Hydroponic Gardening: No Soil Required
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without using soil. Most often water is used in hydroponic gardening, hence the name. Certainly, there are more technically precise explanations. But for the home gardener that’s probably all you need to know.
Perhaps you’ve wondered how you can grow plants hydroponically without soil. Many people are convinced that soil is necessary for the growth of a plant. It provides nutrition, physical support, energy and water. For a plant to thrive, you need all of these components. But these elements are also available from other sources.
Plants certainly need water. But they don’t have to get it from soil. Many plants grow wild in rocks or sand, and even floating on a body of water.
Plants also need energy in the form of sunlight and heat. But sun warmed earth isn’t the only source of energy. Sunlight works directly on leaves the same way it does for plants in the soil. The essential process of photosynthesis occurs when you leave the upper part of a plant exposed to sunlight. Some plants flourish even with no light at all. They will, however, still need some energy to power their natural growth processes.
Many of the plants that appeal to the home gardener need some physical support. Planting them in soil is the most common and effective means of achieving that. This is why a plant’s roots spread out and its stems are resistant to the wind’s force. But other supporting mechanisms can achieve the same result. For example, string interwoven on a supporting frame or possible sticks attached to the top of a glass will work just fine.
Nutrients are another of the important elements for a healthy plant. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and various trace elements. Normally, a plant will absorb these nutrients from the earth that surrounds it. However, they can also get these essential nutrients in other ways.
Submerging the plant’s roots in water that contains a liquid nutrient solution is a popular method. Some hydroponic systems feature a grow tent that is able to hold in moisture. The roots are sprayed frequently with a nutrient solution that soaks them thoroughly. This practice has similarities to aeroponics, another method of soil-less gardening.
Hydroponic gardening can produce beautiful, healthy plants. There are many varieties of plants that are able to flourish without soil, as long as they’re cared for properly.
