Hydroponic growing, also called soilless cultivation, is a method of growing plants in which the roots grow and nourish themselves through water, growing on an inert substrate in the absence of common soil.
By inert substrate we mean materials devoid of nutrients, the inert substrates most used in hydroponics to propagate the root system and give support to the plants are: expanded clay, rock wool and coconut fibre.
Since these substrates are devoid of nutrients, the roots are fed through a nutrient solution, suitably prepared in tubs or containers depending on their size.
By means of pumps submerged in the nutrient solution, the water is circulated through the circuits of the water system, spraying the substrates and roots, before returning to the tank and starting the cycle again in the circuit, continuously feeding the plants.
It goes without saying what enormous water savings this cultivation technique results in. Hydroponics is one of the most diverse growing methods you can have in indoor growing.
In fact, there are different Hydroponic Systems, but they all have one thing in common which is based on the supply of nourishment to the plants through water with a rapid absorption of the fertilizers deposited in an inert substrate.
When hydroponic cultivation was first conceived, it was welcomed with great hope for the future of agriculture, creating a true hydroponic culture around it, if we consider the progressive desertification of soil across the globe and the reckless increase in world population, close to 9 billion individuals.
Obviously this hydroculture technique, like all things, has its pros and cons. For example, the grower's expertise and control over the nutrient solution must be constant in all the vital phases of the plant.
The purpose of this article is to convey to you the basics for successfully tackling hydroponic cultivation, without wasting money and time.
Basic tools to start growing hydroponics
Hydroponic growing certainly require a small initial investment for the purchase of the hydroponic system . Starting with the right equipment is important above all to avoid waste. If the suggestions in this guide are not sufficient, do not hesitate to contact us before purchasing the necessary tools or come and visit us in one of our stores.
We most likely already have some of the tools needed to perform the Hydroponic Technique, let's look briefly and then delve deeper into a list of what we need to get started:
- Hydroponic substrate
- Hydroponic system
- Lighting
- Fertilizers suitable for hydrocultures
- Measuring tools: pH, EC, temperature and humidity
- Air treatment with extractors and fans
- Grow Room
We have already mentioned previously the hydroponic substrate which is made up of an inert material, here we have the first innovation of this technique in which it does not involve the use of organic soils but is refined to materials which can be reused many times if appropriately treated and cleaned with enzymes at the end of each cycle. In domestic hydroponic cultivation systems, the most used aggregates, which can vary depending on the hydroponic system (which we will see later), are:
- Expanded Clay , of natural origin and very ecological, is the most used inert substrate in hydroculture.
- Rock wool , also widely used in hydroponic cultivation due to its very low prices, derives from the processing of some rocks. Not to be confused with rock and glass wool used in construction which are classified as carcinogenic.
- Coconut fibre , from 100% natural origin, comes from the processing of coconuts.
How to choose hydroponic systems based on your needs and available space
This hydroponic cultivation technique can be practiced with various types of systems with different maintenance and use characteristics. Over the years, these types of hydroponic systems have become very modernized and allow almost total control over the plants.
Also in this case the choice of the hydroponic system is strongly influenced by space. The following paragraphs describe the most common systems used in indoor cultivation with their main characteristics.
- NFT literally means Nutrient Film Tecnique. It is a hydroponic system in which the roots of the plants are nourished thanks to a thin and continuous layer (or film) of nutrient solution that flows incessantly on the bottom of the tray, where rock wool cushions or cubes are positioned . Initially the plants are rooted on the rockwool to give them stability, but subsequently the roots will spread into the tank. The nutrient solution is pushed by the pump onto the slightly inclined tray and, flowing over it, returns to the tank by gravity, creating a small waterfall. Also in this case, the continuous flow of water oxygenates the roots, benefiting the growth of the plant.
