Hydroponics is a method or system of growingplants, fruits and vegetables without soil. It was popularized in the middle of the 20th century and has been popularized ever since, notably because of its simplicity of maintenance and its important yields.
What is the principle of Hydroponics?
Contrary to traditional or classical agriculture which uses soil, hydroponics uses water accompanied by a hydroponic solution which gives the plants the minerals they need. There is no need to choose a good quality potting soil, since most of the nutrients are contained in the hydroponic growing solution.
What are the advantages of Home Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is easy to use: a hydroponic starter kit has all the necessary elements for the development and growth of plants. Consequently, there is also a significant saving of space. The integrated lamps make up for the lack of sunlight present in certain regions of the country. The absence of soil limits the development and proliferation of insects.
Does Hydroponics have an impact on the ecology?
A hydroponic growing system has little effect on the ecology. On the contrary, the system itself and the lights use little electricity, considering their size and power. Hydroponics also saves up to 90% of water, since water is not absorbed by a soil.
If you want to go further in the ecology, you can also opt for the Kratky Method which uses 0% electricity!
What is the difference between Hydroponics and Aquaponics?
In hydroponics, plants grow in a hydroponic fertilizer solution. Aquaponics incorporates fish farming, which is the raising of aquatic species in addition to plants.
What is the difference between Hydroponics and Aeroponics?
Hydroponics and aeroponics are very similar. Both use water and a nutrient solution. However, in aeroponics the watering is done from above.
Why do Hydroponics at home?
It allows you to save money since this method of cultivation does not require soil, little water and little maintenance, but allows for rapid growth and a high yield.
What are the necessary elements for Home Hydroponics?
All you need is a hydroponic growing system, a suitable growing solution, water and hydroponic baskets and hydroponic sponges to support your planting.
Do the yields from a Hydroponic Growth System have the same nutritional qualities as in traditional agriculture?
Yes, since the only thing that changes is that the soil is replaced by water. Vegetables and fruits produced by hydroponic gardening contain the same nutrients as a traditional garden.
Which plants for Home Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is particularly suitable for leafy vegetables such as lettuce or spinach, but also for herbs such as basil or chives. It is also possible to grow red fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
How to start Hydroponics at home?
It is best to start with plants that are easy to grow such as lettuce, spinach or basil. It is then possible to grow cabbage and strawberries for example.
To germinate the seeds properly, you need to put them in the wet hydroponic sponge and then in the hydroponic basket. It is preferable to use a ph tester pen to check the quality of the water. Then fill the hydroponic growth system with water and the hydroponic nutrient solution.