Hydroponics in a Nutshell

by Jenna Marshall

Many people steer clear of hydroponics because it seems too complicated. It doesn't have to be. It can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. It can easily be done by a beginner and can be challenging enough for the advanced gardener. You can build your own system, or buy one. Either way, don't be intimidated. The rewards are worth it.

Hydroponics is the method of growing plants with a nutrient solution and growing medium other than soil. There are many ways to do this, of course, but we are only going to approach the simplest and most common methods here. Below is an overview of the basic components in hydroponics.

Basically, there are two types of systems - passive and active. These terms relate to the way the nutrient solution is delivered to the plant.

Passive systems are the easiest, and if you are a beginner, I would start here. With this type, the nutrient solution is delivered to the plant through the growing medium (vermiculite, gravel, rocks, etc.) or a wick. It is a very simple way to grow plants, but it does require a lot of maintenance because the solution does not circulate.

A common passive system is the Wick System.

For more information on Passive Hydroponics, click here.

Active systems require the use of pumps or other equipment to circulate the nutrient solution. The solution is pumped into the system and gravity drains it off to be reused. There types are a little more complicated to set up initially, but some active systems are surprisingly low maintenance.

Common active systems are the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Ebb and Flow, Top Feed, and Aeroponics For more information on Active Hydroponics, click here.

Your nutrient solution is a very important component of your system. Start with tap water. How much you need will depend on the size and type of system you have chosen. Let the water sit out for 24 hours so the chlorine will evaporate.

Then, add your nutrients. You can purchase nutrient mixes in most major garden supply stores or online. They come in liquid and powdered forms, though the powdered is generally less expensive. Usually it only takes a small amount of the mix, but be sure to follow the directions.

Next, you will need to check the pH of your solution. You can get testing kits at any garden center, or you can invest in an electrical tester. The pH can be acidic (0-6), neutral (7), or alkaline (8-14). This will vary for many reasons. Light, composition of the tap water, and temperature can all affect the pH. For these reasons, it is important to check the pH regularly. Ideal pH will be between 5.5 - 6.5.

If your solution needs adjusting, there are a simple ways to fix this. Any store that has hydroponic supplies will have a pH adjuster. You'll find one to bring the pH up and one to bring the pH down. Simple enough. Or, you can use a cheaper method. If it is too acidic, use one tablespoon of baking soda to every three gallons of solution. If it is too alkaline, use one tablespoon of white vinegar to four gallons of solution. This takes a little more practice than the store bought adjusters, but it is a good alternative.

All plants need light to live. Sunlight is best, but not usually practical with hydroponic systems. If your system is small, sunlight from a sunny window might work. However, most systems will need artificial lighting. Artificial horticultural lights, or grow lights, are a good investment for this. A word of warning, however, be sure to shop around before buying because some units can be very pricy.