Understanding The Importance of Tree Trimming

If you live in an area with soil that is not conducive to growing fruits and vegetables, you may feel that trying to raise plants is a lost cause. However, do not be dismayed by heavy clay soil or poor drainage in your yard. Instead, you should focus on other means of growing plants such as hydroponics. With this method, you do not need a soil medium to grow plants. Your fruit and vegetables will thrive in a liquid nutrient solution that is mostly water.

You can try your hand at hydroponics by purchasing a starter kit from retailers that specialize in this method of gardening. In addition, keep in mind the following factors when beginning your hydroponics planting adventure.

Nutrients

Your starter kit will contain almost everything you need including water lines, a reservoir, a plant chamber, a water level indicator and more. However, the non-soil medium that is included such as perlite, vermiculite or coconut coir, will not contain the nutrients your plants will need. You may need to amend the water for your plants with other nutrients, especially if you notice problems with your plants as they begin to grow.

First, familiarize with the 16 essential nutrients that plants need. If you want to take the guesswork out of trying to figure out exactly what nutrients your plants require, purchase a premixed plant nutrition product.

There are many premixed solutions available that are all-in-one treatments for hydroponic growing. With a premixed product, you will not have to worry about nutrient ratios and mixing the right ingredients together.

If you want to figure out how to make your own nutrient solution mix, you can use online hydroponic nutrient calculators to help you devise a customized formula. You can purchase the raw nutrients from a hydroponics retailer.

Pest Management

Unfortunately, hydroponic plants are still vulnerable to the same pests and diseases as traditionally-grown plants. You need to follow some of the same pest control measures that you would have in place for soil-grown fruit and vegetables.

First, you need to makes sure that your plants have enough space to grow. Crowded plants that  touch each other and have no space between them are ripe for mold growth and other problems. Then, make sure that the area where you grow your plants is kept clean and free of debris from outside. You can bring in pests from the dirt on your shoes and even your clothing.

Lay down sticky traps to keep pests like aphids, white flies and leaf miners under control. Since the bugs do not have any natural predators indoors, they can spread quickly.

As soon as you notice any of these small critters, you should treat your plants with a non-toxic natural pesticide like neem oil, peppermint oil or premixed solutions from your hydroponics supplier. Services like Blacksmith Bioscience can help.

Climate Control and Lights

Just because your hydroponic plants are indoors or in a covered space, does not mean that you do not have to worry about climate issues like temperature, humidity and light. Climate control is essential to prevent the development of mildew and mold in your growing area. Lighting is essential to the health of your plants.

It is important to have a thermostat that measures temperature and humidity. There are devices available to control odor and dust as well. You can purchase these items from a garden shop or your hydroponics supplier.

When you purchase your starter kit, ask the salesperson about a beginner lighting kit as well. You will need high intensity discharge (HID) lamps for your grow room. The lamps mimic the lighting outdoor plants receive from the sun. The amount of light your plants will need depends on what you are growing.