Hydroponically germinating seeds has several advantages over using soil to do the same job. This is the best way to avoid many common diseases because the hydroponic medium is clean. Soil may contain insects or fungus that can harm vulnerable seedlings. Using a good hydroponic growing system is also a good way to avoid root rot. The area where hydroponic growing is better than using soil is the control of the growing environment.
The gardener is not at the mercy of the soil’s nutrients or water content with hydroponics. This will help to assure that the grower alone will control every aspect of the plant’s growing conditions. This can be a major advantage for young seedlings as they will get the proper nutrients right from the start of their life and will lead to much healthier plants in the long run.
Seeds require both oxygen and water to sprout while germinating. The growing medium must then provide sufficient amounts of both to the seed or it will not germinate. Mediums that are more porous, such as rockwool, perlite, or vermiculite, will do this and have great drainage capabilities. Perlite makes another good growing medium for germinating seeds as its porosity allows for good drainage and oxygen availability. Many seeds contain nutrients within their shell to provide initial nourishment to jumpstart the germination process. This is not true for all species of plants, however.
To avoid stressing the seed at a vulnerable point, the gardener should use a medium that is pre-prepared with a low concentration of nutrients. The first few initial times the plants are watered will give the seeds a small dose of nutrients until it is ready to absorb more. After a few days the gardener should switch to a regular nutrient solution in the water and keep it at a lower dose than normal until the seed shows significant growth. After the plants have developed strong and healthy stalks, they can be changed over to a normal feeding and water program.
After the seeds have been planted, they should be watered once a day with nutrient water. There are a variety of opinions on the strength of the nutrient water. Many seeds have stored nutrients in their tissues and do not need any additional hydroponic nutrients until they have fully sprouted. Other seeds are very small and have almost no stored materials.
This water is a nutrient that is mixed half strength to the nutrient that will be used in more mature plants. The hydroponic nutrient is mixed at half the strength recommended by the manufacturer. This is kept until the seedlings are about three inches tall and are ready for transplant. Once the grower is set up, the entire growing media’s should be watered down with the hydroponic nutrient. The seeds are then planted and re-watered every day.
Some gardeners recommend soaking the seeds in water prior to germinating them. This allows the seed coat to become saturated with water to break open. However, pre soaking is not recommended except for seeds that actually require this before they will germinate. Some seeds have an extra strong seed coat that inhibits germination. This is common in larger seeds of plant fruits that expect to be eaten by an animal or bird to disperse their seeds.
Happy Gardening !
James
My Garden Fresh Co-op
http://goo.gl/OijwW
Monday, 28 May, 2012
Monday, 21 May, 2012
Helpful Hints on Selecting the Right Hydroponic Grow Light
Selecting the right hydroponic grow light is very important. This is one of the main resources that you will use in order to successfully produce a plentiful harvest and full-blooming plants.
The type of grow light that you need depends upon your growing needs, with the biggest factor being the amount of light that your plants require for successful growth. Of course, the most proven effective source of light used to grow plants is natural sunlight, and it is possible to use this in hydroponic growing. It is largely a matter of knowing where to position your plants in order for them to benefit from the sun. Usually one to two feet away from a sunny window is sufficient for most herbs and vegetables.
The use of natural sunlight is unpredictable, however, and could require the period movement of your hydroponic system. Therefore, you may opt to use an artificial source of light. The right grow light can even be used in the winter, during times when sunlight is not as available. Certain types of plant grow lights induce the same type of photosynthesis process that natural sunlight initiates.
Choosing the right artificial growth light can be tricky. However, once you learn about the amount of light that each of your types of plant needs to grow you can find the right light that will work for your plant. Each specific type of growth light gives off a certain type of radiation that is appropriate for each type of plan that you will grow.
The right amount of sunlight is definitely one of the major factors of success in plant growth. Therefore, light transmission should also be considered when purchasing a growing structure for your plants. Glass is usually the preferred material for plant greenhouses, including ones that use the hydroponic growing method.
If you are looking for an artificial growth light one successful light that is used is what is called a High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) light. You will wan to do research on this type of light and see if it will work for you. Also, when growing indoors and using natural sunlight, even the lights in your home can help plant growth, this is especially true if you have the right kinds of fluorescent lights installed in your home.
In addition to choosing the right growth light for your hydroponic garden project, you will also need to consider a variety of other factors. For instance, you will want to consider the materials that you need for successful plant growth. For instance, you will want to decide if you are going to use a media-based hydroponic system or a water culture hydroponic system.
