T
here are the basics any plant needs to survive, which are
broken into four major categories: light, air, water, and
food. Whether soil, hydroponic, or aeroponic, all gardens
must provide these necessities, which can be met regardless
of budget. Low cost and equipment quality won’t affect crop
yield or quality, so long as there is system functionality and the
basics are met.
Major Components
The major components of any hydroponic system provide
plants with each of the basic necessities mentioned earlier.
Components should include such things as lighting or a green-
house, a water pump, an air pump, and the appropriate tubing
and fittings. These four major components can provide plants
with everything they need, so long as there is a container for
support and delivery of water and nutrients.
To begin growing with hydroponics, gardeners only need to
build a reservoir for mixed nutrients and a container for the
plants out of repurposed and recycled products such as plastics.
Pre-Built Systems
If startup cost isn’t an
issue, the easy way is
to purchase a pre-built
hydroponic system.
There are plenty of grow
systems on the market
and many have the major
components worked into
their design to provide a
complete working hydro-
ponic grow container
and reservoir. However,
these pieces only need
to provide functionality,
which can be achieved
by repurposing virtu-
ally anything such as a
storage bin or recycled
plastic bottles.
DIY Systems
Low cost doesn’t mean
low functionality, so don’t
let high costs prevent you
from starting or expanding
your own hydro garden.
By using components
that provide the basic
necessities such as light,
air, nutrients, and water
to the plants as needed,
inexpensive DIY gardens
Functionality can be built into any system
also deliver plants every-
with the proper components.
thing they need to thrive.
Functionality can be built
into any system with these major components as long as the
right balance of air and water is given to the plants. In other
words, roots should not be over- or under-watered. Providing
enough air is critical to prevent overwatering. An example can
be seen in raft (a.k.a. deep water culture (DWC)) hydroponic
systems where plant roots are submerged in water and nutri-
ents at all times, with ample aeration provided through the use
of air pumps and air stones. Finding this balance between air
and water is critical to the performance of every hydroponic
system, regardless of cost, design, or complexity.
“When given
the proper
functionality and
environment, yields
and quality are easily
maximized without
breaking the bank.”
Any good system design provides the right mix of air and
water, which should be tweaked and perfected for the best
results. Another example is a flood and drain (a.k.a. ebb and
flow) system, where a table resting above the reservoir is
flooded periodically on a timer. These parts can be built using
your own materials, just be sure to provide the accessories.
High functionality is not only possible, but easy to achieve by
thinking through your system and the plants you are growing.
Conclusion
Be sure to start your own hydroponic garden off right by
purchasing the basic necessary components such as water
and air pumps, drains, and clean tubing. When given the
proper functionality and environment, yields and quality
are easily maximized without breaking the bank. Most
plants want somewhere around a 6.0 pH and a nutrient mix
density between 400 and 1,000 parts per million. Be sure
to keep the system and components disease-free by thor-
oughly cleaning between crops.
Don’t let costs deter you from exploring or expanding your
garden into hydro. The market is full of high-cost systems that
will work well, but price and complexity should not intimi-
date you. Simply giving plants their basic necessities can be
a simple way to grow great hydroponics.
Maximum Yield
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