Hydroponics is a term used to express a technique for growing plants in
a soil-less medium. Approximately 90% of all fresh cut flowers
purchased in the UK are hydroponically grown, and an estimated 65% of
all fruit and vegetables purchased from your supermarket are also.
Therefore, it is likely we have all bought and eaten hydroponic produce
at some time, perhaps all the time. In many countries hydroponics is
big business, but in the UK we were a bit slow to catch on, despite the
fact that a British professor invented hydroponics in the Sixties. The
good news is that hydroponics has fully reinstated itself back in the
UK and is likely to be the way of the future. With soil quality
deteriorating and crop 'space' housing new property developments, we
are having to look into new and better ways of growing produce and
hydroponics seems to be the perfect solution.
How does it work?
Plants that are grown in soil have to continuously develop their root
balls in search of water, nutrients and air so the majority of the
plants' available energy is spent on the lower root development,
restricting its upper growth. In hydroponics, the water, nutrient and
air is directed straight to the root ball, freeing the plant to use its
available energy in its upper leaf, fruit, or flower development. That,
coupled with the fact that it has all the specific nutrients, air and
water it could ever want, means plants grow at a previously unheard of
rate. Because plants grown in a hydroponics system can be given very
exact and specific doses of nutrients, a crop raised hydroponically
will develop optimum levels of yield and flavour. And, because the
roots of plants grown in a soil-less medium do not need to constantly
grow in search of nutrients, more plants can be grown in a smaller
area. You will therefore be making the best use of whatever space is
available to you. So, if you have a greenhouse, conservatory, spare
room, loft, cellar or closet, you too can reap the benefits of growing
your own crops. In short, hydroponics allows you to grow approximately
twice to ten times the yield in half the space and time.
What's in it for you?
There are few experiences more rewarding than cultivating your own
crops, and gardening has been found to be one of the most popular
pastimes in the UK. Thanks to this incredible invention, anyone,
whether living in a caravan or a castle, can grow their own produce.
Ultimately, we all now have the opportunity to become self-sufficient.
Using hydroponics, the range of plants that can be grown is very diverse
from the rarest Orchid to everyday fruit and vegetables for consumption.
A garden is no longer a prerequisite to owning a house; just some space
and a love of giving life.
Dispelling any rumours. |
