Gardening without the use of soil is called hydroponics. Generally, hydroponic gardening involves the use of water as a growth medium. Certainly, there are more technically precise explanations. However, the average gardener doesn’t actually require more knowledge than that.
Many people might wonder how hydroponic gardening is possible. It’s generally believed that plants need soil. It’s a source of water, energy, support and nutrients. These are all required in order for the plant to thrive. But these elements are also available from other sources.
Plants certainly need water. However, soil isn’t the only way to provide it. Many plants grow wild in rocks or sand, and even floating on a body of water.
The energy provided by the sun’s rays and its heat are also essential to a plant. But sun warmed earth isn’t the only source of energy. The sun’s rays have the same effect on a plant’s leaves regardless of whether it’s in the ground or not. Photosynthesis, essential to a plant’s wellbeing, will take place just as long as the top part of the plant gets sufficient light. There are plants that don’t require any light whatsoever. But they still require energy to fuel their natural growth cycles.
Many of the plants that appeal to the home gardener need some physical support. Planting them in soil is the most common and effective means of achieving that. That’s why the roots of a plant spread, and its stems are able to resist strong winds. But other supporting mechanisms can achieve the same result. For example, string interwoven on a supporting frame or popsicle sticks attached to the top of a glass will work just fine.
A healthy plant also requires adequate nutrition. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and various trace elements. In a natural environment, the plant will take in these nutrients from the soil around it. But there are other ways to provide these important nutrients to your plants.
A common way of doing this is to keep the plant’s roots covered in a water-based liquid nutrient solution. Some hydroponic systems feature a grow tent that is able to hold in moisture. The roots are sprayed frequently with a nutrient solution that soaks them thoroughly. This is similar to another growing technique that doesn’t use soil, the practice of aeroponics.
Hydroponic gardening can produce beautiful, healthy plants. There are many kinds of plants that can thrive above ground. Just make sure you provide for their needs.
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