Article 32304 of rec.gardens:
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From: a-ehawl@microsoft.com (Eric Hawley)
Subject: Re: Hydroponics...
Message-ID: <CpnHF2.I3@microsoft.com>
Organization: Microsoft Corp.
Date: Wed, 11 May 1994 18:16:07 GMT
Distribution: usa
References: <2q6v95$jb3@vixen.cso.uiuc.edu> 
Lines: 36

In article <2q6v95$jb3@vixen.cso.uiuc.edu> jpnan@prairienet.org wrote:
> 
> Hydroponics is not particularly easy. You many be able to buy
> some kind of a kit, with everything supplied, and with directions,
> but there is no simple or cheap way to go about it. Soil is really
> best for plants, soil picks up the various minerals that are added
> with the water for watering, or by fertilizer, holds it and releases it so plants can
> use it. Balancing hydroponic solutions is delicate, and there are
> many factors to consider. Might be fun to grow a plant or two that
> way but NOT easy. I have had experience in a laboratory in which
> hydroponics was developed back in the 30's and 40's, so I do have
> some experience, but have never been tempted to try it at home.
> -- 
I have gardened hydroponically now for the last ten years, and do not 
find it to be much more difficult than growing in "soil". A grower 
using one of the commercially available soil-less potting mixes 
is in essence growing hydroponically. The media itself offers little
if any nutrients. Most or all nutrients are supplied either through 
incorporated slow-release fertilizers, or through regular water 
soluble feedings.

Commercially available nutrient solutions make it quite easy to grow any plant 
hydroponically, with or without media. Simple, inexpensive tools are available 
for monitoring nutrient solutions, as are amendments for adjusting same. The
increased rate of growth, disease free growing environment, and even the sense
of controlling a plants growth are all reasons I continue to use various
forms of hydroponics to grow vegetables and herbs in my greenhouse.

As for an inexpensive way to go about it, there are a number of decent books
available describing quite simple systems that can be easily constructed
with readily available components from a local plumbing supply or hardware
store. Nutrients can be either bought premixed, or concocted from common
chemicals available at many nursey supply houses. Even the organic grower
can take advantage of increased growth through the use of various manures.

Eric, just my opinion


