Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants without the use of soil. This is done by delivering nutrients to the plant roots through a nutrient solution. There are many different techniques for growing hydroponically but they break down into a couple categories: wick, ebb and flow, drip irrigation, and deep water. We'll go into more detail into the different techniques later in the article.
Some people ask, "Why would anyone go through the trouble of setting up a complicated system when they could just plant a seed in the ground and water it?"
It may surprise these people that for many gardeners hydroponics is actually easier. After the initial set up there is no need for pulling weeds because plants are grown in a soil less medium. This is a plus for older people or anyone who can't spend a lot of time bending over pulling weeds and turning soil. Also after the construction of the hydroponic system is complete it is possible for almost total computer automation. This is great for people that have day jobs, other obligations, or just don't want to put so much of their time into growing food but still want to be more self sufficient. Because of the soil less growing medium hydroponics also eliminates the problem of soil born pests and diseases. This cuts down the need for spraying the plants with pesticides. This is good for people that are highly allergic or just don't like the idea of pesticides.
Another benefit for the eco friendly people is that hydroponic gardening uses 1/10th the amount of water than that of the conventional methods because the water in the system recirculates and only has to be changed out occasionally.
Almost any plant that can be grown conventionally can by grown with hydroponics, from lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, squash, squash, cucumbers, and herbs. You can even grow hydroponic strawberries and banana trees.
Wick System
This is a very simple passive irrigation system. The plant is placed in a pot with medium on top of a capillary pad that wicks water up from a reservoir to keep the plant roots and grow medium moist.
Deep Water System
This is a system that commercial lettuce farmers frequently use. This method entails placing plants in floating rafts which are placed directly on top of the water. Roots are fed by growing directly down into the solution.
Ebb and Flow
Sometimes also called Flood and Drain, this is a very popular system with backyard hydroponics. It consists of a water reservoir chamber and the grow beds that are filled with medium. A timer is used to set a pump to fill the grow beds until the water reaches the top of the overflow pipe and then drains back into the solution chamber. This allows for the roots to get nutrients and a good amount of oxygen which is essential to growing plants.
Drip Irrigation
This is a system that is most like conventional planter gardening. A solution reservoir uses a water pump to irrigate the containers through a drip system. The water is then drained from the bottom of the containers back into the reservoir.
Nutrient Film Technology
Plants are grown in net pots that sit in a channel with nutrient solution flowing just as a film at the bottom. The roots of the plants grow to the bottom of the channel and sit in the thin film of flowing water. Since it is just a small film the roots are exposed to nutrients and oxygen at the same time. This technique to popular for growing lettuce.
Conclusion
With ever increasing advancements in technology hydroponic gardening is only going to be more accessible to backyard hobbyists and commercial food producers.
You can also check out this hydroponics for beginners video.
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