What to Do - Hydroponics
Presenter: Melissa King
Episode: #16 04/08/07
Conventional Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil, but there are lots of different hydroponic systems. It is an area that can be absolutely fascinating but it can also be a bit technical and let’s face it complex if you don’t know how to approach it. So is hydroponics easy for the home gardener?
Soil provides plants with four basic things – Nutrients, water, aeration and anchorage. In conventional hydroponic systems all of this is supplied artificially.
One of the simplest systems is the auto pot (can be found at Garden World) – a system with a difference – that allows you to grow plants with ease in the smallest of spaces be it a balcony, rooftop or terrace.
The simplest way to explain a system is to get in there and look at it. In essence a water and nutrient mix is supplied to plants through a gravity system or in bigger cases a pump. The entry of water to this reservoir is controlled by a smart valve which responds to the plants needs. And because plants are being watered from the roots up you won’t get any of usual the problems like fungal disease associated with overhead watering.
It is a fully automatic watering and feeding system developed by agricultural scientist Jim Fah. Unlike a lot of other systems individual plants in individual containers control their own watering needs so you can grow plants with varying water demands together.
The versatility of the system means that pots can be filled with potting mix or soil less growing media.
And the auto pot system doesn’t need constant attention leaving you free to take a holiday whenever you want.
So what are some of the advantages of growing things hydroponically?
Well for a start higher yield. The yield per plant can be 2-3 times that of conventionally grown plants. And you will often experience better flavour and faster growth. It is also a lot easier on the back because there s no digging or ploughing. Interestingly enough in these days of changing climate, hydroponic systems use less water – the auto pot system is even more efficient because there is no wastage or run-off.
You can grow everything from fruit and vegetables to orchids and succulents with double the yields and half the effort.
For more ideas on what to get stuck into this winter get your hands on a copy of the latest Garden Gurus newspaper and check out Judy’s top seasonal advice or join the Garden Gurus on-line club for all the latest tips and hottest places to visit this season.
For more good news don’t forget to check out our new local garden advisory, design and maintenance service.
Episode: #16 04/08/07
Conventional Hydroponics is the process of growing plants without soil, but there are lots of different hydroponic systems. It is an area that can be absolutely fascinating but it can also be a bit technical and let’s face it complex if you don’t know how to approach it. So is hydroponics easy for the home gardener?
Soil provides plants with four basic things – Nutrients, water, aeration and anchorage. In conventional hydroponic systems all of this is supplied artificially.
One of the simplest systems is the auto pot (can be found at Garden World) – a system with a difference – that allows you to grow plants with ease in the smallest of spaces be it a balcony, rooftop or terrace.
The simplest way to explain a system is to get in there and look at it. In essence a water and nutrient mix is supplied to plants through a gravity system or in bigger cases a pump. The entry of water to this reservoir is controlled by a smart valve which responds to the plants needs. And because plants are being watered from the roots up you won’t get any of usual the problems like fungal disease associated with overhead watering.
It is a fully automatic watering and feeding system developed by agricultural scientist Jim Fah. Unlike a lot of other systems individual plants in individual containers control their own watering needs so you can grow plants with varying water demands together.
The versatility of the system means that pots can be filled with potting mix or soil less growing media.
And the auto pot system doesn’t need constant attention leaving you free to take a holiday whenever you want.
So what are some of the advantages of growing things hydroponically?
Well for a start higher yield. The yield per plant can be 2-3 times that of conventionally grown plants. And you will often experience better flavour and faster growth. It is also a lot easier on the back because there s no digging or ploughing. Interestingly enough in these days of changing climate, hydroponic systems use less water – the auto pot system is even more efficient because there is no wastage or run-off.
You can grow everything from fruit and vegetables to orchids and succulents with double the yields and half the effort.
For more ideas on what to get stuck into this winter get your hands on a copy of the latest Garden Gurus newspaper and check out Judy’s top seasonal advice or join the Garden Gurus on-line club for all the latest tips and hottest places to visit this season.
For more good news don’t forget to check out our new local garden advisory, design and maintenance service.
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