For more information, see our NFT hydroponic system assembly manual and video resources
- The acronym DWC stands for Deep Water Culture which means deep water cultivation. These are probably the best-selling hydroponic systems on the market, in which the roots propagate directly in the water contained in the tank. Inside the tank there is an air pump with porous stone which must constantly spray the roots. The continuous oxygenation of the nutrient solution keeps the roots of the plant healthy, preventing pathogens from taking root. This Hydroponic Cultivation System requires little maintenance, but always requires careful monitoring of pH and EC values. In these hydroponic systems the inert substrate commonly used is expanded clay
- Recirculating Deep Water Culture. RDWC Hydroponic Systems are nothing more than the evolution of static DWCs. The fundamental difference lies in the addition of a water pump which allows the continuous recirculation of the nutrient solution between the tank and the cultivation containers through a circuit of pipes. Through the continuous recirculation of the fluid, nutrients are loaded with dissolved oxygen, creating perfect aerobic conditions for rapid and explosive growth of your plants. This expedient strongly helps the assimilation of nutrients through the roots, and also significantly reduces the consumption of fertilizers.
EBB N FLOOD HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS
- These particular hydroponic systems are called tidal systems, also called ebb and flow systems. With this hydroponic system, the plants are placed in punched pots with expanded clay inside a tank and the nutrient solution is pumped at intervals from a tank. Flooding the bottom of the tank completely wets the roots, spraying the entire substrate, the subsequent drying has the function of maximizing the root system's oxygenation during the assimilation of nutrients. The frequency of watering depends on the water holding capacity of the substrate and on the temperature and humidity of the air. The tidal system is very popular due to its simplicity and low maintenance, although more cleaning of the tank is required than other systems Hydroponic Techniques. With Ebb n Flood Hydroponic Systems, submersible pumps connected to a timer are always used. The irrigation cycles to be applied depend on the development of the plant, on average it is used for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
For more information, see our Manual and Resources Video assembling the EBB and Flood hydroponic system
hydroponics lighting systems what do i need to correctly illuminate our hydroculture?
To choose a correct hydroponic lamp it is advisable to first consider the space you want to use. In fact, a certain surface corresponds to a certain power of the lamp used. In the case of domestic hydroponic cultivation, the most commonly used lamps are low-consumption CFL lamps or LED grow lamps. Consult the appropriate sections to guide you in your choice.
Air recirculation extractor: After lighting, air extractors are the most important tool for any type of domestic cultivation, be it soil, hydroponic, amateur or professional. The healthiness of any indoor cultivation is determined by good air circulation. Nonetheless, an air extractor ensures correct CO2 exchange, which is fundamental for the chlorophyll photosynthesis of plants.
how to use hydroponics fertilizers and wich one do i need for a balanced nutrient solution
Generally, depending on the substrate used, there is a fertilizer or fertilizer suitable for that technique. Fertilizers for hydroponics must have the characteristic of being very fluid and easily dilutable in the nutrient solution. For this reason, the most used products are mineral fertilizers . As we mentioned previously, the use of organic fertilizers would clog pumps and pipes, with greater deposits in tanks and vases resulting in greater maintenance of the entire system.
Furthermore, and very importantly, the Hydroponic Nutrient Solution, as mentioned, must always be balanced and well balanced depending on the various phases. In hydroponics, mineral fertilizers are used mainly for this reason, which ensure a perfectly balanced diet and more accurate control over the nutrient solution, avoiding changes in pH and electrical conductivity EC.
For more information on this topic, consult the article Fertilization in Hydroponic Cultivation from our Manual and Resources
pH, and EC in hydroponics: the matter of this parameters
As already mentioned, in hydroponic cultivation the roots grow directly in the nutrient solution. This habitat has a delicate balance to be carefully monitored. We will never tire of remembering that success in hydroponic cultivation comes from the balance of these two factors. Looking at the image of the pH table, we can see how the amount of absorption of the various elements nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc., varies greatly when the pH drops or rises beyond certain parameters. Almost all species, as we can see from the table, assimilate nutrients more, in a pH value between 6 and 7. We suggest you always stay within these values with the help of pH testers and correctors, which are essential for practicing this type of cultivation.
