91 Science

One of the hardest parts of growing plants hydroponically is getting the proper amount of nutrients to the plant and maintaing the correct pH.  The amount of nutrients depends on what system you are using, the growing medium you are using, the types of plants you are growing, and even the amount of water that you are using. There are six main nutrients that all plants require.  They are Sulfer, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium.  They brand of nutrients that you chose to purchase should be based on what you are growing and how you are growing it. Nutrients come in all different forms and strengths.  It is vital that you use the correct amount and type of nutrients for what you are growing.

In the video you can see that I have a large variety of plants in each system which I now know is not ideal because of the amount of nutrients each different type of plant requires The two brands I have used are in the video.

Maintaining pH is another huge part of hydroponics.  One that I find extremely difficult to manage.  Most plants need a pH of 5.8-6.8 to grow. Every time you add nutrients the pH changes and you have to add other chemicals to lower or raise the pH back to the correct level.  The pH level should be checked every day in order to optimize growth.

Check out my amazing video on youtube that gives you a good look at what hydroponics is and how you can get started growing hydroponics yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90Y8Pnb_wNA

Hydroponics is growing plants without soil.  Instead of planting in soil seeds are planted in a growing medium and then stay in that medium.  That medium is then submerged in water or kept consistantly wet.  Nutrients are added to the water and absorbed through the roots.

Advantages of Hydroponics

• More production in less space
• Lower risk of diseases and pests
• Uses less water
• No weeds
• Grown year round

Disadvantages of Hydroponics

• New techonlogy
• Constant monitoring of water levels and pH
• Support needed for plants
• High set-up cost

The word Hydroponics can be broken down into two Greek words.  Hydro=water and Ponics=labor.  There is evidence that hyrdoponics have been used for thousands of years.  The earliest known gardens were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Floating Gardens of China. As we run out of usuable land for agriculuture, hydroponics is becoming increasingly more common.  It is also becoming more popular for homeowners and in schools.

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