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Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil. It is a much more efficient way to provide water and nutrients to plants. Soils job is to act as an anchor to support plant roots and provide nutrients and water for plant growth. This soil however can easily be lacking in many crucial nutrients and well as an appropriate pH level to promote quick nutrient uptake in roots. Many soils are also hard and create a difficult path for roots to grow through. This uphill battle drains the plant of resources it needs to grow above the surface. On the other hand, hydroponics usesinert growing mediums such as rockwool or hydroton or coco peat which are easy for roots to grow through and provide an adiquate anchor for plant roots. They also hold more oxygen then typical soil gardens. This increased oxygen along with specially prepared nutrient solutions make all the necessary eliments readily available to the plant.
In soil, plants must grow a large root system to find food and water. In Hydroponics, food and water go directly to the roots. This enables the plant to spend less time on growing roots and more energy growing above the surface, quicky producing more vegetation, larger fruit, flowers and vegetables.
Because of this ease of growth that hydroponics provide plants can grow up to three times faster and with much larger yields than with conventional soil gardening methods. This is due to the high oxygen levels available to the root system, and optimum pH levels which promotes increased nutrient uptake.
Because Hydroponic root systems are compact in size, plants may be grown closer together. Add to this the fact that there is no weeding, fewer pests and lower water requirements, it is easy to see why home hobbyists, schools and research institutes, as well as commercial growers around the world use Hydroponics.
Hydroponic gardens can be used anywhere as long as sufficient light is provided with ample ventilation. Outdoors, much of the work associated with conventional gardening can be eliminated. Add the proper growing lights and you need not be limited to seasons.
It's very easy to maintain a Hydroponic system vs. a conventional soil garden. Simply add water to the reservoir tank, add the proper ratio ofnutrients and keep the pH at the proper levels (between 5.8 and 6.8) Change out the solution every 2-3 weeks depending on water consumption. Thats all the basics!
With a little experience you can enjoy fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers year-round!
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