Hydroponic Gardening: 7 Steps for Success

Hydroponics

The hydroponic gardening or growing method is a fascinating one.

This method does not require soil. The plant’s root systems are nourished by a steady stream of nutrient-rich water and supported by a different medium. There are countless reasons to grow hydroponically, but two of the most significant benefits are space and time-related.

Hydroponic systems allow for growth anywhere in the world, during any season – and they use over 90% less water resources when compared to traditional farming methods.

Hydroponics

To create a successful hydroponic garden, follow these seven steps below:

  1. Choosing The Right System

Choosing the best system for your needs can be difficult because there are several to choose from.

Each method comes with a list of pros and cons, so the best advice is to start with a simple system before advancing to the next levels of hydroponics. The most advanced level is an aquaponics system, which is a combination of fish and hydroponics.

The growing system you choose should be based on your experience and budget.

  1. Water

As you now know, hydroponic systems have no soil.

No soil means no natural buffer between your plants and their environment. Be sure to use the purest form of water you can get your hands on. If you are using tap or borehole water, pay for the lab analysis to check its composition before starting your garden.

Poor water quality will destroy your crops by causing a host of deficiencies and toxicity issues.

Help maintain a healthy balance for yourself and your plants.

hydroponic gardening

  1. Nutrients

Nutrient manufacturers will give their recommendations for nutrient dosage for your hydroponic garden.

Get the right hydroponic tools for your garden and monitor the nutrient levels of your plants. Do your research and get well acquainted with the nutrients you want to use. Never add more than the recommended dose because that will affect the health of your plants.

Add the recommended dosage in small quantities, allowing it to be fully incorporated into the reservoir before adding more. The last thing you want is for the nutrients to run straight out of the solution and not be readily available for your crops to absorb.

  1. Lighting

LED grow lights are the best light source for hydroponics, but they can be more expensive.

For a garden with a mix of plants, aim to provide around 12 to 14 hours of light daily. You need to meet the growth requirements of your chosen plants, or they will not grow well – or at all.

The ideal growing conditions in your hydroponic garden need to mimic nature as much as possible. So, after providing 12 to 14 hours of light, ensure that it is followed by 8 to 10 hours of dark.

  1. Temperature

To get the most from your plants, the nutrient solution and water temperatures should be maintained within a specific temperature range. Most experts agree that the ideal water solution temperature is between 65- and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

That temperature range provides the optimum conditions for plants to grow healthy roots and absorb nutrients successfully. Think of your plants a bit like you – if it is too hot, then you generally do not feel like doing much either, or you likely would not describe yourself as thriving – the same goes for your plants.

  1. Algae

One downside to hydroponic growth systems is that algae can quickly take over.

That should not stop you from starting a hydroponic system.

Algae need light to survive, and while your plants need light also, you can limit unnecessary light from entering your hydroponic system. The best approach for dealing with algae is to prevent it from growing.

If algae grow anyway, brush it with a hydrogen peroxide solution to remove it.

  1. Pruning

Maintaining healthy plants in a hydroponic system is crucial to their success.

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged leaves as soon as possible to prevent light from blocking parts of the plants. Regular pruning is needed to encourage and support healthy plant growth.

Water can spread plant diseases, so remove dead or diseased branches when plants are dry. Prune any branches that rub together or stick into the aisle – that will help to control their growth and enable them to flourish.

Be careful not to prune more than one-third of each plant at a time.

To End

Hydroponic gardens are more efficient, effective, and sustainable – making them such a popular choice for gardeners. There is generally no need for herbicides or pesticides as weed growth is significantly limited, and pests are not typically present.

A hydroponic garden produces higher yields, maximizes space, and conserves less water because it is recirculated and reused.

There is every reason to start your hydroponic garden today, so do not miss out on this trendy gardening method.

 

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