Hydroponics (1/2) www.avalon-hydroponics.co.uk. By Stuart Batley

(1/2), (2/2).

Hydroponics in general is a way of growing plants and vegetables of all kinds indoors or in a greenhouse without soil in water containing essential mineral nutrients. Many commercial vegetables are grown this way these days in huge greenhouses. The term hydroponics is derived from Greek word and literally means 'working water'. There are many system variations on the market but one we found to be a good all rounder is a drip and feed system. We grew lettuce and tomatoes indoors under artificial light with amazing results compared to a green house.

We started with small seedlings and cuttings placed in pods of soil and Rockwall blocks. We then filled the lower tank with carbon filtered water, trying to remove most of the impurities and making sure the correct pH (in this case 5.9) was met. Our tap water had a pH of 7 so we had to add a few drops of 'pH down', an acid, to achieve this.

Then we added a measured amount and correct balance of NPK (Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) nutrient. This is to make sure the plants get all the correct feed they need to grow strong and healthy and fast into the reservoir. Here is a diagram of a drip and feed system. Plants are placed in their Rockwall blocks in the top tank in a medium of clay pebbles. Many types of growing medium can be used on this system including coco soil - that's why we like it.

In the lower tank is an air pump to ensure the water is fed with lots of oxygen needed for healthy root growth. Alongside lays a nutrient pump supplying the plants with a constant fresh supply of food, any not absorbed by the plant drains through the pebbles back into the lower tank. So now we have them growing! To complete the needs of the plants we need light. There are many lights on the market but the best we found are HPS, (high pressure sodium).

Continued .... Next Page (2/2)

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