Monday, February 16, 2015

A Local Hydroponics Store Helps Indoor Gardeners Get Started

By Katina Brady


Most city dwellers cannot access the kind of open, sunny spaces needed for a traditional garden. Those who want to develop their budding horticultural instincts turn increasingly to hydroponic growth methods, a type of gardening proven successful both indoors and out. Residents living in Seattle, WA not only shop at a hydroponics store for the newest equipment, but also receive timely tips and advice.

Although the name given to this style of gardening refers to water, the term has gradually become associated with all types of indoor plant cultivation that do not use natural soils for growth. In most cases the process requires a variety of soil substitutes that include prepared gravel, sand, bits of wood, or vermiculite. Because there are no natural plant foods in those media, growth is achieved by applying specially blended nutrients via water.

Commercial hydroponic farms often rely on greenhouses, but individual gardeners often use similar methods in small kitchen spaces, or even in closets. In many countries growers produce not only vegetables, but are increasingly supplying the commercial flower industry. In states where cannabis can now be legally grown for individual use, the process is ideal for producing plants of reliable quality.

Traditional gardening often includes an ongoing battle with insect pests, which may involve chemical pesticides. A hydroponic growth system greatly reduces the type of damage soil-borne insects produce, as well as limiting the effects of rapidly spreading plant diseases and fungal infections. Indoor systems eliminate the losses caused by hungry rabbits or rodents, and make climate control simpler.

For novices, getting started with hydroponic indoor gardening is not complicated or difficult. The equipment can be as simple or complex as needed, and is available both online and in traditional stores. Beginners need a prepared space suitable for growth, including a frame that is able to hold both soil substitutes and liquid nutrients without becoming hazardous. Systems can be as basic as a grow light and stacked trays.

Growth methods include drip systems that provide steady levels of nutrients and water, operations featuring ebb-and-flow nutrient film techniques, as well as wick and aeroponic methods. While starter kits are available, many people design their own systems in order to fit a particular space. The nutrients needed differ from traditional soil fertilizers, and most beginners choose a proven formula.

There are a variety of materials used to anchor growing plants, and each one has advantages. None are considered superior to the others, because successful results also depend on environment and individual attention. All systems require adequate water circulation to prevent stagnation and malnutrition. Many experienced growers include aeration pumps to aid delivery of nutrients, and most setups require a specific type of light.

Stores that feature hydroponic systems provide consumers with more than quality merchandise. Most offer tips on growing organic produce that is nutritionally equal to the field-grown varieties, and can recommend plants are most ideally suited for a particular indoor gardening situation. Hobbyists are limited only by space and the amount of time available for gardening.




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