Hydroponics - Controlled Grow Environment - Water & Nutrients
The word Hydroponics originated from Greek etymology and can be broken down into two sections – 'Hydro' meaning water and 'Ponos' meaning labour or movement. Hydroponic methods had dated back as far as 1627 when Francis Bacon wrote a book called Sylva Sylvarum (A Natural History) which ignited water culture as a popular technique.
In 1937 William Frederick Gericke, who was a researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, became known for growing tomato vines that were over 25 feet tall (7 metres). He developed these vines in only water-based nutrient solutions. His work became monumental in introducing Hydroponics to the public.
Somehow since then, a misconception has grown that Hydroponics is a complicated, time-consuming and expensive practice. All of which certainly does not need to be. Once you have opened your mind to the world of Hydroponics, you will see how simple it is and how it will save you money.
There is a long list of benefits to enjoy from growing hydroponically. Such as; conserving and reusing water. Putting in less effort into developing, ensuring faster and healthier plant growth, as opposed to growing in soil. Ensuring your yields are superior to any other growing technique. Also, teaching you how to grow plants where ever you are, no matter how big of a space you have available. You will enjoy seeing your plants grow much faster because of two main reasons; most nutrients are soluble, meaning they are readily available for your plants to take up from the moment they are applied. Hydroponic systems ensure that nutrients are being readily supplied, straight to the root zone. This straight to the root supply means that plant roots don't have to grow/stretch too far to get the nutrients they are needing.
There are six main types of systems that you will learn about in a Hydroponic course. These systems are; The Wick System, Drip System, Flood and Drain System, Deep Water Culture System, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) System and the Aeroponic System. Some are easier to get started with than others; however, it a guarantee that everyone will find a system to use no matter where he or she lives.
You will learn about the different hydroponic mediums that are available for you to use in your specific space as well as their characteristics and benefits. There is a wide variety of quality, liquid and powder nutrients, as well as mediums and hydroponic systems for your spoil of choice. This spoil of choice ensures that you can customize your grow to precisely the way you want, making sure it is as simple for you to maintain as possible.
The part that most hydroponic growers enjoy the most about it is the complete control you have over every aspect of your plant's life. By starting with inert mediums (void of nutrients) unlike soil, you can supply the correct nutrients that a specific plant species needs, at the ideal ratios that it requires
Moreover, it's not just the nutrients that you have control over. By growing in a controlled environment such a polytunnel, glasshouse/greenhouse or inside a grow tent. You can control the temperature, the humidity, the CO2 levels, the rate of airflow, and how frequently your plants are fed automatically, without having even to be there. Your plants are getting all of their specific requirements met in every aspect of their lives. The precise requirements will allow you to find your crops to be healthier and more resistant to pest and disease.
Hydroponic courses will also teach you the correct spectrums of light that your plant will require at different stages of their lives. You will learn to pay close attention to the various signs your plant will give off to let you know if there is something that isn't making it happy. You'll get to know the correct strength of nutrients to provide your plants for every stage of its life from the seedling stage up until it's grown fully. The proper pH range of your plant will also be part of the discussion. The appropriate pH range is essential to ensure your plant can drink up every last drop of the nutrients you are feeding it.
Whether you’re a kid or an adult, Hydroponics is simple enough for everyone and anyone to get involved. Getting children in growing Hydroponics from a young age is an excellent way of teaching them the basics of botany, chemistry and some science concepts in a fun and hands-on approach. It also makes children, as well as adults, understand that water is a precious resource and in turn, makes us environmentally conscious to the world we live.
Hydroponics teaches us how to truly appreciate the produce that we consume and helps us reconnect to the food we choose to eat to fuel our bodies. Hydroponics makes us understand the different challenges that plants face in the environment and understand the various aspects of agricultural practices.
Nonetheless, whether you are growing to produce, flowers or ornamental plants, there is something for everybody to learn from the wondrous world that Hydroponics has to offer. Taking part in a Hydroponic course is something you will never regret and most certainly never forget.