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Why Choose Hydroponics?
There are plenty of reasons why people decide to invest in hydroponic systems. For starters, food plants grown indoors are typically healthier (and better-tasting) compared to those grown outside. They also grow much faster. For example, a tomato plant grown outdoors is typically only one-third of the size of one grown hydroponically – even when the seeds come from the same packet. Secondly, herbs and flowers that are grown indoors are usually more vibrant and fragrant. Thirdly – and most importantly for many – hydroponic plants have fewer problems with diseases and pests. For these reasons, hydroponic systems are increasing in popularity among licensed cultivators, commercial growers and gardening enthusiasts everywhere.
Things You'll Need to Create Your Indoor Hydroponic Garden
There are many things to consider when figuring out how to create an indoor hydroponic system. Your setup can be as fundamental or extravagant as you like, but here are five basic things you'll need to get started. We'll explore these in more detail in the sections below.
- Hydroponic system
- Hydroponic nutrients
- Hydroponic medium
- Light source
- Plants
Hydroponic Systems
In contrast to soil, hydroponics involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich, water-based solution. This allows the plants to come in direct contact with necessary, vital nutrients while simultaneously having access to oxygen.
There are several different types of hydroponic systems available. Nutrient delivery can be achieved via multiple methods, including deepwater culture (DWC), nutrient film technique (NFT), wicking and more. Hydroponics makes it possible to produce crops in urban areas, which is a true asset in a world where access to arable land is decreasing.
Hydroponic Nutrients
To grow properly, plants require 17 essential elements. Hydroponic nutrients are simply liquid or water soluble versions of these necessary elements, which are delivered directly to the plant's root system.
Generally, hydroponic plants need daily doses of nutrient solutions. Hydroponic nutrients are often delivered to the root system via an "ebb-and-flow" tray. The liquid nutrients are flooded into the tray several times a day, then drained away so that the roots can absorb oxygen. Plants usually require different nutrients throughout their growth cycle, so the solution can be customized to yield optimal results.
Hydroponic Mediums
Because nutrients are delivered via water, hydroponic systems don't require soil. However, some type of hydroponic media is necessary to support the plant and hold it upright.
There are several different types of hydroponic mediums, including leca stone, perlite and coconut-based mediums. In most cases, it doesn't matter what kind of media you use, as long as it is inert – meaning that it won't decay or break down quickly. You will simply need something porous so that it can retain the moisture and oxygen necessary for proper growth. Each system delivers water through a unique method so it is important to choose a medium suited to match. If you need a recommendation, our team can help you find a media that works best for your setup.
Hydroponic Light Sources
Electric lighting allows you to promote healthy crop growth without having to depend on good weather. Popular types of hydroponic lighting include high-intensity discharge (HID), compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) and light-emitting diodes (LED).
When it comes to gardening, there's nothing quite like the sun to provide nourishment – but hydroponic lighting offers an impressive substitute. The type of lighting that's right for you depends on a few factors, including the size of your hydroponic system and the kinds of plants you're growing. For example, some crops require up to 18 hours of sunlight while others produce fruit no matter how much light they are exposed to. Furthermore, the light intensity may need to be adjusted depending on the stage of growth. Taller flowering plants benefit from a more intense light than delicate seedlings. The best thing about hydroponic lighting is that it can be fully customized to your specific needs using reflector hoods, ballasts and timers.
Hydroponic Plants
Now that you know how to create an indoor hydroponic system, it's time to start growing. When it comes to the types of plants you can grow in your indoor hydroponic garden, the sky's the limit.
Once your indoor hydroponic system is up and running, you can grow virtually any kind of fruit, vegetable or plant you like. Most indoor gardeners find that growth rates and yields exceed those of traditional gardening as long as the correct balance of light and other growing conditions is maintained. Are you curious to know what an indoor hydroponic system looks like? Check out this video of our team setting one up and learn how to create an indoor hydroponic garden of your own.
Learn How to Create an Indoor Hydroponic Garden Today
Hydroponic gardening is a truly rewarding hobby that offers long-lasting benefits. To learn more about creating your own indoor hydroponic system, contact us anytime.
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