Hydroponics in Troughs
Hydroponics in troughs without soil is for gardeners who are ready to throw in the towel because they are tired of fighting bugs and weeds for the top spot in the garden, we offer a better solution .
Dump that bug-infested soil by the wayside and start fresh this planting season using hydroponics in troughs plants. This type of gardening eliminates the problems that plague traditional plantings by trading backyard dirt for a nutrient-enriched solution.
There are sixteen essential nutrients, including carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from air and water, necessary for plants to grow in liquids as well as they do in soil. Seedlings are first germinated in a foam block or cups then placed into a Styrofoam float so roots grow in the nutrient rich trough of solution.
Types of Hydroponics Plants
A great benefit to using this gardening technique is most any type of plant that grows in the earth can be hydroponics. Cantaloupe, peppers, and any leafy vegetables such as cabbage, mustard greens, kale, or beet greens grow easily. Hydroponics is especially suited for growing herbs.
Pests & Diseases of Hydroponics
Hydroponics is often healthier and the yield higher. With this method, it is easier to keep production techniques sterile, maintain a high level of plant nutrition, and avoid a number of pests and diseases.
Plant diseases in a hydroponics garden attack less frequent than in traditional gardens since there is no place for bacteria to hide! Actually, the same common diseases that effect plants grown on land can cause hydroponics problems.
Do try this cure-all at home- Mix water, lemon juice, baking soda, and a squirt of dishwashing detergent in a spray bottle and mist the plant’s affected parts.
Making Hydroponics Fertilizer
Start small to test the waters of your floating garden. Use a dark colored plastic lined trough to hold a nutrient solution. Dark colors troughs discourage algae growth and keep light from causing chemical changes in the solution.
To make hydroponics fertilizer, one of the oldest successful recipes calls for the most necessary nutrients.
Hoagland Solution
* For preparing 25 gallons of basic solution
Salt Nutrients Per 25 gal water
Potassium phosphate potassium, phosphorus ½ ounce-1 tbsp
Potassium nitrate fertilizer 2 ozs. - 4 tbsp
Calcium nitrate fertilizer 3 ozs. - 7 tbsp
Magnesium sulfate fertilizer 1 ½ oz. - 4 tbsp
Always wear gloves and keep solutions and ingredients away from children. Store the chemicals in a cool dry place.
Once gardeners get the hang of making a nutrient solution, the only things left to do before harvest time, is train the plants and watch out for pests. Tall growing plants need to be supported upright and climbing ones require a trellis to grow on.
Plants that grow well with Hydroponics
Hydroponics in troughs,hydroponics growing is rewarding because it gets fantastic results. For gardeners who stick to high valued crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, it can be profitable as well. Saving you money and time from costly trips to the grocery store. All season long, just reach in the trough to gather all the produce needed for a fresh garden salad.
The hydroponics plants grown in troughs have as much nutritional value as vegetables and fruit grown in topsoil or potting mixtures. Differences in climate and varieties account for the different regional flavors reported among growers. This is a unique way to grow tasty food without getting your hands dirty!
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