Hydroponics setup is the procedure wherein plants are grown without using soil. The basic source of nutrients is water and this is where the necessary nutrients are mixed. The amount of nutrients is predetermined and the timing of supply to the plants is scheduled and monitored. With hydroponics system, the plants can grow healthier compared to when they grow in the normal setup. When plants get nutrients from the soil, their health depends on the quality of the soil and the kind of nutrients that they provide. Contrary to this, hydroponics systems allow you to provide the plants with the exact nutrients that they need through the water to the roots.
Hydroponics setup can be classified as passive or active. Passive systems work without the aid of any automation unlike active systems that need an automated setup to time and control the flow of water to the plants.
If you want to try out using hydroponics setup in growing your plants, you can start with a passive way and move toward an active setup as you gradually understand the requirements and the process, as a whole.
To start with your first hydroponics setup, you need to prepare the required materials. You need two trays that will serve as containers of water and your plants. To replace the soil, you will need either coconut fibers or pebbles. These will be your growing medium where the roots of your plants can rest. A long wick will be needed to allow the flow of nutrients from the water reservoir to the roots. For this setup, you only need small plants to start with. The wick will not be able to provide the amount of nutrients needed by big plants.
You should place the trays with one on top of the other. The bottom tray will contain the water with the nutrients, and the top tray contains your plants. To hold the plants in place, you can use a cardboard or a Styrofoam and let the roots hang, you can put some pebbles or coconut fiber near the roots. To transfer the nutrients, you should wrap the roots with the wick and the roots will absorb the nutrients as needed. You have to check your hydroponics setup by regularly measuring the quantity of the water and the nutrients to ensure that your plants will be given the right amount.
Observe your plants and if you are setting your hydroponics setup indoors, provide the proper lighting as a substitute for sunlight. Adjust the thickness of the wick based on the health of your plants. You need to pay careful attention as your plants grow each day and make the necessary adjustments to make your hydroponics setup work successfully.
