Introduction to Greenhouse Hydroponic Gardening

Growing plants without the use of soil is called greenhouse hydroponic gardening. The roots are usually supported by gravel or some other material. Then the plants are fed with a nutrient rich water solution since the plants don't receive their nutrients from the soil as they would with traditional gardening.

This technique has been around for many years in the commercial industries, although only recently have home gardeners turned to this style of gardening for their plants and vegetables. If this is something that might interest you, this article will provide a brief overview of greenhouse hydroponic gardening and the advantages it offers.

How Is It Done?

This type of gardening is usually done in a greenhouse since it allows a person to maintain ideal climate and conditions for a plant to grow in. The greenhouses don't need to be the large ones used for commercial use that usually comes first to mind. Homeowners who wish to try greenhouse hydroponic gardening can purchase small greenhouses for this purpose. It's also possible to build your own customized greenhouse. Whatever type of greenhouse you choose, the most important thing to remember is that you must create an environment with the ideal humidity and temperature for whatever plant you're growing.

Greenhouse hydroponic gardening can extend a plant growing season, especially if you live in an area that's typically colder.

If you set up your new gardening system, you can begin by buying one of many different types of kits available. Kits are a good choice for the beginner, but they are expensive. You can save money by building your own system, sometimes with items you may already have.

The planting container will have whatever growing medium you choose. Usually this growing medium is gravel. The plants then grow in the gravel, using the stones as support for the roots and stalks. Nutrients still need to be delivered to the plants since they can't get them from the gravel.

The nutrient solution for the plant are quite a bit different from regular fertilizer. Regular fertilizer is meant to enhance or add to nutrients already available in soil. The nutrients used in hydroponic gardening are meant to provide all the nutrients the plant needs to thrive.

The special nutrient solution is usually pumped some way into the medium. The plants directly absorb the nutrients through the roots. Often the systems that deliver the nutrient solutions are automated. Sensors in the medium tell the automated pump when the plants need more solution.

Advantages of Hydroponic Gardening

There are plenty of advantages to greenhouse hydroponic gardening. This type of gardening is less messy to do because there is no soil to deal with. You'll have complete control over the types and amount of nutrients your plants will receive. You'll control when they receive them. This means that you'll have a greater chance of growing larger, healthier plants at a faster rate than you would with traditional gardening. This type of gardening also eliminates weed and insect infestations since the growing environment is so controlled. No wonder that hydroponics are increasing in popularity!