Articles
Hydroponic Vegetables and Nutrition
As hydroponics becomes a more widespread technique for growing plants, it is important to ask if it is a viable option for nutrition, and if it is safe and healthy to consume. Since hydroponic plants are grown using water and solution rather than soil, one may wonder if a particular plant is able to produce the same vitamins and minerals as when it is grown directly out of the earth. The fact is, when done right, hydroponically grown foods can still be as nutritious as their soil-grown counterparts. A hydroponic vegetable receives all of the same nutrients, just through a different method where they are administered directly to the plant via a nutrient rich solution, rather than the plant having to root into the soil to search for its own food.
Cloning with Aeroponics
If you have a true passion for gardening, you probably aren’t content to be “one and done” – grow one plant and give up your hobby. You probably want to grow your garden and maintain it long term. To do so, you must produce more plants. The most known way to do that is to grow new plants from a seed or a bulb. But there is another way – cloning, or more specifically, cloning with aeroponics. The idea of aeroponic cloning can seem daunting to the amateur grower, but we are here to break it down for you.
Turning Your Closet into a Grow Room
People from all walks of life who live in a variety of environments have a passion for amateur indoor growing. But not everyone has the space or resources to have a garage, bedroom, or shed devoted to practicing their craft. That leads many to ask, “Can I grow plants in a closet?” And the answer is a resounding “Yes!” The next logical questions include topics like, “How do you build a grow closet?” and “Can you use a grow light in a closet?” We’re going to demystify the process of establishing your growing closet.
Hydroponic Plants and Watering
Knowing how to manage water intake is essential for any plant grower. It is especially important when growing plants in hydroponics because of how susceptible they can be to nutrient deficits. Hydroponics is a method of plant cultivation that uses solution instead of soil as a mechanism for nutrient delivery and growth. One of the benefits of this growing method is that hydroponics does not need a lot of water. Nonetheless, hydroponics irrigation still requires diligent observation and timely adjustments. We’re going to cover the basics of growing plants in water with hydroponics.
The Basics of Hydroponic Nutrients
Starting your hydroponic growing adventure is exciting, but there is a lot to learn if you want to be successful. One of the most important things to learn is how your plants will get the nutrients they need to grow. Since the hydroponic method does not use soil, hydroponic plant nutrients must be administered by you. Plants grown hydroponically can be more susceptible to any deficits in their basic nutrients because they don’t have the soil to pull nutrients from if they are in need. It is critical to understand what your plants need to grow and how to use hydroponic nutrients.
Hydroponics vs. Aquaponics
Did you know you don’t need soil to grow healthy plants and vegetables? That notion goes against everything you learned in third grade science class. But it is good news for amateur and professional growers alike – as agricultural land declines and living environments change. Two alternatives are key to soilless growing innovation – hydroponics and aquaponics. But what is the difference between hydroponics vs. aquaponics? Let’s break it down.
How to Use LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants
Are your house plants chasing the sun around your home? Have you run out of windowsills to put that plant you just couldn’t resist buying? We’ve been there. Before you start installing more windows in your home, we can help. We’re here to introduce you to the power and practicality of using grow lights, specifically LED lights, for healthy, strong indoor plants.
How to Maintain Quality During Post-Harvest Processing and Handling
They say life is a journey, not a destination. And while that mostly holds true in gardening, it doesn’t entirely. Most gardening enthusiasts enjoy the process but it’s the destination that helps them understand how well they did and learn how to expand their skills. And for many, it’s how they earn their living.
The Benefits of Growing in Coco Coir
Coconut coir, otherwise referred to as coco coir, has become one of the most popular growing mediums on the market today. With its ability to deliver and retain nutrients, gardeners have discovered the benefits of coco coir in growing a variety of plants and vegetables.
Do Hydroponic Plants Grow Faster Than in Soil?
The simple answer to this question is yes, plants can grow more rapidly in a hydroponic system than in traditional soil. In fact, one of the main reasons growers choose this method is because of how fast plants do grow in hydroponics. However, as with most processes in gardening, many variables must work together to produce the right conditions for fast growing hydroponic plants.
Grower Questions: Can Any Plant Be Grown with Hydroponics
Maybe you're new to the hydroponic method and wondering if any plant whatsoever can be grown with hydroponics. Using the right techniques and methodology, the answer is pretty much yes however that doesn't mean every plant should be grown this way.
How To Use Worm Castings in Hydroponics
Worm castings (also called “vermicast,” “vermicompost,” or, more simply, worm poop) are extremely nutrient-rich, far outpacing conventional fertilizers (and even organic compost) in terms of effectiveness. As worms digest the material they consume, they break down complex nutrients, making them more bioavailable for plants.