Hydroponic Grow Systems for Plants

Hydroponic Systems

• Some of the varieties of hydroponic systems include water-based hydroponics, systems that use a non-soil aggregate medium like bags, rockwool, cedar chips, gravel or sand, and aeroponics. Water-based systems include continuous flow systems, in which the roots of plants are suspended in water that has a constant flow of nutrients, as well as gravity-based systems in which water and nutrients are released along sloped troughs. Aggregate systems use flood and drain methods of providing nutrients to the plants, and aeroponics suspend the plants' roots in a nutrient-rich mist.

Benefits of Hydroponic Systems

• The lack of soil is considered one of the benefits of hydroponic growing. Because plants are not grown in soil, and often kept under controlled conditions, they are less likely to contract soil-borne diseases or be attacked by nematodes and other pests found in the soil. Additionally, the lack of soil means that nutrients are supplied directly to the roots of plants, which allows the plants to grow more quickly. Hydroponic systems can be designed to be mobile, which allows gardeners to move plants around as needed.

Problems with Hydroponic Systems

• Choosing the right type of hydroponic system for an individual garden can be challenging; continuous flow systems are more expensive and difficult to maintain, while gravity-based systems may take up too much space. Aggregate systems have the potential to create a mess if the aggregate is spilled, and problems with fungal buildup on the aggregate material can threaten plant healthy. Examine the amount of space available for a hydroponic system and choose the one that has more benefits that potential problems.

Growing Conditions

• One key consideration for hydroponic grow systems is the location of the system. Outdoor hydroponic systems are more susceptible to fungal problems, pests and weather-related accidents. However, indoor hydroponic systems require natural or artificial light to be successful; keep the hydroponic system in a greenhouse or a room with south-facing windows. Alternatively or additionally, supply the hydroponic system and the plants with grow lamps to provide supplemental light on the same spectrum as sunlight to keep the plants healthy.