Get Growing With Hydroponics Systems

Hydroponics systems offer a way for everyone, regardless of their location, to garden effectively. If you live on the top of a skyscraper, then hydroponics is for you, because it allows you to grow fruits, flowers and vegetables without any soil at all. If you live on the tundra, or in the desert, you are in luck as well, because hydroponics systems offer a way to grow all sorts of plants indoors, where you can control the climate. Although there are several different types of hydroponics systems available, one of the most popular ones is deep water culture, and a related method of indoor gardening called aeroponics.

Deep water culture is one of several types of hydroponics systems where the roots of the plants actually stay in the in the growing medium that is a solution, which is made up of water and plant food called nutrient. In deep water culture the plants receive needed oxygen even when the roots are submerged in water through the use of a aerator pump and air stones, which both help to oxygenate the water. Deep water culture requires equipment such as a container like a bucket, which holds the solution and plant roots. The top of the plant, called the crown, has to be held above the water or it will rot. This is accomplished usually by using a net suspended over the lid of the bucket with a hole cut out of the center of the lid.

Aeroponics uses no growing medium at all for the plant roots. Instead, with aeroponics the plants are grown with the roots in the air, and the roots are routinely misted with a water and nutrient solution. The crown of the plant is held suspended in the air in a plastic tray that has had holes cut in it large enough for the roots to poke through but small enough to keep the top of the plant held upright. Plants grown with aeroponics have full access to carbon dioxide, which plants need in order to photosynthesize the nutrients they need for growth and development.

You can find kits online for both an aeroponics or deep water culture set up. Kits simplify getting started with gardening, because all of the equipment you need to get started is included. Basics kits include items such as reservoirs, net pots, aerators, air stones and spray pumps. Other supplies that you will need are appropriate grow lights and nutrient. The type of nutrient you need will depend on the plants you wish to grow. You can find out more about all sorts of hydroponic gardening and supplies online.

From years of indoor and hydroponic gardening, Susan Slobac has developed an in-depth knowledge of aeroponics and writes frequently on the subject.