How do I Go Green With Greenhouse & Hydroponics in Alabama?

Hydroponics is growing plants without soil in a small amount of space. Peat- or bark-based growing mix is used with nutrients supplied through the water system. Hydroponic greenhouse systems allow plants to be grown 12 months of the year with an almost daily harvest of fresh vegetables. Alabama has large catfish farms and by recycling the nutritiously rich water from the fish ponds into the hydroponics greenhouses and back into the ponds, farmers can grow two economically sound crops at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Organic nutrients
• Gro-lights or fluorescent lights
• Ceilings fans

Instructions

1. Recycle water through a holding tank and use organic nutrients formulated for hydroponics growing (found at a plant nursery) to feed the plants in a small operation. In larger Alabama catfish-related operations the nutrients are found in the recycled pond water.

2. Change the water-nutrient solution twice a month and use the water for house plants.

3. Provide the necessary light for the plants. There's enough natural light for the greenhouse in the warm months in Alabama but use gro-lights or fluorescent lights with the incandescent lights in the winter months.

4. Open the doors in South Alabama to provide air circulation and save on electricity. Fans installed in the ceiling provide adequate circulation in North Alabama and on the colder days of Lower Alabama. Circulation is needed for the plant to produce food and to prevent fungal diseases.

5. Use the type of system best suited for your operation. The water culture system, which doesn't have any form of material supporting the roots, includes three systems: the aeration (water is recycled), the aeroponics (misting of the roots) and the nutrient film technique (water is recycled). The aggregate system uses a support material such as gravel for the roots. The aggregate systems are flood and drain (water is recycled), trickle feed method (water is recycled) and the tube culture (a one plant system).

Tips & Warnings

• Check water often in South Alabama because the hot summer sun can evaporate the water and burn the plants.

References

• Alabama Extension Service: Hydroponics for Home Gardeners
• National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service: Aquaponics, Integration of Hydroponics
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Home Hydroponics