Indoor or Outdoor Hydroponics

 

Now that you understand a little of hydroponics and you have seen a list of the most popular plants, which people grow, it is now time to decide whether or not you will be doing indoor or outdoor hydroponics. In the following article we shall take a look this question in more detail.

Which Should You Use?

Indoors

Most folk who grow plants using hydroponics as a hobby choose to grow them indoors. Often this is due to the fact that there are a number of small complete indoor systems available which have been designed to be able to grow on the tabletop or on a windowsill. Using these wonderful kits is a really good way to introduce somebody to the hobby rather than jumping straight into outdoor hydroponics especially because these kits have been designed with a specific plant in mind.

Such a kit is great if you only want to grow a small number of herbs or just one or maybe two tomato plants but they are not really suitable for growing larger numbers which will require a much larger system. In the average home space is usually at a premium and the only places available for anything so large as a hydroponics system is usually in an attic or a cellar (if you have one) but these too often contain things stored away. In such circumstances your only options are small indoor units or outdoor hydroponics.

When growing plants indoors it is important that you create a suitable ventilation system which is capable of changing the air in your growing room. If you do not change sufficient amounts of air you stand the risk of creating an incredibly stale atmosphere which is not good for you or your plants. You also increase the risk of disease and moulds developing.

In summary, to grow plants indoors, you will need sufficient space, heat, light and ventilation.

Outdoors

Gardeners wishing to grow plants on a larger scale often opt for outdoor hydroponics, however, when I say outdoor I do not mean out in the open. Although it is possible to grow things out in the open it can be incredibly difficult due to the effects of the weather, especially rain which will effect the balance of nutriments. Rather, I mean outdoors in a suitable greenhouse or poly tunnel.

One of the benefits of growing in such conditions is that you can benefit from the abundance of natural light. Where required you can boost this light using grow lights and you can even extend the daylight hours if you so wish. While ventilation is generally easier outdoors you may need to heat your greenhouse/poly tunnel and this can add considerably to the general cost of your produce.

In summary, to grow outdoors you will benefit from natural sunlight, easier ventilation and more space.

Deciding which is best depends upon your own circumstances, your chosen crop and the amount you wish to grow.

 

More articles about hydroponics >