Stadium- or Colosseum-Style Gardens
A stadium- or colosseum-style indoor garden can be a very
effective type of multi-tier setup to maximize the efficiency of
an artificial light source. Stadium- or colosseum-style gardens
are similar to the staggered seating in a stadium or colosseum,
hence the name. The light source is positioned vertically in
the center of the plants. The plants are then staggered around
the light source in a manner similar to stadium or colosseum
seating. This type of setup minimizes the distance the radiant
energy travels from the artificial light source to the plants,
thus maximizing the available radiant energy. A basic form
of indoor stadium- or colosseum-style gardening is shelving
that allows the grower to place planting containers around
the light source and stagger the plants vertically next to the
light. With this setup, the plants can be moved or re-positioned
depending on their size to further maximize the radiant energy
emitting from the artificial light source.
Vertical Hydroponic Systems
Vertical hydroponic systems can also be set up in a stadium- or
colosseum-style to best maximize the available radiant energy
from a grow lamp. Vertical hydroponic systems range from
homemade stackable modules made from PVC to state-of-the-
art pre-manufactured vertical hydroponic systems that come
complete with pumps, tubing, and growing accessories. Most
vertical hydroponic systems used by indoor horticulturists rely
on irrigation lines to deliver nutrients to each individual plant.
A series of tubes or gutters collect runoff and direct the nutri-
ent solution back to the reservoir for reuse. A vertically posi-
tioned light source surrounded by a vertical hydroponic system
provides the highest amount of radiant light energy.
“
Vertical hydroponic systems
combine the speed of growth
associated with hydroponic gardening
with the space-maximizing benefits
of multi-tiered vertical gardening.”
Indoor horticulture and greenhouse gardening provide
heightened control over most of the parameters that affect
plant growth. To best utilize the given radiant light energy,
some growers get creative in the ways they position the plants
within their greenhouses or indoor gardens. Multi-tiered, verti-
cal gardens are a great way to utilize the radiant energy from
the light source. Both greenhouse growers and indoor horticul-
turists are limited by their given spaces. To maximize space
and radiant energy, many indoor and greenhouse growers
are implementing some sort of multi-tiered, vertical garden-
ing technique. Whether a grower chooses simple shelving or a
sophisticated automated vertical hydroponic system, he or she
is sure to see the biggest return on investment when the given
space and the available radiant energy are efficiently used.
Maximum Yield
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