Growing Mediums Used In Greenhouse Hydroponics Gardening
by: whitneysegura
Total views: 197
Word Count: 594
Hydroponics gardening is growing plants without using soil. However, some substance must be used in order to support the roots and provide nutrition to growing plants.
- Some hydroponics systems are set up to suspend plants above a bath of liquid nutrients into which the roots are immersed.
- However, it is more common to use some sort of growing medium. The actual substances vary.
- Here are some of the commonly used growing mediums in hydroponic gardening.
Coconut fiber is becoming one of the most popular choices for a growing medium among hydroponic gardeners.
- This substance is a by-product from the coconut industry that comes from the husks of coconuts. It is organic and has the ability to hold onto a large amount of water. It also provides for better aeration than other types of growing substances. Coconut fiber is even thought to offer some protection against plant disease and fungus. Coconut fiber is available in different grades and the lower grade is a very fine powder that does not work as well as the higher quality fiber.
Most gardeners are familiar with vermiculite and its use in traditional gardening.
- Vermiculite is used as a growing medium in hydroponics as well.
- Vermiculite is very affordable and a popular medium. It has excellent water retention; in fact it will drown plants if used alone.
- It is usually mixed with another substance like perlite.
Perlite has been used by gardeners for many years in order to increase aeration in the soil.
- When it is mixed with vermiculite, it is a perfect growing medium for hydroponic plants.
- Perlite doesn't hold onto water like vermiculite does but it adds the aeration that vermiculite lacks.
- Therefore, used together in a 50-50 mix, this duo is one of the most ideal and popular choices for growing plants in hydroponics systems.
Rock wool is a growing medium that has been used for a long time but is more difficult to work with.
- It is derived from melted sand and rock. It is spun into fibers that are pressed into various shapes.
- For example, you can buy cubes of rock wool for starting seedlings, or buy larger chunks to support large plants.
- Rock wool retains water well and also provides a high degree of aeration to plant roots and these qualities make it an attractive growing medium. However, when you use rock wool, you must closely monitor the pH levels in your root zones and adjust the ratio of nutrients accordingly.
- This is because rock wool itself has a high pH which can have an adverse effect upon your growing plants.
These are the most commonly used growing mediums in hydroponics growing systems today.
- The goal of a good growing substance is to be able to hold onto the liquid solution so the plant roots are well nourished while at the same time providing adequate oxygenation.
- To achieve this goal, mediums are often combined to get the best of both effects.
- Using the proper growing medium can mean the difference between success and failure in growing your hydroponic plants.
About the Author
Whitney Segura is an expert in greenhouse hydroponics gardening, he is also the founder and owner of Mini Greenhouse Kits, a company that sells greenhouses and greenhouse accessories in the United States.
Rating: Not yet rated