Plant and Food Hydroponics FAQ

Many kinds of food can be grown hydroponically.

Hydroponics is a popular method of growing plants without the use of soil. Although hydroponics has been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Babylon, the method was not used much in the United States until the 1930s.

What Can I Grow?

Almost anything will grow in a hydroponic system, but some types of fruits and vegetables grow better than others. Tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, spinach, strawberries and all kinds of sprouts grow well and mature quickly in a hydroponic garden.

Is It Complicated?

A hydroponic garden does not have to be a complicated system. A simple floating garden made of a piece of plastic foam and a child's wading pool can grow an abundance of leafy green vegetables as well as carrots and most other low-growing vegetables.

Must I Buy Special Nutrient Solution?

Many types of ready-made hydroponic solutions exist in the marketplace, but these are not necessary for most home systems. A good quality nutrient solution can be made by adding 2 tsp. of all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer and 1 tsp. of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water.

References

• Mother Earth News; Outer Space Vegetables; July/August 1987
• Mother Earth News; Mother's Mini Manual for Hydroponics Growing; January/February 1977
• Mother Earth News; A Hint of Mint; Pat Stone; November/December 1989
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Building a Floating Hydroponic Garden; M. Sweat, et al.; November 2009