Hydroponic

In the world of hydroponics, there are many hidden and niche techniques which were drawn from soil cultivation principles which have proven ultimately effective. Can the oldest cultivation technique of crop rotation find application in hydroponics or do we forget about it? Crop rotation has no application in hydroponics because of the possibility to quickly…

Starting a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic setup can be quite a challenge for any grower trying to grow commercially. The key question is whether you should grow horizontally or vertically. Well, it is (almost) all a question of space! Horizontal NFT systems are best suited for larger spaces and for maximizing the growth of…

Hydroponics is a controlled process wherein every factor is controlled with such precision to ensure that optimal plant growth and development. A common problem for beginners and even some veterans is when their water turns worryingly cloudy! The main reasons for cloudy hydroponics water are dirt and debris, abnormal nutrient levels, root rot, and microorganism…

Clay cat litter has excellent absorption properties which absorb the strong smell of cat urine and excrement. Its absorption properties have found application as a growing medium but is it really worth using or is this just a case of far-fetched experiment? Clay cat litter is safe and usable for hydroponics as it is nothing…

Rockwool is the favored growing medium in hydroponics because of its good water retention, aeration, porosity, and malleable nature. It is the recommended growing medium for both beginners and veterans alike. However, are there other alternatives, as good or even better? The most viable rockwool alternatives in hydroponics are 1) jigsaw foams, 2) perlite and…

Bleach is a common household product that has chlorine as an active component which makes it extremely effective against stains, bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms. Given all its uses, is it safe for hydroponics and how can it be used? Chlorine bleach can be used for hydroponics to periodically clean the system and treat root…

Hydroponics nutrients are a staple for any hydroponic grower as it is needed for plant growth and survival. However, is the used nutrient-rich wastewater a hazard to aquatic life such as fish? Hydroponic nutrients, in liquid or powdered form, will generally not kill fish. Potassium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and magnesium are beneficial to both plant…

In conventional gardening, it is a common concern to not overwater or drown plants with too much water. How come that in hydroponics, an entirely water-based growing technique, the concern is not as common? Properly done hydroponic systems do not drown or overwater plants because the root system is never completely submerged in water. In…

Pets are loyal and wonderful friends to have under any circumstance. The biggest caveat is their stinky feces which are good for nothing… or are they? As a general rule, fish, bird, cow, pig, and goat droppings can be used in hydroponics. However, they need to be thoroughly processed. Dog and cat droppings are not…

Hydroponics is a 17th-century creation becoming a 21st-century world-changing innovation. Despite its merits and benefits, there are still some negative rumours regarding how unhealthy or unnatural hydroponic vegetables can be. Hydroponically grown vegetables and plants are completely safe for consumption. Hydroponics is as healthy as traditional cultivation. In fact, hydroponics uses less pesticides and less…