Setting up a hydroponic grower by yourself can always be exciting. The thought of growing plants without soil was unheard of a couple of years ago. Hydroponic cultivation has multiple benefits, but to get a good harvest, it is important to:
- Choose the Correct Type of System
a. Nutrient Film Technique: A thin film of nutrient water flows past the roots. This is a very popular method for leafy vegetables.
b. Deep Water Culture: Plant roots sit in a pool of nutrient water. This method is fairly simple and inexpensive.
c. Drip System: Drops of nutrient water are dosed to plant roots, often sitting in grow bags filled with cocopeat. Wine crops, tubers, and leafy vegetables can be grown here.
d. Aeroponics: A mist of water is sprayed on plant roots, which are suspended in the air. This method is more expensive and requires a lot more expertise. - Choosing the Correct Consumables
a. Growing Media: Versatile options like jiffy plugs (cocopeat-based) are a one-time use and throw and are often used for many leafy vegetables; this is also widely available in India. Oasis cubes are slightly less expensive but can be tricky to use. Rockwool is very difficult to source in good quality in India. Hydrotons do not retain much moisture but are reusable!
b. Seeds: Picking seed varieties that are suitable for your geography/climatic conditions is very important. Pelleted seeds, though expensive, are much easier to handle.
c. Nutrients: The correct mix of nutrients based on the plant varieties grown and the stage of the plant is very important. - Grower Technical Details
a. Spacing Between Plants: Different crops require different spacing to yield a healthy crop. Typically, 5-6 leafy vegetables are grown per meter.
b. Watering: The frequency at which the plants are watered, the size of the pump, and the tank capacity vary based on the variety of the crop and the stage of the plant. - Growing Conditions:
a. Light: Choosing a spot with at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight is recommended for the majority of leafy vegetables. If sunlight is inadequate, LED grow lights can be installed. If sunlight is excessive, shade netting can be used to block out the excess light.
b. Temperature & Humidity: The majority of leafy vegetables like lettuce and rocket thrive in cooler temperatures ranging from 20-24 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 60-70%.
These are a few among several other factors to consider while beginning your journey to grow fresh, pesticide-free vegetables completely without soil, hydroponically.
At GrowPro, we assess the space you have available, your consumption patterns, your family size, and help you make an informed decision on what the suitable hydroponic grower for you is. We fabricate, install equipment, and offer services to enable you to grow your own food.
So lets get started?!