the most beginner-friendly hydroponic methods, while more advanced systems like aeroponics may require additional knowledge and equipment—research various setups to find one that fits your gardening aspirations and resources.
Basic Equipment Needed
Next, gather the basic equipment required for the setup you’ve chosen. Here’s a list of the must-have items a beginner needs for any hydroponic system:
Grow lights: LED grow lights will support plant growth by mimicking natural light for indoor plants.
Pumps: Water pumps are necessary for circulating nutrient solutions, while air pumps are crucial for methods which rely on aeration.
Nutrient solution: Specialised hydroponic solutions to provide the necessary nutrients for your plants.
Growing medium: Since most hydroponic systems are soil-free (or use very little), plants require an inserting medium such as clay pellets or rock wool for necessary support.
Fan (optional): While not required for most systems, a fan in the grow room could be useful if the area lacks proper ventilation.
Selecting Plants
Choosing the right plants is key to a successful hydroponics setup. If you’re new to hydroponics, it’s best to start with easier, beginner-friendly plants. Fast-growing plants like lettuce, herbs, and strawberries are all suitable choices.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your hydroponic system is crucial for ensuring plant health. Remember to monitor nutrient levels regularly, keep the pH balance between 5.5 and 6.5, and check water levels frequently.
Conclusion
Hydroponics offers an innovative and sustainable approach to gardening, especially suited for urban environments where space and resources are typically limited. Its numerous advantages, including faster growth rates, water conservation, and reduced pest issues, make it a great soil-free alternative for beginner gardeners and eco-conscious individuals.
By understanding the basics of hydroponic systems method, you can create a thriving indoor or backyard garden. Hydroponics is a learning curve, and it may take some trial and error to refine your setup, but don’t hesitate to plunge into soil-free gardening!
Do you have any questions about starting your own hydroponic garden? Comment below with your questions, experience, and share your hydroponics tips with our readers!
Sources and further reading
https://runnerrachel-lee.medium.com/a-beginners-guide-to-hydroponically-growing-lettuce-ef305893109a
https://www.epicgardening.com/history-of-hydroponics/#:~:text=The%20earliest%20examples%20of%20hydroponics,faster%2C%20stronger%2C%20and%20healthier.
https://www.thespruce.com/beginners-guide-to-hydroponics-1939215 https://www.epicgardening.com/hydroponics-for-beginners/
https://www.voltgrow.com/learning-center/hydroponic-vs-soil-growing-methods/
https://puregreensaz.com/blog/nutrient-film-technique/#:~:text=The%20Nutrient%20Film%20Technique%20is,can%20dramatically%20reduce%20water%20usage.
https://ponicslife.com/deep-water-culture-dwc-systems-a-complete-guide-for-hobbyists/
https://hydrobuilder.com/learn/hydroponics-101/?srsltid=AfmBOoojg7r_ZecxdV4_zIqQfWzS4vij9xZe5sAUidIdno2HQ7f0FYy9#What_Are_The_Benefits_of_Hydroponics
https://getgrowee.com/hydroponic-ebb-and-flow-system/#:~:text=Ebb%20and%20flow%20hydroponic%20systems%20are%20great%20for%20growing%20herbs,Tomatoes
https://www.agrowtronics.com/equipment-for-basic-hydroponic-system-setups/basic-equipment-for-hydroponic-systems/