Tag: hydroponics

Hydroponic gardening grows plants without soil using nutrient-rich water solutions for faster growth and higher yields. Perfect for indoor growing, small spaces, and year-round production, hydroponics offers precise control over plant nutrition and growing conditions. Our hydroponic guides explain different systems like deep water culture, nutrient film technique, and ebb and flow setups. Learn about pH management, nutrient solutions, grow media options, and lighting requirements for hydroponic success. Whether you’re growing lettuce and herbs in a countertop system or building a larger setup for tomatoes and peppers, discover how to maximize production with soil-free growing.

Best LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants (2026 Review)
Growing plants indoors has never been easier, thanks to modern LED grow lights. Whether you’re starting seeds, growing herbs year-round, or maintaining a thriving indoor garden, the right lighting makes all the difference. This guide covers the best LED grow lights for 2026 and what to look for when choosing one.
Why LED Grow Lights Are Essential for Indoor Plants
Natural sunlight provides the full spectrum of light that plants need for photosynthesis. When growing indoors, especially during winter months or in spaces without adequate natural light, LED grow lights replicate this spectrum to keep your plants healthy and productive.
LED technology has improved dramatically over the past few years. Modern grow lights are energy-efficient, produce less heat than older HID or fluorescent options, and last 50,000+ hours. If you’re starting seeds indoors or maintaining an indoor herb garden, quality lighting is non-negotiable.
Key Features to Consider
Full Spectrum vs. Targeted Spectrum
Full-spectrum LEDs mimic natural sunlight and work well for all growth stages—from seedling to flowering. Targeted spectrum lights focus on specific wavelengths (red for flowering, blue for vegetative growth). For most home growers, full-spectrum lights offer the best versatility.
Wattage and Coverage Area
Match the light’s wattage to your growing space. A 20-30 watt LED typically covers 1-2 square feet, perfect for small herb gardens or seedling trays. Larger setups need 100+ watts to properly illuminate 4-6 square feet.
Heat Output and Cooling
While LEDs run cooler than traditional grow lights, higher-wattage units still generate heat. Look for models with built-in fans or heat sinks to prevent overheating, especially in enclosed spaces.
Top LED Grow Light Picks for 2026
Best for Seedlings and Microgreens
The Durolux T5 HO Grow Light excels at starting seeds and growing microgreens. Its 4-foot, 4-lamp design provides even coverage for standard seedling trays. The linking feature lets you daisy-chain multiple units as your garden expands.
For smaller spaces, the Active Grow T8 LED Bulb fits standard fluorescent fixtures. At 22W per bulb, it’s energy-efficient and perfect for countertop gardens or growing microgreens at home.
Best Full-Spectrum Option
Full-spectrum panels work beautifully for mixed indoor gardens. Look for lights with adjustable heights so you can position them 6-12 inches above plant canopy as seedlings grow. This flexibility is crucial when growing basil indoors or maintaining herbs year-round.
Best Budget-Friendly Choice
Don’t overspend when starting out. Many affordable LED strips and panel lights under $50 perform admirably for small herb gardens or supplemental lighting. Focus on actual wattage (not “equivalent wattage” marketing), coverage area, and customer reviews.
Setup Tips for Maximum Results
Position lights correctly: Place LEDs 6-18 inches above plants depending on intensity. Seedlings need lights closer (6-8 inches), while mature plants tolerate 12-18 inches.
Timing matters: Most plants need 12-16 hours of light daily. Use a timer to maintain consistency—plants thrive on routine.
Adjust as plants grow: Raise lights as plants mature to prevent bleaching or heat stress. Check leaf color—pale or yellowing leaves often signal too much light.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t position lights too far away. Insufficient light intensity causes leggy, weak seedlings that stretch toward the light source.
Avoid leaving grow lights on 24/7. Plants need darkness for proper growth cycles—most benefit from 8-12 hours of “night.”
Don’t neglect other growing factors. Even the best grow light won’t compensate for poor soil, irregular watering, or inadequate ventilation.
Final Thoughts
The right LED grow light transforms any indoor space into a productive growing area. Whether you’re nurturing seedlings for spring transplanting or maintaining a year-round kitchen herb garden, these energy-efficient lights deliver consistent, full-spectrum illumination your plants need to thrive. Start with quality equipment matched to your space, and you’ll enjoy healthy, vigorous plants regardless of season or weather.
February 8, 2026
How to Water Indoor Plants While on Vacation
Planning a vacation is exciting, but leaving your indoor plants behind can be stressful. If you’re worried about how to keep your plants hydrated while you’re away, don’t worry! You can use several easy methods to ensure your plants stay healthy until you return. We’ll cover the best techniques for how to water indoor plants while on vacation.
1. Use Self-Watering Planters
Investing in self-watering planters is one of the most reliable ways to keep your plants hydrated while you’re on vacation. These pots have a built-in reservoir at the bottom, which holds water and allows the plant to absorb it as needed. This system keeps the soil moist for up to two weeks, depending on the reservoir’s size and the plant type. It’s an easy and stress-free solution for longer trips.
How it works: The plant draws water from the reservoir through a wick, only absorbing what it needs. This helps prevent overwatering and underwatering, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.
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02/20/2026 01:04 am GMT
2. DIY String Watering System
A simple DIY option is the string watering method. Yes, that’s right. A cotton string and a pot of water are all you need to create a DIY self-watering system.
Here’s how it works:
- Fill a container with water and place it next to your plant.
- Insert one end of the string into the water and bury the other end a few inches into the plant’s soil.
- The cotton string will slowly draw water from the container into the soil, keeping your plant hydrated.
This method is excellent for shorter vacations and works well with plants that don’t require too much water.
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02/20/2026 01:05 am GMT
Self Watering Planter Insert for Pots
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02/20/2026 01:04 am GMT
3. Watering Globes or Spikes
Watering globes or watering spikes are another easy solution. These devices release water slowly into the soil, preventing your plants from drying out while you’re gone. Fill the globe, attach a spike to a water-filled bottle, and insert it into the soil. The water will be dispensed gradually, keeping the soil moist for several days.
Watering globes are perfect for more miniature houseplants, while spikes can be used for larger pots or outdoor containers.
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02/20/2026 02:05 am GMT
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02/20/2026 01:04 am GMT
4. Group Your Plants Together
If you’re only going away for a week or less, another helpful tip is to group your plants together in one area. Plants create a mini-humid environment that helps retain moisture when placed close together. Please place them in an area with indirect sunlight to avoid drying them out too quickly.
Before you leave, water all the plants thoroughly to ensure they stay hydrated longer.
5. Ask a Friend or Hire a Plant Sitter
Yes, the option for those who want to be a millionaire game is to phone a friend. If you will be away for an extended period, the most reliable method is to ask a friend or neighbor to check on your plants or hire a plant sitter. This way, you’ll have someone who can water your plants, check the soil, and ensure they’re doing well in your absence.

