A History and Science Lesson

Put very simply (as all good things should be), hydroponics is the art of growing any plant in a soil-less, nutrient solution (In other words, all the fun without getting your hands dirty!)

The word hydroponics as we know it today is derived from two Greek words: 'hydro' meaning water and 'ponos' meaning labor. The history of hydroponics dates back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, where records show that plants were grown in a steady stream of water. Commercial hydroponics received a big boost during the 1800's when German scientists began to study the science of plant nutrition and were able to develop a chemical formula that overcame many previous problems.

During the World War II, the United States Army used hydroponics to grow fresh produce for troops stationed in the South Pacific, where soils were less than fertile.

Today, hydroponics culture is being used to successfully grow herbs, vegetables, flowers and fruits in a great variety of countries around the world.

The term hydroponics is used to describe many different types of systems for growing plants without soil. Among the most common are:

• water culture, aquaculture, or nutriculture, a system in which the plant roots are immersed in water containing dissolved nutrients
• aggregate culture, in which a material such as sand, gravel, or marbles supports the plant roots
• aeroponics, in which the plant roots hang in the air and are misted regularly with a nutrient solution
• continuous flow systems, in which the nutrient solution flows constantly over the plant roots. This system is the one most commonly used for commercial production.

        (from "Hydroponics as a hobby: Growing plants without soil"

Hydroponics Advantages

Soil is unpredictable, with problems in changing temperatures, moisture holding capacity, available nutrient supply, proper root aeration, and disease and pest control. Hydroponics alleviates some of the problems of nature, while giving the farmer precise control of the plants and often times the seasons. A hydroponics farmer can manipulate a fruit bearing plant into producing more fruit rather than leaves and extending its season long after his competitor's season has ended.

Hydroponics Root System

• Grow more plants in a much smaller space
• Conserve water--nutrient solution is recycled several times each day
• Control weeds, pests and diseases without dangerous chemicals
• No need to rotate crops
• Lose fewer plants to transplant shock
• Grow indoors and shorten harvest periods through a controlled environment

Disadvantages

None, at least that we've been able to discover. Gringo Dave's Hydroponics specializes in hydroponics crop cultivation. We feature quality products and sound technical advice. We'll see that you have everything necessary to complete your next hydroponics project.