How to Use a Greenhouse for Year-Round Hydroponic Gardening

Moisture-loving plants like tomatoes do well in hydroponic situations.

Hydroponic gardening uses controlled systems based on enclosed growing and continuous water flow instead of standard pot-and-soil plantings. One common hydroponic systems is the hydroponic garden, which is suitable for growing most plants, flowers and vegetables. Hydroponic systems require controlled environments and so do best in indoor situations like houses or greenhouses. If you want to grow year-round, you must control the temperatures in the greenhouse to nurture the hydroponic plants inside.

Things You'll Need

• Greenhouse fans
• Greenhouse heaters
• Thermometer
• Artificial lights
• Hydroponic nutrients

Instructions

1. Check your equipment before you begin, to save yourself time and trouble later. Check that the fans, heaters and artificial lights are working, and troubleshoot the thermometer. Since you're using hydroponic systems, you don't need a misting system or garden hose.

2. Place your hydroponic gardens or systems in places where they'll receive full sun for eight hours every day. Turn on the greenhouse fans to encourage air circulation during the plants' growth and pollination during their bloom.

3. Satisfy the water and nutrition needs of the plants with hydroponic nutrients and pure water. Mix the nutrients with water, per the directions on the label, and add the mix to the watering trays of the hydroponic gardens. Nutrient solution replaces soil in hydroponic growing, and must always be present. Never let your hydroponic gardens go dry.

4. Leave the greenhouse doors and windows open during summer to take advantage of natural warmth and light and to encourage air circulation in the greenhouse. The plants do not receive the light or air they need from the hydroponic systems, and so rely on outside sources.

5. Close doors and windows when outdoor temperatures drop under 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as this temperature will signal many plants to go dormant, and may kill others. Turn on your heaters and lights to maintain the required light exposure and temperatures for the plants. Use the thermometer to monitor the temperature in the greenhouse while you're using the heaters.

References

• Washington State University Cooperative Extension: Greenhouse Growing
• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Home Hydroponics
• The Growing Edge: Beginner's Growing Tips