FAQ: How to Water Indoor Plants While on Vacation
1. How long can indoor plants go without water?
Most indoor plants can go without water for 1-2 weeks, depending on the plant type, pot size, and environment. Succulents can last longer without watering.
2. What is the best method for watering plants while on vacation?
Using self-watering planters or watering globes is highly effective, as they provide a consistent water supply over time.
3. How do self-watering planters work?
Self-watering planters have a reservoir that holds water, and the plant absorbs it as needed through a wick system.
4. Can I use a DIY method to water plants while away?
Yes! The string method is a simple DIY option where a cotton string slowly wicks water from a container into the plant’s soil.
5. Should I ask a friend to water my plants?
For extended trips, it’s a good idea to ask a friend or hire a plant sitter to ensure your plants are properly cared for.
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02/20/2026 01:04 am GMT
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02/19/2026 06:04 pm GMT
October 21, 2024
Recirculating DWC System: Easy Way to Make
Do you know how to make a recirculating DWC system? Well, we’ve got you covered here. Recirculating deep water culture also known as RDWC imitates the traditional deep water culture (DWC) by just adding a few modifications.
Deepwater culture is a type of hydroponic system that ensures your plants have constant access to water, nutrient solution, and oxygen all at once. There are also measures put in place for adequate aeration for optimal plant growth.
Setting up your recirculating deep water culture system is pretty easy when you have the right knowledge. This article will go over what you need to know about how to make a recirculating DWC system and many more. So, read on to learn about this.
Recirculating Deep Water Culture
Recirculating the DWC system works just like deep water culture, however, there are a couple of things that will be redesigned. Both RDWC and DWC have their plant roots immersed in nutrient solution and oxygen-filled solution.
The main advantage and difference to recirculating the DWC system are that it’s ideal for large-scaling hydroponic farming. Therefore, several plants can be grown together with the recirculating deep water culture system.
Recirculating deep water culture system works by tubing several buckets or containers. All these containers are connected to a central reservoir.
Building recirculating deep water culture system is not so difficult, even for hydroponics first-time growers and we will show you how.
The major difference between RDWC and DWC is that nutrient solution gets recirculated in recirculating deep water culture. The nutrient solution moves or circulates from one container to the other and finally the reservoir. But in the traditional DWC, the water does not move and it stays in the container.
DIY Recirculating DWC System
Here, we have outlined the process you can follow when it comes to how to make a recirculating DWC system. So let’s begin:
Materials required
Let’s first take a look at the materials required to build your recirculating DWC system:
- 5-gallon dark-colored buckets with lids (with a drilled hole of about 3 inches)
- Net cups of size 3 inches as the drilled hole
- Grow medium (e.g. perlite, Hydroton pebbles, coco coir, and so on)
- Tubing (PVC) for connecting each bucket
- Central reservoir (40 to 55 gallons)
- Air pump and air stone (for oxygenation)
- Inline water pump
- Seeds or seedlings
- Hydroponics nutrient solution
- PH meter and other kits
- PPM meter
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Recirculating DWC plans: Procedure
Follow this procedure to learn how to make a recirculating DWC system:
1. Reservoir
Choose the reservoir where you will be storing your hydroponics nutrient. The inline pump should be set inside your reservoir. Also, an air pump and air stone should be in your reservoir.
2. Set up your buckets or containers
Determine the number of buckets or containers you will be using for your recirculating DWC system. The buckets should have lids where you will make a cutting for your net pot to fit in. Inside your net pots, fill them with your preferred growing medium and this is where your plant will be.
Also, holes should be cut on each side of your bucket and connected to your pipe. This pipe will connect to other buckets and back or down to your reservoir. Each bucket or container must have its air stones.
3. Position your plant
You can grow your seeds indoors with net pots that contain a growing medium and transplant them into your RDWC system. You can grow about 2 or 3 plants in each container. Note that your net pot should have a wide mesh at the base so that the plant root can touch the nutrient water container.
4. PH balancing
The next thing is to balance the pH. Different plants require different pH ranges to grow adequately. However, the general pH range for plants is around 5.5 to 6.5.
So, your recirculating deep water culture system is ready to run. If later on, you decide to add extra containers or buckets, you must also add more nutrient solutions to the reservoir. This is to ensure each plant gets the appropriate amount of nutrients to grow optimally.
We also recommend you have 3 plants maximum for each container so your plants can get a sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen. Having more than 3 plants may increase the risk of nutrient and oxygen competition which can diminish each plant’s survival rate.
How Does RDWC Works?
Recirculating DWC systems always have their plant root submerged in water. But usually, plant roots don’t always like their roots immersed in water; especially all day as they can suffocate. But why is it different in the deep water culture system? Well, let’s find out.
We have 3 major components and keys to the RDWC system and they are:
- Oxygen: The most essential part of both deep water and recirculating deep water culture systems is oxygenation. This is because we have plant roots always immersed in water. Therefore, you need to provide all means of oxygenation so your plant does not choke. So, the use of air pumps and air stones solves this air circulation problem.
- Water: We can see that water is a great factor in the structure of the RDWC system. Plants are always being fed oxygen-rich water thereby taking away the need of watering your plants constantly as you would have in traditional soil.
- Nutrients: Another great component that makes your RDWC system work perfectly is the hydroponics nutrient supplied to your plants. The nutrient originates or comes from the major reservoir and passes along the pipes to reach each connected container.
RDWC and DWC System: Major Difference
So, in the recirculating deep water culture system, the nutrient-filled water is reused and is not drained. However, the traditional deep water culture nutrient solution always remains in the container. Recirculating DWC also allows for large scaling, unlike the traditional deep water culture system.
Bucket Hydroponic System: How to Make Your Own
You may be wondering how to make your own 5-gallon hydroponic bucket system. If this is the case, then look no further! For this guide, you’ll need the following equipment:
- 5-gallon bucket
- net bucket lid
- water pump (ideally, aquarium)
- air hose
- check valve
- clay pebbles
- air stones (at least 6 inches in size)
Now all you need to do is:
1. The first thing you need to do is cut a small amount of your air hose (around a few inches or so). To one end, attach to your pump. Now you’re going to attach your air hose to the check valve. Ensure that air can run freely through your valve before moving on to the next step.
2. With the rest of your hose, cut a piece that is long enough to reach both the check valve and the bottom of your bucket. Try not to make the space between the two more than around 5ft. If the space between the two is too long, it won’t work as efficiently as it should.
3. Grab your net bucket lid and drill a hole. The hole should be big enough for your hose to go through. Then add your air stone, as well as the lid, and then connect to your air hose.
4. Now you’ll need to add your clay pebbles to the net pot, as well as whatever it is you’re planting. Then water and add nutrients. It is that simple!
Best 2 Bucket DWC System
When it comes to a 2 bucket DWC system, there are many options you can choose from. But the one from PA Hydroponics is my personal favorite. It comes already drilled and ready to assemble, with all the components you need. It costs around $80 and includes two buckets, 2 bucket lids, 1 bag of clay rocks, an air pump, 2 air stones, 10ft of the airline, 2 water indicator kits, and 4 starter plugs. You can also choose to drill it yourself, which will save you around $15.
Best Water Pump For Hydroponic Systems
The water pump is very important to your hydroponic system, so you’ll need to invest in a good one. If you’re looking for a good one on a budget, I would choose the VicTsing 80 GPH Submersible Water Pump.
It holds less than 20 gallons and weighs just under 6oz. It has an adjustable flow and a cord length of just under 6 feet. It also comes with two adapters: 1/2″ and 3/8″. It’s popular among growers because of its unbeatable price. It may be small but it definitely does the job.
Another amazing pump is the Hydrofarm Active Aqua 400 GPH Submersible Water Pump. It can hold up to 40 gallons and weighs just under 3lb. It has an adjustable flow and comes with two tubing fittings: 1/2″ and 3/4″. This is much bigger than the first option, and also much pricier; so it may not be best if you’re a beginner to hydroponic growing.
Additional Say on How to Make a Recirculating DWC System
Even though you can simply purchase already made recirculating DWC online, you can also build your own as well. Just follow our outlined procedure on how to build a recirculating DWC system. Do you have any tips on tricks when it comes to making a recirculating DWC system? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
How do you build a recirculating hydroponic system?
There are two main options when it comes to building a recirculating hydroponic system. You can either build a completely self-contained system or you can have a water system that is connected to your home’s existing plumbing. When it comes to a completely self-contained system, there are many different options when it comes to building your own hydroponic system. If you want to save some money, you can buy a pre-made hydroponic unit from a local garden supply store.
You can use a pump to recirculate the water through the system. The water should be filtered before entering the pump, and also after leaving it (if using an air-lift pump). If the pump is attached to a drain, you’ll need to make sure the drain is not clogged with debris or any other material that would cause blockage. You could also use a sump pump with a hose to pump the water back into the tank.
Hydroponics is a term used to describe the growing of plants in water using a nutrient rich solution. It is a form of cultivation that can be used to grow vegetables and herbs indoors in controlled environments.
The advantages of this method are the ability to produce large quantities of high quality vegetables and herbs in an indoor environment. The major disadvantage is that it is more labour intensive than traditional methods. I’m not talking about the time it takes to clean up after harvesting, but the initial setup and maintenance of the system.
How does a recirculating hydroponic system work?
A recirculating hydroponic system is a method of growing plants that involves using water and nutrients to nourish plants in a closed system. It is a very efficient way of growing plants, and can be used to grow a wide variety of plants.
The water is pumped into the grow room, and then circulated through a nutrient solution by means of a pump. The pump draws the solution from the reservoir, and pushes it through a series of filters and pumps that carry the solution to where it can be distributed evenly to the plants.
A recirculating hydroponic system is one of the most effective methods for growing healthy plants indoors. It requires no soil, making it perfect for people who have allergies or other concerns about soil-based plants. The nutrient solution is constantly recirculated, providing a constant supply of fresh nutrients and oxygen to the roots. The only thing that goes out of the system is water. The process The key to a successful recirculating hydroponic system is the design of the system. A simple setup will not work, and will need to be modified or replaced over time. This is because the roots of the plant grow and develop differently as they grow. A large number of plants will also require a different system. As a general rule, the size of the system should be proportional to the space you have available.
March 7, 2023
How To Use Ph Up And Down In Hydroponics – The Perfect Adjustment
When it comes to hydroponics, learning how to use pH up and down is essential to maintaining healthy plants throughout their growing process.
The pH is one of the most important aspects to consider when growing your plants. It can be used to determine the overall health of the plants. If your water has a high pH, it can mean that you are having trouble keeping your roots healthy.
There are many reasons why your pH may be off. Your tap water could have a higher pH than normal, which is due to the alkalinity of the water.
What Does pH Mean?
pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity in an aqueous solution and can be expressed as a number from 0 to 14. A pH between 7 and 8 is considered neutral (or neither acidic nor alkaline). The lower the pH, the more acidic the solution is, and the higher the pH, the more alkaline the solution is.
In hydroponics, you want your nutrient solution to be around 5 or 6 pH. Your plants need the proper balance of nutrients and minerals to grow optimally. If the pH is too high or too low, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies and disease.
How Do pH Up And Down In Hydroponics?
1. Buying pH Up and Down
Many gardening stores and online retailers sell a product called pH Up and Down. It features two bottles of liquid, one for increasing pH levels and one for decreasing pH levels. This product allows you to adjust the pH levels for your plants by adding base or acid.
After testing your water or soil, you can add either a small amount of base or acid. Add just one drop at a time before you achieve your desired pH levels. Be sure to thoroughly read the instructions before using.
2. The easiest way is to use a pH meter
A pH meter is an easy-to-use, inexpensive tool that helps you determine the exact pH of your nutrient solution. You simply add the meter to the water or soil you are testing and follow the instructions on the label. The meter will tell you the exact pH of the solution.
You can find pH meters online, in superstores, and in most gardening centers. They are generally easy to use and efficient.
3. Another option is to use an inexpensive aquarium pH controller
These are available in stores or online. They are easy to use and work well for small systems. They come with a built-in pH meter. They not only monitor but also control the pH level of water.
You will need to calibrate them every once in a while. You can do this by adding some water with a known pH to the tank and then adding the controller.
4. Another option is to use a soil pH indicator
These are available at most garden centers or online. They are very cheap and work well for small systems. It works by inserting a small strips into the solution.
The strip will then indicate the pH level of your soil. The colors of the strip will indicate the pH level of your soil after testing.
5. An even better option is to use an auto-pH controller
An auto-pH controller is an automated pH correction system that automatically monitors and adjusts the pH in your solution. These controllers can be purchased from most hydroponic supply stores. They are very easy to use, require no maintenance, and will make sure you have a perfect pH in your solution every time.
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02/20/2026 12:06 am GMT
How Do I Keep My Hydroponic Plants Happy?
Keep your plants healthy with proper nutrition. Make sure you use a balanced fertilizer that has all the nutrients your plants need. Use a good-quality liquid fertilizer that will not contain any harmful chemicals. The best way to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need is to use a nutrient solution that has all the required nutrients in the proper balance.
One of the most important parts of keeping your plants healthy is to make sure they have enough light. If you are using a grow light, be sure to adjust it so that it shines on the plants evenly. Many types of plants need direct, full light to grow at their maximum rate.
It is also important to keep the hydroponic water temperature for your plants at 65 to 80°F. If you are growing indoors, make sure that your lights are set on a timer so that the lights turn off and on automatically each day.
Keep your plants healthy by adding fresh air. Make sure to open the windows in your grow room as often as possible to provide plenty of fresh air. If possible, most plants will also benefit from a few hours outside every day.
In Summary – pH Up And Down
The ph up and down in hydroponics as we have learned above is essential for the growth of these plants. Hydroponics being a sensitive method to grow plants fast requires the proper growing conditions otherwise the plants will fail.
FAQs
How to use ph up and ph down?
After testing your water or soil, you can add either a small amount of base or acid from your pH up and down kit. Add just one drop at a time before you achieve your desired pH levels. Be sure to thoroughly read the instructions before using pH up and down in your garden.
What happens if you use ph up and down in the same water?
In this case, the command ph up will be ignored and the ph down will be executed.
April 21, 2022
Hydroponics Medium Types
Let’s talk hydroponics medium types. Hydroponics medium is one of the types of growing medium that may be used for growing plants. A growing medium basically involves any solid material which may be fibers, sponge, pebbles, shreds, or barks. These materials are used to hold nutrient solutions and then slowly released to plant roots.
So, when using the hydroponic system, the grower does not depend on soil to support plants and supply nutrients. You would rather depend on a selected hydroponic media to provide support for the roots and maintain water content.
While there are different systems of hydroponics you should know about, these systems work on the basis of suitable materials. This means that the growing media you chose for growing your plants will be as important as the system you use them in.
The hydroponics growing medium involves the selection of a wide variety of growing media to be used. This is a guide on how to use the hydroponic growing media and the hydroponics medium types are also discussed. The strength of the different growing media is also discussed.
Before we delve into the major hydroponics medium types, let’s discuss what the medium of hydroponics truly means.
What Is The Medium Of Hydroponics?
The growing medium of hydroponics involves a system where the plant growing medium takes the place of soil. The medium does not act as a nutrient provider like the soil but serves as a support to keep the plant upright. Virtually inert materials are used as a growing medium.
The Hydroponics growing medium basically involves a simple soil-less material that is largely porous. This feature makes it possible for moisture and oxygen to be well circulated to the root system of the plant. Where a non-porous hydroponic material is used, there will be a need for more watering.
The use of hydroponics growing medium and continuous watering of plants with ordinary water will not yield fruits. For you to get any meaningful result, you must water the plant with nutrient-filled nutrients. This is because, unlike the soil, the hydroponics medium lacks nutrients for growth.
Although it cannot be said that one hydroponic growing media is better than another, some are easier to use. There are however a lot of factors that must be considered when picking a growing media. The system with which you will use it, and how it’s designed are big factors to consider.
The goal of a hydroponic system is basically to keep the roots of plants moist- not saturated nor soggy. Where the growing system allows for too much water, the roots will suffocate from lack of oxygen. This would very easily lead to root dying or rot.
Major Hydroponic Growing Media
The following are the major types of hydroponics growing media:
·         Coconut Coir
Also referred to as coco coir; it is made from the outer husk of coconuts. Coco coir is a byproduct made from the rough, brown, fibrous husks of coconuts. It is an entirely organic material that holds water exceptionally well and allows for proper aeration. It is also an eco-friendly material, completely renewable, and can easily be composted when no longer needed. Most users use it alongside other media like perlite for best results.
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·         Rockwool – Hydroponics Medium Types
This is a fascinating material for hydroponic growing media for plants. This material is created by melting rock and thereafter spinning it into fibers. The Rockwool fibers are thereafter compressed into cubes of different sizes used for hydroponic plant growing.
This media has good water retention abilities and excellent aeration. The drawbacks of this media are that it is not environmentally friendly and it has high pH content. The dust from the fiber may also cause a serious irritant to the eyes.
·         Expanded Clay Pellets
This is one of the most used hydroponic media used in recent times. It is made by expanding clay so as to form round balls of porous material. The clay pellets have the advantage of having a neutral pH level, being reusable, and releasing almost no nutrients to the soil.
·         Rocks And Gravel
Natural rocks gravel processed from rocks such as perlite and vermiculite are also used as growing media. They have the advantage of being cheap, readily available, and drain very well. The downside however is that they are heavy and hold very little water. This makes them very undesirable in systems where the root relies on some water.
·         Perlite – Hydroponics Medium Types
This is one of the most common growing media. Perlite is usually made from volcanic glass. When the volcanic glass which normally contains tiny pockets of water is subjected to high temperature, the water expands.
This expansion creates thousands of tiny pores from which perlite is gotten. Due to the small size of the perlite, it is used to add drainage, water, and air to a plant growing medium.
Hydroponic Growing Medium Alternatives
If you are not interested in using hydroponic growing media, you may consider the use of hydroponic alternatives. Below are some growing alternatives:
- Sawdust: the use of sawdust has recorded some success as a hydroponic growing medium alternative. There are lots of factors that come into play in determining how well this works. The type of wood used and how pure such wood was are a few. Also, there is a high possibility of sawdust being contaminated by diseases or pathogens.
- Rice Hulls: this is the byproduct of the rice milling process. This process usually involves the use of the coating of unprocessed rice which has peeled off. This alternative is usually used in places where rice processing is largely a practice.
- Sand: sand is another widely used alternative to the hydroponic growing medium. One major con with the use of sand is that it lacks the ability to retain water and it has very poor aeration abilities. Sand is usually packed together making it difficult for roots to be exposed to air. It however has the advantage of being readily available.
Hydroponics Medium Types Conclusion
Hydroponics Medium is a system as you have seen above that can be used for plant cultivation. It largely involves the absence of soil when growing plants. It offers plants the advantage of media with water retention abilities and excellent aeration.
Some of the major hydroponic media and their alternatives are discussed above. If you are interested in trying out this method of plant cultivation, this should be a good guide for you.
FAQ’s
What Is The Medium Of Hydroponics?
The growing medium of hydroponics involves a system where the plant growing medium takes the place of soil. The medium does not act as a nutrient provider like the soil but serves as a support to keep the plant upright. Virtually inert materials are used as a growing medium.
The Hydroponics growing medium basically involves a simple soil-less material that is largely porous. This feature makes it possible for moisture and oxygen to be well circulated to the root system of the plant. Where a non-porous hydroponic material is used, there will be a need for more watering.
The use of hydroponics growing medium and continuous watering of plants with ordinary water will not yield fruits. For you to get any meaningful result, you must water the plant with nutrient-filled nutrients. This is because, unlike the soil, the hydroponics medium lacks nutrients for growth.
Although it cannot be said that one hydroponic growing media is better than another, some are easier to use. There are however a lot of factors that must be considered when picking a growing media. The system with which you will use it, and how it’s designed are big factors to consider.
The goal of a hydroponic system is basically to keep the roots of plants moist- not saturated nor soggy. Where the growing system allows for too much water, the roots will suffocate from lack of oxygen. This would very easily lead to root dying or rot.
January 31, 2022

