2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Hydroponics is often portrayed as a high-tech, not-for-beginners method of gardening, relied upon by space missions in science fiction. You may be surprised to learn that hydroponic gardening can be very simple, and is in widespread use throughout society. While you may not be prepared to start an acre of drip-irrigated vegetables, this guide can help almost anyone establish a hydroponic mini-garden right in their own home.

There are several types of hydroponic systems. The simplest is a static solution. This consists of a plant grown in a container (such as a vase) with just water. You may or may not need to occasionally add nutrients depending on the plant grown and the nutrient content of your water source. Some common houseplants, such as pothos (Epipremnum aureum), do especially well in static solution when started from cuttings.

More complex hydroponics, such as an ebb-and-flow system, translates into increased growth efficiency of your plants. These systems are well suited to production of vegetables and herbs. Ebb-and-flow is as it sounds, although perhaps flow-and-ebb would be more appropriate. In short, nutrient-rich water flows across the root system for a period, and then ceases to flow for a period, allowing the root system to dry out. This is how the increase in efficiency is achieved, allowing for increase in respiration by the plant (it may seem counterintuitive for a plant to respire, but is required for many metabolic processes).

The benefits of ebb-and-flow and the simplicity of static solution can be combined in a turbulent aeration system. Essentially, this is a static solution system with an aquarium air pump employed to provide oxygen and movement to the nutrient solution. A small air pump can be purchased for less than $10 at an aquarium store and all the tubing you'll need for your next 10 projects for $5 more. Additionally, you need a nutrient reservoir and a "basket" to support your plant. For your first garden, I recommend checking a thrift store for a plastic juice pitcher (your reservoir), and a plastic bowl that fits inside (support basket). For your first garden you may want a clear reservoir so you can easily monitor the water levels, but later you will learn that an opaque reservoir will inhibit algal growth in your water. For your basket, a round container will fit snugly within the mouth of the pitcher, and the thinner the plastic the easier it will be to work with. Finally, get a cheap 24 hour timer from the hardware store.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Hydroponic gardening 101?
We want to hear your view. Write now!