Hydroponic gardening does not involve the use of soil. Instead, it deals directly with the life-providing elements which plants find within soil. These sustaining needs are water and nutrients.
The first book dealing with the concept of growing plants without soil was written in 1627. This was called Sylva Sylvarum. It was written by the English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon and printed a year after that. It has since grown as a significant area of research.
There are a few different techniques which may be used in the creation of a hydroponic garden. Of course, each of these different methods is still based upon the same basic principles of how plants survive. The basic needs of plants include the aforementioned water and nutrients. Sunlight and carbon dioxide are also necessary.
The soil-free gardening techniques may use a solid medium, such as sand, gravel, or rock wool. Generally, the medium simply serves to provide stability and support for the root system of certain plants. Some of these gardening options will use a nutrient solution only, as opposed to a medium.
Examples of specific hydroponic techniques include ebb and flow systems, nutrient film technique (NFT), drip systems, aeroponics, and wick systems.
Ebb and flow systems are a hydroponic gardening option which requires a medium. The amorphous volcanic glass known as perlite is a popular option for this because it has good water retention. Of course, no nutrients are derived from the medium itself.
For this particular technique, the plant is placed within a medium and both are placed within a tray. Periodically, water and the nutrient solution are pumped up into the tray from a reservoir. This is how the plant absorbs all the fuel it needs. With the help of gravity, the tray slowly drains the liquid back down to the reservoir.
The ebb and flow option is best suited to smaller plants, such as herbs. In fact, it is better for smaller set-ups in general. For this reason, the system is commonly found in homes.
Nutrient film technique is water-based and makes use of sloped, wooden channels. Mineral rich solution is pumped into the higher part of the channel. The water solution flows down to the lower portions of the channel where it drains and may be reused. Large and secure root systems are a requirement for plants used in this system. Tomatoes and cucumbers are common examples.
Drip systems are similar to ebb and flow ones. A difference is that the water flows through many small tubes rather than one large one. Another difference is that the water drips down to the plants from above. These are ideal for small plants which have not yet developed a root system.
Aeroponics, like NTF, is another system which requires no medium. Plants sit within a tray which is placed within a box. The roots of the plants extend beyond the tray. A mineral and water solution is kept at the bottom of the box. The liquid is drawn up through a pump system and continually sprayed over the plants. It is the most difficult system to set up. However, it is ideal for large commercial uses.
The final hydroponic gardening system is another medium-based one. It is called the wick system. Plants are placed within a tray. Nylon ropes extend beyond the tray from the base of the roots. These ropes draw up water and nutrients from a reservoir, bringing them to the roots. This does not require any addition pump equipment to be purchased.
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