Hydroponic is a system of growing
vegetables or flowers without using soils. The word hydroponic is said
to be originated from Greek language which means ‘water (hydro) that
works(ponos)’.
According to the history hydroponic system have long been practiced
since 16th century. It is also believed that Babylonians were using
hydroponic gardening system in the Hanging Garden of Babylon.
It was commercially introduced in 1937 by W.F. Gericke of California
Agricultural Research Center. Since then the hydroponic system have
grown and many new types of techniques have been developed for the
purpose of commercial hydroponic farming.
In the hydroponic system the entire nutritional need of a plant is
given directly to the root of the plant in the form of liquid soluble.
This hydroponic system is possible because plants does not use soils to
live but it uses the nutrient or vitamins hidden in the soil. The
purpose of using hydroponic system for gardening or farming is to enable
the roots of the plant to take these vitamins or nutrients directly
from the solubles.
For a home gardening, hydroponic system can be practiced by using
basic hydroponic system tools which includes equipments such as the
hydroponic container, hydroponic container cover, fertilizer measuring
cup, media basket, seeds, fertilizers and water.
One can grow just about any plants with hydroponic system from
vegetables such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Chinese Kale, Spinach,
Mustards, to flower plants such as the Lilies or Chrysanthemum.
There are a lot of benefits for using hydroponic system for gardening
such as hydroponic system is much more practical and easier to
implement. It does not require large area of land because hydroponic
system does not use soil. One only need to properly plan a systematic
use of small area for preparing the hydroponic system.
Hydroponic system can be grown indoor or outdoor alike. Can be grown
even in apartments. Minimum care needed for plant. Does not require a
lot of workers or hand. Heavy works can be reduced such as using
tillers, etc.
By using hydroponic system we can minimize the use of fertilizer as
nutrients can be recycled. We save money in buying fertilizer. No more
weed problems. Pesticide problems can be reduced or no pesticide
problems at all if hydroponic system done in greenhouses.
Since no poisonous pesticides are used, consumer does not have to
worry about getting poisoned.
Because the pre-used solutions can be recycled; water can be saved.
Controlled fertilization by using proper fertilizer solutions ensures
quality control and quality produce.
Plants can be grown in hydroponic system anytime of the year, even
during winter as soil is not required. However, using hydroponic system
during winter requires greenhouse and proper lighting for better
success.
Can harvest in shorter period of time compared to conventional
growing or gardening system. Anyone can use the hydroponic system. It
only takes little research to get the working knowledge. Environmentally
friendly.