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by: AngelinaPyrkins
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Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 Time: 9:05 AM
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Many people have taken up hydroponics gardening as a modern method of growing fresh produce, but there's nothing modern about this age-old gardening practice.

Sometime called "soil less gardening", hydroponics has been a part of human civilization for a very long time. Scientists did not officially study and document their findings on hydroponics methods until the late 1890s, but there are indications that the practice was used as far back as the era of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

"Hydroponics" is a term derived from two Greek words: 'hydros' (water) and 'ponics' (method). Initially, scientists believed that plants could only grow in water or soil. This myth was soon dispelled, however, when it was found that growth could occur in other media as well.

Today's hydroponics gardeners use a few basic types of growing systems, and there are several variations as well. The most common hydroponics systems are water or aqua culture, aggregate culture.

Aggregate Culture Hydroponics

One of the most popular basic hydroponics gardening systems uses aggregate culture. The aggregate used may be sand, gravel or other natural materials.

The aggregate culture system utilizes two tanks. The first tank holds an aggregate and water culture system, and the second holds a nutrient solution. The nutrients, which are essential to the health of the plant, are pumped into the aggregate tank to moisten the roots as needed. After the aggregate has been flooded, it is then drained to provide aeration. There is enough water and nutrients supplied to cling to the aggregate and roots, feeding the plants until the next flooding.

Water or Aqua Culture

The word "hydroponics" makes most people think of water culture.

The water culture method of creating a hydroponics growing system is the most basic form, and the easiest to set up. With this system, plant roots are totally immersed in the nutrient solution. You need a large amount of water to supply each plant, and that can be a drawback for some indoor gardeners. Continuous aeration of the soil is also essential.

Only the imagination can limit the design of these water-based hydroponics growing systems. If you are thinking of building your own water culture system, there are a few basic elements that you'll need to prepare:

Support

You'll need to provide support for the plants. Using mesh or string is often enough support for young, tender plants. The plants should be held with the roots hanging freely the nutrient solution.

Let Your Plants Breathe

All living things, including plants, need oxygen to survive. Therefore, you must have a system in place to create aeration, or incorporate oxygen into the water.

Shade

When exposed to light, liquids are prone to developing algae. By providing shade and keeping light out of the solution tank, you can lessen or prevent the growth of algae.

The prominent feature of a water culture method of hydroponics is, of course, the water tank itself. Virtually any type of leak-free tank may be used as a reservoir for holding the nutrient solution. Concrete vessels, plastic or plastic-lined tanks, old aquariums and even asphalt-lined wood tanks may be successfully used. Be sure that there are no creosotes or tars present if you use asphalt to seal the tank, and check to ensure that the asphalt doesn't leave an oily film on the water's surface.

Your reservoir or tank should be about 6 to 12 inches deep, 2 to 3 feet wide. The tank can be as long as you need it to be. Plant supports are then placed above the tank. An easy method of installing plant holders is to lay a plywood top or piece of one-inch thick Styrofoam over the top of the tank. Drill holes through this tank top, and place the plants through the holes.

As mentioned, a nutrition solution must be continuously aerated by pumping air through a pipe or perforated hose immersed in the solution. A simple aquarium pump and porous stone are great choices for small hydroponics growing systems. Don't let the aeration bubble the solution too vigorously, as excessive movement can damage tender roots and impair the growth of the plants.

If you're looking for a smart alternative to traditional soil garden, a hydroponics system can be the perfect choice. They are ideal for people who don't have the land, time or energy required for traditional soil gardens. Best of all, you can enjoy freshly picked, easy to grow and inexpensive produce all year long.

Freelancer Angelina Pyrkins loves writing for numerous web magazines, on home improvement and home repair themes. 

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