Hydroponic Nutrient Chart For Vegetables – Helpful Guide To Follow

Hydroponic nutrient chart for vegetables can help guide you on the nutrient regime to give your vegetable plants. We will be giving you a helpful tip on the hydroponic nutrient chart here for your vegetables so you can have proper guidance on the nutrients to provide your plants so they can flourish and yield great results.

Hydroponics majorly deals with growing plants in the absence of soil in which soil is replaced by water. The nutrient solution is usually dissolved in this water and it supplies the plant the required nutrient to grow.

But do you actually know the type or amount of nutrient plan to supply your vegetables? Let’s delve into the hydroponic nutrient chart for vegetables to know more about this.

Hydroponic Nutrients Guide

It is crucial to supply the right balance of nutrients and amounts of nutrient solution in your hydroponic garden. This is important so your plants can grow well. Plants have various needs.

Here are some tips to guide you when it comes to hydroponic nutrient needs for your hydroponic gardening.

Basic Nutrients

The basic nutrients are one of the most essential needs of a plant. They are responsible for the biological process that plants needs for survival. Plants need to respire, obtain moisture, and photosynthesize just to survive.

These basic nutrients responsible for the biological process of plants include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen. They need to be taken care of first because, without them, plants will die. But plants can still live without other remaining nutrients but they just won’t thrive properly.

Macro-nutrients And Micro-nutrients

So macro and micro-nutrients are the remaining nutrients needed by plants. Macro-nutrients include nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, sulfur, and magnesium. Then micro-nutrients include iron, zinc, boron, and manganese.

What Nutrients For Hydroponic Vegetables?

The nutrients that your hydroponic vegetables require include nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, manganese, and zinc. All these nutrients can help improve the growth and quality of your vegetables.

Hydroponic Nutrient Chart For Vegetables

A hydroponic nutrient chart for vegetables has been shown below. So, we’ve given below a chart to describe the nutrient regime for some of your favorite vegetables;

S/N	Plant	PPM	EC	pH
1	Asparagus	980- 1260	1.4- 1.8	6.0- 6.8
2	Artichokes	560-1260	0.8- 1.8	6.5- 7.5
3	Broccoli	1960- 2450	2.8- 3.5	6.0-6.5
4	Basil	700- 1120	1.0-1.6	5.5-6.5
5	Lettuce	560- 840	0.8- 1.2	5.5- 6.5
6	Parsley	560-1260	0.8- 1.8	5.5- 6.0
7	Spinach	1260- 1610	1.8- 2.3	5.5- 6.6
8	Swiss chard	1260- 1610	1.8- 2.3	6.0- 6.5
9	Thyme	560- 1120	0.8-1.6	5.5- 7.0
10	Watercress	280- 1260	0.4- 1.8	6.5- 6.8

We have also added the pH chart because nutrient and pH usually comes hand in hand. The right pH helps in the appropriate absorption or intake of nutrients by your plants.

EC And PPM

Electrical conductivity, EC, measures the level of salt or nutrient in your hydroponic system. Hence, it is an indirect way of measuring the concentration of the nutrient solution. So, the electrical conductivity of your nutrient solution is measured using an EC meter.

After measuring the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution, the value gotten is then converted to a measure of the total dissolved solids in PPM (i.e. part per million).

Using an EC meter can help in ensuring your nutrient solution is in the right concentration and remain at this state over time. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about nutrients becoming too concentrated.

How Much Nutrients Do I Need For Hydroponics?

Hydroponic gardening is based on water rather than soil and this water has nutrients that have been dissolved into them. But the question we would like to know is the amount of nutrient solution is needed in your hydroponic garden?

The answer mainly depends on some factors and they include:

· Reservoir Size

The size of your hydroponic reservoir is one major determining factor when it comes to how much nutrients your plant needs. Generally, for a 16 gallon of water, you will need around 1 to 2 cups of pre-mixed liquid nutrient solution.

· Plant’s Stage

The plant stage is another factor to consider. The plant has different growth stages such as seedling stage, flowering stage, vegetative stage, fruiting stage, and so on. Each of these plant stages requires different nutrient amounts. You can buy a pre-mixed nutrient solution or you can make one by yourself.

When using a pre-mixed solution, you can go for multiple prepared solutions just to achieve your desired ratio.

On the other hand, when using a prepared hydroponic nutrient solution, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. This is to determine the right amount of nutrients for your reservoir.

Ideally, less amount of nutrients should be supplied during the early part of your plant’s life cycle. Then you will need to increase the nutrient plan once your plant has reached the big or major part of its growth. While you’re at it, ensure you start with less and increase it along the line so you don’t overdo the nutrient supply.

· The Type Of Plant

The type of plant is another determining factor when it comes to the amount of nutrients for your hydroponics. For example, peppers and tomatoes need a bit more fertilizer compared to most vegetables or leafy greens.

The good thing is that you can get some suggestions about the nutrient plan for the type of plant from the nursery where the plant was purchased.

General Hydroponics HGC718125 FloraMicro 5-0-1

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Conclusion On Hydroponic Nutrient Chart For Vegetables

The hydroponic nutrient chart for vegetables has been explained in this guide. So, if you would love to start a vegetable hydroponic garden for your indoor farming, you can look through our guide.

