Basic Hydroponics

Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without soil. Instead the plant is grown in an inert soil less medium such as rocks, Rockwood or coco fiber.

Plants that are grown with hydroponic technology receive far more oxygen and nutrients than a plant grown in soil. In most systems, water with a mixture of nutrients passes over the roots or floods around them at regular intervals. This process allows the plant to grow substantially faster than soil grown plants producing far more fruits or flowers. With a little practice and patience anyone willing can quickly become a skilled grower. Hydroponic growing is very simple if you follow through with the basics.

·      Start off with a clean growing environment; this will save you from plant pest and disease. Try one of our package setups-these are easy to use and come with everything you need to get started.

·       Use only quality seedlings, seeds or clones for growing.

·      Use quality HID lighting for indoor gardening. This will insure excellent growth. Make sure you are using enough wattage per square foot of your garden space. If you try to use insufficient lighting you will be highly disappointed with the weak growth that occurs.

·      Make sure lighting stays the correct distance above plant tops. This is usually 24-36 inches above the top of the garden.

·      Be sure nutrient solution water is regulated, clean and stays full enough to keep plants watered. Plants that are grown with hydroponic technology can not go very long without water, if you run the system dry your garden will die quickly.

·      This TIP should be number one! Please remember to be safe while indoor gardening. You are running an electric garden with lots of water. Please be sure to keep electrical cords, timers, ballast, ect. Out of the way of your water supply! Water and electricity do not mix!

·      After you have your area cleaned and prepped you will need to choose what lighting will best fit your needs.

·      There are basically two types of lighting, metal halide and high pressure sodium. Usually these are referred to as MH and HPS. MH lights put out more of a blue light spectrum that makes this light a better system for vegetative growth. HPS lights are higher in the red and yellow output making this a better choice for flowering plants. Advance growers usually start seedlings and small plants under MH and switch to HPS during flowering, some growers prefer to combine the two making a complete spectrum. We carry a vast selection of lights to choose from. Call or stop by and we will be glad to help you choose the light that will best satisfy your needs.

·      Feeding the plants- we sell the most advanced hydroponic nutrients, fertilizers and supplements available. Today’s hydroponic gardens are easier than ever. Simply follow the step by step instructions for whatever fertilizer you choose; if you can read a measuring cup and follow basic instructions you will not have any difficulty making your garden grow. In my own opinion hydroponic gardening is easier than soil gardening. There is no guess work. Just mix the solution into the water and you are off. Remember we are always here to help with any questions.

·      Controlling your indoor environment is also very important. Your garden space needs to be kept at a reasonable temperature range 68-85 degrees with humidity between 30 to 80 percent. Ideal temperatures may vary depending on your crop. Also your garden needs CO2 to grow. Outdoors CO2 averages about 300 ppm (part, per million) you will need at least this for any garden growth. You will either need a way to circulate the air or replenish it with a supplement C02 system. Using a supplemental C02 system will dramatically increase growth rates and plant yield. I strongly recommend using the system. This system will allow you to increase C02 to 1000-1500 ppm. Higher ppm is not recommended and can cause adverse affects. Use an oscillating fan to move stagnate hot air from between plant tops and light system. The gentle breeze created will also strengthen your plants.

These are basic tips to help novice hydroponic gardeners. Remember practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t what you expected. I will guarantee you’ll learn from your mistakes. Feel free to contact us via email or at our store with questions. We will be happy to help. Once you have mastered the basics be sure to check out our section for advanced growers.