Hydroponics – Plants Without Soil

Posted by Ena Clewes
November 20th, 2007
Filed in Hydroponics
Tags: acidity, air, garden, Hydroponics, nutrients, roots, Soil and Fertilizer, water

Hydroponics, a method of gardening which does not use soil, has been developed during the past 60 years or so.

While it has been proven both reliable and effective, it has not yet become a familiar technique to most gardeners. It is the art of cultivating plant life in a nutrient water solution
whose roots are supported by a substance other than soil.

All plants require light, water, air, nutrients, and root support. It isn’t soil that plants require, it’s the reserve of nutrients contained in the soil, as well as the support the soil gives the plant.

Eliminating this type of medium also eliminates the usual soil related problems such as insects, weeds, poor drainage and disease. The inert mediums used in hydroponics cause none of the previously mentioned problems.

A limestone based medium should be avoided as it will cause the water to become basic where as all vegetables, herbs, houseplants in a soiless system require an acidic environment for proper growth.

The most commonly used mediums are Haydite, Leca and most popular of all Vermiculite.

Water is the basis of life and special attention must be paid to it. Chlorinated water is extremely damaging in soilless systems. Acidified water ( pH of 6.2-6.4) is ideal. Special care to remove the chlorine and keep the acid level low,must be taken in order to have a successful soilless garden.