Hydroponic is a system of growing vegetables or flowers without using soils. The word hydroponic is said to be originated from Greek language which means ‘water (hydro) that works(ponos)’.
According to the history hydroponic system have long been practiced since 16th century. It is also believed that Babylonians were using hydroponic gardening system in the Hanging Garden of Babylon.
It was commercially introduced in 1937 by W.F. Gericke of California Agricultural Research Center. Since then the hydroponic system have grown and many new types of techniques have been developed for the purpose of commercial hydroponic farming.
In the hydroponic system the entire nutritional need of a plant is given directly to the root of the plant in the form of liquid soluble. This hydroponic system is possible because plants does not use soils to live but it uses the nutrient or vitamins hidden in the soil. The purpose of using hydroponic system for gardening or farming is to enable the roots of the plant to take these vitamins or nutrients directly from the solubles.
For a home gardening, hydroponic system can be practiced by using basic hydroponic system tools which includes equipments such as the hydroponic container, hydroponic container cover, fertilizer measuring cup, media basket, seeds, fertilizers and water.
One can grow just about any plants with hydroponic system from vegetables such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Chinese Kale, Spinach, Mustards, to flower plants such as the Lilies or Chrysanthemum.
There are a lot of benefits for using hydroponic system for gardening such as hydroponic system is much more practical and easier to implement. It does not require large area of land because hydroponic system does not use soil. One only need to properly plan a systematic use of small area for preparing the hydroponic system.
Hydroponic system can be grown indoor or outdoor alike. Can be grown even in apartments. Minimum care needed for plant. Does not require a lot of workers or hand. Heavy works can be reduced such as using tillers, etc.
By using hydroponic system we can minimize the use of fertilizer as nutrients can be recycled. We save money in buying fertilizer. No more weed problems. Pesticide problems can be reduced or no pesticide problems at all if hydroponic system done in greenhouses.
Since no poisonous pesticides are used, consumer does not have to worry about getting poisoned.
Because the pre-used solutions can be recycled; water can be saved. Controlled fertilization by using proper fertilizer solutions ensures quality control and quality produce.
Plants can be grown in hydroponic system anytime of the year, even during winter as soil is not required. However, using hydroponic system during winter requires greenhouse and proper lighting for better success.
Can harvest in shorter period of time compared to conventional growing or gardening system. Anyone can use the hydroponic system. It only takes little research to get the working knowledge. Environmentally friendly.