Traditional gardening has grown old and boring for many new growers. Hobby growers who do not have enough space and resources for gardening are especially stepping into other modern ways of growing plants at home.
Hydroponics is one of the latest plant-growing techniques that is hassle-free and easy to start with the proper guidance. But what exactly is hydroponics, and how can you kickstart your journey in hydroponic gardening?
This article will help you understand what it is, how it works, and what equipment is needed to start it as a beginner.
What is Hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a method of plant growth using water solutions instead of soil. This method replaces the traditional method of plant growth.
In hydroponics, the plant’s roots are submerged in a liquid solution, absorbing the essential nutrients required for their development. Various growing mediums are used for this purpose, e.g., perlite, rockwool, coco coir, etc.
Types of Hydroponics
Hydroponic systems include deep water culture (DWC), ebb and flow systems, aeroponics, nutrient film techniques, and drip systems.
These systems differ in the way nutrients are provided to the plants. So, you can always check for the system that will work best for the types of plants you are growing.
Which Plants Can Be Grown Using Hydroponic Systems?
Different plants can be grown using a hydroponic system, including many green plants (spinach, lettuce, mint, keel, basil, etc.), small fruit plants, medicinal plants, and drug plants, e.g., cannabis, weed, and marijuana.
For the convenience of beginner growers, customized kits are available based on plant type. For example, hydroponic cannabis grow kits, hydroponic grow kits for weeds
Basic Elements Needed for Hydroponic Growth Systems
The basic components of hydroponic systems are the following:
- Light (Plants still need sunlight to grow more healthily)
- Essential gases (Oxygen and CO2)
- Water (It is the growth medium)
- Nutrients (Essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, etc.
What is a Hydroponic Grow Kit?
New growers can feel overwhelmed while looking for the best hydroponic plant system. They come in various sizes and are thus expensive. DIYing your system can be difficult and time-consuming.
That is why a hydroponic grow kit is the savior for new growers. It is an all-in-one package with everything you require to start your hydroponic gardening journey.
Components of Hydroponic Grow Kits
The basic components of these kits are the following:
- Growth Container: This is the container in which plants are held.
- Growth Medium: The medium that will provide support to plant roots.
- Nutrient Solution: A mixture containing all the required nutrients.
- Water Reservoir: It contains water solution for the plants to grow.
- Grow Lights: To help plants get essential light without sunlight.
- Aeration System: Mainly an air pump to provide optimal air conditions.
- pH Meter: To check and maintain the pH of the nutrient solution.
- Timer: Some advanced kits also have a timer to regulate the light and temperature timing for adequate plant growth.
- Temperature Controller: It is required when the outside temperature conditions are not optimal for healthy plant growth.
How to Set Up a Hydroponic Grow Tent Kit?
As a hydroponic tent kit comes with various components, assembling it and setting it up could be tedious for many beginners.
We will walk you through the basics of setting up your grow kit without hassle. Here is how:
1. Select an Area to Grow Your Hydroponic Plants
The first and foremost step is to select where you want to grow your plants. Given the specific climate conditions, it could be outdoor or indoor. You have to make sure that all the required conditions of lighting, temperature, aeration, and humidity are met.
If the setup is indoors, you must artificially provide these optimal conditions using a grow light system, a temperature controller, a ventilation system, etc.
2. Assemble the Components of Your Grow Kit
The next step is to assemble your kit. The time required to do so depends on its size; the larger the kit, the longer it will take to set it up.
This will include setting up the growth containers and water reservoir, adding the growth medium to the grow containers, adjusting the air pump, timer, pH meter, and temperature controller, and setting up the lighting system.
Make sure you have done everything as instructed in the instructions given with your kit.
3. Prepare the Nutrient Solution for Your System
You are just one step away from growing your plants. And that step is to prepare the nutrient solution for your plants. The solution must have all the nutrients required by the specific type of plants you are growing.
You have to be very careful about the pH of this solution, as both highly acidic and highly basic solutions will cause damage to the plants.
4. Cultivate Your Desired Plants
The final step will be cultivating the plants. Whether moving plants from another container to this system or germinating the seeds, you have to be careful that the roots will be in contact with the nutrient medium.
Once you have completed this step, you must monitor your plants regularly. You should check whether the plants are getting enough light, temperature, and air and whether their nutrient requirements are being fulfilled.
Watering the plants regularly and using pesticides is also important. You are an active agent responsible for the health and growth of your plants, so do not leave them on their own.
What Do You Need to Know Before Buying Hydroponic Grow Kits?
If you are new to hydroponics, consider some considerations before buying a hydroponic grow kit.
- Choose a kit that best suits your budget. Kits are available at a range of prices, from cheap to expensive.
- Choose a kit useful for the type of plants you want to grow, whether it’s a hydroponic cannabis grow kit or another kit.
- Consider the space to grow the plants and select the kit size accordingly.
Conclusion
Hydroponic tent kits have made hydroponic plant growth easy and user-friendly for beginners. Even professional growers can use these kits to incorporate modern gardening practices into their profession. They are beneficial because they increase plant growth, use less space, and grow yearly.
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