Guide to Hydroponic Gardening

THE GUIDE TO ORGANIC Hydroponic Gardening "Hydroponics" in Latin means “working-water." The word refers to the process of growing plants using a nutrient solution that doesn't require soil. Because the plants are grown without soil, there isn't a threat of soil-borne diseases, pests, or weeds. The plants grow quicker and healthier because they maintain optimum moisture and nutrient levels. TYPES OF PRODUCTS GROWN Many types of plants can be grown using an organic hydroponic gardening system including: Vegetables Hebs House Plants NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO GET YOU STARTED Submersible Pump waters plants with nutrient solution Growing Chamber Reservoir Delivery System transports water/nutrients from the pump to the plants holds the roots holds nutrient solution and back Simple Timer switches the pumps and lights on and off Air Pump and Air Stone Oxgenates the nutrient solution and helps roots get more oxygen Lighting compact florescent lighting or sunlight 19 Because soil isn't used in hydroponics, an organic medium is needed to anchor the plant so it can soak up the nutrients to help it grow and thrive. Heydite and Rockwool are the two most common mediums that are used to anchor the plants. Organic fertilizer, straw, peat, vermiculite, perlite, and coco-husk can also be used as growth media in an organic hydroponic garden system. IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT GROWING HYDROPONICALLY, CONSIDER THE PROS AND CONS PROS CONS • You don't have to worry about over- or under-watering your plants • Don't have to worry about pH and ppm levels (depending on the system) • Requires less space • Convenient method when compared with traditional, soil-grown plants • No hazardous chemicals • Eco-friendly to both the plants and the environment • No need to weed • Finding organic nutrients • Nutrient deficiencies • Contaminated water • Nutrient pathogens can affect the entire crop • Requires regular attention • Rapid plant death can occur if not maintained • Low water costs • Easier to harvest Oplions for Growing Medium Outdoor plants extract nutrients and water from the soil, and they dig their roots into the earth to hold themselves up to the light. In hydroponic growing systems, the roots have almost constant exposure to the nutrient solution, but they need a planting medium to support their tops. Čonsider these factors when choosing a medium for your setup. PERLITE COIR What: It's a kind of volcanic glass (composed chiefly of silica) that has been super-heated until it explodes. Perlite is mixed into potting soil, but it also works alone as a soilless medium in hydroponic systems. What: Fiber gathered from coconut husks (a by-product of processing the fruits for food) is formed into large blocks, smaller bricks or planter pots. It's sometimes labeled as "coco-peat" or "coco-coir." Thumbs Up i Thumbs Up I y Coir holds as much as 10 times its weight in water. O Perlite pulls moisture from reservoirs and gradually disperses it to plants' roots Like a sponge, coir holds moisture and slowly releases it. It is biodegradable, so you can dispose of it in your compost pile. V It's naturally sterile, helping to protect your plants from diseases. You can find perlite at any garden center, and even large amounts are very inexpensive at the big-box y Coir is a low-cost option that's available wherever garden supplies are sold. home stores. Thumbs Down i y Coir's moisture retention advantage can be a drawback in reservoir systems because it can stay constantly wet, creating conditions hospitable to fungus around your plants. Thumbs Down V Tiny little grains of perlite tend to wash away when the growing system is flushed. V Perlite dust can irritate your lungs, so it's best to wear a mask when working with it. The fine particles are hard to keep out of reservoirs. V Branded bags of perlite may have added fertilier-stickmwith pure perlite so you keep control of your plants' nutrient levels. ROCKWOOL What: Basalt rock and chalk are melted at a very high temperature and then spun into fibers. Originally designed for use as insulation, Rockwool is now formed into various sizes of cubes, typically with convenient planting holes in the center. CLAY PELLETS What: Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate is clay that's been pelletized and fired in kilns until it expands into small, orangey-red balls. They're often called "grow rocks." Thumbs Up i V 98% of the nutrient solution applied to Rockwool is available to the plant. Thumbs Up i V The open pore structure leaves room for growth. & The super-absorbent pellets quickly suck up and hold O Rockwool does not leach minerals into your excess moisture. nutrient solution. V Their round shape is sturdy and gentle on plants' roots. O They have a neutral pH and leach