When you think of growing food, you visualise a small tilled soil patch with herbs or fresh vegetables. Or you may envision rows of tomatoes, corn, lettuce, kale, and more sprouting proudly and healthy out of the ground.
You might also think of greenhouses with covers and plastic pipes.
The truth is that you can grow food indoors without soil. Agricultural scientists have discovered that soil is just a medium that contains vital nutrient solutions for plants to absorb and grow. That means it isn’t a necessity for
the growth of healthy plant roots.
The main thing here is to provide your plants with all nutrients and minerals they need, from nitrogen and potassium to phosphorus and more. If you provide plants with all ingredients they require, you’ll not need soil to grow food indoors. And that is where the likes of Gardyn come in with their wide range of hydroponics systems.
When you access the mygardyn.com reviews page, you can see how hydroponic gardeners are happy with their systems. So what are hydroponic systems, and what types are available? Which plants can perform well in hydroponic environments? And what benefits can hydroponic gardeners enjoy? Read on to unearth more.
What Are Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponics originates from two Greek words, ponos meaning labour, and hydro meaning water. So hydroponic means gardening without soil. As a result, hydroponics is a perfect way to grow healthy vegetables, herbs and fruits indoors reliably. You don’t have to worry about space, soil, and climate.
Hydroponic systems are based on water and don’t need soil in order to grow plants. Instead of using soil to enable plants to absorb nutrients, hydroponic systems use water as a medium. Plants can obtain the minerals and nutrients they require from the water solution. Hydroponic systems differ in terms of size and shape. Most of them fit in smaller spaces, including tight corners.
Grow cabinets are also available, which are a little bigger. Hydroponic systems allow people to grow their favourite fruits, vegetables, and herbs from their kitchen windows or counters, which looks beautiful.
Which Types of Hydroponic Systems Are Available?
You have multiple hydroponic system types to choose from. Different factors determine the type of system you select. These factors are the space you have, your budget and the types of plants. The most popular types
include the following:
Deep Water Culture
Deep water culture is the most popular hydroponic system. It’s popular because of its simplicity. Deep water culture systems usually have small plants placed on polystyrene trays that float on top of the water that contains essential nutrients and minerals held in a tub or reservoir. The roots of the plants are submerged in the water solution. Some deep water culture systems have net pots fitted into lids that fit the tubs, tanks or reservoirs.
An air stone is placed in water connected to an air pump through an air tube or hose. This helps plant roots not become waterlogged, preventing mineral and nutrient absorption or leading to rotting. Plants that perform well in deep culture systems include salad greens such as lettuces, arugula, and endives. The deep water culture system is also known as aquaponics.
Hydroponic Wick System
Traditionally a passive hydroponic system, a wick system, doesn’t have moving parts. Also, electricity isn't required, making it ideal for people on tight budgets or newbies. It’s the simplest hydroponic system.
When using this system, plants receive nutrients through wicks that connect them to the soaks and a reservoir with nutrient solution. The medium absorbs nutrients and minerals, and the plant roots are fed. Leafy vegetables such as lettuce and herbs like rosemary are excellent choices for a hydroponic wick system.
Nutrient Film Technique
The nutrient film technique system enables plants to be grown in tubes known as gullies. Grow tanks can also be used in nutrient film technique systems to increase the space required for healthy root growth. A gully or grow tray is fitted at a slight angle just above the reservoir, and a channel in the middle of the grow tray is required to help drain the water solution efficiently.
The nutrient film technique doesn’t require a timer since the pump provides a continuous flow of minerals and nutrients over the roots. Net pots support the plants, and growing medium isn't needed. An air pump connected to the airstone keeps the reservoir aerated.
This keeps the nutrient and mineral solution from settling and distributes enough oxygen to the roots allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. And that means less feeding energy for plants which is utilised for faster growth.
A submersible pump available in the reservoir sends continuous nutrient and mineral supply to the grow tray.
The space between water and plants guarantees aeration. And the water drains back into the reservoir.
Aeroponic Hydroponic System
The aeroponic hydroponic is the latest and most technical system to be discovered for indoor gardening enthusiasts. It depends on an artificial intelligence time system. Similar to the nutrient film system, aeroponic hydroponic doesn’t require a growing medium.
The plant roots are suspended in the air, and a mist is applied per minute. An aeroponic hydroponic system saves on water, growing medium, and nutrients. It’s cost-effective and efficient after the initial set-up.
Which Plants Can Grow Hydroponically?
Once you have picked your favourite hydroponic system from a leading provider and supplier, you must know plants you can grow indoors. Hydroponic indoor systems can allow you to grow fruits like strawberries, grapes,
and blueberries.
The herbs and vegetables that most home gardeners grow are thyme, lettuce, tomatoes, and spinach, as well as, rosemary, and parsley.
What Benefits Does Hydroponic Gardening Offer?
After obtaining a hydroponic system, you’ll enjoy a plethora of benefits. All these benefits have one main goal which is to ensure your home has fresh and enough food.
With a top-notch system from a reliable and trusted provider, it is possible to grow plants anywhere in your home. And the best part is that there is no worry about climatic or weather condition changes that might affect your productivity negatively.
And finally, you’ll appreciate discoveries and technologies in the gardening sector, including automation and connectivity that make it easier to manage your hydroponic systems anywhere, anytime. Do you want high-quality indoor gardening products? The likes of Gardyn have it all!
