Growing medium is simply what the roots of the plants are growing in. When growing hydroponics, there are a vast variety of growing medium that may be used. These medium include materials, including Rockwool, perlite, vermiculite, coconut fiber, gravel, sand or any number of other materials and even air can be used as a hydroponic growing medium. The hydroponic growing medium is an inert substance that doesn't supply any nutrition to the plants, all the nutrition comes from the nutrient solution (water and fertilizer mixed). You can therefore easily control everything the plants receive, the strength and pH of the nutrient solution is easy to adjust so that the plants receive just the right amount of nutrient and water. The watering cycles can be simply controlled by an inexpensive timer so that the plants get watered when they need to be.
HYDROPONIC, ORGANIC AND "REGULAR" FERTILIZERs
Hydroponic fertilizer and fertilizer intended for use in soil contain the three major nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and potassium. The main difference between hydroponic fertilizer and "dirt" fertilizer is that hydroponic gardening fertilizers contain the proper amounts of all the essential micro-nutrients that "dirt" fertilizers do not include, (the plants are expected to find these elements in the soil, assuming that the trace elements are in fact present in the soil). Problems can arise for the plants if any or all of the micro-nutrients are not present in the soil or are depleted by successive (or excessive) plantings. Hydroponic gardening fertilizers are usually in a purer form with fewer impurities than the "dirt" fertilizers so that they are stable and are more water soluble. (see below for more information on Micro-Nutrients). Organic fertilizers are usually very different than either the hydroponic or "dirt" fertilizer, both in composition and how they deliver the nutrients to the plants. They rely on the action of bacteria and microbes to break down the material into it's basic elements so the plants can use it. The hydroponic and "dirt" fertilizers supply the plants with these elements "ready-to-use". (for more information about the difference between hydroponic and organic fertilizer, click here for the excellent article titled: "Hydroponic or Organic - What's the Difference?" by Roger H. Thayer).
 HOW COMPLICATED IS IT?
Growing Hydroponics can be VERY complicated, with computers and sensors controlling everything from watering cycles to nutrient strength and the amount of light that the plants receive. It can also be incredibly simple, a hand watered bucket of sand with a single plant is also a method of hydroponic gardening. Usually hobby oriented systems are somewhere between the two extremes mentioned above. The "average" home hydroponic system usually consists of a few basic parts: a growing tray, a reservoir, a simple timer controlled submersible pump to water the plants and an air pump and air stone to oxygenate the nutrient solution. Of course, light (either natural or artificial) is also required.
WHAT ARE MICRO-NUTRIENTS?
The micro-nutrients that are required for healthy plant growth are calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc. These nutrients are essential elements that plants need in very small amounts. Without these trace elements plants can become "sick" and develop all sorts of problems, depending on which micro-nutrient(s) are missing. In the case of food crops, the lack of micro-nutrients in the soil can mean a lack of nutrients in the food, which means at best that the food isn't as healthy as it could be and at worst that people can develop heath problems due to the lack of these essential elements. That is why it is important to use a good quality Hydroponic fertilizer when ever you are growing plants using this method.
pH IS IMPORTANT?
The control of pH is extremely important, not just with growing hydro but in soil as well. Plants lose the ability to absorb different nutrients when the pH varies. This site aims to help anyone who may have a question about hydroponics gardening by providing useful tools and techniques that not only will help the user become more proficcient, but also make their gardning experience a more enjoyable, and fruitful affair. | |
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