It’s no secret that the lockdown has made people more interested in self-sufficiency. With the shelves at the grocery store often empty and restaurants closed, more and more people are turning to gardening as a way to provide for themselves and their families, and hydroponic specialists like Progrow. However, traditional gardening can be space-intensive and requires time and effort. That’s where hydroponics comes in.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water instead of soil. This type of gardening has several advantages over traditional gardening, including reduced space requirements, less water usage, and fewer pests. In addition, hydroponics can be done indoors, making it a great option for those who live in apartments or other small spaces.
The Benefits of Hydroponics
Hydroponics has several advantages over traditional gardening. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it requires less space. With hydroponics, you can grow plants in vertically-stacked towers rather than having to spread them out horizontally in a garden bed. This makes hydroponics ideal for those who live in small spaces, such as apartments or townhouses.
In addition to requiring less space, hydroponics also uses less water than traditional gardening. When you grow plants in soil, a lot of the water you apply to the plants is lost to evaporation. However, the water is recirculated with hydroponics, so there is very little evaporation. As a result, you can grow plants with far less water than you would need if you were growing them in soil.
Finally, hydroponics can help avoid pests and diseases common in traditional gardens. Growing plants in soil is susceptible to all sorts of pests and diseases that can ruin your crop. However, because hydroponic gardens are closed systems, pests and diseases are much less likely to be a problem.
Getting started with hydroponics
If you’re interested in getting started with hydroponics, there are a few things you need to know:
Choose your medium
First, you’ll need to choose the right growing medium. The most common options are coco coir, Rockwool, and perlite. Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to do some research to figure out which one is right for you.
- Coco coir is a popular option because it is environmentally friendly and easy to use. However, it can be expensive and may not provide the same level of support as other options.
- Rockwool is another popular option. It is made from melted rocks and is very sturdy, and can support heavy plants. However, it can be difficult to work with and is not environmentally friendly.
- Perlite is a lightweight option that is easy to use. However, it does not hold water well, so you will need to water your plants more often.
Choose your nutrient solution
Once you’ve chosen your medium, you’ll need to choose the right nutrient solution. Again, some commercial options are available, or you can make your own.
You’ll need to mix water and nutrients correctly to make your own nutrient solution. The exact proportions will depend on the type of plants you are growing, so it’s important to do some research to determine what your plants need.
You’ll also need to choose the right container for your nutrient solution. A common option is a plastic bucket, but you can also use a fish tank or an aquarium.
Set up your system
Once you’ve chosen your medium and nutrient solution, you’re ready to set up your system. There are a number of different ways to set up a hydroponic system, so it’s important to do some research to figure out what will work best for you.
Final thoughts
Hydroponics may be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a way to provide for yourself and your family during the lockdown. This type of gardening has a number of advantages over traditional gardening, including reduced space requirements, less water usage, and fewer pests. In addition, hydroponics can be done indoors, making it a great option for those who live in apartments or other small spaces. So why not give it a try? You may be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is!
