Hydroponics farming:Is a method of growing plants and vegetables using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil. Statistically hydroponic plants are healthier, grow much faster and don’t need too much space for their root
Starting up your own hydroponic garden:
STEP 1
Place the reservoir bucket under a durable table. The reservoir can be a trash can, a Rubbermaid container, or any other container made of plastic. It must be non-metal since metal oxidizes can cause nutrient problems. Take an ebb and flow tray and place the fill and drain kit inside it. The ebb and flow tray must also be plastic and non-transparent. It must be strong enough to contain the plants, perlite, and water. Arrange the tray so the drain is located above the reservoir bucket. An ebb and flow hydroponics system can be located indoors, in a greenhouse or in the sun. Lighting must be controlled indoors. The system requires a convenient source of water.
STEP 2
Place the water pump inside the reservoir tank. This can be an aquarium power pump. Allow water to carry over into the ebb and flow tray. The timer on the pump should be set so water flows into the ebb and flow tray two to four times a day, depending on plant size.
STEP 3
Fill pots with perlite and include the plants. Position plants inside ebb and flow trays. Fill reservoir tank with sufficient water to fill ebb and flow tray. Never run flood cycles for more than half an hour each time as this may damage plant roots.
STEP 4
Add nutrients gradually. Nutrients and water should drench the perlite and overflow in each cycle to wash out salts that may build up. Monitor the pH level to suit the requirements of the plants.
STEP 5
Situate the growth lights above the hydroponics. Use timers to have the lights on for 12 hours, then off for 12 hours. Do this consistently until plants are in full bloom. Remember to change the nutrient solution every couple optimum growth.
ADVANTAGES
- No soil is needed
- The water stays in the system and can be reused- thus, lower water costs
- It is possible to control the nutrition levels in their entirety- thus, lower nutrition costs
- No nutrition pollution is released into the environment because of the controlled system
- Stable and high yields
- Pests and diseases are easier to get rid of than in soil because of the container’s mobility
DISADVANTAGES
- The hydroponic conditions (presence of fertilizer and high humidity) create an environment that stimulates salmonella growth.
- Another disadvantage is pathogens attacks including damp-off due to Verticillium wilt caused by the high moisture levels associated with hydroponics and overwatering of soil based plant
With thanks to Wikipedia and eHow