In short, a media-based one is able to retain nutrients more than one that is completely water-based. Medias used in hydroponic growing include composted bark, expanded clay, gravel, oasis (artificial foam-based material, commonly used for floral arrangements), peat moss, and other materials. Never is soil used in this process, which is why it is called hydroponic gardening.
The other thing that is useful in hydroponic gardening is to know what types of nutrients your plants will need. For instance, most plants need nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. You will need to find the exact type of fertilizer that will be right for the types of plans you are attempting to grow using this growth system.
Happy Gardening
James
Garden Fresh Co-op http://goo.gl/OijwW
The type of grow light that you need depends upon your growing needs, with the biggest factor being the amount of light that your plants require for successful growth. Of course, the most proven effective source of light used to grow plants is natural sunlight, and it is possible to use this in hydroponic growing. It is largely a matter of knowing where to position your plants in order for them to benefit from the sun. Usually one to two feet away from a sunny window is sufficient for most herbs and vegetables.
The use of natural sunlight is unpredictable, however, and could require the period movement of your hydroponic system. Therefore, you may opt to use an artificial source of light. The right grow light can even be used in the winter, during times when sunlight is not as available. Certain types of plant grow lights induce the same type of photosynthesis process that natural sunlight initiates.
Choosing the right artificial growth light can be tricky. However, once you learn about the amount of light that each of your types of plant needs to grow you can find the right light that will work for your plant. Each specific type of growth light gives off a certain type of radiation that is appropriate for each type of plan that you will grow.
The right amount of sunlight is definitely one of the major factors of success in plant growth. Therefore, light transmission should also be considered when purchasing a growing structure for your plants. Glass is usually the preferred material for plant greenhouses, including ones that use the hydroponic growing method.
If you are looking for an artificial growth light one successful light that is used is what is called a High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) light. You will wan to do research on this type of light and see if it will work for you. Also, when growing indoors and using natural sunlight, even the lights in your home can help plant growth, this is especially true if you have the right kinds of fluorescent lights installed in your home.
In addition to choosing the right growth light for your hydroponic garden project, you will also need to consider a variety of other factors. For instance, you will want to consider the materials that you need for successful plant growth. For instance, you will want to decide if you are going to use a media-based hydroponic system or a water culture hydroponic system.
In short, a media-based one is able to retain nutrients more than one that is completely water-based. Medias used in hydroponic growing include composted bark, expanded clay, gravel, oasis (artificial foam-based material, commonly used for floral arrangements), peat moss, and other materials. Never is soil used in this process, which is why it is called hydroponic gardening.
The other thing that is useful in hydroponic gardening is to know what types of nutrients your plants will need. For instance, most plants need nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. You will need to find the exact type of fertilizer that will be right for the types of plans you are attempting to grow using this growth system.
Happy Gardening
James
Garden Fresh Co-op http://goo.gl/OijwW
Thursday, 17 May, 2012
How to Use more CO2 to Boost Hydroponic Plant Growth
Carbon dioxide is needed in a hydroponic garden to guarantee continued plant growth because it is required for photosynthesis. Many gardeners do not realize that the larger their hydroponic garden is, the more their plants need carbon dioxide for respiration.
How can you boost the carbon dioxide content in your hydroponic garden? There are five ways that you can increase the level of carbon dioxide in your greenhouse to increase plant growth. First, the burning hydrocarbon fuels will create carbon dioxide gas. Second, the use of dry ice can aid in the production of this gas. Third, fermentation of organic materials creates carbon dioxide. Fourth, the decomposition of organic matter such as compost will create carbon dioxide. Finally, the use of compressed bottled carbon dioxide is the most commonly used way to create the gas in a greenhouse for the desired effect.
Large greenhouses have burned hydrocarbon fuels for years in an effort to increase growth in their plants. Examples of hydrocarbon fuels are propane, butane, natural gas and alcohol. Fuels that contain sulphur or sulphur compounds cannot be used because they produce harmful by products when they burn.
Dry ice can be used in small greenhouses, especially if a cooling effect is also desired. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, is effective when used in a well-sealed area. The ice can either be used in block form or broken down into small pieces and used a little at a time. Another method is to put the dry ice into a Styrofoam container with holes in it to slow down the rate of evaporation. Since carbon dioxide is heavier than air it must be placed above the plants in order for it to drift down and surround the plants.
