The art of hydroponics

  Hydroponics is the art of growing plants without the use of soil. hydroponics has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years with the hanging gardens of babylon said to be the first hydroponic garden on record. Hydroponics has many uses in the horticultural world and is very valuable in countrys where soil quality is poor and water is scarce.

 Many farmers are opening their minds to hydroponics because of the rapid plant growth and increased yeilds compared to standard soil growing.  When plants are placed in their natural conditions (in soil) the soil acts as the nutrient reservoir, so when watered the nutrients in the soil can be taken up by the plants roots. On the other hand when using hydroponics you are adding the nutrient to the plants water supply which is passed directly over  the plants roots so you  remove the need for soil, this saves the roots searching for available nutrients saving energy and time for your plants. Because of high oxgen content in the solution it makes the plants you are growing more resistant to stress factors cuch as heat and disease. 

 Indoor growers have taken to hydroponics methods in a big way and i think the ease of use has contributed to this greatly making it possible for evan the novice gardener to produce high quality crops. Hydroponics takes away any doubt as to when to water your plants and makes  nutrients readily available making it ideal for beginner and expert alike.

The sharp rise in food prices should encourage all of us to try and grow our own, not only are you saving money you will also get better quality produce and as fresh as you like. The whole family can get involved in this activity giving it another angle.

  Hydroponics is in my opinion the best way to grow any type of plant reducing disease and saving water and nutrient, but can be expensive to set up. The positives far out way the negatives on this and i encourage all to try it, get the kids involved in growing their own food they will love you for it.