Hydroponics Growing Methods Explained by Hydroterra
Hydroponics Growing Methods Explained
Hydro Terra always at the forefront of hydroponics cultivation has recommended the following hydroponic growing methods. Keep in mind that each grower has a different set of circumstances regarding space, time and initial economic investment.
One of the more popular methods in hydroponics is hand-watering. It's simple the food is mixed in the water. Most hydroponic nutrients usually come in three part formulas. One part is usually high in Nitrogen and relied on heavily when your plants are in the vegetative stage. One part is high in Phosphorus and is relied on heavily when your plants are in the flowering stage. The third part is usually made up of many different micro-nutrients that your plants need throughout their entire life cycle.
Here is a list of popular manufacturers of standard three part formulas General Hydroponics, Advanced Nutrients, ThechnaFlora there are other great manufacturer they all provide the plants with the needed major nutrients, secondary nutrients, and trace micro nutrients. Remember, while using professionally made hydroponic nutrients, your plants should never show any signs of nutrient deficiency. Hydro Terra has a complete list of nutrients and knowledgeable staff to help you with any of your questions.
Because of its simple design and function, the reservoir method is a good choice for home hydroponics. Since there are no drip or spray emitters to clog, it is also a good choice for organic hydroponic growing systems. Sure to grow blocks, hydroton, Gordon rockwool, and couir can be used as a hydroponic growing medium.
One of the favorite methods of hydroponic growing is the Flood and Drain aka Ebb and Flow. In the flood and drain method, the plants sit in their own container separate from the nutrient reservoir. The nutrients solution will be pumped from the reservoir will floods the upper container for some time, soaking the plant roots and grow medium. The pump then turns off, and the solution drains back into the reservoir.
You have a selection of growing media it depends on how often you wish to flood your container. For example, fast draining hydroton clay pellets may be flooded for a half hour 4 times a day, while Gordon rockwool is slower draining and will require less watering. Of course, you will want to feed you plants the very best nutrients and hydroponic feeding guidelines.
The drip system is another choice for hydroponic growing methods. With the drip hydroponics growing system the plants are again in their own tray, separate from the nutrient reservoir. A pump pushes nutrient solution through many small tubes, which feed each plant from the top. Different emitters can be placed on the end of each tube to make the drip slower or faster.
The standard medium for drip systems is rockwool, although a new product available is the eco friendly grow stones made from recycled glass and they are compatible with most hydroponic growing methods.
Just remember flow rate can be difficult to control so if you are trying to do organic hydroponics because of the small particles this system may not be best for you.
The last of the more popular hydroponic growing methods is the Aeroponics method in this hydroponics growing systems a large container that contains that contains several gallons of nutrient solution in the bottom. A pump pushes nutrient solution through spray head that constantly soak every inch inside the container with a fine mist of nutrient solution. Very little growing medium is needed in this hydroponics method. The plant roots hang down into the container and grow mostly in air, except for the few that grow long enough to make into the nutrient solution on the bottom. You'll be using a high pressure pump. The spray emitters are made specially to deliver a very fine, highly oxygenated spray. Remember, to use high quality hydroponic fertilizers.
Although Aeroponics can be one of the more difficult methods to master it offers the hydroponic grower faster growth rates which continue to drive the demand for it. As well there has been a huge interest in using Aeroponics for micro greens.
Hydro Terra always at the forefront of hydroponics cultivation has recommended the following hydroponic growing methods. Keep in mind that each grower has a different set of circumstances regarding space, time and initial economic investment.
One of the more popular methods in hydroponics is hand-watering. It's simple the food is mixed in the water. Most hydroponic nutrients usually come in three part formulas. One part is usually high in Nitrogen and relied on heavily when your plants are in the vegetative stage. One part is high in Phosphorus and is relied on heavily when your plants are in the flowering stage. The third part is usually made up of many different micro-nutrients that your plants need throughout their entire life cycle.
Here is a list of popular manufacturers of standard three part formulas General Hydroponics, Advanced Nutrients, ThechnaFlora there are other great manufacturer they all provide the plants with the needed major nutrients, secondary nutrients, and trace micro nutrients. Remember, while using professionally made hydroponic nutrients, your plants should never show any signs of nutrient deficiency. Hydro Terra has a complete list of nutrients and knowledgeable staff to help you with any of your questions.
Because of its simple design and function, the reservoir method is a good choice for home hydroponics. Since there are no drip or spray emitters to clog, it is also a good choice for organic hydroponic growing systems. Sure to grow blocks, hydroton, Gordon rockwool, and couir can be used as a hydroponic growing medium.
One of the favorite methods of hydroponic growing is the Flood and Drain aka Ebb and Flow. In the flood and drain method, the plants sit in their own container separate from the nutrient reservoir. The nutrients solution will be pumped from the reservoir will floods the upper container for some time, soaking the plant roots and grow medium. The pump then turns off, and the solution drains back into the reservoir.
You have a selection of growing media it depends on how often you wish to flood your container. For example, fast draining hydroton clay pellets may be flooded for a half hour 4 times a day, while Gordon rockwool is slower draining and will require less watering. Of course, you will want to feed you plants the very best nutrients and hydroponic feeding guidelines.
The drip system is another choice for hydroponic growing methods. With the drip hydroponics growing system the plants are again in their own tray, separate from the nutrient reservoir. A pump pushes nutrient solution through many small tubes, which feed each plant from the top. Different emitters can be placed on the end of each tube to make the drip slower or faster.
The standard medium for drip systems is rockwool, although a new product available is the eco friendly grow stones made from recycled glass and they are compatible with most hydroponic growing methods.
Just remember flow rate can be difficult to control so if you are trying to do organic hydroponics because of the small particles this system may not be best for you.
The last of the more popular hydroponic growing methods is the Aeroponics method in this hydroponics growing systems a large container that contains that contains several gallons of nutrient solution in the bottom. A pump pushes nutrient solution through spray head that constantly soak every inch inside the container with a fine mist of nutrient solution. Very little growing medium is needed in this hydroponics method. The plant roots hang down into the container and grow mostly in air, except for the few that grow long enough to make into the nutrient solution on the bottom. You'll be using a high pressure pump. The spray emitters are made specially to deliver a very fine, highly oxygenated spray. Remember, to use high quality hydroponic fertilizers.
Although Aeroponics can be one of the more difficult methods to master it offers the hydroponic grower faster growth rates which continue to drive the demand for it. As well there has been a huge interest in using Aeroponics for micro greens.
Source...