HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1985-04-24, Page 39Be an a
ByJ.w, tieltels
Department of Horticulttrpl Science
University of Guelph
Adventurous gardeners can put their
indoor gardening skills to the test with
hydro s nits.
Hy . ponies offers a challenge to even the
most experienced gardener because it is a
diffetent type of plant culture. Although most
of the same practices and principles of good
plant growth are used, hydroponics is distinct
because it does not use soil.
W hen growing plants hydroponically, the
gardener is responsible for providing the
plant with all of the necessary nutrients. To
do this, a good understanding of the, natural
growth and development of plants is
important.
There are basically two methods of
hydroponic culture. One method involves
suspending plants oirectly into a nutrient
solution. The other method uses soil
substitutes, such as sand, gravel, or perlite,
to anchor the plant roots. The nutrient
solution is pumped, poured -or conducted
through the anchoring materials.
Whether using a solution only, or soil
substitutes, there are some limitations to
growing plants hydroponically. Plant leaves
need light and carbon dioxide, and the root
system needs oxygen to stimulate absorption
of nutrients. In hydroponic systems, the roots
must be kept in the dark, primarily to prevent
algae from developing and using the
nutrients.
In simple hydroponic systems, the contain-
er keepslight from reaching the roots. A
small pump can be used to provide oxygen to
the roots. If you are using a solution -only
method, one small aquarium pomp can
supply enough air for several containers.
enturous• gar
the sand or gravel system, the nutrient
solution must passthrough the material four
or five times daily. Some systems allow the
solution to drip or flow slowly through the
container to a storage area below. Once the
solution flows through the material, it is
recycled.
In many systems, a small pump is used to
force the solution up through the sand or
gravel from the bottom. Thera, the solution
drains back to the bottom. This process is
conducted four or five times a day.
CONTAINERS
Any size of container can be used,
depending on the rate of plant growth. The
container should be made from non-toxic
material. For example, tin cans are unsuit-
able because they give off metals that will
eventually injure the plant. However, tin cans
can ibe used if they are lined with a plastic
bag, or costed with non-toxic paint on the
inside.
Glass jars or plastic pails are ideal
containers for beginning hydroponic enthusi-
asts, However, both types of containers must
be covered to exclude light from the roots,
SOLUTIONS
A plant requires 16 elements for growth. A
good nutrient solution should supply 13 of
these elements. Nitrogen, phosphorus, cal-
cium, and magnesium are required in the
largest quantities, Sulfur, manganese, zinc,
copper, chlorine, boron, and molybdenum
are needed in smaller amounts, but they are
just as important.
Hobbyists may not have to add molybden-
um to solutions because it is needed in such
small amounts that it is frequently added as
an impurity with the other elements, Sulfur
and chlorine are often included in the salts
which supply the other elements.
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Many types of water-soluble chemicals are
available at Bard n supply centers. A
chemical fertilizer with balanced nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium (5-5-5 to 20-20-
20) and micronutrient) added, can be used to
start.
These chemicals should be diluted accord-
ing to manufacturers' instructions for general
use. For beginners, these commercial prod-
ucts should be adequate, but use a little less
than recommended. Use lowerconcentra-
`tions and renew the chemicals frequently.
PLANTS TO GROW
An ideal plant to start with is the coleus. It
can be easily rooted and grown in a
hydroponic system. Another good plant for_
beginners is a tomato seedling about 5 to 10
centimetres tall. However, many-vegetaoles,
flowers, and trees can be grown successfully
using this type of plant culture.
Plants which produce bulbs (onions) or
enlarged roots (carrots) are very ,difficult to
grow in solutions.
You don't need special seeds to grow
"plants hydroponically. Seeds of most plants
cart be germinated in sod, sand or other
media, and then transferred to a hydroponic
system.
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