Hydroponically Growing Tomatoes

!±8± Hydroponically Growing Tomatoes

Nobody in their right mind can argue the fact that tomatoes for example, used to taste far better a few decades ago when compared to their taste today, and it's hardly surprising really when one considers that they are no longer commercially grown for taste. Instead, good looks and the ability to withstand extended storage periods nowadays take preference over taste. Another contributing factor is the fact that commercially grown tomatoes are picked approximately two weeks prior to ripening, and it can then take a month or more before they appear on super market shelves, have been artificially ripened and colored in Ethylene gas chambers. Fortunately for us tomato lovers, tomatoes can be grown with relative ease, either in containers or in the garden.

Contrary to what many people tend to believe, a tomato is a fruit, rather than a vegetable and what's more, providing you pay attention to a few basic rules, and you provide adequate nutrients, tomatoes are unbelievably easy to grow in hydroponics. Of course, if you're going to be growing them indoors then you'll need to ensure they receive a suitable amount of light, and while strong sunlight from a nearby window may be sufficient, most indoor systems benefit from artificial lighting.

Of course, as with all hydroponic systems, tomatoes also require a growing solution which is rich in nutrients and because this supply then needs to be monitored, growers are in a position to control growth by means of temperature, humidity, lighting and of course, pH levels. Above all, a huge benefit of growing your tomatoes hydroponically is that you'll never need to concern yourself with weeds, common garden pests or diseases often present in soil.

Hydroponic Tomato Taste
Interestingly enough, the taste of hydroponically grown tomatoes can for the most part be enhanced by making certain adjustments to the solution in which they're grown. Having said that, tomatoes grown in hydroponics often have a higher nutritional value than regular commercially grown tomatoes, in addition to being far better tasting. It simply cannot be stressed enough that gas ripened tomatoes will never come close to tomatoes ripened on the vine.

Modern Hydroponic Systems
Nowadays, hydroponic systems nearly always come with detailed instructions and equipment which is easy to use, even by those with little experience. Furthermore, most systems can be set up at home, thus making them ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike. While the most basic hydroponic systems rely on a wick system, other methods include recovery drip systems, flood and drain systems or even NFT (nutrient film technique). Additionally, tomatoes can also be grown in an aeroponic system. In this case the plants are grown while being suspended in such a way so as to allow their roots to be sprayed with a nutrient rich solution.

Admittedly, tomatoes which have been grown in hydroponics look stunning but unfortunately they are seriously lacking in the culinary department. In fact, hydroponic tomatoes also contain less vitamin C than regular tomatoes simply because they're grown in a greenhouse, which in turn means they are deprived of two vital elements - sunlight and natural soil. Remember, if you buy tomatoes which have been grown in a greenhouse, their true freshness can be determined by looking at any remaining leaves or stems. If they're dried and wilted then those tomatoes are nowhere near as fresh as they may look.