This is a form of gardening that uses no soil as the plants are grown in a nutrient solution that acts as the soil. This is a form of gardening that uses no soil as the plants are grown in a nutrient solution that acts as the soil. It also mostly occurs indoors as opposed to normal soil gardening and uses artificial forms of lighting as well as fans, humidifiers and pumps to control the environment within the garden. The average home hydroponic garden comprises of a reservoir, growing tray, lights, fans, an air pump and a timer controlled submersible water pump.

Al of the plants nutrition comes from the nutrient solution which combines water and fertilizer. There is a vast variety of growing mediums to choose from. They can have a number of materials like vermiculite, sand, perlite, coconut fiber and gravel as constituents.

Three main nutrients of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen are contained in proper amounts in the hydroponic fertilizer. The nutrient solution has to be maintained at a pH value of between 5 and 6 and the level of water kept constant to avoid it being too concentrated and burning the roots.

In hydroponics gardening, one can use computers and sensors to help monitor the plants and conditions within the garden unlike in normal soil gardening where hands on approach is needed to tender and nurture the plants. There is also less work involved in terms of tending to the garden as the use of no soil requires no weeding pests and disease are also less likely to affect plants in a hydroponic garden as there is no breeding habitat for them.

In a hydroponic garden growing of plants occurs an all year round making hydroponic gardening productive in all seasons. Hydroponic gardens also tend to yield more than normal soil gardens and this makes them be an effective investment to have especially if there are issues with space. The three key components to set up a hydroponic garden are water, light and hydroponic nutrients.

The best advantages to hydro-growing are quite obvious, especially in the UK. The limited predictability with the weather ensures crops are varied when grown outdoors. Hydroponics ensures more consistent results all year round.