Techniques Comparing Hydroponics - By: Bob Johnson

Gardeners of all levels are finding hydroponics to be their ideal growing choice. This trend is due to the simple fact that a plant grown using any hydroponics technique will grow faster and yield more production than an identical plant grown in soil.

That roots are supplied with a pre-mixed nutrient solution and to grow hydroponically means only to grow in a soil less medium. Gardeners can choose among a wide variety of hydroponic growing techniques (flood and drain, passive, drip or sprinkler, etc.) to find the one that fits them best. Every system has different benefits and drawbacks. With the proper know-how and maintenance, one can pick a hydroponics garden that is best suited for their situation and have that garden thrive.

Passive Hydroponics is the easiest way to grow your plants. With passive hyrdoponics, plants are grown in a medium in a "self-watering" container. Self-watering pots do not actually water themselves. Capillary action is the magic behind this new plant pot which takes nutrients from a pre-mixed solution and puts them down into soil where the plant needs them most. You can do passive hydroponics in any kind of growing medium. Technically not hydroponics but rather terraponics is using soil.

Benefits of growing your plants using passive hydroponics,there are benefits. Growing in "self-watering" pots is the simplest way of growing hydroponically. There are no movable pieces in the pots. Clogging and mechanical failures will not occur with this type of system. The gardener only must refill the reservoir or top-water the plant whenever the growing medium dries out. Those who raise orchids really love this way to grow their flowers, because it is very similar to the natural conditions orchids prefer in the wild.

There is however, a downside to growing using passive hydroponics. Even in hydroponics, plants can suffer from being root-bound, stunting the plants growth. The main benefit if growing hydroponically is the unlimited root space available. Passive hydroponics will not get this type of benefit. This is why passive hydroponics is the least productive hydroponic method for growing.

The deep-water culture technique is next on the production scale of hydroponics. This method of hydroponics is done by using a growing tray that is built on top of a reservoir. The top tray is full of rockwool in baskets that is mixed into a coarser medium to help grow the plant. The reservoir can adequately accommodate the roots of the plant, allowing room for growth. The reservoir's water supply should come just to the level of the bottom of the tray with the plants in it. This will force roots into the water in the soil to look for its necessary nutrients. Air-stones should be used to aerate the water.

Gardeners of all levels are finding hydroponics to be their ideal growing choice. This trend is due to the simple fact that a plant grown using any hydroponics technique will grow faster and yield more production than an identical plant grown in soil.

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Hydroponics