Even though the amount or dosage of the nutrient is pretty important, you don’t really have to worry about perfection. There are too many factors that can affect the accurate or precise amount that can lead to a perfect nutrient regime.

Just ensure you do the best you can to supply your plants with the appropriate amounts of the nutrient regime. Then you can see your plant flourish and enjoy that bountiful harvest.

FAQs

How much nutrients do I need for hydroponics?

The amount of nutrients supplied to your hydroponic plants can make a big difference in their outcome. Too little nutrients can hinder your plants from attaining their peak. Then too much nutrient can fry your plants.
Hydroponic gardening is based on water rather than soil and this water has nutrients that have been dissolved into them. But the question we would like to know is the amount of nutrient solution is needed in your hydroponic garden?
The answer mainly depends on some factors and they include;
• Reservoir size
The size of your hydroponic reservoir is one major determining factor when it comes to how much nutrients your plant needs. Generally, for a 16 gallon of water, you will need around 1 to 2 cups of pre-mixed liquid nutrient solution.
• Plant’s stage
The plant has different growth stages such as seedling stage, flowering stage, vegetative stage, fruiting stage, and so on. Each of these plant stages requires different nutrient amounts. You can buy a pre-mixed nutrient solution or you can make one by yourself.
When using a pre-mixed solution, you can go for multiple prepared solutions just to achieve your desired ratio.
On the other hand, when using a prepared hydroponic nutrient solution, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. This is to determine the right amount of nutrients for your reservoir.
Ideally, less amount of nutrients should be supplied during the early part of your plant’s life cycle. Then you will need to increase the nutrient plan once your plant has reached the big or major part of its growth. While you’re at it, ensure you start with less and increase it along the line so you don’t overdo the nutrient supply.
• The type of plant
The type of plant is another determining factor when it comes to the amount of nutrients for your hydroponics. For example, peppers and tomatoes need a bit more fertilizer compared to most vegetables or leafy greens.
The good thing is that you can get some suggestions about the nutrient plan for the type of plant from the nursery where the plant was purchased.

What nutrients for hydroponic vegetables?

