How much we are mistaken, considering hydroponics an invention of scientists of the XX century. One of the famous wonders of the world - the Hanging Gardens of Babylon - the oldest experience in the use of hydroponics. How to grow magnificent flowers and trees in the conditions of barren sand, ancient masters knew perfectly. It is known for certain that the Aztecs, who live on the shores of lakes in Mexico, perfectly mastered the technology of cultivating vegetable gardens on the water.
Hydroponic technology
How to grow almost any plant in an aqueous solution is very easy to master. Today, scientists are well aware of what is needed for this. The essence is very simple - you need light, water, food, as well as air with heat, an aqueous solution and various trace elements.
- Potassium is required for plant growth.
- Without calcium, the root system does not form.
- Iron and magnesium contribute to the formation of chlorophyll.
- Sulfur and phosphorus contribute to cell division and protoplasm formation.
If there is not enough natural light, you can use phytolamps, which can be combined with artificial heating.
Method Advantages
The agricultural technologies of the 21st century have achieved great perfection. New hybrid varieties of plants appeared, new methods of cultivating the land, and productivity increased greatly. Shops sell everything you need. At the same time, other trends are developing - mass production requires the use of special technologies for storage and transportation of crops. For this, chemical preparations are used. The risks of environmental disaster are increasing.
An alternative is to increase the number of small suburban farms with environmentally friendly technologies, and develop urban gardening based on hydroponics. Everyone should know how to grow their own small garden with a garden right in the apartment.
What is needed for a home garden?
For households, it is enough to have a lightproof container for placing an aqueous solution and a standard plastic pot for a substrate that supports plants. For 10 plants, only 10 liters of water solution per year will be required.
Expanded clay, perlite or any other inert material is used as a filler. Coconut fibers are great. In winter, for better formation of chlorophyll, it is worth using additional lighting. The modern market offers a wide selection of required phytolamps.
Almost any plant that is grown using seeds or cuttings can be planted hydroponically. How to grow seedlings for transplantation goes beyond the format of this article.
We grow vegetables at home
Hydroponic installation can be assembled independently. But if you can, it's a good idea to take advantage of the industrial option. Consider the option of a home garden on the example of growing cucumbers. Hydroponics, as a method, requires careful application of all agrotechnical recommendations. This is especially true of temperature conditions with a feeding system.
For growing seedlings, it is better to use mineral wool tablets, placing them in a special block. The rest of the growing technology does not differ from that for soil seedlings. But biological fertilizers are not recommended. Only specially prepared mixtures are used.
Transplantation on a hydroponic substrate begins when a second true leaf appears. The temperature during transplantation is maintained at 22 ° C. Seedlings are not removed from mineral blocks. Further it remains only to control growth.
Thus, the grown vegetables receive the status of Organic, are environmentally friendly. The need for herbicides with pesticides is simply absent. The fruits are obtained in the correct form, larger than for soil technology. Harvest can be removed all year round.
Homemade greens
Winter greens have long been a common product on our tables in the winter. It’s easy to grow hydroponic salad at home.
Almost any annual spicy plant grows well at home. You can always have fresh dill, basil, lavender and much more at hand. Unlike vegetables, plants for growing herbs are more compact, they are easy to place in any apartment. Trading organizations offer a variety of options from the simplest to a few pots of greenery to industrial plants used for business.
Unlike the old can method (everyone knows how to grow onions hydroponically), modern technologies differ only in the possibility of aeration of an aqueous solution, ensuring the requirements of the flow method. This prevents rotting and midges.
Green seeds can be sown directly on a hydroponic substrate, they do not require pre-growing seedlings. Before the shoots appear, they are protected from light using a dark film. Then you need to provide a lighting duration of about 15 hours per day. With a smaller daylight, the greens grow poorly, the sprouts are extended, and quickly begin to bloom.
Housing hydroponics may seem like a costly undertaking, but all costs are justified over time. In addition, this is a fascinating hobby and allows you to create additional comfort at home, always have at hand a fresh bush of greenery.