How To Do A Self Contained Hydroponic Systems Garden
Hydroponic gardening is the growing of plants without soil, and is usually done indoors. A hydroponic system is a growing unit that is made up of growing containers, a medium, a water reservoir, a pump that circulates the water, and a grow light.
The idea is to grow plants without soil, while nourishing them with a nutrient rich solution.
The self contained hydroponic system of gardening is fast gaining popularity, owing to the fact that one can control the nutrients, oxygen, water, temperature and Carbon Dioxide that the plant receives.
The controlled conditions ensure that the plant grows faster and is healthier than plants grown under uncontrolled conditions. Under this system, one can grow more plants in a smaller space owing to the superior efficiency of the nutrient solution system.
It also allows for easier fertilization as it is possible to use an automatic timer for fertilizing plants.
Hydroponic Gardening System Kits
Hydroponic kits may vary in price and size, but most systems can accommodate a set number of growing pots. This means if you purchased a kit that only features seven growing stations you can only grow seven plants at a time.
It is therefore advisable to buy a hydroponic gardening system that can allow you to grow at least 24 plants or more. The systems have grow chambers, which provide a suitable atmosphere for plant growth.
Simply put, the grow chamber is a self-contained agricultural and horticultural unit which incorporates all equipment for growing plants such as lighting, ventilation, liquid set-up, timers, fans and filtration systems.
Self contained hyrdoponic systems are the choice for anyone that desires pain-free indoor and soilless gardening.
Most small scale, home-growers opt for these fully integrated hydroponics systems. The all-inclusive units contain everything needed to grow plants in the home environment. In addition, their design ensures that it is easy and fast to grow whatever you want without concerns over maintenance and other minor issues.
Some systems come complete with grow lights, integrated ebb and flow hydroponic watering systems and dirt free growing pods; some even use smart remote controls that make it easy to regulate temperature, pH and water content.
Growing has never been easy, because all you will need to do is add some seed, water and liquid plant food; once plugged in, you will then activate the system via the remote control (for models that have this feature) and watch your plants grow.
Most self contained hydroponic systems gardens have admirable features such as: designs that would allow you to grow your crops on a kitchen counter; you even get to grow your plants better, stronger and faster because the systems use LED lights to speed the growth of your plants.
You will not have to rely on natural lighting or seasons to grow. The fact that you will not have to use soil in this system gives you a dirt-free method to plant.
The hydroponic system ensures that water and light are delivered at the right time and in the right quantities.
The lighting imitates daylight patterns to ensure that your plants grow ‘normally’ even while indoors.
Indoor Vegetable Container Gardening
Several factors should be taken into consideration when deciding what crops one would like to grow.
The size of the indoor vegetable container is the first; size obviously restricts the kind and number of plants that can be grown.
Another is the amount of sunlight that a given container receives. The principle is that root and leaf crops can tolerate partial shade; however, vegetables grown for their fruits normally need at least five hours of full and direct sunlight each day.
In cases where more light is needed, the use of reflective material around the plants comes in handy. The materials can be everyday items such as aluminum foil, white-surfaces and marble chips.
Growing Plants in Indoor Vegetable Container Gardening
- Containers: the variety of containers that can be used in indoor vegetable container gardening is wide; examples are clay, plastic, metal and wood.
The guiding principles for choosing containers are: size, ensure that the containers are big enough to hold the plants when they are fully grown.
They should be able to hold soil or the growing medium without spilling; the container’s previous use must be considered so as to ensure that it did not hold toxic substances prior.
Finally, the container must have sufficient drainage.
- Growing Medium: this is the substance in which the vegetables are suspended. Vegetable container gardening uses light potting mixes, in fact soil from the garden is too heavy as it contains a lot of clay–its negative qualities are somewhat exaggerated when placed in a container.
The medium must be porous and high in organic matter.
- Care: Ensure that you frequently check on your vegetables. They are susceptible to attacks from plants and diseases that attack plants grown in regular methods.
Also check to confirm that they are not receiving excess heat, moisture and that they are not affected by elements such as frost.
- Nutrients / Fertilizers: Make sure that your vegetables receive the right amount of nutrients / fertilizers. Do not exceed doses and do not underfeed them.
Obviously, the right quantity of anything amounts to a healthy, leafy crop.
Indoor container gardening comes in handy in cases where there is extreme weather, or where there isn’t enough space outdoors. The challenge with this is that plants dry out and grow slower indoors.
They are best placed at a window or other outlet that receives plenty of sunshine, as this is the only way that they can photosynthesize effectively, again, this can only result in healthier, leafier crops.
Some of the advantages of indoor container gardens include:
-They make up for lack of outdoor space
-When placed indoors, they provide easy access to their use at the kitchen
-The vegetables are better protected from garden pests and rodents.
What are you waiting for, its time you started and setup your own hydroponic at home.