Hydroponics and Growing Food
Hydroponics is a system used to grow food in areas where the soil is poor, or during seasons when the weather is too cold to allow for traditional farming. Hydroponic food crops can produce higher yields and grow faster than traditional farming methods. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types of Systems
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There are a number of different hydroponic systems that can grow food. Some keep the roots of the plants in the nutrient solution, and are best used to grow water-loving vegetables. Others soak the roots only some of the time, and can grow a wider range of vegetables.
Size
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Hydroponic systems can be any size. You can make one out of a small flower pot or 5-gallon bucket to grow a single plant. A large-scale commercial system takes up whole greenhouses. A size of 3 feet square is considered large for a home hobby system.
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Types of Food
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Tomatoes, cucumbers, other salad vegetables such as lettuce, and cooking herbs are the food crops grown most easily in hydroponic systems. They are the only crops able to turn a profit in commercial hydroponic endeavors.
Learning
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Hydroponic gardening is more complex than traditional soil gardening. Before engaging in a large gardening project, try experimenting with simple systems and small projects, such as an herb garden, to gain experience.
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