Get Growing With Hydroponics

By Sarah Duke

Hydroponics is a derivation of the Greek words hydro meaning water and pono meaning labor. It is a manner of growing vegetation without the use of soil through some type of hydroponic system. Hydroponics is commonly utilized in regions where the soil isn't favorable for plant life, and it's also a common means of producing crops commercially.

But hydroponics has rapidly increased in popularity for people everywhere. Hydroponics began to make an appearance in the urban areas where there is a shortage of soil and insufficient space to plant a garden. It has now spread from the cities to the countryside and all lifestyles. Hydroponics has made it possible for many people to grow a garden in just a small amount of space. Your harvest will provide you with lots of fresh veggies, just like an outdoor garden. However, your crop can easily be large enough so you can freeze or can a good portion of it.

A hydroponic garden lets you control the environment and the amount of nutrients your plants receive. With hydroponic gardening, regardless of your soil quality or lack thereof, anyone is able to grow their own produce. And they can do it faster than they could even in great soil. There is no risk of diseases such as the recurring problem with salmonella in tomatoes. In addition, your harvest will always be consistent in yield and of the best quality. It's also possible to raise out of season plants and even fruit trees. There are many greenhouses worldwide that utilize hydroponics to grow flowers and vegetables year round.

Plans are underway for vertical hydroponic gardens in several urban areas. Whereas some towns have garden plots for the community, urban areas will have hydroponic plots for people to grow their own fresh produce. It is even being considered for use on ships as an alternative to having to find fresh produce that may be out of season while out at sea.

You can set up a hydroponic garden either indoors in an area with ample light, outdoors, or in a greenhouse. It is also environmentally friendly. You only need about 10 percent of the amount of water required in outdoor gardens. It eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides. As well, you only need a quarter of the amount of fertilizer utilized by an outdoor garden, and you'll still get the same size of crop. You only need about 20 percent of the space to get the same crop as you would outdoors, and there's no official growing season to worry about. This means that instead of only bearing once, they can bear vegetables or fruit several times a year.

Hydroponics may just change the way the world views farmers in the future and could be the answer to food shortages and hunger worldwide. - 20607

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