Tips & Tricks To Create A Thriving Hydroponic Garden
Hydroponic gardening is popular among homeowners for valid reasons. The technique lets you grow without soil and ensures a healthy yield with minimal labor and resources. You can expect shorter plant cycles without weeds and pests to deal with. While everything about hydroponic gardening sounds great, you have to make sure you do it the right way to get the best outcomes. Here are the tips and tricks that can help you create a thriving hydroponic garden.
Do your homework
If you are a beginner, you will be enthusiastic about getting your garden up and running. But do not jump in too fast and without doing your homework. Start with in-depth research of the different types of hydroponic systems, their working, and the plants that grow well with each of them. You can find information online or talk to a seasoned gardener with good experience with the technique.
Pick suitable plants
Success with hydroponic gardening also depends on the choice of plants. As a beginner, you can stick with tomatoes, strawberries, and leafy greens because they thrive well without much work. Root vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and carrots are more apt for traditional soil cultivation. Ensure that the plants you pick match the system you have in place. Some plants require certain system specifics to thrive.
Know your nutrients
Although the system does not rely on soil, your plants still need nutrients to survive and thrive. Proper nutrient application is the mainstay of success with hydroponics, so make sure you know the macro and micronutrients your crops require. Gather facts about other Plant Care basics like cleaners, disinfectants, and insect and disease-control products. Choose the right products and ensure timely application according to the current growing stages of the plants.
Use supplemental lighting
If you have an indoor hydroponic garden, do not expect it to thrive without proper supplemental lighting. You cannot rely only on natural light, even if the growing area gets a lot of it. Supplemental lighting is an essential investment for all home growers. LED grow lights are ideal as they cost less upfront and consume less energy in the long run. Install them close enough to your plants to ensure enough lighting. But make sure that the distance is optimal as setting them too close can singe the crops.
Change the water regularly
Growing your plants in water means you have to be regular with water changes. While you shouldn't miss out on changing it regularly, doing it too often can do more harm than good. It can weaken the roots due to drastic fluctuations in pH and nutrient levels. Each system needs a different water-changing routine, depending on factors like reservoir capacity and evaporation rates. Ask the installation professionals and maintain a log of water changes to stay regular.
A thriving hydroponic garden is a dream, and it depends on the effort you invest. But achieving the dream is easier than you imagine, provided you follow the rules and stay a step ahead with plant care.