January 31, 2022

Drip Rings Hydroponics
In both hydroponics and aquaponics, moisture and nutrient solution needs to get to the right place for your plant to grow optimally. Using drip rings in your hydroponics or aquaponics is a great way of conveying water or nutrient to your plants.
Drip rings hydroponics will deliver the nutrients to your plant root thereby maintaining adequate moisture level to your root zone. Your grow media are not left out as well as they will also take in and retain some good moisture that will be available for your pants’ use.
Therefore, there’s no worrying or issues of dryness or in your hydroponics plants or even grow mediums. We are all about easy gardening and we will be teaching you how to make your drip rings hydroponics. We will also be recommending some drip rings you can purchase, so read on for more info.
Hydroponic Drip Ring
Hydroponics drip rings is a round-shaped ring used in delivering water and nutrient to grow mediums and plants roots. The drip rings hydroponics has holes that have been strategically poked to emits water and nutrient content directly into your plant and grow media. It is also fitted with a half-inch water inlet that you can use to plug any watering configuration.
Therefore, it is an irrigation system that assists in sustaining an evenly consistent moisture environment in the root zone. You can use these drip rings for irrigating soil, peat, as well as hydroponic media.
The hydroponics drip rings can be used in both indoor and outdoor gardens and they will make a great irrigation system for your garden.
DIY Drip Rings Hydroponics
It is pretty easy to make your DIY drip rings. We have made things easy for you by giving you a step-by-step way of making your drip ring.
Materials
- Wires (small and big wires)
- Clips to holding
- Plastic or rubber tubing
- Pairs of pliers for bending wires
- T fittings for connecting your drip ring
- PVC cutter, a poker, or any cutting tool to make holes around your drip lines
All these materials can be obtained from your local hydroponic store or online shopping sites.
Steps On How To DIY Drip Ring Hydroponics
Follow these steps to begin your DIY ring setup:
Step 1
The first step is to cut the tube and connect the two ends with the T fittings. You will need to cut the tubing according to the size of your plant bed or the individual plant area you wish to cover.
Step 2
Drill some holes around the drip ring. You can drill 5 or more holes depending on the length of your tube ring.
Step 3
Then your drip ring is ready to be positioned on your plant bed or individual plant area. You can use the T fitting for your hydroponic nutrient water inlet.
Ensure you clean your hydroponics drip rings between each growing cycle.
Some Recommended Drip Rings Hydroponics
If you don’t want to go through the stress of the DIY process, you can simply purchase readymade drip rings for your hydroponics garden. Here is some recommended drip ring you can go for:
1.    HYDROFLOW HGC748086 Irrigation Fitting Rain Ring Drip Emitter
The hydroflow rain ring drip emitter is a convenient irrigation ring that can be used in the soil as well as hydroponics. They are durable and suitable for both indoors and outdoors use.
The ring has specific holes that will allow water nutrients to rain over your plants and it will totally cover your hydroponic growing media. Therefore, it can be used for any type of growing media.
The hydroflow rain drip emitter is very easy to clean between every grow cycle. The parts will come apart easily for cleaning and inspection. When it’s time to clean, just soak and rinse it with any cleaning solutions such as citric acid, peroxide, or any soft bleaching water mixture.
It has a half-inch water inlet that can be easily plugged into any watering design. It comes with 3 removable stakes that will hold the ring in the perfect spot and it can be placed at any desirable watering height.
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2.    Bloom Brothers GGWR06 Inch Hydro Halo Water
The bloom brothers hydro halo is another effective drip ring you can use in your hydroponic garden. It is suitable for all growing media and can be used for both indoor hydroponics and outdoor purpose.
It features 3 stand removable stakes that help keeps the drip ring in one position. If you want, you can use the drip ring without the stakes.
It is pretty durable thus, can be used for years and it’s easy to clean between every grow cycle.
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3.    HydroHat 6″ Drip Ring Plant Watering System
The HydroHat drip ring plant watering system is also a good option to go for. It will evenly emit water and nutrient solution around your plant base.
This drip ring can be used for all types of grow media and it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor gardening purposes. It is also long-lasting and quite easy to clean.
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Final Say On Drip Rings Hydroponics
There’s nothing major about constructing your drip rings. Building a drip ring for your hydroponic garden is pretty easy and you can get it done with a couple of parts. Just follow our steps on DIY drip rings.
However, if you don’t want to go through the stress of building your drip rings, you can simply go for one of our recommended drip rings.
All in all, making use of drip rings hydroponics will offer your hydroponics plants lots of benefits that will ensure your plants grow optimally.
Read more about Drip Irrigation For Tomatoes In Containers.
August 16, 2021
How To Build A Recirculating Deep Water Culture System
If you would like to know how to build a recirculating deep water culture system, we will enlighten you on this. We have various types of hydroponic systems and recirculating deep water culture system is one of them.
Recirculating deep water culture system (DWC) is one of the most convenient, easy to build, and moderate cost hydroponic systems you can go for. So let’s explore how to build a recirculating deep water culture system.
What Is A Deep Water Culture & Recirculating Deep Water System?
Deepwater culture (DWC) is a method of hydroponic system gardening whereby plants’ roots are suspended or submerged in a nutrient-rich solution and oxygenated water. There is a reservoir used to store the nutrient and water solution for plants use.
Now, this deep water culture system has different types and recirculating deep water culture (RDCWC) is the one we are going to be talking about.
In a regular or traditional deep water culture, there’s the stress of monitoring each system’s pH, nutrient level, and so on. It is only ideal for a small system. However, if you wish to have a larger system that will contain more plants, recirculating deep water system should be your choice.
Learn How To Build A Recirculating Deep Water Culture System
Recirculating deep water culture system is the combination of different deep water culture systems through some connecting pipes.
The major difference between deep water culture and recirculating deep water culture is that the nutrient water solution in RDCWC will be pumped from a big reservoir. Then it will be passed through other small systems and returns to the reservoir. Thus creating a re-circulation.
Materials Required
A big nutrient reservoir, small gallon of buckets, net pots, air stones, air tubing, air pumps, growing medium, nutrient solution, pH meter, and connecting pipes, grow lights for indoor purpose.
Step 1
Obtain a big reservoir tank for storing nutrient solutions. Now, this big tank will be linked to every other small reservoir for each plant. Then all the small tanks or reservoirs will be connected by pipes.
It is this big tank that will pass or supply nutrient solutions to other small tanks. It will now be returned or recirculated back into the big tank. An inline water filter is used to control and recirculate the water. The roots of your plants will be totally suspended on this nutrient solution.
Note that the big reservoir needs to be stored in a light-proof container.
Step 2
Obtain some air pump and air stone to be put in the big tank and each small tank. Air stones will produce bubbles that encourage gas exchange and good aeration in combination with air pumps. So, this will keep the root of your plants well oxygenated as oxygenation is paramount to the survival of your plants in RCDWC.
Step 3
Next use net pots to hold your plants in. The net pots have holes that will allow your plant roots to reach below the nutrient water solution.
Then go ahead to fill the net tots with a growing medium like perlite, clay pellets, pebbles, lava rocks, and so on.
Step 4
When you’re done setting up your deep water culture system, ensure you check the pH value. Always sustain a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth.
The nutrient solution in your reservoir can be replaced once a week or once in two weeks. Also, ensure you always check the nutrient conditions in your reservoir with an EC meter and PPM meter.
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit
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Plants That Can Be Grown In Recirculating Deep Water Culture System
So, plants that can be grown in recirculating deep water culture system include:
Tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, squash, pepper, cucumbers, and so on.
Benefits Of Recirculating DWC System
Below are the benefits you stand to gain when using recirculating deep water culture system for planting:
- Recirculating deep water culture system is very easy to set up and the components are easily accessible.
- This system is cost-effective. Also, maintenance is not demanding once your system is up and running. There is less worrying about clogging or blocked pipes or systems.
- You enjoy the faster growth of plants because nutrients are absorbed directly and easily. Also, the rich oxygenated system encourages faster nutrient uptake.
- Taller or larger plants can be grown in the recirculating deep water culture system.
- The watering scheme is very easy.
- The fertilization requirement is not demanding as the plants are always submerged in nutrient-filled water solutions.
FAQ’s
How do you set up a recirculating deep water culture?
You’ll need a PVC pipe with an internal diameter of at least 12 inches (30 cm), and ideally the bottom end should be threaded. You’ll also need a pump, some tubing to connect the pump to the pipe, and a valve.
You’ll also need a few other things: A tank. A plastic or stainless steel tank is best for this, but if you don’t have one available, you can still grow plants, but the water quality will be poor. You may also need a heating element if you want to keep your growing area warm. A reservoir. This is a container that holds water when it’s not being used to grow plants. It’s usually connected to the tank, so the water level in both containers remains the same. Pots. These are the main part of the system. You’ll need at least two pots, though more would be better. An air pump. If you have a standard garden pump, you should be able to adapt it to work as an air pump, by placing it in a bucket with some holes drilled in the lid. The potting mix. For this you’ll need a small amount of compost or peat, and some kind of plant food.
Fill the potting mix with water until it’s about 3/4 of the way full. Add the growing mix, using at least twice as much as the volume of the water you added. Pump the water through the tubing and into the potting mix in the reservoir, so that the water mixes with the potting mix. Leave the pump running for around 10 minutes. You can check how well the mix is draining by looking at the surface of the water in the reservoir. If it’s still relatively full, turn off the pump and leave the potting mix undisturbed overnight. The next day, check that the water has drained away. If it hasn’t, restart the pump. The first time you do this, you may need to add more fish emulsion to achieve the right consistency. Keep an eye on the level of the water in the reservoir. It should be just below the top of the growing mix. If the water level starts to rise, stop pumping. The extra water will drain away. When the water reaches the top of the growing mix, stop pumping again and wait a few minutes before restarting the pump. This will allow the water to drain away completely. When you restart the pump, keep an eye on the level of the water in the reservoir. It should be at the top of the growing mix. Repeat the process every day or two, until the water level in the reservoir is about 3/4 of the way down the potting mix. If you want to grow plants, you’ll need some kind of light. You can use any kind of light that’s appropriate for your plants, but a combination of fluorescent and regular lighting is probably best. You’ll also need a thermostat. This is a device that controls the temperature of your growing area, so you can maintain a constant temperature throughout the day.
How much air is needed for a DWC system?
The short answer is that it depends on the plants you are growing. If you are growing plants that do not have a lot of surface area, then you will need more air than if you were growing plants with a lot of surface area. If you are growing plants in pots, then you will need more air than if you were growing them in a tray or other container.
Recirculating DWC Hydroponic System Conclusion
We hope by now you have learned how to build a recirculating deep water culture system.
June 8, 2021
Deep Water Culture System Designs
Deep water culture system is one common type of hydroponics system among hydroponic growers. The design is not so difficult and the materials needed are accessible and won’t cost you much stress. So, this article attempts to give you some information about deep water culture system designs.
So, let’s dive in to gain some knowledge.
Deep Water Culture System Designs Setup
Deep water culture system designs are pretty easy to set up. What it takes to construct this system is so easy and it will be worth any hydroponics grower time. Now if you love to learn and create new things by putting them together, designing a deep water culture system will interest you.
Let’s take a look at the materials used in constructing deep water system designs and the various types you can go for. All these materials can be purchased on Amazon, a local hydroponics supply store, or home depot.
Materials Needed For DIY DWC System
- Gallon buckets
- Net poles for holding plants
- Air pump and airstones for tank oxygenation
- Airline tubing
- Nutrient solution
- pH control kit
- Growing media to be filled inside the net poles
Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit
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Types of Deep Water Culture System Designs
1. Traditional Method: Attach the pump to the airline tubing and link the tubing to the airstone. Now put the airstone in the bucket and fill up the container with water. Do the necessary pH adjustments and put in your nutrients and begin seeding. As your plants begin to sprout and germinate, the roots will begin to touch the water. Your plants will receive adequate nutrients and water and they begin to enjoy optimal growth.
2. Recirculating Deep Water Culture System: the recirculating DWC is great for both beginners and large scale. This method consists of several individual buckets or containers. These buckets are all linked to a central reservoir which circulates to feeds the plants in each bucket and returns to its reservoir. Make sure you calibrate each bucket and always monitor the pH and adjust accordingly.
3. Bubbleponics: the bubbleponics is similar to the common deep water culture system. However, it is only perfect for small plants that their root system isn’t long enough to reach the nutrient reservoir. This system makes use of a water pump which is placed inside the reservoir. Oxygenated water is pumped towards the net cups where it can reach the roots of the plants. It flows along with the growing medium to wicks up water and later returns into the reservoir tank.
4. Kratky Method: the Kratky method is similar to the regular DWC but it just doesn’t make use of a water pump. The design of the Kratky method is set up in a way that there is a gap between the surface of the nutrient mix and plant roots. Half of the roots are submerged in the nutrient mix and the other half is left hanging in the air. The roots of the plants adapt and grow longer downwards as the water level drops.
