hydroponics on the cheap
By CraftyCorner
@CraftyCorner (5600)
United States
April 6, 2008 4:20am CST
Hydroponics makes people think of futuristic and expensive growing systems for sustaining people in space stations and other planets. Did you know that you can grow a plant in a hydroponic (soil-less system) for less than $30? It blew my mind when I read about it.
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What you need is a chemical nutrient, water, a sponge and a bowl. You soak the sterile sponge, then set it in the nutrient water and sprinkle seeds on it. You then spray the seeds gently with a mist of water, and cover the little miracles with a 'greenhouse'. That can be as simple as a plastic baggie to keep the environment nice and humid.
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http://hydroponics.mywisdombase.com/Articles/The_Necessary_Elements_of_Hydroponic_Equipment.php
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1 response
@Phlamingho (7822)
• Denmark
6 Apr 08
Intersting that it's possible, but why would anyone do it? :) Isn't it easier to just grow things the normal way? :)
1 person likes this
@CraftyCorner (5600)
• United States
7 Apr 08
Good potting mix isn't cheap, up to $50 for a large pot, and hydroponics grows your plants much quicker. The plants don't have to work as hard 'getting their next meal' out of the soil as it is handed to them straight out of the water. Fertilizer, in my case, Miracle Grow, only cost about $4 for about a year's worth of feedings. You add about 10 drops to a quart of water. The plant pulls up what water it requires through the sponge.
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When the roots aren't working so hard in the soil, that leaves your plants with lots of energy to put out extravagant blooms or fruit. The fact they are indoors also means they do not have to deal with pests and disease.
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When you are dealing with a very small space and you want a large variety of foods, hydroponics is the way to go, although I do have some dirt pots with things growing in them...slowly.
