Hydroponics is a kind of farming where you can grow plants without the use of soil. It is a Latin word meaning "working water." You do not need soil to grow your plants. Water provides the nutrients, hydration and oxygen to the plants. There are indoor hydroponics systems as well as outdoor. Indoor, you can grow herbs, micro greens or any other small plants. Outdoor, you can grow from watermelons to jalapenos. Actually, I think you could grow jalapenos indoors as well. I have to try it out. Hydroponics method takes half the time to grow plants and vegetables than traditional farming method.

How to start with Hydroponics Indoors (also known as Click and Grow System):

1. Add pods

2. Add water

3. Plug the system

4. Watch your herbs or plants grow.

There is a wide range of Smart Garden Systems.

There are several different types of hydroponic systems:

Deep Water Culture. More suitable for greenhouses or large scale farming. Plant roots are suspended in a solution of nutrient-rich, oxygenated water. Another name for this is floating raft technology (FRT or raceway. Good thing is you can grow plants not only in a tank in greenhouses but in gallons as well in your own garden or deck or perhaps indoors. Have an extra reservoir of water to set your plant on in case you are changing the water. Add a drain system to remove the water from the reservoir.

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). A thin film of nutrient solution flows over the plant roots, providing nutrient and oxygen while maintaining contact with the roots. NFT was invented in 1965 by Allen Cooper in Littlehampton, England. NFT, because of its design, provides a system whereby all three factors for healthy plant growth can be met at the same time. NFT system works best for plants that have small root systems, like leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach and herbs.

Drip System. Drip system uses a pump to feed your plants with nutrients and water by delivering nutrients directly to the base of each plant through tubes or pipes with small holes that act as emitters. Adding a filter to the drainage tube is a simple and effective way to help with emitter clogging. When using drip hydroponics, make you the roots always remain moist. The system works for almost any type of plant.

Aeroponics. This system uses mist nutrient solution to deliver nutrients and oxygen directly to the roots, suspended upwards. The term "aeroponic" is from the Greek words aer (air) and ponos (work). Plants are suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment. The dangling roots are sprayed with a nutrient-rich water solution. Adequate oxygen is essential for promoting healthy plant growth.

Pros of a hydroponics garden:

Use of less water

Reduces use of chemicals

Pest-free

Efficient use of space

Ability to grow plants in areas with poor soil

Grow crops year-round outdoors or grow your herbs and leafy veggies indoors year-round, especially micro greens.

Can be a hobbyist indoor garden

For indoor plants or vegetables, weather will not be a factor.

Cons a hydroponics garden:

Expensive initial purchases and operating costs (more applicable to outdoor gardens or farms or greenhouses). For indoors, initial purchase may be expensive but it justifies the value created.

You need to be thorough in your know-how

Spread of disease is faster if apparatus not tended to properly

Requires pH control

Primary components of a typical hydroponic nutrient solution should contain the following:

Macronutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): Essential for leafy green growth and overall plant vigor.

• Phosphorus (P): Important for root development, flowering, and fruiting.

• Potassium (K): Essential for overall plant health and stress resistance.

• Calcium (Ca): Important for cell wall structure and preventing disorders like blossom end rot in certain crops.

• Magnesium (Mg): Required for chlorophyll production and overall plant function.

• Sulfur (S): Essential for amino acid and protein synthesis.

Micronutrients (Trace Elements):

• Iron (Fe)

• Manganese (Mn)

• Zinc (Zn)

• Copper (Cu)

• Molybdenum (Mo)

• Boron (B)

• Chlorine (Cl)

• Nickel (Ni)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a basic nutrient solution for hydroponics:

Materials You'll Need:

1. Clean water

2. Water-soluble hydroponic fertilizer

3. A pH meter and pH adjusting kit (pH up and pH down solutions)

4. Electrical conductivity (EC) or total dissolved solids (TDS) meter (optional but recommended)

5. Mixing container (non-reactive material like plastic or glass)

6. Stirring rod or pump for mixing

Steps to Create a Nutrient Solution:

• Start with Clean Water:

  • Use clean, preferably filtered, or dechlorinated water. The quality of your water source is essential because tap water may contain minerals or contaminants that can affect plant growth.

• Determine Desired EC/TDS Levels:

  • Depending on the stage of growth and the plant species you're cultivating, you'll need to determine the appropriate EC or TDS level for your nutrient solution. Refer to guidelines provided by the fertilizer manufacturer or consult resources specific to your crop.

• Select the Appropriate Fertilizer:

  • Choose a water-soluble hydroponic fertilizer that matches the nutrient requirements of your plants and growth stage. These fertilizers are formulated to provide the necessary macronutrients and micronutrients. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended dosage.

• Calculate the Amount of Fertilizer:

  • To calculate the amount of fertilizer needed, you'll need to know the desired EC or TDS level and the fertilizer's concentration (usually expressed as grams per liter or milligrams per liter). Use the following formula:

  • Amount of Fertilizer (grams or milligrams) = Desired EC/TDS (mS/cm or ppm) x Volume of Water (liters)

  • For example, if you have 10 liters of water and want an EC of 2.0 mS/cm, and your fertilizer concentration is 2 grams per liter:

  • Amount of Fertilizer = 2.0 mS/cm x 10 liters = 20 grams of fertilizer

• Mix the Fertilizer:

  • Add the calculated amount of fertilizer to your mixing container.

  • Fill the container with water gradually, stirring continuously to ensure thorough mixing. Be sure to dissolve all the fertilizer completely.

• Check and Adjust pH:

  • Measure the pH of the nutrient solution using a pH meter. The ideal pH range for most hydroponic plants is typically between 5.5 and 6.5.

  • If the pH is outside this range, adjust it using pH up (to raise pH) or pH down (to lower pH) solutions according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Check EC/TDS:

  • If you have an EC or TDS meter, measure the electrical conductivity or total dissolved solids of the solution. Ensure it matches your target level. If it's too low, add more fertilizer; if it's too high, dilute with water.

• Final Check and Adjustment:

  • Double-check the pH and EC/TDS after making any adjustments. Make additional adjustments if necessary until you achieve the desired levels.

• Store and Use:

  • Store the nutrient solution in a clean, opaque container to prevent algae growth and light exposure.

  • Use the nutrient solution to irrigate your hydroponic system as needed, following the specific watering schedule for your plants and system.

Regularly monitor and adjust your nutrient solution to maintain proper nutrient levels and pH throughout the growth cycle of your plants. Different plant species may have varying nutrient requirements, so it's essential to tailor your nutrient solution to their specific needs.

Ultra Quiet Water Pump with 10ft High Lift, Fountain Pump

Plant Food A & B Indoor Plant Fertilizer for Hydroponics Growing System

Organic Liquid Fertilizer