What is Hydroponics?

The word "hydroponics" comes from the Greek "hydros" (water) and "ponos" (labor), and refers to the method of plant cultivation achieved without the use of soils. In traditional cultivation, the soil acts as a water reservoir (and therefore a nutrient reservoir) that feeds the plant roots. The soil is basically a medium that delivers mineral nutrients, dissolved in water stores, to the plant roots. In actuality, the soil itself is not necessary, so long as a nutrient-rich water source is supplied to the plant roots. In very basic terms, hydroponics eliminates the soil completely, and supplies nutrient-rich water directly to the plant roots. It's a rather simple concept, but the applications and versatility of hydroponics are astonishing, when compared to traditional cultivation.

Because the necessity of fertile land is eliminated, hydroponic gardens can be cultivated just about anywhere. A hydroponic garden can thrive in arid landscape, tiny spaces typical of urban living, indoors with artificial lighting, vertically on rocky slopes.... It is basically replacing the solid Earth needed for soil gardening, and replacing it with a fluid water source that can conform to any space restriction..... the possibilities are endless.

Invaluable Benefits of Hydroponics

Hydroponics is an exploding industry that has yet to reach its full potential. The use of hydroponics broadens the ability to garden in small spaces where adequate land is scarce and in arid or barren conditions not conducive to propagation. Other benefits of hydroponic gardening include eco-friendly cultivation processes, water conservation, no use of herbicides or pesticides, bigger yields, and the ultimate control over your cultivation environment. The applications of hydroponics are highly diverse, ranging from commercial food production, to flower growing, to home gardens and indoor herb containers. From balcony vegetable gardens to sustainable horticulture, hydroponic cultivation can be used just about anywhere.

More and more people are realizing the health and economic benefits of cultivating their own food sources as a way to ensure pure, untainted foods. People are realizing the benefits that hydroponics offer in times when incomes are decreasing and food costs are increasing. Hydroponics eliminates the concern of contaminated foods in the commercial industry, as well as the costs associated with manufacturing and transporting of such goods. In summary, hydroponic gardening offers a natural, healthy and versatile solution to many of today's concerns, including food contamination and unhealthy practices within the commercial food industry, environmental impact of commercial agriculture, cost effectiveness, and sustainability at all scales.

Land is quickly becoming a limited resource, resulting in less farmland to grow food. The answer is hydroponics. Hydroponics can be utilized in many different applications from rooftop gardens, apartments and vacant lots. Urban hydroponic farms eliminate the risk of bacteria laden foods, costly distribution, while maximizing yields with the ability to grow off-season crops year round. Currently in North America, 95% of greenhouse vegetables are produced hydroponically.

Hydroponics is the future of gardening

Gas and food prices are increasing, persuading people to take matters into their own hands. "The National Gardening Association expects 43 million American households to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and berries this year. That's up 19 percent over last year, according to a 2,559-household survey the group conducted in January" (Sutter, 2009). People are enjoying the satisfaction of growing their own food, the enhanced flavor and the saved money they benefit by doing it themselves.

"Environmentally friendly" has become a mantra amongst those wanting to preserve our planet and stop the exploitation of the very land we depend upon. With this, many are utilizing the benefits of composting and growing their own food. This trend to protect and sustain our fragile planet is one that will continue to grow in the future. The movement towards a more health conscious society is on the rise, providing an unmeasured opportunity for hydroponics and organic gardening.

Not only are individuals growing their own food, but restaurants and even grocery stores have implemented their own gardening centers to offer fresh, local produce to their customers. They have heard the voice of the people wanting uncontaminated foods grown in their own community.

Consumers need a one-stop shop where they can purchase all the needed supplies to successfully start or maintain their gardens. We will provide a professional, friendly environment where all gardeners, from beginners to experts, using soils or not, can walk away with the information and skills needed to achieve the results they expect.