Hydroponic greenhouses have grown in popularity in recent years. Hydroponics is a gardening method that uses no soil mediums to grow plants. However, understanding the basics of hydroponics will help you decide if it is right for your greenhouse.
Why Hydroponic Greenhouses?
Hydroponic gardening has gained favor for low operations costs, ease of use and its many benefits. This system of gardening is also well-known for producing higher yields and higher quality vegetables. Not only do plants grow faster, they are tastier than those grown in soil.
But how does it work? If you’ve ever placed a plant clipping inside a glass of water, that will give you a basic visual of how hydroponic systems work. Take that image and imagine a system of anywhere from a few plants to a large-scale hydroponic farm. The plants within the system don’t rely on soil as their growing medium. Therefore, the nutrients they need are in the water that circulates among their roots.
The underlying theory behind hydroponics is that it removes barriers. Since there is no soil between a plant’s roots and oxygen, water and nutrients, everything it needs to thrive touches the roots directly. Various herbs, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, hemp, and peppers are best suited for hydroponic systems.
Benefits of Hydroponic Greenhouses
One of the most important benefits of hydroponics is that it is a viable conservation alternative to the shrinking supply of agricultural land. This method is used in large scale commercial growing operations and areas with limited space. There are even vertical systems that will fit in a living room or classroom.
Hydroponic growing has wide applications. Urban areas where there is little land for growing are enjoying hydroponics. Also, farmers in dry, desert climates are able to use indoor hydroponics to grow year round.
The absence of soil in a hydroponic system means there is no danger of disease or pests, so growers can eliminate pesticides. It also means that plants have smaller root systems, yet greater flowering potential, which leads to increased yield.
Interested in hydroponic gardening? We have several systems available. If you have questions about what you need or which one may be right for you, just call us at 1-800-531-4769 or visit www.GothicArchGreenhouses.com.