Just as there are lovers and defenders of animals, there are also lovers and defenders of plants. Taking care of plants can be a very entertaining hobby. In addition, it is also considered by many experts as a therapeutic practice against depression and anxiety.
Gardening tasks also help you cope with stress and deal with day-to-day occupations. In addition, they can be adapted for all types of people, including older adults and children.
In fact, this is an ideal activity for children because it is responsible for instilling values, such as respect for nature, environmental awareness, responsibility, organization, discipline, among others.
Naturally, although there are many gardening practices that are considered traditional, such as watering, pruning, grafting, etc., there are also new techniques that have been implemented in order for plants to grow healthy and strong.
There are also different types of gardens, which adapt to the needs and circumstances of people, such as those who have little space, those who live in an apartment, those who do not have much time to maintain them, for the most dreamers and even for those who have a modern and futuristic vision.
At this point, we find the hydroponic gardens. Have you ever heard of them? Probably not, until now. This is a technique of agriculture that has been transported to the gardens and that gives them new airs.
Would you like to know what hydroponic gardens are like? More importantly, would you like to have one at home? If the answer is yes, then you are in the right place. In this post I will let you know everything you need to know about hydroponic gardens so you can have one at home and enjoy its beauty.
Instructions for hydroponic gardens
It is known by the name of hydroponics to a form of agriculture that promotes mineral solutions instead of agricultural soil for the cultivation of plants. Those who support and encourage this practice start from the idea that soil is not essential for the development of plants, as long as it has the appropriate nutrients.
Taking this idea as a foundation, we can say that hydroponic gardens are those that do not have land. In this case, the roots of the plants are fed with a nutrient solution that dissolves in water and has all the chemical elements essential for the plants to grow and develop.
These gardens can be made water-based. However, to support the roots, coconut fiber, gravel, rock wool, pumice or agricultural perlite can also be used. They are common indoors, as they require little space and do not need floor.
This method of planting and cultivation is most popular in areas where there is a shortage of soil for cultivation or where climatic conditions are very adverse. Although it is also used for the cultivation of delicate plants that require a specific type of soil, such as the tobacco plant.
Now, if this type of garden catches your attention and you want to have one at home, what do you need to achieve it?
What do you need for hydroponic gardens?
To have your own hydroponic garden, you need the following:
- A germination tray or a closed tube for your plants.
- A source of water that is distributed through this system.
- A light source, either natural or artificial.
- Containers with concentrated nutrients.
- Some irrigation heads.
- Channels to deposit the substrate.
- The plants you want to grow.
- The ducts to apply irrigation with fertilizer.
Now, the first thing you should do is place a bed of gravel or stone on a tray, taking into account that the depth should allow the roots to be supported.
The next step will be to cover it with a layer of coconut fiber or some other similar substance that lacks nutrients. It opens some channels so that the seeds can germinate successfully inside. Then, water the tray so that it has enough moisture.
The tray should be located in a place where it receives light and heat at least 6 hours a day. In case you want to locate it outside, you must make sure it is a place where it is protected from the wind, torrential rains and cold.
These are some of the most basic suggestions to put have a hydroponic garden either inside or outside the house. But what else should you know about it? Let’s look at it right now.
Tips for hydroponic gardens
In addition to the options, I’ve given you so far, you can also locate your hydroponic garden inside a greenhouse. In this case, the best thing you can do is make sure that the temperature, both of the environment and the substrate, does not exceed 18 ºC.
With regard to irrigation, the most recommended system is the one that is produced by micro sprinkler or by means of nebulizers, in order to have the amount of water necessary for the plant to continue living.
Some of the plants that you can grow in this type of system are: tomato, cucumber, cabbage, pepper, lettuce and spinach. However, it is also possible to grow in it plants that are ornamental.
Some of the drawbacks of hydroponics are as follows:
- Under this system the roots of plants are not oxygenated properly and, therefore, it becomes necessary to constantly regulate the pH of water and nutrients.
- When starting this type of system, it will be necessary to make a high initial investment, since you have to buy important materials, such as pipes, containers, substrates, etc.
- It requires a lot of particular attention and details for crops to thrive successfully.
- As it is a little-used technique, there are very few people who are knowledgeable about the subject and, those who master it, usually charge their services at a very high price.
However, despite this, if you want to have a hydroponic garden in your home there will be nothing that prevents you from doing so. You already have the necessary information.