no minerals into the Thumbs Down in nutrient solution. y Grow rocks are reusable, if you take the time to clean them thoroughly between each growth cycle. V Rockwool must be sterilized before each successive use (and it eventually loses its structure), and it's not biodegradable. V It has a higher pH than other media. Remember to watch the pH carefully and be prepared to bring it down into the range best suited for hydroponic growing with phosphoric or citric acid. Thumbs Down in y As the pellets age, they break down and the clay can clog pumps and emitters. Y You can order bags of the pellets online, but they're not found in every local garden center. And they're more costly than perlite or coir. KINDS OF HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS The Wick System The Ebb and Flow System GROW TRAY AND CROWING MEDRUM A submerged pump temporarily floods the grow tray. The excess nutrient solution drains back into the It's the simplest system and does not require any moving parts. A FLLORAN FITTING - OVERFLOW wick is used to draw the nutrient GROW solution into the growing medium. RESERVO TRAY reservoir and can be used ARSTONE again. The pump is on a timer, Drawback: Large plants require a large supply of nutrient which goes off various times solution and sometimes the wick doesn't supply the solu- DRAIN/EBB CCLE OPUMP OFF throughout the day. tion fast enough. Drawback: Power outages and pump failures can occur, which can ruin the roots if the water cycle is interrupted. Continuous Drip Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) The drip system is regulated by a submerged pump and is one of the most widely used hydroponic systems. The pump forces water up and out of the drip line, which provides nutrients to all the plants. The excess solution can be collected and reused, however this is not necessary. This system provides a continuous flow of nutrient solution; therefore, a timer is not needed to regulate the pump. A growing medium is not necessary, so the solution flows over the roots and the DRP MANIFOLD DRPLINES NUTRENT NUTRENT STONE AR STONE RESERVOR excess is collected in the reservoir. Drawback: The pH balance can be thrown off if the excess Drawback: The pH balance can be thrown off if the excess solution is recovered and must be monitored and adjusted solution is recovered and must be monitored and adjusted accordingly. accordingly. Note Aeroponic This technique is the most high-tech because of the equipment it requires. The roots are exposed directly to the air and do not require a growing medium. A nutrient pump that is regulated by a timer pumps the nutrient solution into a The best temperature to grow plants with a hydroponic system is between Ideal 73 82 humidity is around 50% NUTRIENT tube that is released to the plants in the form of a mist. Drawback: The roots are susceptible to drying out if they do not receive the proper amount of nutrient solution. degrees Fahrenheit « COMMON PESTS ISSUES Whiteflies Thrips Fungus Gnats Aphids Spider Mites As they feed, they excrete a sweet fluid that breeds sooty Adults do not feed or harm plants, but their larvaedevour plant roots. They suck sap from the plant and ex- crete "honeydew". Flowers are the Yellow speckles on leaf tops are often prime target. Petals and leaves become dark and brittle. the first evidence of mold. spider mites. Solutlon: Neem oil,sticky traps and insecticidal Solution: Sticky traps, and insecti- cidal soap. Solution: Sticky traps, pyrethrin, insecticidal soap, and neem oil. Solution: Insecti- cidal soap (potassi- um salts of fatty acids). Solution: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and Pyrethrin. soap. What type of hydroponic gardening is right for me? 9 • START Stick to your local Do you have or want a green thumb? YES famers martet for plants and produce. Easy DIY Do you need to grow at least 10 plants? Can you afford between $250-$500? Do you have a doset sized space? Wick System Do you need to grow between 30-50 plants? Can you afford between $600-$1,000? Do you have a large room? Ebb & Flow Do you need to grow Can you afford over 100 plants? Do you have a between $1,000-$3,000? hobby greenhouse? Aeroponics Hard Commercial setup is needed. SOURCES 1. http://www.idat.org/aurw/hydro.htm 6. http://www.maximumyield.com/inside-my-com/features-articles/item/99-organic-hydroponics 7. http//www.simplyhydro.com/systemhtm 8. http://www.guide 2hydroponics.com/hydroponics-growers-guide/temperature-and-humidity.aspK 9. http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Hydroponic-Garden 2. http://www.idat.org/surv/hydro.htm 3. http://www.homehydrosystems.com/ 4. http://www.organic-gardening.net/organic-hydroponic-gardening php 5. http://www.hydroponicsequipment.co/tag/organic-hydroponic-supplies/ COPYRIGHT 2013 SAFERBRAND.COM | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THE GUIDE TO ORGANIC Hydroponic Gardening "Hydroponics" in Latin means “working-water." The word refers to the process of growing plants using a nutrient solution that doesn't require soil. Because the plants are grown without soil, there isn't a threat of soil-borne diseases, pests, or weeds. The plants grow quicker and healthier because they maintain optimum moisture and nutrient levels. TYPES OF PRODUCTS GROWN Many types of plants can be grown using an organic hydroponic gardening system including: Vegetables Hebs House Plants NECESSARY EQUIPMENT TO GET YOU STARTED Submersible Pump waters plants with nutrient solution Growing Chamber Reservoir Delivery System transports water/nutrients from the pump to the plants holds the roots holds nutrient solution and back Simple Timer switches the pumps and lights on and off Air Pump and Air Stone Oxgenates the nutrient solution and helps roots get more oxygen Lighting compact florescent lighting or sunlight 19 Because soil isn't used in hydroponics, an organic medium is needed to anchor the plant so it can soak up the nutrients to help it grow and thrive. Heydite and Rockwool are the two most common mediums that are used to anchor the plants. Organic fertilizer, straw, peat, vermiculite, perlite, and coco-husk can also be used as growth media in an organic hydroponic garden system. IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT GROWING HYDROPONICALLY, CONSIDER THE PROS AND CONS PROS CONS • You don't have to worry about over- or under-watering your plants • Don't have to worry about pH and ppm levels (depending on the system) • Requires less space • Convenient method when compared with traditional, soil-grown plants • No hazardous chemicals • Eco-friendly to both the plants and the environment • No need to weed • Finding organic nutrients • Nutrient deficiencies • Contaminated water • Nutrient pathogens can affect the entire crop • Requires regular attention • Rapid plant death can occur if not maintained • Low water costs • Easier to harvest Oplions for Growing Medium Outdoor plants extract nutrients and water from the soil, and they dig their roots into the earth to hold themselves up to the light. In hydroponic growing systems, the roots have almost constant exposure to the nutrient solution, but they need a planting medium to support their tops. Čonsider these factors when choosing a medium for your setup. PERLITE COIR What: It's a kind of volcanic glass (composed chiefly of silica) that has been super-heated until it explodes. Perlite is mixed into potting soil, but it also works alone as a soilless medium in hydroponic systems. What: Fiber gathered from coconut husks (a by-product of processing the fruits for food) is formed into large blocks, smaller bricks or planter pots. It's sometimes labeled as "coco-peat" or "coco-coir." Thumbs Up i Thumbs Up I y Coir holds as much as 10 times its weight in water. O Perlite pulls moisture from reservoirs and gradually disperses it to plants' roots Like a sponge, coir holds moisture and slowly releases it. It is biodegradable, so you can dispose of it in your compost pile. V It's naturally sterile, helping to protect your plants from diseases. You can find perlite at any garden center, and even large amounts are very inexpensive at the big-box y Coir is a low-cost option that's available wherever garden supplies are sold. home stores. Thumbs Down i y Coir's moisture retention advantage can be a drawback in reservoir systems because it can stay constantly wet, creating conditions hospitable to fungus around your plants. Thumbs Down V Tiny little grains of perlite tend to wash away when the growing system is flushed. V Perlite dust can irritate your lungs, so it's best to wear a mask when working with it. The fine particles are hard to keep out of reservoirs. V Branded bags of perlite may have added fertilier-stickmwith pure perlite so you keep control of your plants' nutrient levels. ROCKWOOL What: Basalt rock and chalk are melted at a very high temperature and then spun into fibers. Originally designed for use as insulation, Rockwool is now formed into various sizes of cubes, typically with convenient planting holes in the center. CLAY PELLETS What: Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate is clay that's been pelletized and fired in kilns until it expands into small, orangey-red balls. They're often called "grow rocks." Thumbs Up i V 98% of the nutrient solution applied to Rockwool is available to the plant. Thumbs Up i V The open pore structure leaves room for growth. & The super-absorbent pellets quickly suck up and hold O Rockwool does not leach minerals into your excess moisture. nutrient solution. V Their round shape is sturdy and gentle on plants' roots. O They have a neutral pH and leach no minerals into the Thumbs