Hydroponics - what it entails and how to get started?
Hydroponics is a modern and very clean way of growing plants without soil in a nutrient solution. Simply put, for such cultivation you need only a plant, nutrient solution and a growing medium to support the plant in a pot. Cultivating herbs, fruit and vegetables is made easier by a hydroponic system, of which there are several types, so among other things we will advise you on how to find your way around the individual growing systems.
Hydroponic cultivation is really very popular among growers. No wonder. These are the main advantages of hydroponics:
- Perfect control of plant nutrition throughout the entire growing cycle.
- Greater growing efficiency associated with higher yields.
- With proper care of the hydroponic system, this is a very clean growing method, which means:
- Lower risk of pests or plant diseases.
- Much less mess.
Ordinary soil contains many organic and inorganic substances that the plant uses, so it can grow even without much help from fertilisers.
Hydroponic media, with which growers usually achieve the best results, are:
- coconut fibre
- expanded clay (hydroton)
In the past, perlite was also used, for example, but hydroponic cultivation of plants in perlite is now a thing of the past.
When growing hydroponically, be sure to pay attention to the choice of propagation medium, or rather propagation cubes. For example, Jiffy is not suitable for hydro, because dirt is often released, which clogs pumps or the irrigation lines of the watering system. On the other hand, we can clearly recommend rockwool or stonewool for hydroponics, especially Grodan propagation cubes.
The growing media mentioned above are inert, which means that they contain no nutrients, and it is therefore necessary to supply all the nutrients the plant needs for healthy development through the nutrient solution, that is, water combined with nutrients sourced from quality hydroponic fertilisers.
Fertilisers for hydroponics are discussed in more detail in a separate article as well: What are the best fertilisers for hydroponics and how should they be used correctly?
A common feature of hydroponic fertilisers is a mineral-based composition. Growers for whom natural feeding is a priority, but who also like hydroponics, are increasingly turning to bioponics, most often using products from the brand Terra Aquatica. Bioponics is essentially organic hydroponics. You can read more about this method in the article: What is bioponics?
OUR TIP: In addition to the legendary manufacturer Terra Aquatica (formerly General Hydroponics), we also recommend a new addition to our range, namely the best British fertilisers with an emphasis on research.
What should you consider before you start with hydroponics in practice? Above all, answer the following questions:
- What is your budget?