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Unit 40 Camp Hill Industrial Estate, John Kempe Way, Birmingham, West Midlands. B12 0HU.
Tel: 0121 753 5115 Fax: 0121 285 0575 Email: info@oasishydroponics.co.uk
| The process of growing plants without the use of soil is known as hydroponics. Inert material such as vermiculite, perlite and other types are used to support the plant. These plants are then fed a nutrient rich solution. Due to this, plants are not required to grow a large root system. This is much different than plants typically grown in soil as they must use equal energy to grow upwards and to grow roots. Many people have begun using hydroponics techniques to grow plants for a variety of reasons. The downsides of traditional growing like digging, weeding and soil diseases are virtually eliminated leaving you to enjoy the fun part of gardening. Other types of gardening rely heavily on weather and fluctuations in this can create havoc. With hydroponics, everything is under your control which can lead to more productive yields. Supplying the plants with all the nutrients creates plants that grow faster. For plants that produce crops, this equals higher yields. These plants are healthier and larger than those plants grown in the soil. They also taste far better than any fruits and vegetables you find in the produce section of the grocery store. With the optimum conditions, plants can typically grow two to four times faster than if they were grown in soil. It does not take long for commercial growers to realize that their harvest yields can be significantly higher using hydroponics. The common thread between all plants is the basic requirements of light, food, water and carbon dioxide. Healthy air and heat are also essential for plants to grow. Difficulties in growing are common if plants do not receive these essential nutrients. This goes for plants that are grown hydroponically or soil grown. However, each plant is not identical in it's requirements. Hydroponic growing allows you to be in charge of the environment the plant is grown in. This allows you the ability to provide each individual plant the nutrients and other essentials required. It also allows you the opportunity to provide enough oxygen to the root system resulting in stronger plants and crops and higher yields. There are many options of various sizes and systems available which makes gardening with hydroponics a possibility for anyone with an area of sufficient light. Each system is self-contained giving you the ability to grow indoors in areas you may not have considered. With the lack of messy soil to deal with, indoor gardens can be enjoyed all year round. This can easily be accomplished with the use of grow lights during seasons of lower light. The benefit of this is obvious. Imagine being able to enjoy fresh produce no matter what time of year it is. Grow lights give you the ability to recreate the light patterns of the plant's typical growing season. With total control of this, you can create your own growing seasons. Different Types of Hydroponic Systems There are two main types of hydroponic systems. 1. Passive Systems - this is where nutrients are typically provided to the plant directly by hand. 2. Active Systems - this is where nutrients are provided directly to the plant with the use of automatic equipment such as a pump. Passive Systems Perhaps the simplest way to grow hydroponically, this method is great for those just starting out. You can start by finding a suitable container, filling it with inert material and supply the necessary nutrients by directly adding to the bottom tray by hand. Capillary action will take care of the job of supply the plant with the nutrients. Active Systems Nutrient Film Technique (or NFT) The difference in this type of growing is that the nutrients are given to the plant by re-circulation. The automatic system continually provides a constant flow of the necessary nutrients to the plants. The system itself is not difficult to set up and get running. The benefits are much faster growth rates and increased yields. This system runs continually during the daylight hours. Regular management and maintenance is essential and requires more commitment from the grower. If the pump quits working, the plants will die as their is no growing material to provide nutrients. In spite of this, the active systems will far exceed the other types of systems. Aeroponics Aeroponics is a method of growing that involves the suspension of the root system in a darkened sealed container. A mist is applied to the roots that provides the necessary nutrient requirements. This allows for high oxygen levels which can result in very rapid plant growth. However, like Nutrient Film Technique, this method also requires continual monitoring and maintenance to keep it working properly. Flood and Drain (Ebb and Flow) Another method of growing plants is by using a technique known as Flood and Drain (or Ebb and Flow). Plants are placed into containers filled with clay pebbles. These containers are then placed on a specialized tray that is regularly infused with the nutrient requirements to the point of flooding. After flooding, the solution is drained back into a holding tank until the next cycle. This is a process that occurs several times throughout the day. As the nutrient solution drains, the plant roots are exposed to fresh air and oxygen. This is found to be not only efficient but also an easy way to hydroponically grow. Drip Irrigation The drip irrigation method uses a reservoir that holds the nutrient based solution. It is infused to the plants by drippers and are usually used with pots containing inert media such as rockwool. Any nutrient that is in excess can be re-used or drained away. This by-product can also be given to any plants that you may be growing in soil. Plants placed in containers with clay pebbles can also use this method. |