Down in nutrient solution. y Grow rocks are reusable, if you take the time to clean them thoroughly between each growth cycle. V Rockwool must be sterilized before each successive use (and it eventually loses its structure), and it's not biodegradable. V It has a higher pH than other media. Remember to watch the pH carefully and be prepared to bring it down into the range best suited for hydroponic growing with phosphoric or citric acid. Thumbs Down in y As the pellets age, they break down and the clay can clog pumps and emitters. Y You can order bags of the pellets online, but they're not found in every local garden center. And they're more costly than perlite or coir. KINDS OF HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS The Wick System The Ebb and Flow System GROW TRAY AND CROWING MEDRUM A submerged pump temporarily floods the grow tray. The excess nutrient solution drains back into the It's the simplest system and does not require any moving parts. A FLLORAN FITTING - OVERFLOW wick is used to draw the nutrient GROW solution into the growing medium. RESERVO TRAY reservoir and can be used ARSTONE again. The pump is on a timer, Drawback: Large plants require a large supply of nutrient which goes off various times solution and sometimes the wick doesn't supply the solu- DRAIN/EBB CCLE OPUMP OFF throughout the day. tion fast enough. Drawback: Power outages and pump failures can occur, which can ruin the roots if the water cycle is interrupted. Continuous Drip Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) The drip system is regulated by a submerged pump and is one of the most widely used hydroponic systems. The pump forces water up and out of the drip line, which provides nutrients to all the plants. The excess solution can be collected and reused, however this is not necessary. This system provides a continuous flow of nutrient solution; therefore, a timer is not needed to regulate the pump. A growing medium is not necessary, so the solution flows over the roots and the DRP MANIFOLD DRPLINES NUTRENT NUTRENT STONE AR STONE RESERVOR excess is collected in the reservoir. Drawback: The pH balance can be thrown off if the excess Drawback: The pH balance can be thrown off if the excess solution is recovered and must be monitored and adjusted solution is recovered and must be monitored and adjusted accordingly. accordingly. Note Aeroponic This technique is the most high-tech because of the equipment it requires. The roots are exposed directly to the air and do not require a growing medium. A nutrient pump that is regulated by a timer pumps the nutrient solution into a The best temperature to grow plants with a hydroponic system is between Ideal 73 82 humidity is around 50% NUTRIENT tube that is released to the plants in the form of a mist. Drawback: The roots are susceptible to drying out if they do not receive the proper amount of nutrient solution. degrees Fahrenheit « COMMON PESTS ISSUES Whiteflies Thrips Fungus Gnats Aphids Spider Mites As they feed, they excrete a sweet fluid that breeds sooty Adults do not feed or harm plants, but their larvaedevour plant roots. They suck sap from the plant and ex- crete "honeydew". Flowers are the Yellow speckles on leaf tops are often prime target. Petals and leaves become dark and brittle. the first evidence of mold. spider mites. Solutlon: Neem oil,sticky traps and insecticidal Solution: Sticky traps, and insecti- cidal soap. Solution: Sticky traps, pyrethrin, insecticidal soap, and neem oil. Solution: Insecti- cidal soap (potassi- um salts of fatty acids). Solution: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and Pyrethrin. soap. What type of hydroponic gardening is right for me? 9 • START Stick to your local Do you have or want a green thumb? YES famers martet for plants and produce. Easy DIY Do you need to grow at least 10 plants? Can you afford between $250-$500? Do you have a doset sized space? Wick System Do you need to grow between 30-50 plants? Can you afford between $600-$1,000? Do you have a large room? Ebb & Flow Do you need to grow Can you afford over 100 plants? Do you have a between $1,000-$3,000? hobby greenhouse? Aeroponics Hard Commercial setup is needed. SOURCES 1. http://www.idat.org/aurw/hydro.htm 6. http://www.maximumyield.com/inside-my-com/features-articles/item/99-organic-hydroponics 7. http//www.simplyhydro.com/systemhtm 8. http://www.guide 2hydroponics.com/hydroponics-growers-guide/temperature-and-humidity.aspK 9. http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Hydroponic-Garden 2. http://www.idat.org/surv/hydro.htm 3. http://www.homehydrosystems.com/ 4. http://www.organic-gardening.net/organic-hydroponic-gardening php 5. http://www.hydroponicsequipment.co/tag/organic-hydroponic-supplies/ COPYRIGHT 2013 SAFERBRAND.COM | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED