Success with hydroponic cultivation is possible with regular monitoring and testing to ensure that plants get proper nutrients and light. A gardener should research the type of plant he or she wants to grow and learn its specific needs. Then, adequate water, light, air, and a supply of nutrients can be supplied to an indoor or outdoor garden. Frequent testing is necessary because conditions may change.
Plants need 13 elements to flourish, and all of these nutrients must be balanced with the water supply when attempting hydroponic cultivation. Some species of plants need more frequent fertilization than others because they use up the available supply more quickly. A pH test kit helps the gardener stay abreast of the requirements for the plants he or she is hoping to grow via hydroponic cultivation.
Herbs like basil are fairly easy to grow and are a good choice for beginners. Tomatoes, lettuce, and spinach are other good choices for hydroponic cultivation, whether they are grown indoors or outdoors. Vegetables and flowers also do well in greenhouses designed for hydroponic cultivation.
Light is an important consideration when gardening hydroponically. Metal halide lamps or sodium vapor lights replace sunlight in indoor gardens, and must be left on a certain number of hours each day. Different plants require various amounts of light, so it is advisable to check the light needs of the species being grown. Typically, plants need between eight and 10 hours of sunlight each day to thrive.
This type of gardening is done without soil. Hydroponic cultivation uses water or a growing medium like peat or bark. Nutrients are supplied directly to the roots through the water, and the roots must stay moist at all times. Liquid fertilizers are specifically developed to provide all the nutrients necessary for hydroponic cultivation.
Air flow is important to prevent mold or fungus from forming on the plants, especially since the roots are kept constantly damp. Some hydroponic growing kits come equipped with a fan to circulate the air in the growing area. Plants use carbon dioxide in air to create photosynthesis, which allows them to grow, bear fruit, or blossom. Fans also help control the temperature to encourage more rapid growth.
Hydroponic cultivation is popular in small spaces and in harsh climates. Plants grown in a temperature-controlled greenhouse can flourish in arid deserts or cold regions. The lack of soils means no weeds to control and fewer pests. Roots need less space because they do not need to search for nutrients, since everything is supplied through the water. Gardeners can put the system on a timer and be away from home up to two weeks without worrying about the garden drying out.