There are so many advantages of hydroponic gardening that it just makes sense to convert over to it, especially if you wish to grow vegetables year-round or produce mass quantities of food in limited space.
Growing food in hydroponic units lessens our reliance on factory farm produced food.
For every person that lessens their need for factory farm produced food the use of pesticides and other chemicals by these large corporations will slowly be reduced.
The less food these large corporations need to produce the less their need for non-organic methods of farming will become.
Hydroponic Gardening Makes Natural Pest Control Easier
Insecticides are also greatly reduced with hydroponic gardening since hydroponically grown plants are stronger.
Strong plants have everything they need to naturally be more resistant to pests.
If pest control is needed there are numerous environmentally friendly non-polluting options that can be used instead.
The use of beneficial insects, or even hand picking the pests are just two natural pest control solutions that do not damage the environment.
Releasing beneficial insects can do a lot for the environment since once they eat up the bugs that are causing you a problem they will seek out other bad bugs in the environment.
Many beneficial insects are sensitive to chemicals, just as the bugs they prey on are so it is important that you do not use any type of chemical or organic bug spray if you choose to use beneficial insects.
Grow More Food Indoors Or Outdoors With Hydroponic Gardening
Another advantage of growing in hydroponic units is you can grow more food in less space.
This is one reason why so many people living in apartments grow their food in a hydroponic unit.
They simply do not need soil or any type of outdoor growing space for that matter.
The hydroponic unit of their choice can be set up indoors, in a greenhouse or even outside on a patio, the organic or vegan nutrients added and they are ready to grow whatever plants they wish to.
If the unit is set up indoors a supplemental grow light may be necessary depending on the amount of natural sunlight the room gets.
Hydroponic Gardening Means Faster Maturing Crops
Studies have shown that plants grown using hydroponic methods mature up to twenty-five percent faster and can produce up to thirty percent more food than the same plants grown in soil.
The reason behind this is because the plants don’t spend valuable energy developing roots that are continually looking for nutrients.
All of the nutrients the plants need are readily available in the water they are being grown in and the plant roots can easily take up the nutrients they need and leave the ones they don’t behind.
Instead of the typical one fertilizer for all stages of plant growth as typically seen in soil based fertilizers, hydroponic nutrients are designed for the specific stage the plant is in.
There are special nutrients for new seedlings, nutrients for the growth stage as well as flowering and fruiting nutrients.
Prevent Disease, Weeds And Avoid Unsanitary Conditions
Another advantage of food grown in a hydroponic environment is that is has less chance of coming into contact with disease causing bacteria since it will not be exposed to unsanitary growing conditions, soil borne disease or weeds.
Sometimes the occasional weed will get into a hydroponic unit especially if the unit is outdoors, however the simplest method of dealing with this is to pull the weed instead of using a chemical spray.
This can be a real relief for many people and one more reason why large companies should grow hydroponically, especially with the food scares that have been happening due to unsanitary conditions or run off on large factory farms.
Aquaponics and Hydroponics
Aquaponic 29 Gallon Tank Update Plus Video
Our progress with getting an aquaponic 29 gallon tank set up in our living room. It includes a short video.
Plunging Into Aquaponics
We took the challenge and decided to get into aquaponics. Growing fish and using the waste to fertilize vegetables seemed like a great idea.
Starting Seeds For An Aquaponic System
Aquaponic seed starting is really not much different than regular seed starting. You do use a different seed starting medium.
Go Green With Hydroponics
Gardeners and farmers often seek ways to be environmentally friendly. One way to achieve this goal is to go green with hydroponics.
Environmental Advantages of Hydroponics: Green Gardening Products That Combat Global Warming
Learn about the various environmental advantages of hydroponics and the green gardening products for that combat global warming.
The Right Way To Get Started In Hydroponics
Grow lights are an important part of hydroponic gardening. In order to be successful getting started the right way is important.