Deep Water Culture Requirements: How It Works
- Nutrients: the nutrients in your DWC system will need to be monitored closely to maintain pH balance. The pH level should be between 5.5 to 6.5.
- Aeration: air circulation is essential in the DWC system because plants require oxygen for optimal growth. Thus, air pumps are very important in the deep water culture system. The size of the tank will determine the size and strength of the pump. We recommend you use an air pump of 2 outlets or more. This way, you can attach air stones separately and this will deliver oxygen adequately. Keep the air pumps running at all times to maintain a well-aerated solution. Failure to do this can cause your plants to die quickly.
- Reservoir: your reservoir can be a dark container. Make sure light doesn’t enter the reservoir to prevent algae growth. The algae growth can decrease air circulation to your root. We recommend you cover the top of your reservoir tank with a reflective material. This will reflect light away from your reservoir tank preventing your tank from light and heat.
FAQ’s
What are the most common deep water culture designs?
The most commonly used type of grow box is the so called “deep water culture” or DWC hydroponic systems. These are very popular because they can be set up and run with minimal technical skills, they are very efficient in terms of light and space utilization and they are easy to maintain. They also provide a great variety of different plants in a very simple way.
Pros: Very cheap and easy to setup and run.
However, the disadvantage of these systems is that they are not very efficient in terms of light and space utilization.
How does DWC hydroponics work?
DWC uses a series of small chambers that are used to house plants and to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow. The chambers are connected to each other by a network of tubes, which is the way in which water passes through the system. The roots of the plants are suspended in a nutrient solution, which is pumped from one chamber to another, depending on the plant’s needs.
DWC is a complete hydroponic system that allows you to grow your own plants without soil, water or electricity. The roots of the plant are in contact with a nutrient-rich liquid while the leaves receive light from an LED lamp. DWC uses the principle of nutrient recycling. It works by first filtering and recycling nutrients from the plant’s roots through a perforated plate into a nutrient solution.
The plant absorbs the nutrients and grows. When the plant needs more nutrients, it is harvested and the process is repeated. DWC has the potential to produce food for a family of four on a single acre of land with no water or electricity. The benefits of growing your own food are numerous. You will save money, have better quality food and know exactly where your food comes from. Plus, you can grow your own food in a very safe way.
DWC can be used to grow crops in space, as well as to provide plants with the essential nutrients they require for growth.
Is it becoming popular?
Hydroponic DWC gardening is one of the fastest growing trends in the world today. It’s not just for green thumbs anymore, it’s for anyone with a green thumb and an open mind! You can grow your own fruits, vegetables, herbs, even flowers. Hydroponics systems have been around for a long time but they were only used by the military and NASA. Hydroponics is a way to grow plants without soil.
IS there an obvious best design?
No. This is a difficult question because they are not the same. Both have their benefits and disadvantages. You need to think about what you want from your plants and choose accordingly.
DWC Hydroponics
As we have mentioned, deep water culture system designs are easy to construct and it offers a maximum yield of crops. However, always have in mind that aeration is the key in deep water culture system designs.
So, you can try any types of these DWC systems and enjoy greater yield.
February 20, 2021
Cheapest Hydroponic Growing Medium
Just because hydroponic is a soil-free system does not mean we would not have anything to support our plants. This is why we have the hydroponic growing medium that replaces soil or dirt. So, if you’re searching for the cheapest hydroponic growing medium, then look through our guide.
We have outlined the cheapest hydroponic growing medium with the right information and some great tip to make your search easy. So, read on to know your best pick.
What Is A Hydroponic Growing Medium?
A hydroponic growing medium is a soil-free component that helps to hold sturdy or support the plant root system in the hydroponics. However, it does not provide nutrients. It is a permeable material therefore it can absorb and hold moisture, nutrients, and oxygen for the root system which is needed to grow healthily.
A hydroponic grow medium can also be a non-permeable material. You just have to increase the watering schedule so your plant root does not dry out.
Types And Characteristics Of Hydroponic Growing Medium
Before we dive into the cheapest hydroponic growing medium, let’s have an idea about the types and characteristics of some grow medium.
There are various hydroponic mediums available for your hydroponic use. Any type works great. They simply depend on the type of plant you wish to grow, the type of hydroponic system been used, and your preference.
There are so many growing mediums are accessible to suit your needs, budget, and preference. We have listed a few of the most common types of hydroponic growing medium used.
1. Rockwool
Rockwool is one soil-free hydroponic growing medium that has been in existence for a long period. It’s been longed used for plant starters and cloning. It is an inert media made from melting rock and other processes. Rockwool is meant to be pre-soaked and it has been shaped into cubes, slabs, or blocks.
Rockwool is now been used in place of starter plugs which helps in rapidly encouraging the sprouting of seeds in your farm.
2. Coco Coir
Coco coir is a famous and best-loved growing medium among hydroponic farmers. They come from the husk of coconuts and are great for hydroponic plant support and moist retention.
The soilless coco coir is loved because of its awesome characteristic protection of seed and makes them start strong. It will protect your seeds from buildup salt and too much sunlight that can harm your seeds. At the same time being a good medium free of fungi or pathogens.
3. Oasis cube
Oasis cubes is another great grow media comparable to Rockwool and they are made for both seeds and cuttings. It is an inert growing media that require no pre-soaking and has a neutral pH.
4. Expandable Clay Pebbles or Pellets
The expandable clay pebbles or pellets also called hydroton pellets is a pH neutral grow media. They are great supports for your plants which will also fit in net pots and they are reusable. Although they are not so cheap, they are cost-effective and great for your hydroponic plants.
5. Perlite
Perlite is another great media used for hydroponics. Apart from being a growing media, it is commonly used as soil additives by traditional soil growers. It is made from heating volcanic glass.
Perlite is not as good as standalone media. It is usually mixed with other grow media such as vermiculite, coco coir, as well as soil, and it’s usually mixed 50/50. Perlite is less expensive and it’s reusable.
6. Vermiculite
Vermiculite can be compared to perlites and it is made from heating mineral rocks till it expands into pebbles. It is mostly used in a mixture with other grow media.
4 Recommended Cheapest Hydroponic Growing Medium
We have listed some recommended cheapest growing medium you can go for:
1. GROW!T JSCPB – Coco Coir Mix Brick (Pack of 3)
Grow!t coco coir mix is an awesome organic growing medium for your seeds and seedlings to germinate and start strong. It is one of the cheapest good quality coco coir and it’s easy to store and it expands very well. It is also biodegradable and renewable.
Another advantage we admire is that it offers protection against pathogens and fungi, therefore, giving your plant healthy growth. It also protects against the build-up salt.
Grow!t coco coir mix is a soil-free medium that holds water adequately and there’s no risk of plant drowning. It conveys nutrients throughout your plant root thereby improving plant development. It also has good aeration.
Pros
- Great water retention, nutrient circulation, and aeration.
- Offers protection for your plants.
- Expandable and easy to store.
- No over-saturation problems.
Cons
- May need washing.
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2. Grodan Mini Cubes Rockwool Hydroponic Grow Media + THCity Gloves – 2 Gallon Bag
The Grodan mini cube is a type of Rockwool and it is an inexpensive hydroponic growing medium. It comes in a cotton-like candy fiber and has been compacted into various shapes such as blocks, cubes, or slabs.
Grodan mini cube will serve as a great anchor for your hydroponic plants in their various developmental stages. This type of growing media will retain moisture and deliver nutrients to your plant root. It is great in providing good air circulation (oxygen) for the growth of your plant.
We admire the fact that it comes with a pair of lovely gloves for your comfort and protection when handling your medium.
If you wish, the cuttings or seedlings you started in Grodan mini cube can be transplanted to dirt or your soilless growing medium. Grodon will work fine if all other growing conditions are met.
The downside is that they need to be presoaked and the pH range will need to be monitored.
All in all, this is a good option you can consider when choosing the cheap hydroponic growing medium if all other conditions are met.
Pros
- Retains moisture.
- Delivers nutrients to plant roots.
- Good air circulation.
- Comes with fine pair of gloves.
Cons
- Needs to be presoaked.
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3. 1.5 inch Rockwool/Stonewool Grow Cubes
1.5 inches Rockwool is another cheap and available option for your hydroponic growing medium. It can be used for seed starters, root cuttings, and so on.
This medium provides a good anchor for your plant even for starter plants. It has great air circulation and excellent drainage properties. It also conveys nutrients to your plant root for adequate and rapid growth.
You can either use it for your garden hobby or commercial growing purpose. The size is excellent to fit into a standard flat grow tray.
Even though it requires presoaks before use, overall this is a good option you can consider when choosing the cheapest hydroponic growing medium.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Great for seed starters and cuttings.
- Provides anchor for plants.
- Great air circulations, drainage, and delivers nutrients.
Cons
- Requires presoak.
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1. Clay Pebbles – 100g Hydroponic Clay Pebbles Growing Media Anion Clay Rocks
Clay pebble is another cheap soil-free hydroponic growing medium as well as aquaponics. It is safe and reliable and does not emit any toxic substances. They are also free from pests and diseases.
This growing medium is great support for your plant root and has excellent retention of moisture. It is as well a good transport media for nutrients. Another positive thing is that they are capable of storing nutrient and releasing it to the plant root slowly.
They might not be the best of the best, but you can work your way around it.
Pros
- Support plants root.
- Great water retention.
- Great in transporting nutrients.
Cons
- Needs washing because they are dusty.
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Points To Consider When Choosing The Cheapest Growing Medium
You need to put into consideration some points when choosing the cheapest hydroponic growing medium. We have outlined these points and they will help you make the right decision.
- Water Holding Capacity: one important point to know when choosing your growing medium is its water retention. Because nutrients are dissolved in water, the medium needs to be able to hold water and transport nutrient solution for the usefulness of your plant growth.
- Good Anchor: because there is an absence of soil that gives support: the growing medium should be able to provide an adequate anchor to hold your plant sturdy.
- Aeration: the growing medium must have good air circulation which is required for your plants’ growth.
- Affordability and Availability: you should also consider if the growing medium is affordable and available in your region.
You should also note that apart from choosing the right growing medium, all other growing conditions need to be met for you to have a smooth and running hydroponic garden.
FAQ’s
What growing medium is best for hydroponics?
One favorite growing medium is perlite. It’s lightweight, easy to mix into any solution and has a great absorption rate. The only thing is that it doesn’t seem to hold moisture very well. You can buy pre-mixed bags at your local gardening store. There are some good reasons to use coco coir. It’s cheap, light weight, easy to mix with water and will absorb up to 5 times its weight in water. The only thing is that it is not very absorbent so you will need to add more fertilizer to it than if you were using a more absorbent medium like peat moss or vermiculite. .
Can rocks be used in hydroponics?
I would suggest using them as an addition. If you are not familiar with hydroponics, it is a method of growing plants using nutrient solutions. It works by having the roots in a solution and the plant uses the water to transport nutrients into the root system. There are two basic types of hydroponic systems: a hanging basket system and a tray system. In a tray system, the roots are grown in a tray of nutrient solution and they are submerged in the solution. The roots grow down into the solution and the solution is constantly being replaced. This is a slow growing method because the roots are growing into the nutrient solution rather than pushing through it. In a hanging basket system, the roots grow out of the nutrient solution.
Is perlite a good hydroponic medium?
Perlite is a hydrophilic, air-filled, spherical, glassy volcanic rock. It does have some beneficial qualities, but like any other growing medium it has some drawbacks too. One big drawback is that it is very light, almost weightless, so you have to hold it up for your plants or they won’t grow well. Another major drawback is that it is a poor nutrient medium. It is a very poor nutrient medium. It does contain some nutrients, but the nutrients are so low in quantity that it is basically worthless as a nutrient source.
Additionally, it is a very light material and will expand when wet.
Do you need soil for hydroponics?
No, you don´t. What is the best soil for growing plants? Hydroponic systems can be a little tricky to set up, but once it’s set up and running, it’s an easy way to grow a variety of crops. If you’re planning on growing hydroponically, then you’ll need a container that will hold water and your plant roots.
These containers are called “soil-less” or “water-less.” Water-less containers are designed to be used in a hydroponic system. The main purpose of this system is to grow plants using water, rather than soil. In hydroponic gardening, you need to keep your roots constantly moist, so water-less containers are perfect for this type of gardening. It can be easy to start seeds or seedlings in a hydroponic system. This method is also great for indoor gardens.
Conclusion
Hydroponic growing medium supplies your plants good moisture so your plants do not dry out. They also convey nutrients and can act as a buffer in case your pump or any other essential part fails.
All in all, before you settle finally for a particular medium, try and experiment with the various medium. This way, you can pin down the appropriate growing medium for your plant’s growing needs.
Various plants have different growing needs and they will thrive with different growing mediums. Also, make sure all other growing requirements are met.
We recommend you give your system a trial and error so you can perfect all the needs of your hydroponic system.
January 26, 2021
Can You Transplant Hydroponic Plants To Soil
