Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without using soil. Most often water is used in hydroponic gardening, hence the name. Certainly, there are more technically precise explanations. However, the average gardener doesn’t actually require more knowledge than that.

Many people might wonder how hydroponic gardening is possible. Many people are convinced that soil is necessary for the growth of a plant. It’s a source of water, energy, support and nutrients. For a plant to thrive, you need all of these components. But these elements are also available from other sources.

Plants certainly need water. But they don’t have to get it from soil. You’ll find that a lot of plants grow naturally in inhospitable environments such as sand and gravel, or even floating atop the water.

Plants also need energy in the form of sunlight and heat. But sun warmed earth isn’t the only source of energy. The sun’s rays have the same effect on a plant’s leaves regardless of whether it’s in the ground or not. Photosynthesis, essential to a plant’s wellbeing, will take place just as long as the top part of the plant gets sufficient light. Some plants flourish even with no light at all. They will, however, still need some energy to power their natural growth processes.

Many of the plants that appeal to the home gardener need some physical support. Planting them in soil is the most common and effective means of achieving that. This is why a plant’s roots spread out and its stems are resistant to the wind’s force. But other supporting mechanisms can achieve the same result. For example, string interwoven on a supporting frame or popsicle sticks attached to the top of a glass will work just fine.

A healthy plant also requires adequate nutrition. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and various trace elements. Normally, a plant will absorb these nutrients from the earth that surrounds it. However, they can also get these essential nutrients in other ways.

A common way of doing this is to keep the plant’s roots covered in a water-based liquid nutrient solution. There are systems that utilize a hydroponics grow tent to retain moisture. The roots are sprayed frequently with a nutrient solution that soaks them thoroughly. This is similar to another growing technique that doesn’t use soil, the practice of aeroponics.

Hydroponic gardening can produce beautiful, healthy plants. There are many kinds of plants that can thrive above ground. Just make sure you provide for their needs.

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