Hyproponics A soilless garden is actually a miniature world of its own, created by human efforts and kept in being by its scientifically balanced controls, but, none-the-less a healthy and viable concern. In hydro-ponic units, plants flourish because they receive optimum nutrition, ideal growing conditions and proper attention. No hit-and-miss procedures mar or damage their progress and welfare. Instead, their vital needs are anticipated or catered for. This applies to both small and large installations of every kind. Since gardening without soil, unlike ordinary plant cultivation in earth, is an exact and controlled operation, it will generally give better results, provided due care is taken. For amateurs, in particular, hydroponics is a fascinating hobby, keeping them in contact with scientific developments, while its educational value in teaching children and older students the facts about plant life and growth is unsurpassed.

It has already been mentioned briefly that several methods of hydroponics are in common use. All are based on the same principles, employing solutions of water and fertiliser chemicals for feeding the plants. The chief differences occur in the choice of frames and aggregates or growing media, that is the supports for the roots. All plants raised without soil must have some device or material to hold them upright. In the original water culture method, introduced on a practical scale by Dr Gerickc, a wire frame was placed over shallow tanks full of liquid nutrients, the roots of the plants descending through the mesh to feed on the solution below. Because aeration was often a problem in damp or colder climates, scientists later devised sand and gravel cultures. Instead of the wire grids, selected mixtures of these inert materials were placed in the growing containers, giving good support for the plants. As time went on, additional substances such as stone chips, leached cinders, ver-miculite, sawdust and pebbles, were also found to be satisfactory. Different methods may suit particular localities and factors of cost and availability of materials will enter into the picture.




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December 4, 2008