How To Start A Hydroponic Garden
You want to know How To Start A Hydroponic Garden? Please read on for a little history and some ideas.
Although soil-less gardening has been around since the
ancient times, scientists began experimenting with soil 
less farming around 1950’s.
The floating-gardens of China and the hanging-gardens of Babylon are the earliest illustrations of hydroponic farming. The term hydroponics is coined from two Greek terms, “hydro” which means water & “ponic” means labor.
Hydroponic farming involves planting using nutrient rich solutions instead of the traditional dirt medium. And although it seems complicated, hydroponic gardening can be an interesting hobby for anyone who is looking for a better way to plant your crops.
So if you want to learn how to start a hydroponic garden please read the
following step-to-step guide
1. Pick the right hydroponic system– there are 4 most common hydroponic
techniques from beginners to choose from and these includes:
i)Top drip system- this is actually the commonest hydroponic
technique among beginners. In this method, the nutrient, held in a reservoir is
pumped through some tubing to the base of your potted plants. All the excess
nutrient solution is released through a hole on the pot’s base and then
returned to your reservoir. This process has to be repeated between 2-4 times
daily.
ii) Ebb & flow system–this classic system can easily accommodate
any pot irrespective of its size and it is quite simple to build. In this system,
the potted plants are easily arranged on a drain table, which is filled with
about 3 inches of nutrient and water, which is then pumped into the table. The nutrient
solution is brought into the pots through the hole on its base and this
procedure must be repeated between 2-4 times every day.
iii) Wick system-this is the simplest system which doesn’t require
aerators, timers or pumps. In this system, nutrient is fed through a cotton
wick. The plant is potted in a pot with a cotton wick in the bottom, which
helps bring nutrient solution to the plant.
iv)Deep-water culture system-this is actually the most economical system. In this system, plants are planted in a small netted pot suspended in a floating Styro-foam plank. Beneath the plank lies a shallow-reservoir containing the nutrient solution and the plant’s roots grow through the netted pots into the nutrient solution.
2. Choose the right plants to grow- not every plant grows well
in a hydroponic garden, so before you begin your quest on how to start a hydroponic garden,
you must choose the right plants to grow. Some of the plants which do well in a
hydroponic garden include pepper, cucumber, herbs, lettuce and tomatoes among
others.
3. Prepare a water reservoir- the 1st step to
preparing a hydroponic system is choosing a reservoir. with this type of
gardening; you will need a large & opaque tank to contain the nutrient
solution. But make sure you get a tank that doesn’t allow light into it, since
this will allow algae to grow and contaminate your nutrient solution. Even though
many people prefer painting the tank’s sides, the best way to keep algae away
is by getting an opaque tank. An opaque tank will help keep your nutrient
solution clean while your plant is growing.
4. Prepare a growing bed-the Styrofoam plant holder is a great
growing bed which floats easily on the water surface, but it has to cut be accurately
to help block light from accessing your water reservoir. Some plants are water
resistant and for them to grow perfectly in a hydroponic system they have to be
suspended right above your reservoir using a suspension system or a bridge.
5. Choose a nutrient solution- this is actually the most
crucial part of hydroponic gardening. Too much, too weak, too enough or too strong
combination of nutrients can either kill or sicken your plants. And as much as
many people try to experiment with different solutions, many people prefer purchasing
a pre-made solution.
6. Provide support to your grown plants– once your plants start
growing you can add a rock wool, gravel or vermiculite to help anchor the
roots. You can also anchor the plant’s stem using a thin plastic sheet and
leave the roots dangling freely.
7. Provide oxygen to the plants– for the plant to grow
perfectly oxygen is mandatory, so make sure you get an air stone to help
oxygenate your water reservoir. If you are planning to grow your plants in a
small garden with less than fifty gallon capacity, a fish-tank bubbler can help
oxygenate your system. Remember to also purchase a pump to help pump the
nutrient into the growing bed.
8. Fertilize your plant-the fertilizer designed for hydroponic
systems can provide your plants with 13 macro nutrients and micro nutrients
essential for growth. And to help maintain the reservoir’s pH at 6.0, you can
purchase a pH test kit.
Please look through this site for lots of info on How To Start A Hydroponic Garden at your home.
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