Hydroponics is a methodology of growing plants without the use of soil by directly providing the roots with the efficient amount of nutrients. Nutrients and minerals are dissolved in water and provide the plants with the necessary requirements needed to reach their full potential. The concept of Hydroponics has been around for thousands of years, dating as far back as the times of the ancient Egyptians. The term is derived from the Greek words “Hydro,” meaning water, and “Ponos,” meaning labor.

Hydroponically grown plants are generally healthier than their soil-grown counterparts. They receive a near-perfectly balanced diet and rarely come into contact with soil borne pests and diseases. When grown in soil, plants burn up large amounts of energy developing large root systems to search for moisture and nutrients. With Hydroponics, roots are directly sprayed or bathed with an efficient amount of nutrients dissolved in water, eliminating the need to search for food. This allows the plant to redirect most of its energy into the production of flowers, fruits, foliage, and vegetables. Through the use of special grow medium, water and nutrients are retained, providing the plants with a constant supply of hydration and nutrition, eliminating the need for constant supervision. As a result of this well-balanced diet, plants grown hydroponically are stronger, larger, tastier, healthier, and easier to manage.

Another key advantage of hydroponic cultivation is the ability to grow in environments previously considered unfarmable, such as dry and arid regions, by simply growing indoors. Farmers use special grow lights that emulate the sun’s rays at certain times of the year to control the environment in which the plants thrive, enabling them to grow seasonal plants year-round, day and night. Using this method has helped farmers increase their yields by tremendous amounts.

A common misconception about Hydroponics is that it is difficult to learn or implement. Although Hydroponics breaks agriculture down to a science, it is quite simple. There are a few guidelines that a grower must follow. However, other than that, most of the work is already done for you. Growers can find out the recommended nutrient levels and lighting for certain plants from other growers through forums and websites, such as GT-Hydro.com. Nutrients can be purchased pre-mixed into a 1-part formula, for beginning growers, or even 3-part formulas, for more experienced gardeners that want more control of the nutrient levels. Regardless of the experience level, studies have shown that even inexperienced growers, such as middle school students, have achieved results that match, and even surpasses in some cases, the most experienced soil gardeners.

What makes the use of hydroponics so exciting is the fact that it simplifies the complex world of agriculture for even the most novice grower. No more worrying about growing the right type of plant in the right environment during the right season. Hydroponics put you (the grower) not nature in control, opening up a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities to grow the flowers, vegetables, and fruits you’ve always dreamt about growing but were held back by nature’s restrictions. Green Touch Hydroponics is here to help you break these chains holding you back. Join us and explore the possibilities of growing your favorite plants faster, bigger, and most importantly…healthier.