Hydroponics uses different growing mediums to act as support for plant growth. Just like you, I was once curious if I can also use soil since it is readily available. I tried it a few times. Some worked, some did not. Today, I will discuss my findings in this article. Generally, soil like fine sand,…
Active hydroponic systems use air pumps to increase oxygen concentration in the form of bubbles. Like you, I also once wondered: How many bubbles is too much in a deep water culture (DWC) hydroponic system? Generally, providing too many bubbles in hydroponics is a concern since it can increase water temperature, dissolve hydroponic nutrients, and…
As a hydroponics newbie back then, purchasing a water chiller came to mind. Of course, as a beginner, I was curious about exploring the best conditions for my deep water culture (DWC) veggies and herbs. I know you are too! Thus, this guide will teach you about my water chiller exploration takeaways. In general, water…
Can you build a deep water culture (DWC) hydroponic system from household materials? If you are a fan of crafts like me, then I know that you also asked this question at least once. To be honest, I am personally amazed by how simple it is to build this hydroponic system. The materials are accessible…
The first time I grew veggies using nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics, I did not know anything about flushing. Turns out, it is a top-secret trick to improve the flavor, aroma, size, and overall quality of my harvest! However, when should you start flushing? Generally, nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics can be flushed 7–14 days…
Every hydroponic journey starts with identifying which plants are best and worst to grow. Years back, I was just like you—browsing across articles and journals to find which plants are best. If you are here for that, you are in the right place because I am here to lighten that extra job for you! In…
When I started my hydroponic journey, I explored using biodegradable containers instead of the usual plastic-based net pots. It was interesting, I am telling you. But, did it work better? This is the question that I will be answering today. In general, biodegradable containers are more suitable to use during early plant stages. They are…
Using food-safe plastic buckets for hydroponic gardening is an important aspect to be considered. If you will ask me, my priority as a hydroponic gardener is the safety of the veggies and herbs I am growing. Nobody wants to get toxins from food, right? That is why choosing the right plastic is essential. Generally, using…
Having the best pH for hydroponics keeps every plant in its best growing conditions. Along my hydroponic journey, I realized that even with the right temperature, lighting, and nutrients, my veggies and herbs still suffered if my hydroponic pH level isn’t optimum. The ideal pH for hydroponics is 6.0, but 5.5 to 6.8 is still…
Although deep water culture (DWC) could be the easiest hydroponic system to use, some still fail to achieve a good harvest. Believe me, my first trials on deep water culture were also epic fails! But I have discovered several secrets that led me to successfully grow veggies and herbs up to this day. Here are…
In a system like deep water culture, where roots are placed in water for a long time, maintaining a healthy temperature is vital. In fact, aside from the hydroponic system itself, a thermometer is one of my first investments in gardening, and here’s why. Generally, plants can tolerate 65 to 80°F nutrient solution temperature in…
Several gardeners, including me, can attest that deep water culture (DWC) hydroponics is one of the easiest hydroponic systems best for beginners. One of the first questions I asked was: how does DWC work? You know what? I am glad I invested time and effort to actually learn how. Deep water culture (DWC) hydroponics makes…