Hydroponic farming is a long standing tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Even today, this particular gardening method is perfect for indoor locations as well as in areas where the soil may be too rocky or contaminated to grow anything. Farms mass produce a variety of fruits and vegetables this way all over the world. However, you can take advantage of this system at home as well.

Hydroponic farming essentially allows the plant to absorb everything it needs by immersing its roots in a highly nutritious solution. This is a quicker and more effective way than gardening with soil, as the plants are able to absorb it directly from its source. You will also never have to worry about weeding, pesticides, tilling, or contaminated dirt ever again.

Hoewver, some gardeners prefer to have some sort of base to work from. It’s not uncommon to find hydroponic gardeners using clay pellets, foam pads, Styrofoam, and even sand or gravel as alternatives to soil. This allows the plant to stay firmly grounded, but without the risk of attracting weeds or soil contamination related diseases.

However, while hydroponic farming does allow you to grow your favorite plants with a bit less maintenance than with most other gardens, they still require some work. Much of it has to do with making the right calculations. For example, how hydroponic nutrients work is that you add a certain percentage to the water your plants are immersed in. However, if you miscalculate the amount, you might end up ruining your entire crop.

Similarly, monitoring the air is also important, especially when you conduct hydroponic farming in an enclosed space. It’s all too easy for plants to succumb to excess humidity, especially when growth lights are involved. Humidity can result in your plants wilting and rotting. It also causes the formation of many types of harmful bacteria. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by setting up some fans and a dehumidifier.

Another part of hydroponic farming is making sure the pH levels aren’t too high or too low. While most high quality nutrient solutions won’t cause acidity imbalances, it can always occur. Fortunately, testing your plants is as simple as dipping a pH strip in the solution it’s immersed in. If you find your plants are too acidic or too basic, all you need to do is add a few stabilizing solutions to the water and things should balance out. Learn more today about how hydroponic farming can benefit you!