Hydroponics, Plant Nutrients and Grow Lights

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The following is a hydroponics and grow lights introduction covering the fundamentals of the systems and methods commonly used for growing plants via hydroponics based systems.  Our goal is to give you plenty of information to get you started when evaluating the different hydroponic systems and choosing the right one for your needs.

Hydroponics systems include the following types:  Nutrient Film Technique (NFT); Drip (or Top) Watering; Aeroponic; Cloning; and Ebb & Flow (flood & drain) methods. Primarily, all systems feature a reservoir and a container for the plants to grow in, such as pots and trays. What separates them is how the nutrient solution is moved over the plant roots.

Media-based hydroponic systems use a form of growing media or hydroponic nutrients, which provide support for the roots.  There is a large selection of media-based systems to choose from to accommodate a diverse set plants and plant sizes.  Water culture systems can be used either with or without growing media.  These systems, however, require more attention since growth rates can be very quick.  High-quality clean water and electricity is also needed. In addtion, quick growing plants need to be maintained. Vines call for trellising and fruit and flowers need to be harvested in a quick manner.  Some water culture systems include the raft nutrient film practice as well as aeroponics.

There are three principal grow light choices; Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium (HPS), and Fluorescent.  Fluorescent grow lights give off small amounts heat, have lower light output and are normally used to establish seedlings and cuttings.  Newer T8 and T5 higher output systems are now available that produce enough light to grow various plants to adulthood. Metal Halide grow lights are green/blue/violet-oriented in the spectrum depending upon the Kelvin temperature, and are an excellent light when natural light is not available. High Pressure Sodium grow lights are red/orange-oriented in the color spectrum is are a great lamp choice for secondary or supplemental lighting.

backyard garden garden Grow light Hydroponic Nutrient Nutrient Film Technique Plant

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Tagged with: backyard garden • garden • Grow light • Hydroponic • Nutrient • Nutrient Film Technique • Plant

Filed under: garden • gardening

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