Hyproponics Various kinds of containers may be used for home growing without soil. Shallow boxes, pots, bowls, old kitchen sinks, and other receptacles are quite satisfactory. It is not difficult to construct troughs of any desired size from bricks and mortar or concrete. Usually, a depth of six inches is best. This allows adequate room for root development and is not too tall. Hydroponic plants, in fact, require less space or depth for rooting than do soil-grown ones, because their roots are more compact and have ample supplies of essential nutrients immediately available. Containers should not be made from any material likely to prove toxic to plants. If of galvanised iron sheeting, then they should be painted with a good quality varnish or paint before use. Wooden containers may be lined with polythene, which is waterproof and can be fixed in position with drawing-pins. Ready-made plastic troughs of various types are available in shops. Other suggestions include cut-down barrels and cans, oil drums sawn in sections and even automobile tyres split into halves. Asbestos, too, makes excellent hydroponic beds. The length and width of soilless gardens will depend on the needs of the householder, but generally speaking it is desirable to keep the width of units to three feet or under, because otherwise it becomes difficult to attend properly to the plants growing in them. Any convenient length may be employed, to suit particular situations.




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December 4, 2008