Hydroponics - Dirt-Free Gardening

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without using soil. Generally, hydroponic gardening involves the use of water as a growth medium. No doubt you can find a more scientific description of the process. But for the home gardener, that's probably all you need to know.

Many people might wonder how hydroponic gardening is possible. It's generally believed that plants need soil. It's a source of water, energy, support and nutrients. These are all required in order for the plant to thrive. However, it can obtain these elements from other sources as well.

Water is an absolute essential for any plant. But they don't have to get it from soil. You'll find that a lot of plants grow naturally in inhospitable environments such as sand and gravel, or even floating atop the water.

Plants also need energy in the form of sunlight and heat. But sun warmed earth isn't the only source of energy. The sun's rays have the same effect on a plant's leaves regardless of whether it's in the ground or not. Photosynthesis, essential to a plant's wellbeing, will take place just as long as the top part of the plant gets sufficient light. There are plants that don't require any light whatsoever. They will, however, still need some energy to power their natural growth processes.

Many of the plants that appeal to the home gardener need some physical support. Planting them in soil is the most common and effective means of achieving that. That's why the roots of a plant spread, and its stems are able to resist strong winds. However, there are other options for supporting your plants. For example, string interwoven on a supporting frame or popsicle sticks attached to the top of a glass will work just fine.

Nutrients are another of the important elements for a healthy plant. Potassium, nitrogen, phosophorus and some trace elements are included in this list. In a natural environment, the plant will take in these nutrients from the soil around it. However, they can also get these essential nutrients in other ways.

A common way of doing this is to keep the plant's roots covered in a water-based liquid nutrient solution. Some hydroponic systems feature a grow tent that is able to hold in moisture. A nutrient solution is misted onto the roots regularly in order to keep them saturated. This is similar to another growing technique that doesn't use soil, the practice of aeroponics.

Hydroponic gardening can produce beautiful, healthy plants. There are many kinds of plants that can thrive above ground. Just make sure you provide for their needs.