Are you wondering if you can transplant your hydroponic plants to the soil? The straight-up answer is yes! You can definitely transplant your hydroponic plants into the dirt and we will teach you how to go about it successfully. So, read on to learn.
Transplanting hydroponics into the dirt is not a straightforward process to venture into. You have to consider and follow some fundamental processes for a smooth transition so your plant does not go into shock. Following the right procedure, will allow you to achieve a better performing and healthy plant.
Transplanting Hydroponic Plants To Soil
Transplanting your hydroponic plants into the soil can be done from cuttings or seedlings. Small Rockwool starter plugs or rapid rooter plugs can as well be used in cuttings and seedlings and transplanting them into the soil.
Steps On Transplanting Hydroponic Plants To Soil
To transplant your hydroponic into the soil, you first transplant it into a potting container. When they have grown and mastered the changes between indoors and outdoors, you can now transplant them into your outdoor garden.
Before you begin handling your hydroponic plants you wish to transplant, ensure you have all your materials available and set especially for fragile seedlings. This way, you don’t leave your fragile plants to linger and you can start right away. Also, the tender plant root can venture and transit seamlessly into the dirt.
Another thing before you transplant is to allow the water level in your hydroponic garden to drop and stay low for a few days. Also, don’t put or feed your hydroponic plant with direct LED light but put it close to the light and allow it to search for light.
Do this for a week or two. This way, the plant starts to adjust and harden off preparing for the outdoor experience.
Materials required for transplanting your hydroponic plants into soil include:
- A growing pot or container
- Water for your plants
- Plant from your hydroponic system
- Soil
Step 1
Get the growing pot you want to use to transplant. Obtain a pot size that fits the size of your plant. If you are planting a big plant, you should obtain a big pot and the pot should be wide and deep. This way, there is adequate room for growth and there’s space for the root which is important for your plant transition. Give your transplanted plant about 4 to 6 inches of space deep to allow them to grow. If your plants are grown and sticks together, carefully separate by breaking them up. Be careful because the plant can be prone to shock.
Step 2
Add your growing medium into the pot. Use a growing medium that has a buffer. You can make use of a potting soil mix that contains compost manure and some perlite. Spread or dig up a hole in your soil and put the hydroponic plant into the growing container and fit it through. Surround it with additional soil and adjust the plant until it’s fixed and sturdy.
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Step 3
The next important step is to water immediately. Always keep the soil moist because hydroponic plants are used to regular water.
Step 4
The next step is the feed them with sunlight. Take note to give them only some duration of sunlight. Do not keep them outdoors for long. They need to adjust to sunlight intensity and go through the stage of hardening. This way, they can get accustomed to sunlight and last in outdoor temperatures.
Plant Shock
If you followed the right procedure, your plant should come out well. However, your transplanted plant may suffer from shock and it’s not a rare thing to occur. Not too worry. It’s most likely the hydroponic plant transplanted is going through some recovery process as it enters shock.
You may start to notice the leaves getting soft or falling off. All you need to do is to give it some time. As the plant drops most of its leaves, new leaves will emerge as the plant recovers from shock in a couple of weeks. Always maintain a moist soil and allow the root to adjust and let it look for nutrients from the soil. This way, your plant will start to come back.
When your plants have fully recovered and are now resilient, they can now be placed outdoors.
FAQ’s
Can you repot hydroponic plants to soil?
You can, but it’s not easy. You’d have to be able to find the roots and then remove them from the pot, then replant them into a new pot of soil, preferably with some compost mixed in as well.
It’s a good idea to start with a small plant, and then build up the amount of potting mix. You should use as much potting mix as you need for the size of the plant you are growing. It’s a good idea to make a couple of small pots to test out your plants first. You can put the plants in the soil, but it will take them some time to adjust.
How do you transplant hydroponic seedlings?
Before you start transplanting your hydroponic plants into soil you need to decide whether you want to transplant the whole plant or just the roots. If you are just starting out in hydroponics I recommend that you just transplant the roots.
You can do this by using a large pot and filling it with a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Once the pot is full of the mixture you can take the hydroponic plant and place it in the center of the pot. Then take your knife and cut a hole in the bottom of the pot about two inches in diameter.
Next take your roots and place them into the hole. Now fill the rest of the pot with more of the peat moss mixture. After you have put in all of the roots fill the rest of the pot with soil and water the plant.
The most important rule to remember is that you must keep the roots wet. If the roots are dry they will die and you will lose your whole hydroponic garden.
The best way to transplant seedlings is to use a flat. I have a 5 gallon container with a lid that has a hole in the bottom, and I put my seedlings in there and then cover them with plastic wrap. The plastic will keep the soil moist while they are growing. Then when they are big enough, I take out the plastic and put them in bigger pots.
Can you use any seeds for hydroponics?
Yes, you can.
For seeds, I’d suggest starting out with the best quality seeds. You could buy them from a reputable grow shop, or you can try to get them for free. The main thing to look for is good germination rates.
What vegetables can be planted using a hydroponic system?
You can grow any vegetable in a hydroponic system, as long as you provide the correct nutrients and lighting for the specific plant.
What is the most profitable hydroponic crop to grow?
Lettuce is the crops that do best in hydroponics.
Transplanting Hydroponic Plants
Transplanting hydroponic plants into the soil is really a practical process carried out by most growers. It might be somewhat tough to achieve especially for beginners, however, it’s worth the try.
But if in the end, it does not work out, you have the choice of carrying on with your hydroponic system.
January 26, 2021
6 Best Flowers For Aquaponics
Who doesn’t love the auspicious therapeutic nature of growing flowers in their home or garden? Now imagine growing them in a controlled space such as aquaponics. It might not be so easy choosing the best flowers for aquaponics especially with so many good options that can fit your system.
This is why we have put together the 6 best flowers you can consider growing in your aquaponics. So read on to know your best pick.
Fruits and vegetables are not the only things you can grow in your aquaponics; flowers are also a good choice for aquaponics. Be it roses, tulips, dandelions, etc. growing these flowers with aquaponics are pretty easy and fun.
6 Best Flowers For Aquaponics
Aquaponics makes use of a closed ecosystem between fish and plants. The fish excrete that serves as a nutrient solution for the plants is purified by these plants and used again by the fish.
Growing flowers with aquaponics will be great and exciting. So, here are the following promising flowers for aquaponics:
1.    Roses
Roses are one of the most popular flowers and they are well-loved plant and a delight to have around. They have this terrific scented vibe associated with romance and love.
When it comes to choosing the aquaponics technique for your roses, the most frequently used aquaponics procedure for roses is the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). However, the grow bed and floating raft system is also a good choice for you. Roses need adequate lights or put them where they can get full sun.
Be wary of black spot and powdery mildew when growing roses.
2.    Sunflower
Sunflower is a happy flower that will brighten up your day with its yellow blooms. It is another great option to grow in aquaponics. You can grow sunflower in your aquaponics without any need for fertilizers or pesticides.
The most common aquaponics used for sunflowers is media beds or floating rafts. This is because support is needed as they are capable of growing tall.
As the name implies, the sunflower will do well in adequate sunlight.
3.    Marigold
The colorful marigold is a beneficial flower to grow in your aquaponics. They can serve as cover crops that help protects your plants from unwanted pests. They will also allure beneficial insects to your plants.
You can grow marigold in a Nutrient Film Technique or media grow beds. Marigold also does well in full sun.
4.    Pansies
The large-flowered pansies are another great flower you can add to your aquaponics flower lists. They are edible flowers and great for beginners because they don’t require too much care.
Pansies do well in cooler weather but you can subject them to partial sun. You can expose them to the early morning sun but protect them from the pressure of too hot sun.
5.    Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth is a perfect addition to an aquaponics system. It is an aquatic plant that will be great for purifying your fish water. It is great at clearing algae as well as cleaning the water for your fish and plants.
Although it is an invasive plant because it grows fast and aggressively, you can solve this issue by using the raft system to control its growth.
6.    Nasturtium
Nasturtium is another great flowering plant for your aquaponics system. They are also helpful in repelling garden pests such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs. For this reason, they are great for planting side by side with tomatoes and cucumbers.
They also serve as trap crops by attracting pests such as aphids. They will entice these pests away from your main crops, thereby serving as a sacrificial plant.
Their flowers and leaves are also edible and they can be added to your culinary list. Nasturtium grows very fast so you can expect its seeds to begin germination within 7 to 10 days. They will do well in an environment with minimal heat stress.
Advantages Of Growing Aquaponics Flowers
The addition of flowers to your home or garden mixed with their vibrant color will add a touch of scent to your environment. You can enjoy various benefits from growing flowers with hydroponics.
- Pest Control: they can serve as companion plants for pest management.
- Culinary Utilization: a lot of flowers are edible, therefore they serve as culinary applications.
- Aesthetic Reasons: flowers are best known for their aesthetic nature. They will add their artistic beauty to your environment as well as boosting the look of your aquaponics garden.
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FAQ’s
What are the best flowers to grow with aquaponics?
Flowers are typically used for decoration, but there are several reasons that they can be grown in an aquaponics system. The first is that they have a low water demand and will generally do well in most systems. The second reason is that flowers can be harvested often to provide additional nutrition to the fish and/or plants. The third reason is that they can be used for ornamental purposes.
The best flowers to grow in an aquaponic system are generally those that can be grown in soil or grow well in containers.
You want to be sure you’re selecting the right plants for your system. I have been asked this question over and over by people who are just getting started with aquaponics. So, here is a list of the most popular flowers that are commonly grown in aquaponic systems. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. If you have any questions about any of these, please leave a comment below.
1. Roses
2. Marigold (Tagetes patula)
3. Nasturtium – (Tropaeolum majus)
5. Pansies
6. Water Hyacinth
What are the best types pf flowers to grow with aquaponics?
If you want to grow flowers with aquaponics, there are two main types of plants you should grow: flowers and vegetables.
Growing flowers and vegetables together is possible with aquaponics, but it’s not as easy as growing plants in a regular garden. You need to consider many factors before you start, and you’ll also need to make sure you understand how to feed your plants.
Before you get started with your own aquaponics system, it’s important to learn more about why people use this method of gardening. For instance, the first benefit of using an aquaponic system is that you don’t need any chemicals or pesticides to grow your vegetables and flowers.
Make sure you have enough space for your plants. This is an important consideration that affects the decisions that people make over the types of flowers that they ultimately choose. If you want to grow the maximum amount of plants in your system, then you’ll need to make sure that you have enough space for them. You’ll also need to make sure that you have enough room for a greenhouse, since you’ll need a lot of space to heat the greenhouse.
Can roses be grown in aquaponics?
Roses will do fine in an aquarium.
They are not very picky about water quality and pH levels. They also don’t need much fertilizer. You can feed them with fish food, but they are not very picky about that either. They prefer fresh water. If you are growing them in an aquarium, you will have to place the rose plants in a separate tank. You can use a small fish tank as the base of your aquarium.
Final Say- Aquaponic Flowers
Most flowers can flourish in an aquaponics system. However, we have made some best picks for you in case you are confused about which flower to pick from the many varieties to choose from. So, you can decide which will be your best pick.
December 20, 2020
Best Plants For Small Aquaponics
If you are looking for the best plants for small aquaponics, you need not worry. We will give you the information in this guide so read on to find out.
Aquaponics is an agricultural culture system that makes use of a complex ecosystem between fish and plants. The system can be used to cultivate various plants, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowering plants.
Before we dive into the best plants for small aquaponics, let’s look at some basic information about aquaponics.
Basic Info on Aquaponics
Aquaponics involves the combination of two categories of food cultivation which are hydroponics and aquaculture. This two combining process (hydroponics and aquaculture) works together to contribute to each other’s growth.
Aquaponics is a balanced ecosystem between the fish and plants which also includes some beneficial bacteria. The waste from the fish is used as food for the plants, the plant, in turn, purifies the water for the fish.
The interesting thing is that aquaponics is not a new technique. It is a farming method that has been in existence since ancient times. But now it has started gaining popularity these past few years.
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Best Plants for Small Aquaponics
The best plants for small aquaponics should be plants that demand lesser nutrients. Thus, the best plants for small aquaponics are greens and herbs, and they include:
1. Watercress: One of the best plants to grow in a small aquaponics stem is watercress. It requires a lesser concentration of nutrients and it is a hardy vegetable and it grows fast. Watercress will also blend and flourish with any type of fishes you may have.
2. Kale: This is another low nutritious plant that can be grown in small aquaponics. It will flourish with various types of fish. Another added benefit is that kale will not attract pests to your system. Thus giving your aquaponics system extra safety.
3. Lettuce: Is also a low demanding nutrient plant appropriate for small aquaponics. It will match and co-exists most especially with tilapia fish.
4. Swiss Chard: Swiss chord requires minimal nutrients and is great for small aquaponics systems. It is a hardy plant that mainly utilizes nitrate for its leaf growth. This plant grows perfectly in the water of pH range between 6.6 to 7.0 which is an appropriate range for this plant and various fish.
Other low nutrient plants we recommend for small aquaponics are:
1. Mint
2. Arugula
3. Radish sprout
4. Pak choi
5. Mint
6. Wheatgrass
7. Basil
8. Spinach
Best Plants for Small Aquaponics: What to Consider
Aquaponics system is quite easy to set up and if you plan on obtaining one, the main question on your mind should be: what plants can I grow? The straight-up answer is the “size of your aquaponics” will determine the type of plants to grow.
Small Aquaponics: a small aquaponics system will require lesser fish, lesser water, and a lesser concentration of nutrients.
Bigger Aquaponics: on the other hand, a bigger aquaponics system will require more fish, more water, and more nutrient concentration.
Therefore, the best plant for a small aquaponics system should be plants that require lesser nutrients and they include greens and herbs as listed above.
Even though almost all plants can be grown in an aquaponics system, we need to consider the fact that various plants have various needs. So let’s look at more on the needs or what to consider when choosing plants for your small aquaponics.
Other things to consider:
- Space: some plants need more space while others need lesser space. The space we are talking about is your aquaponics system space. Therefore, you should take into account for example the height and width of the plant that can fit into your aquaponics system.
- The Number of Fish: The presence of more fish will require more plants so they can absorb all the nutrients produced from fish waste and vice versa.
- Type of System Used: you could use a nutrient film technique, media-based, or raft aquaponics depending on the structure of the plant that will fit in. Floating raft systems favors plant with no root structure while grow beds favors root vegetables.
FAQ’s
How does aquaponics work?
Aquaponics is a system of growing fish and plants in a symbiotic relationship. The fish clean the water, which then feeds the plants. The plants remove nitrogen from the water and the fish waste is converted into fertilizer. There are some species of fish that can live in aquaponics. The most common are Tilapia, Catfish and Koi. In general, the fish should be fed with a specially formulated diet. It should contain high levels of protein, low levels of fat, and vitamins and minerals.
The plants absorb nutrients from the fish waste, and the fish provide oxygen to the plants through their gills. The system can be used to grow food for humans and/or animals. It is also very effective at cleaning the water, providing both food and clean water. Aquaponic plants are not as delicate as traditional plants. They can be grown in containers or on land.
What plants can be grown in an aquaponic system?
I think that the most common are listed below.
1. Broccoli
2. Potatoes
3. Cucumbers
4. Tomatoes
5. Carrots
6. Peppers
7. Beans
8. Strawberries
9. Beets
10. Cabbage
11. Watermelon
12. Eggplant
13. Squash
14. Green beans
15. Sweet potatoes
16. Kale
17. Broccoli
What plants cannot be grown in an aquaponic system?
Plants that are sensitive to salt (salt stress). This can be either the soil or the water. In general, a soil solution of about 2% is the most common level for a salt tolerant plant. Some plants like tomatoes will tolerate more salt than that. They need a salt concentration of about 5-6%.
Do plants grow faster in aquaponics?
The answer is yes, but only if the plants are small. If they’re big, then no. In fact, it’s not even an absolute, because there’s a difference between plants that have been raised in aquaponics and those that have been raised in a traditional greenhouse.
Why is lettuce good for aquaponics?
It’s easy to grow, takes up little space and is extremely forgiving. The reason why lettuce is such a great choice for an aquaponic garden is that it doesn’t require much light to thrive, making it a perfect plant for a system that needs a lot of light to grow.
Lettuce is also very forgiving to the fish. It doesn’t take well to being eaten, and will survive on the scraps left behind by other plants.
Can strawberries be grown in aquaponics?
I have read that the strawberries grow very well in aquaponics. I would recommend starting with growing them in an aquarium with a filter, but the problem with that is that they will grow all over the place.
Aquaponics Plants Final Words
Aquaponics is an awesome technique that anyone would find interesting to learn and have.
When it comes to choosing the best plant for your small aquaponics system, one thing we suggest is for you to decide to grow what you will eat or use. Having a thought of what you plan on accomplishing will assist you in making a better judgment on what to grow in your small aquaponics system.
Also, note that growing low demanding nutrient plant is not only for small aquaponics. It is also advisable to start with growing minimal demanding nutrient plants for a new aquaponics system. They will serve as “starter plants” for your new aquaponics system.
December 20, 2020
Is It Time to Switch to Hydroponics?
Whether you’re a green thumb looking for a Do-It-Yourself gardening method, or an entrepreneur looking to start your own agricultural business, hydroponics is the solution to a simpler, more cost-effective, and hassle-free plant growth. In this article, we will discuss how Hydroponics can do wonders and why you should take advantage of it.
What Is It?
Simply put, hydroponics refers to an agricultural method where plants are grown in soil-free beds nourished by a continuous supply of nutrients and minerals in water – liquid fertilizer.
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What Do You Need?
This is an instructional intended for beginners. Here, we will make use of the simplest, affordable, yet quality, materials in order to make a basic hydroponics set-up.
- Grow Tray / Hydroponic Tray – This is a vessel used for holding plants when applying the hydroponic system. Hydroponic trays are usually shallow and wide to provide room for plant growth. Ideally, prepare one with a lid.
- Heater Mat – This mat is responsible for providing warmth and heat to the grow tray as it nourishes the seeds inside it. Heater mats are necessary if you plan on growing seeds in a cool place.
- Starter Cubes / Starter Plant Plugs – These are usually pots of organic mass or stone wool (inert insulators out of rocks and stones) that hold the seeds in place as they grow inside the hydroponic trays.
- Ziploc Bag (Optional) – Other people use this to allow seeds to germinate faster, subsequently putting the sprouts inside the trays.
- Light – This can be natural light or artificially-generated light called grow lights.
How Is It Done?
- Preparing the Starter Plant Plugs
1. Submerge your plant plugs under clean water for an estimate of one hour.
2. After the soaking is done, place some seeds inside the plug holes. For other seeds that do not germinate, you may add more.
3. As soon as they grow, you may take out unhealthy ones to give space for the healthier ones to sprout.
- Preparing the Hydroponic Tray
1. Place approximately one inch of liquid fertilizer (half potent) or clean water.
2. Position the light source.
3. Arrange the heater mat, if necessary.
4. You may close the lid to let the humidity and warmth stay inside the tray.
- Setting Plant Plugs Inside Hydroponic Tray
1. Place the starter cubes or starter plugs inside the hydroponic tray.
2. Put additional water or half-potent liquid fertilizer as soon as the supply in the tray decreases.
When Can we Transplant?
As to when the transplant can take place, maintain the half-potent liquid fertilizer until your seedlings grow bigger. As soon as they do, you can now use the pure (fully-potent) solution to sustain their growing process. Their rate of growth depends on the kind of plants you are trying to grow. In around two weeks to four, the roots of the seedlings will start to branch out from the cube or plug’s bottom. After this, sprouts will begin to emerge. Once they reach a height of approximately three inches and numerous leaves are already visible, your plants are now ready for transplant.
After-Transplant Maintenance
- Watering the Plants – It is suggested that you water your plants from up top with the liquid nutrient fertilizer. Doing so keeps them from being dried out. This also provides the roots ample time to grow in a downward manner.
- Artificial Lights – Do not put your lights too near your plants. This may cause them to burn.
What Are the Benefits of Using Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is known for its approach to a more fruitful and advantageous agricultural undertaking. It isn’t shocking why plant-growers in this era are preferring to explore this method. Just take a look at all its benefits!
- Year-Round Planting – Because of this method’s need for accessible and convenient resources and materials, growing plants can be done at any time of the day and on any day of the year.
- Soil-Free Methodology – With the current-world scene’s limited land area, this alternative is preferred by more and more people because of its hassle-free and soil-free process.
- Space-Saving – Since the materials needed to plant using this system are so minimal and manageable, you won’t require much space – allowing you to use the area more efficiently. You can ideally plant anywhere.
- Conservation of Resources – Hydroponics gives you the freedom of controlling the variables present in the entire process, thus, resources are conserved and preserved for further future planting. And because you can do so, you can grow more regardless of the planting environment.
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- Quicker Plant Growth – Due to the fact that hydroponics makes use of a more focused tactic, evident in the use of a more potent approach in providing for the plant’s nutrients and essential needs, the rate of plant growth is increased.
- Weed-Free Growth – Because weeds are mostly associated and caused by the soil, your plants will grow healthy and weed-free.
- Less Pests and Insects – Fewer Pesticides and Insecticides – Also because of the soil-free approach, your plants now are less prone to soil-originating pests and insects, thus requiring less use of the chemicals to eliminate the said problem.
- Time-Saving – Basically, because of the control you have over all the plant essentials as well as its quick hassle-free growth, the hydroponics approach saves you a lot of precious time – thanks to less work and maintenance.
What Are the Risks of Using Hydroponics?
As with every other thing in life, hydroponics has some disadvantages to it. They are somehow rather trivial since most are fixable and preventable. Nonetheless, it’s still better to keep yourself informed.
- Expertise Requirement – While anyone can start their own small hydroponic system, creating a rather larger one can be quite complicated. With all kinds of tools and equipment necessary for optimal planting and growth, knowledge on this approach and preferably experience as well are needed to sustain larger undertakings.
- Organic or Not? To this day, debates are still going on with regard to whether or not plants grown in the hydroponic setting are organic or not due to the fact that they may not be getting microbiomes since they’re not cultivated in soil. However, some planters have tried exploring the use of organic growers and introducing them to the existing hydroponic system. Nevertheless, continued research and studies are still being done for this said issue.
- Electricity and Water – In this approach, you will use mostly electricity and water. As we all know, accidentally putting both in contact leads to electrocution, which is why safety and care should always be observed at all times.
- Power Source – Because the process makes use of electricity, power shortages or outages can hinder and result in problems with your plant’s growing environment. This, however, can be avoided if you have back-up generators at bay.
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of hydroponics?
When it comes to growing your own food, nothing is more important than having an efficient and effective garden. And one of the most efficient methods for growing plants is hydroponics, which uses water instead of soil. Hydroponics can be used for a variety of crops, including herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, and it can also be used indoors.
Hydroponic gardening isn’t as difficult or time consuming as traditional gardening, and it doesn’t require much space. But if you don’t know how to grow plants hydroponically, you may be wasting money. Why Grow Plants Hydroponically? When it comes to hydroponic gardening, there are many reasons why it’s beneficial for anyone interested in growing plants.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important reasons why you should consider growing your own vegetables hydroponically.
Healthy Plants: A hydroponic garden allows you to grow healthy plants that aren’t affected by pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health. You can grow your own organic herbs and spices too, which is always healthier than the store-bought versions.
Cheaper: Growing your own food is cheaper than buying it. You don’t have to pay for the cost of shipping or even storing the produce. You also won’t have to spend money on any packaging materials or containers.
Healthier: Your plants are going to be healthier because they won’t be exposed to pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals that can be harmful to your health. You can even add beneficial bacteria and beneficial fungi to your soil to make sure your plants are as healthy as possible.
Easy to Grow: Hydroponic gardening is super easy.
All you need is a little water, nutrients, and a hydroponics system. Most hydroponic systems are low-cost, easy to setup, and can be used indoors or out. Better for the Environment: The amount of water required to grow your plants in soil is massive. It takes up a lot of space, energy, and resources. Plus, it requires a lot of land that could be better used for other purposes.
Are hydroponics the future?
Hydroponic growing is the most environmentally friendly way to grow your plants. It’s a common practice in horticulture and gardening. It’s becoming more popular with home growers because it’s cheaper, easier to maintain, and doesn’t require as much space. Hydroponic grow lights are used to grow plants using nutrient-rich water and light. They’re perfect for indoor gardening!
Some people are turning their backyards into a mini-farm, by growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers in their gardens. So things are changing in many areas of society, not just at the industrial scale..
“I think they will be the future, but I don’t think they’ll replace farming. Farming is still necessary. We have a food crisis, and you have to feed the world. So, I think we’re going to keep farming as well. I don’t see how we can go on without it.” –Dr. Robert Young
Dr. Robert Young is a professor at the University of Florida, where he teaches agricultural systems and policy. He is also the Director of the Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, and serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Agriculture.
What are the disadvantages of a hydroponic system?
The main disadvantage is that you need to monitor your plants and nutrients. If you’re not monitoring them, then you’re likely to run into problems. A secondary disadvantage is that you have to water the plants, but it’s possible to automate that process. Finally, the biggest disadvantage is that you can’t grow many plants in one container. With this method, you can only grow one plant at a time.
Are You Convinced?
Now that you know all the basics of hydroponics – what it is, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages. It is time to decide whether or not this approach is beneficial enough to try. Personally, after examining its risks and benefits, I would definitely say this is worth a shot. Not to mention, it’s starter-friendly! So what’s it going to be?
October 1, 2019