Hydroponic Equipment

By Author: Gareth Hoyle
Total Articles: 692
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A hydroponic garden aims to mimic the growing conditions of plants and vegetables in order to provide a regular harvest without the need for soil, natural sunlight, or other natural growing conditions. By using the appropriate hydroponic equipment it is possible to enjoy more regular harvests, throughout the year, and a greater yield from each harvest. For the professional grower these more convenient growing conditions are also easier to manage and replicate.

Growing Medium

Soil is the normal growing medium for plants and vegetables. However, in a hydroponics garden this is exactly what we aim to replace. There are many types of growing media available including rockwool, grow blocks, and COCO. Some are designed to give the look and feel of soil while others are completely synthetic but all act as a means of anchoring the plants' roots down.

High Intensity Lighting

One of the critical components of hydroponics equipment is high intensity lighting. The sun enables plants to grow and it gives them strength and nutrients. Indoor growing means that plants are not able to enjoy these benefits and so high ...
... intensity lighting is used to replace the sun's natural benefits. The size of the plants and the size of the yield is ultimately determined by the level and style of light that is provided – fluorescent lights may work well while the plants are still seedlings but they will not give the best results once the plants age.

Nutrients

Nutrients for plants and vegetables are usually found in the soil in which they live. As you have replaced soil with an inert growing medium you will have to provide the full quota of nutrients that your chosen crop require. Choose a base nutrient and, for the best crops, use additives on a regular basis. This combination will give you the best growth results.

Growing Conditions

Monitor your growing conditions and your yields. Ensure that pH values stay constant and continue providing light, nutrients, and somewhere for your harvest to grow effectively and efficiently. By mimicking and replacing natural growing conditions you can enjoy good indoor growing results and by constantly monitoring results and acting accordingly you can enjoy exceptional results.