Hydroponics Systems
Believe it or not, soil is not required to grow plants. The technique of hydroponics allows gardeners to grow plants with only water. This process might seem like something from the future, however, hydroponics systems have been used for hundreds of years. For example, the Chinese practiced hydroponics in the 10th and 11th century when gardeners grew food on floating rafts.
Utilizing Hydroponics Systems
Plants rely on water to absorb organic nutrients through their roots. If they are placed into dry soil that is nutrient-rich, the plant still cannot aborb the nutrients unless the soil has been dampened. Soil is not essential for plant growth, as nutrients can simply be dissolved into water before the water is then absorbed into the plants.
Given that soil is not required, it is easy to grow plants in almost any location using hydroponics systems. Areas that have arid soil and that lack rain can still be used to grow plants if there is access to a water source. In colder regions, plants can be brought inside where they are protected from adverse weather conditions. Hydroponics also saves space in many ways.
Saving Space by Using Vertical Hydroponics Systems
Gardeners can construct vertical hydroponics systems that eliminate the need for large amounts of floor space. These plants are usually grown in carousels. They are sometimes rotated around grow lights so they get adequate sunlight. The vertical construction allows gravity to naturally guide water down through. For vertical gardens to be efficient, they must be constructed in such a way that they slope gradually so that the plant roots have enough time to absorb the water.
The vertical nature of these hydroponics systems lead to unique challenges. The hydroponic system will need to include a pump to lift the water to the top of the system. A pump needs a power source to generate the force necessary to resist gravity.
Other Options
Some hydroponic growing systems are placed onto carts with wheels or casters. This allows the cart to be easily transported to whichever part of the home is the most convenient. Another popular method is to place hydroponic systems on walls using units that look similar to shelves. This lets gardeners avoid taking up space within the home and allows the hydroponic system to become a part of the decor.
Growing Plants from Anywhere
With hydroponics systems, plants can be grown anywhere. For example, those living in urban areas can set up hydroponics growing stations on rooftops. With artificial grow lights, plants can be grown indoors and possibly even deep underground. As a result, plants can be grown in places that would otherwise not allow plant growth.
Eating Healthier Fruits and Vegetables
Using hydroponics systems, homeowners can save money on food costs and also have fresh grown vegetables. They can control the conditions under which the plants are grown, allowing them to avoid growing plants with the use of pesticides. The water used can be kept fresh and nutrient-rich while not containing contaminants.
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Jonathon Blocker is familiar with putting hydroponic systems to work by using the knowledge he knows. Jon visits hydroponic systems online for advice about hydroponics and services provided.