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Modern gardeners love hydroponics for growing fresh produce year-round, but there's nothing new about this ancient gardening method. Hydroponics, also known as soil less gardening, has long been a part of human civilization. Although scientists did not officially study and document their findings until the late 1890s, there are indications that hydroponics gardening practices were used as far back as the era of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The word hydroponics is derived from two Greek words: 'hydros' meaning "water", and 'ponics' meaning "method." At first, scientists believed that plants could only grow in water or soil, but this myth was dispelled when it was found that growth could occur in other media as well. Today, there are a few basic types of hydroponics growing systems, as well as several variations on these basic systems. Among them are the two most common systems, water or aqua culture and aggregate culture. Aggregate Culture Hydroponics Systems One of the most popular hydroponics systems uses aggregate culture. The aggregate used as a growing medium may be sand, gravel or other natural materials. Two tanks are used in an aggregate culture system. One tank holds an aggregate and water culture system, while the other holds a nutrient solution. These nutrients, essential to the health of the plants, are pumped into the aggregate tank as needed to moisten the roots. Once the aggregate has been flooded, the liquid is drained away to provide aeration. The system will supply enough water and nutrients to cling to both the aggregate and the roots, so the plants can feed until the next flooding. Water or Aqua Culture Most people think about water culture when they heard the word "hydroponics". In its most basic form, the water culture method of creating a hydroponics growing system is the simplest method to set up. In using this system, the plant roots are totally immersed in the nutrient solution. The main drawback to using this type of hydroponics growing system is that you need to provide a large amount of water to supply each plant. It's also essential to provide continuous aeration to the solution. Only the imagination can limit the design of these water-based hydroponics growing systems. If you are thinking of building your own water culture system, there are a few basic elements that you'll need to prepare: Plant Support Your growing plants are tender and need proper support. Mesh and string is often enough for young plants. Carefully attach the plants to the support, and leave the roots dangling freely in the nutrient solution. Let Your Plants Breathe Plants, like all living things, need oxygen to survive. Your hydroponics garden must have a system in place to create aeration and incorporate oxygen into the water. Shade When exposed to light, liquids are prone to developing algae. By providing shade and keeping light out of the solution tank, you can lessen or prevent the growth of algae. The prominent feature of any water culture hydroponics system is the water tank. Feel free to use virtually any type of leak-free tank to act as the nutrient solution reservoir. Plastic or plastic-lined tanks, concrete vessels and old aquariums are all good choices. You can even us a wood tank lined with asphalt, but do be sure that there are no harmful creosotes or tars present. You should also test the water in the tank to detect any oily film or residue created by the asphalt. The tank or reservoir should be 2 to 3 feet wide and around 6 to 12 inches deep. There is no length requirement for your tank. Place your plant supports above the tank. An easy way of doing this is to place a piece of plywood or one-inch thick Styrofoam over the top of the tank. Drill or poke holes through this lid, and place the plants through the holes. As mentioned, the nutrition solution must be continuously aerated by pumping air through a perforated hose or pipe immersed in the solution. A simple aquarium pump and porous stone is perfect for small hydroponics growing systems. Be careful that the aeration doesn't bubble too vigorously, as excessive movement can damage the tender roots and impair the plant growth. If you're looking for a smart alternative to traditional soil garden, a hydroponics system can be the perfect choice. They are ideal for people who don't have the land, time or energy required for traditional soil gardens. Best of all, you can enjoy freshly picked, easy to grow and inexpensive produce all year long.
Article Source: http://www.health-fitness-for-all.com
Author Angelina Pyrkins contributes to several popular web magazines, on family fun and my family topics.
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