Utilizing Hydroponics In Greenhouses
At one time you had little choice in greenhouses and the basic choice was to build your own or get one professionally built for you, and this, most probably, was one of the main reasons why so few people had them (they would have been incredibly expensive!). Today there are a multitude of different types to choose from which range in size from small windowsill greenhouses to top of the range huge greenhouses incorporating the latest technologies. We have much to thank science and technology for, if only for the mass production of certain materials which has helped reduce the comparative costs of a greenhouse. As well as scientific research into materials scientists have also experimented in various aspects of growing plants, in the extreme we have genetically modified plants, but some developments, such as hydroponics, have opened up a whole new area of gardening which can be enjoyed by almost anybody.
As the name suggests "hydroponics" is a method of growing plants in water rather than soil or compost. Sometimes rockwool or another inert substance is used which soaks up the water and nutrients. Strangely, it has been discovered that many plant species thrive under such conditions and the resulting plants are often tougher as a result. Commercial growers have also found that, for some species, such as strawberries, it is often cheaper to produce their crops in hydroponic greenhouses and many lettuce growers have found that they too get much better results.
Another incredible fact to consider when you are looking at hydroponic greenhouses is that plants grown using hydroponics are less likely to develop disease. Sadly, soil is not such a great medium to grow plants in as it can harbor all manner of diseases and infestations. Most gardeners use compost specifically mixed for specific plants such as tomatoes but even this type of growing medium can become infected if it is not carefully maintained.
I have seriously been investigating hydroponic greenhouses as the whole process fascinates me. Though I am not so widely knowledgeable on the subject of hydroponics my ambition is to have a hydroponic greenhouse which has grow lights which are powered by wind and/or solar power. Unfortunately I live in a very northerly location which means the days are very long in the summer but almost nonexistent during the winter. I hope that by heating and lighting my greenhouse, using green power, I can extend my growing period at both the beginning and the end of the year.
Another aspect about hydroponic greenhouses that really interests me is that plants seem to grow much quicker. Unfortunately, even though I have long periods of daylight in the summer, the growing period here is rather short. At times it appears that there simply isn't enough time for certain plants to grow here so, by using hydroponics, I hope to be able to grow more varied plants than usual.
Check out our next section which is all about hydroponics.
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