Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants using various liquid nutrient solutions rather than soil.
Although soil is not required in a hydroponic garden, there are different kinds of growing mediums that can be used to support the roots of the plants.
There are artificial and organic mediums that can be used for different plant growing systems.
Even air can be utilized as a good growing environment for your plants.
Growing mediums do not add or alter the chemical composition of the liquid nutrient.
They are, light, porous and course which give the roots of the plants easy access to oxygen and nutrients.
Given the wide array of growing mediums to choose from, it could be a bit confusing to choose one that will suit your hydroponic garden.
1.
Hydrocorn Choosing what type of medium to use generally depends on the type and size of the plants that you are growing and the system you're using.
Hydrocorns or clay pellets are a type of course medium that is best suited for continuous drip systems.
Hydrocorns provide sufficient drainage and air space that is ideal for continuous feeding.
They also give enough anchorage for bigger plants.
They are easy to use and can be re-used indefinitely.
2.
Rockwool Rockwool is a growing medium that is made from melted rock and has been spun into cubes of fiber and growing slabs.
It provides a sufficient balance of water and oxygen to the roots.
Small Rockwool cubes are commonly used for starting seeds, 3" and 4" cubes for intermediate growth, while slabs of Rockwool are used for bigger plants.
Rockwool can be used with the flood and drain system and continuous drip.
Although this medium allows sterilization and re-use, it is advisable to use it only once.
3.
Perlite Perlite is a type of hydroponic medium that comes from volcanic rocks.
It is a white and light weight material that is usually used as an additive for soil.
It is often used for starting seeds and cuttings which can easily be transplanted after rooting.
4.
Cocopeat Cocopeat is a growing medium that is made from coconut husks.
It is an excellent medium for container plant growing.
It is 100% organic and is famous for its anti-fungal properties and natural rooting hormones.
5.
Vermaculite This medium is used the same way as Perlite.
It is known to be rich in potassium and magnesium.
It can carry a lot of water and provides efficient drainage and aeration for the roots.
Growing a garden through various hydroponic systems is easy as long as your choose the right growing medium and the best bloom enhancers for your plants.
Although soil is not required in a hydroponic garden, there are different kinds of growing mediums that can be used to support the roots of the plants.
There are artificial and organic mediums that can be used for different plant growing systems.
Even air can be utilized as a good growing environment for your plants.
Growing mediums do not add or alter the chemical composition of the liquid nutrient.
They are, light, porous and course which give the roots of the plants easy access to oxygen and nutrients.
Given the wide array of growing mediums to choose from, it could be a bit confusing to choose one that will suit your hydroponic garden.
1.
Hydrocorn Choosing what type of medium to use generally depends on the type and size of the plants that you are growing and the system you're using.
Hydrocorns or clay pellets are a type of course medium that is best suited for continuous drip systems.
Hydrocorns provide sufficient drainage and air space that is ideal for continuous feeding.
They also give enough anchorage for bigger plants.
They are easy to use and can be re-used indefinitely.
2.
Rockwool Rockwool is a growing medium that is made from melted rock and has been spun into cubes of fiber and growing slabs.
It provides a sufficient balance of water and oxygen to the roots.
Small Rockwool cubes are commonly used for starting seeds, 3" and 4" cubes for intermediate growth, while slabs of Rockwool are used for bigger plants.
Rockwool can be used with the flood and drain system and continuous drip.
Although this medium allows sterilization and re-use, it is advisable to use it only once.
3.
Perlite Perlite is a type of hydroponic medium that comes from volcanic rocks.
It is a white and light weight material that is usually used as an additive for soil.
It is often used for starting seeds and cuttings which can easily be transplanted after rooting.
4.
Cocopeat Cocopeat is a growing medium that is made from coconut husks.
It is an excellent medium for container plant growing.
It is 100% organic and is famous for its anti-fungal properties and natural rooting hormones.
5.
Vermaculite This medium is used the same way as Perlite.
It is known to be rich in potassium and magnesium.
It can carry a lot of water and provides efficient drainage and aeration for the roots.
Growing a garden through various hydroponic systems is easy as long as your choose the right growing medium and the best bloom enhancers for your plants.