An Introduction to Hydroponics
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Hydroponics is no longer a growing method to be introduced. For years it has conquered many people: first, professionals of the agricultural world and then individuals who have been seduced by this easy to use and maintain method.
What is the History of Hydroculture?
Roots of Hydroponics
In 1627, hydroponics is first mentioned in the book A Natural History written by Francis Bacon, philosopher and statesman at the service of the kingdom of that time.
A few decades later, literary essays were published after hydroponic tests were carried out on mint. The interest in hydroponics has only grown since then, leading to numerous researches until the end of the 19th century.
Development of Hydroponics
Consideration for hydroponics rebounded in the first part of the 20th century. Indeed, the researchers of the time were trying to counter the proliferation of diseases and bacteria on the plants due to the salinity of the soil.
Hydroponics then appeared as a revolutionary method to counter the negative effects of traditional agriculture.
Hydroponics Today
In a context of climate change and large scale pollution, Hydroponics appears today as the agricultural solution for future generations.
Indeed, soils are increasingly polluted and climatic conditions can in some countries disrupt the proper functioning of agriculture. In order to protect themselves from these aspects, which only get worse with time, professionals and individuals are turning more and more to hydroponics.
What are the different Types of Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is not a method, but a set of methods. There are several of them:
Traditional Hydroponics
First used on a large scale by farmers, Hydroponics has been adapted for households. Thanks to Growing Systems, it is now possible to Grow Hydroponic Fruits and Hydroponic Vegetables at home.
Kratky Method
The Kratky Method is a simple but effective method became popular about 15 years ago. It is based on Passive Hydroponics, which means that with a simple jar, a nutrient solution and a Growth Medium, you can grow plants, fruits and vegetables without maintenance: the nutrients are absorbed as the plant grows.
Aeroponics
Unlike traditional hydroponics, the irrigation of the plants in aeroponics is indirect: the roots are suspended in the air and watered from above / below in the form of a jet. This technique is rather used on a large scale in agriculture.
Aquaponics
Aquaponics is a mix between aquaculture and hydroponics. The breeding of fish allows to generate waste (e.g. microbes, worms, ...) which, once in water - will allow to feed the plants. This technique, despite its complexity and cost - seems to attract more and more households.
What are the Benefits of Hydro Gardening?
If you are interested in gardening or even agriculture in general, you must have heard of hydroponics. If this method has seduced the world, it is because it has many advantages.
Hydroponics is easy to use and to maintain
To get started with traditionnal hydroponics, you will need :
The installation of the kit and other elements is within the reach of everyone, whether you have a green thumb or not.
Hydroponics uses water to grow plants
Then, as we saw in the first part - hydroponics uses water as a substrate, which has two advantages compared to potting soil :
- Avoid the development and proliferation of insects and micro organisms. Because of the richness of its contents, it is very common for potting soil to attract all kinds of life (e.g. insects, micro organisms). The problem is that these parasites will then attack your plantation. On the contrary, water does not naturally have as many nutrients and minerals that can attract insects, which greatly limits maintenance.
- Maximize your yields. In gardening, it is often complicated to find fertile land or potting soil, to ensure their quality (e.g. nutrient content), ... In hydroponics, all you need is water and a Hydroponic Fertilizer that contains in advance everything your plantation will need to grow.
Hydroponics allows maximum yields all year round
Finally, the last advantage of hydroponics is that it reduces climatic inequalities. With traditional gardening, it is sometimes difficult to have a constant harvest. From one year to the next, the weather can change, for example there can be more sun and less rain - which impacts the crops. Also, some regions are more affected by hot weather than others.
Having a hydroponic growing system at home means choosing to garden comfortably and have maximum yields all year round!
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