The Benefits of Using Hydroponics
Would you like to try
growing your own fresh fruits year round, but live in an area where, due
to cold temperatures, snow or poor soil, you are unable to do so
outdoors? Instead, why not try hydroponics, a form of gardening in
which you can grow plants without any soil at all. There are several
different types of fruits you could consider growing in a hydroponic
manner.
One aspect of plant culture that is wise to keep in mind is to pay
attention to the growing conditions a particular plant needs to survive
and thrive. Poor choices for hydroponic-style gardening are succulents,
because they will only thrive in dry conditions, and you are attempting
to grow plants in the medium of water. Water-loving plants make a good
choice for Hydroponic gardening, because the
plants will be growing in water. Melons are a good example of a fruit
that grows well in this circumstance. Watermelons and cantaloupe can
both be grown successfully hydroponically because both are water loving
plants and can thrive in this sort of growing medium.
Although not considered a fruit by some, nevertheless tomatoes meet the
scientific criteria for classification as a fruit. Tomatoes grow
wonderfully in a hydroponic environment as long as they have excellent
lighting.
Other fruits that grow well hydroponically are berries. You can grow
strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries very well in a
hydroponics system.
Grapes are another favorite fruit that you can grow using this method as
well. Both table grapes and wine grapes have been successfully grown
using hydroponic methods.
Surprisingly, there are some trees that can be grown in a hydroponic
manner. Banana trees are one, and dwarf citrus trees, such as lemons,
are another. Imagine growing fruits that would normally require a
tropical or very warm climate to produce fruit during an Alaskan or
Scandinavian winter, through the appropriate use of a hydroponic plant
system and the correct lighting and proper nutrition.
All plants will receive absolutely no nutrients from soil, since this
system uses none, so the gardener must supply the plants with nutrients
in the form of a nutrient solution. You water the plant with the
nutrient, and the plant takes the food up through its roots. Typically
the nutrients are dissolved in distilled water, because the water needs
to be very pure. If you use your own water, you will likely want to
have the water tested for elements that may already be present, so that
you do not provide too much of any one nutrient.
Hydroponic-system gardening is an excellent way to increase fruit yields
over conventional soil gardening, and it allows gardeners to grow
fruits that would otherwise not be possible in their climate or soil.