Fermentation is another way to create more carbon dioxide in your hydroponic greenhouse. This method is easy to accomplish with few materials – corn sugar, brewer’s yeast, water, a small bottle and a larger container such as a garbage bag or large glass jug. The process is the same as creating a batch of wine, beer or mead. Once the batch has stopped bubbling the fermentation process has ceased and another batch will need to be made in order to continue the production of carbon dioxide.
The use of decomposing organic matter is rarely used indoors because of the odors and it is unsanitary because of the bugs it attracts. It can be used outdoors in a greenhouse but the bug problem and their potential diseases need to be addressed in order to save your plants from their adverse effects.
The most popular method of generating carbon dioxide for your hydroponic plants is the use of a pressurized carbon dioxide system. The equipment is relatively inexpensive (under $500) and the operating expense is low. In addition this system does not generate heat so it is easier to regulate than other forms of generating carbon dioxide. A flow meter and timer regulates the amount of time that the gas is released into the growing environment.
Increasing the carbon dioxide in your greenhouse will improve the growth of your plants and it could lead to increased profits for gardeners who sell their plant products. All that is needed for success is careful planning, monitoring and administration of the carbon dioxide gas.
Happy Gardening !
James
My Garden Fresh Co-op
http://goo.gl/OijwW
How can you boost the carbon dioxide content in your hydroponic garden? There are five ways that you can increase the level of carbon dioxide in your greenhouse to increase plant growth. First, the burning hydrocarbon fuels will create carbon dioxide gas. Second, the use of dry ice can aid in the production of this gas. Third, fermentation of organic materials creates carbon dioxide. Fourth, the decomposition of organic matter such as compost will create carbon dioxide. Finally, the use of compressed bottled carbon dioxide is the most commonly used way to create the gas in a greenhouse for the desired effect.
Large greenhouses have burned hydrocarbon fuels for years in an effort to increase growth in their plants. Examples of hydrocarbon fuels are propane, butane, natural gas and alcohol. Fuels that contain sulphur or sulphur compounds cannot be used because they produce harmful by products when they burn.
Dry ice can be used in small greenhouses, especially if a cooling effect is also desired. Dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide, is effective when used in a well-sealed area. The ice can either be used in block form or broken down into small pieces and used a little at a time. Another method is to put the dry ice into a Styrofoam container with holes in it to slow down the rate of evaporation. Since carbon dioxide is heavier than air it must be placed above the plants in order for it to drift down and surround the plants.
Fermentation is another way to create more carbon dioxide in your hydroponic greenhouse. This method is easy to accomplish with few materials – corn sugar, brewer’s yeast, water, a small bottle and a larger container such as a garbage bag or large glass jug. The process is the same as creating a batch of wine, beer or mead. Once the batch has stopped bubbling the fermentation process has ceased and another batch will need to be made in order to continue the production of carbon dioxide.
The use of decomposing organic matter is rarely used indoors because of the odors and it is unsanitary because of the bugs it attracts. It can be used outdoors in a greenhouse but the bug problem and their potential diseases need to be addressed in order to save your plants from their adverse effects.
The most popular method of generating carbon dioxide for your hydroponic plants is the use of a pressurized carbon dioxide system. The equipment is relatively inexpensive (under $500) and the operating expense is low. In addition this system does not generate heat so it is easier to regulate than other forms of generating carbon dioxide. A flow meter and timer regulates the amount of time that the gas is released into the growing environment.
Increasing the carbon dioxide in your greenhouse will improve the growth of your plants and it could lead to increased profits for gardeners who sell their plant products. All that is needed for success is careful planning, monitoring and administration of the carbon dioxide gas.
Happy Gardening !
James
My Garden Fresh Co-op
http://goo.gl/OijwW
Monday, 14 May, 2012
It is important to identify and get rid of any insects living in your hydroponics system. Insects such as spider mites can destroy your hydroponically grown produce. Spider mites like many pests can be terminated in several ways. The best way to avoid a spider mite infestation is by taking precautionary measures. Plants should be visually inspected weekly; this will help determine if there are any in your garden.
It’s important to check under leaves, around the stems and in the growing medium or soil for signs of spider mites. If there are tiny holes in any of your plants or crops, this could be a sign that spider mites are lurking. If there is a large infestation then there will be webbing visible after a light misting of the plants' leaves.
It’s a good idea to take time, and find out how many of your plants are affected. Determining the number of spider mites in your garden, the size of the area they cover, and the size of the infestation will give you an idea of how to eliminate them. Identifying the spider mites will be easier if you use a garden microscope, which will give you a better view of the tiny bugs.
