Growing Your Food Using the Hydroponic System

We have come a long way from relying on traditional growing systems for food production. Nowadays, depending solely on Traditional methods of growing our food in open fields has a lot of risk involved which mainly includes; a decrease in food availability and access; due to changes in the climate and other environmental factors. Hydroponics provides an opportunity for people to have access to food all year round because it can be done indoors in a controlled environment.

What is Hydroponics? 

Hydroponics is a method of growing food using a water based solution that is rich in nutrients without soil. However, hydroponic uses organic growing mediums like rock wool and Perlite to support the plant. One major advantage of this growing system is that it allows the roots of the plants to have direct contact with the nutrients in the water based solution which makes it easier for the plant to absorb all the nutrients it needs to grow well. 

What are the Benefits of Hydroponics? 

Faster Growth and Greater Yield 

Hydroponic Plants grow faster than plants grown using traditional farming methods, the produce is also of greater quality and greater yield. This is because the plants have direct and constant access to adequate nutrients that they need to grow and flourish.

Cost Efficient

Hydroponic plants use less water compared to plants grown on the field. This is because the hydroponic system is an enclosed system, which makes it easier to conserve water. The enclosed system also ensures that less nutrients are are required for plant growth because there is no competition with weeds. Labour cost is also reduced because of the automated system which saves a lot of time. 

Controlled Environment 

Growing your food in an indoor controlled environment will ensure that you have access to food all year round. Using the hydroponic system to grow your food has a lot of benefits. First off, there are fewer pests, no weeds, less diseases, no exposure to excessively high temperatures, wind, excessive rainfall and pollution. Growing food vertically is also possible with the hydroponic system, which simply means that you will be able to maximize space and increase your yield.

Types of Hydroponics Systems 

Hydroponics is a complex system that requires different techniques to ensure that the plants absorb the nutrients that they need to grow and flourish. Four popular methods are outlined below: 

Deepwater Culture 

Deepwater culture is one of the easiest methods used in a hydroponic system. The roots of the plants are placed directly in contact with the nutrient solution and growers use an aquarium air pump to provide oxygen to the plants. 

Ebb & Flow 

This technique involves less water because the growing area is flooded at specific intervals using a timer. After the area is flooded the nutrient solution drains back to the nutrient reservoir. 

Wicking 

Wicking is the most cost-efficient method. The plants access their nutrient using a wick which is suspended in the reservoir of nutrient solution. Cotton materials are often used as the wick to slowly absorb and transfer the nutrients to the plants. 

Drip System 

The drip system involves a slow distribution of nutrients to the plants using a gradual draining medium like coconut coir, peat moss or rock wool. A drip irrigation system that contains a nutrient rich solution is used to irrigate the growing medium at different intervals. 

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What are the Best plants to grow hydroponically? 

You can grow your vegetables, herbs and some fruits hydroponically. Some of the best plants to grow with this method include: Basil, lettuce, strawberries, tomatoes, spinach, pakchoi, Cabbage, cucumbers and much more.  

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Steps on How to Begin your Hydroponic farming System

Location 

You need to decide on where you would like to set up your hydroponic system. You can consider a greenhouse, Warehouse or any other empty space in your house or elsewhere. 

Water 

You need to have access to fresh water to run your hydroponic system. This system depends on water not soil so you need to ensure that you have constant supply of water. 

Nutrients 

You need to decide on nutrients, there are organic and inorganic nutrients used by different growers. However, Organic nutrients are highly recommended for safer and more nutritious produce. 

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Light 

You need to have access to light especially when you are using a location that does not have access to sufficient natural light. 

Root Support and Oxygen 

Plant roots will need sufficient oxygen and root support depending on the method that is used. For instance, if you decide to use the deepwater culture method of hydroponics; then you will need an aquarium pump to oxygenate the roots of the plants.   

Other Important things to consider before you start growing with Hydroponics

 •Hydroponics system is not always the best growing method for all vegetables and Herbs.
 •The setup of the system can be expensive especially if it involves a greenhouse
 •Growers need to be mindful of how the control their nutrient input and PH levels.  

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