When you think of growing fruits and vegetables, you probably think about putting plants in the ground or into pots. However, you don’t always need ‘dirt’ to grow plants. In a hydroponic system, soil is replaced with a nutrient-rich water solution that provides the necessary nutrients for plant growth.
Why try hydroponics?
Hydroponic systems are more efficient than growing plants in the ground. Plants grown hydroponically often mature faster and produce more compared to plants grown in soil. It may seem counterintuitive, but hydroponics also uses less water.
Growing hydroponically also allows for more flexibility. Gardeners can grow year-round indoors and in areas where growing in the ground or in pots isn’t an option. Additionally, because plants are not grown in soil, soil-borne pests and diseases are less of a concern.
There are some drawbacks to growing plants hydroponically, though.