Many think using pesticides to eliminate spider mites in their hydroponic gardens is a good idea, but the use of pesticides in hydroponic gardening is discouraged and usually not necessary. Hydroponically grown plants are not immune to spider mites, but they are more pest resistant than plant grown in soil. Plants grown in hydroponics are usually healthier than soil grown plant, because hydroponic plants are fed their exact nutritional requirements. The natural preventive measures against spider mites are used in most hydroponics systems.
Many hydroponic gardeners use a method of natural prevention called “companion planting.” In companion planting crops are intermixed with plants that act as spider mite deterrents for the primary crop. For example, marigolds may be planted between rows of herbs in a hydroponic greenhouse. Spider mites will be turned off by the smell of the marigolds and will leave the garden.
Biological insect control is another method of pest management through the introduction of predator insects to eliminate spider mites. Using enemy insects is a safe and poison free way of controlling spider mites. Natural enemies will feast on the spider mites until there aren’t enough for the predator to survive, then they will die off or leave in search of more food. Releasing predator insects into your hydroponics garden infestations of spider mites can be eliminated or, they can be avoided. There’s no need to worry with predator insects, because most will not harm your crops.
Your garden should also be able to support the predator insects. Many biological insects will not survive if the temperature is too hot, or if there isn’t a good source of water. Other ways to protect your hydroponic produce against spider mites include using non-toxic yellow sticky cards. The cards are useful for monitoring spider mites and many other small bugs. The bright yellow color will attract the spider mites where they will adhere to the sticky surface.
The yellow cards are best for preventing the infestations of spider mites, but can’t act alone in eliminating them. It’s best to identify spider mites before their infestation grows too large, eliminating the spider mites with early detection will save your hydroponically grown produce.
Happy Gardening !
James
Friday, 11 May, 2012
Wednesday, 2 May, 2012
Monday, 30 April, 2012
Important “Must-Haves” When Buying your Hydroponic Supplies
Gardeners that are new to hydroponics often go overboard buying items that they may need in the future but will not need in the beginning stages of hydroponic gardening. To begin your hydroponic gardening project you will only need a few things to get you off to a great start. Many of the items you need for hydroponics can already be found around your house so you can save money before you go full tilt into this hobby.
The first thing any hydroponic gardener needs is a dedicated area for their gardening. Most newbie gardeners can either purchase an easy to install grow room or build a greenhouse outside of their home. Small grow rooms for the beginning hydroponic gardener are usually slightly larger than a closet and can be completely installed in under an hour. The cost ranges from several hundred dollars to over $500, depending on the add-ons that you think you will need.
A small greenhouse can cost considerably more because you will need to either include a cement floor and drainage system or lay other types of flooring such as gravel before you build the greenhouse itself. Many small greenhouses cost anywhere from $500 to over several thousand dollars, depending on the add-ons you choose.
The basic items you need after you decide on either a grow room or greenhouse include a temperature control unit, exhaust fan, heating mats, light fixtures for your blue and red spectrum lights, an aeration system (an aquarium system works well for small gardens), pearlite, marble and Styrofoam work well as a beginning medium and rockwool, oasis or Rapid Rooters. Typical beginning tables for your plants include plastic tubs, a child’s swimming pool or fish tank. A gardener can also buy any of the items they need for their grow room from stores specializing in hydroponic supplies.
Once you have your grow room or greenhouse set up, you can decide which plants that you want to try and grow. Many people like to start with tomatoes or roses since they have many hardy varieties to choose from. Gardeners will also want to try using the blue and red spectrum lights to increase growth and the flowering of their plants.
The temperature control units may also come in handy once you decide how many plants you want to grow in your space. The more plants you have the hotter your greenhouse will usually be. A temperature control unit can be set to turn fans or blowers on and off at pre-determined intervals. They can also be set up to open and close air ducts in your greenhouse or grow room.
As you progress in your hydroponic garden hobby you may also want to switch from an aquarium pump or bubbler system to a more advanced irrigation and drainage system for your garden. Once again, the more plants you have the more advanced equipment you will need.
If you are still unsure about starting a hydroponic garden, you can get everything you need in a little kit called a plug-and-go hydroponic gardening kit. These little kits have everything you need to get you up and running with this fascinating hobby. The typical kid includes a module for holding your plant cubes, seeds, nutrient solution and a heating pad. All you need to add is sufficient sunlight and water.
Happy Gardening !
James
My Garden Fresh Co-op
http://goo.gl/OijwW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)