Equally important in hydroponic cultivation is certainly the ec o (electro conductivity) value of the solution, which translates into the quantity of nutrients dissolved in the water. Each plant requires a certain quantity of fertilizer to grow in the various phases. In the case of hemp cultivation, the suitable value to maintain is between 0.8 us/cm and 1.5 us/cm, depending on the growth or flowering phase, although some usually go up to 2, 0 us/cm. Having an EC tester is very important for this type of cultivation.
Check out our guide on the importance of EC in hydroponic cultivation.
Ph and Ec testers
- The success of hydroponic cultivation is certainly based on the balance of these 2 values. These tools are the basis for every grower to be able to monitor the quantity of fertilizer administered in the case of EC , and the pH of the water. Read the paragraph below to better understand its importance.
Measuring instruments. Timer and thermo-hygrometer
- The photoperiod in indoor cultivation is marked by a timer that gives the night and day cycles to the plants. Hydroponic systems also work by means of a timer that regulates the irrigation cycles. Another highly recommended tool, although not essential, is the thermo-hygrometer , which monitors the temperature and humidity of the cultivation environment.
DIY grow tent or grow room.
- This whole assembly is called a hydroponic cultivation kit which must necessarily be placed in a classic grow tent, but also in a DIY wardrobe, or in a closet or room according to needs. Consult our guide to understand the dimensions of the environments that are right for you, for growing indoor hydroponics. Consult the guide: DIY grow room every space can be used
In the case of a DIY hydroponic system, you will need: an immersion and/or air pump, capillary tubes, fittings, drip trays, expanded clay or rock wool in the case of NFT systems, tub and "net pot" jars for hydroponics. Consult the guide: DIY hydroponics, how to build a hydroponic system
Pros and cons of growing weed with hydroponics
The advantages of growing plants in hydroponics are many, but there are also pitfalls and problems if you don't have the time to dedicate to it.
Great savings in water and fertilizers: As mentioned, hydroponic systems continuously recycle the irrigation water of the plants until it is used up, it is useless to underline the savings in water, but also in fertilizers to be administered to the plants compared to soil cultivation.
Harvesting speed: One of the most obvious advantages is certainly the speed with which the plants grow. With the appropriate lighting it is possible to anticipate the harvest of your fruit by up to 40%, as in the case of aeroponic cultivation.
Greater production: Even if in our opinion this figure is not so real, it is possible to reach up to 15-20% more production in indoor hydroponic cultivations.
Quality of the harvest and buds: There is much debate about the quality of the harvests with this technique. Many swear that the organoleptic properties and flavors are not excellent, as in ground cultivation; and probably so. However, modern hydroponic cultivations with totally organic fertilizers will probably disprove this belief very soon.
Risks and malfunctions: As mentioned several times, hydroponic growing is not immune to pitfalls and risks of rapid failure. The speed with which plants grow is proportionate to the speed with which they can deteriorate or dry out. Defects or malfunctions in irrigation will quickly compromise the crop. Likewise, a nutrient solution that is too dense with fertilizer can easily burn the plants. The nutrient solution must always be carefully monitored, so if you have little time to dedicate to it, leave hydroponic cultivation alone.
Tips and raccomandation to growing hydroponics
The nutrient solution of hydroponic systems, as mentioned, must always be suited to the needs of the plants. It is important to equip yourself with the right equipment and a nutritional table that indicates values to maintain. Avoid letting the solution heat up too much, always keeping it below 25°. This will prevent mold or fungi from taking root in the roots. Always keep the nutrient solution well oxygenated using air pumps with porous stones which will oxygenate the roots of the plants.
Do not exaggerate with the EC values, this would compromise the flavor of your fruit. Use enzymes in the solution every now and then to clear up rot and make the root system healthier. Another fundamental element is the excellent air circulation that your indoor system must have, to avoid mold and fungi in the apical buds. Finally, it is very important to reclaim excess fertilizers in the last stages before harvest by administering pure water, at least for the last week. This expedient will significantly improve the aroma and taste of the harvested fruits.
