The Innovative way of farming at Home : Hydroponic Farming

The Innovative way of farming at Home : Hydroponic Farming

What is Hydroponic farming? 

Hydroponic farming is the practice of growing  plants without soil. It basically involves growing healthy plants without the use of a traditional soil medium by using a nutrient like a mineral rich water solution. Hydroponic Farming uses less than 1/10th - 1/5th of the water used in soil cultivation.

Benefits of Hydroponic farming

 Hydroponics allows plants to grow up to 50% faster than soil farming.

 Fresh produce can be harvested from a hydroponic garden throughout the year.

 It eliminates the need for herbicides and pesticides compared to traditional soil gardening

 Any water that is used in hydroponic gardening stays in the system and can be reused, reducing the constant need for a fresh water supply.

 A great option to indoor gardening when there is lack of yard space or have a tiny balcony.

The Nutrient Solution

Ready to-use store bought solutions can be used for hydroponics nutrient systems or one can make one’s own special solutions for different types of crops based on the chemical elements the plants need.

Key Considerations

We can grow almost anything hydroponically, some vegetables thrive more in hydroponic

systems than others. The plants to be selected that don’t mind moisture and that don’t get too big

for their set up, such as cucumber, tomato, capsicum, strawberry, lettuce and leafy greens.

Types of Hydroponic Farming: There are three kinds of hydroponic farming at home

 Hydroponic Raft: A simple raft system is ideal. It’s easy to make, doesn’t cost much to get going and will give vegetables much more quickly than conventional gardening methods. 

 Vertical Hydroponics: Vertical Hydroponic systems provide an excellent option for gardeners lacking space

 Aquaponics : A small yard, a corner in a community garden or an unused space home can easily be turned into a thriving aquaponic farm for vegetables and fish. A typical household-sized vertical quaponic system can fit into a 3ft by 5ft area. A small pump draws nutrient-rich water from the fish tank to the tops of the vertical columns. The water trickles down through the roots of the plants,  gathering oxygen from the air as it falls back into the tank.

Conclusion

Through hydroponics farming we can grow the healthiest food possible, in large quantities, in the smallest space and in a sustainable way. Hydroponics accomplish all the goals set by organic farming and it takes a step further by offering people the ability to grow food in places where traditional agriculture is not possible