Gardenovothe Garden anew

For those who love the pleasures of gardening, it can really be a drag when winter approaches and puts a chilly end to your outdoor activities. Many people are realizing that they don’t have to stop gardening as the weather turns and are turning hydroponics gardening instead. With hydroponics gardening you grow plants in a mineral nutrient solution without soil using a hydroponics system. It is pretty easy to grow vegetables, fruits and flowers indoors even in the depth of a bitter winter when you choose hydroponics gardening as a hobby.

You might find it easiest to start in with this style of gardening by purchasing what you need in kits. All plants require adequate light in order for them to thrive and grow well, so grow lights are an important part of your hydroponics system. Grow light kits are available, including all the parts you will need, including the grow lights, digital ballast, and reflectors. Many gardening enthusiasts like to use LED grow lights, because they are small but don’t overheat. They also produce a tremendous amount of light efficiently in the light color spectrums you will need in order for your plants to flourish.

There are several different ways to go about hydroponics gardening. Static solution culture is one method used. The plants are grown in solution in some kind of container to hold the liquid, such as a jar, plastic tank, tub or bucket. You can cut a hole in the lid of the container to hold the plant out of the liquid, but allow the roots into the solution so they can take up the nutrients they need. Roots also need oxygen, which is why many gardeners use some type of aquarium aerator to get adequate oxygen to the plant roots. As solution is depleted by the plant roots, the gardener replenishes the supply on a regular basis.

Some methods of hydroponics require the use of a growing medium. This soilless product can be gravel, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, or clay granules. Passive subirrigation allows plants to sit in the growing medium, which brings the nutrients and water to the roots from the bottom of the growing medium. Because the growing medium is coarse, oxygen also has easy access to the roots as well. The container that holds the plants can sit in nutrient solution or on top of a mat that is saturated with the solution. This easy method is fairly low maintenance, because you only need to occasionally refill the nutrient and wash out the system to get rid of salt buildup, which can kill plants.

There are many advantages to hydroponics, including no weeding. Diseases that lurk in the soil are not an issue in this soilless gardening form. This also means that you will not need to use a lot of pesticide to control diseases. Less water is used for hydroponic gardening than for crops grown in soil outdoors. So try a new winter hobby: hydroponics gardening.

About the Author:

Susan Slobac works at a Hydroponics supply store and is knowledgeable about hydroponics systems. She enjoys assisting people who want to get started with hydroponics gardening. From choosing the right grow light kit to deciding which hydroponics system is best for you, Susan has advice you can use.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Hydroponics as a Hobby

1 Metre Wide Parabolic Reflector – Hydroponics (Quick Look)

400 Watt 400w Digital Switchable Ballast Grow Light Set Includes HPS, MH Bulbs, Reflector, Power Cord and Hanger, GYO-2002 $165.00 This 400W hydroponics lighting system represents the best value grow light. Its advanced integrated electronic ballast supports both High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) bulbs, giving the grower the flexibility to choose the best selection simply by changing the bulb, instead of having to own two separate light systems.MH is used for accelerated vegetative growth, then switch to HPS to...

600 Watt 600W Electronic Digital Switchable Ballast Grow Light Set Includes HPS, MH Bulbs, Reflector, Power Cord and Hanger, GYO-2004 $229.00 This 600W hydroponics lighting system represents the best value grow light. Its advanced integrated electronic ballast supports both High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) bulbs, giving the grower the flexibility to choose the best selection simply by changing the bulb, instead of having to own two separate light systems.MH is used for accelerated vegetative growth, then switch to HPS to...

Sun System 150 Watt HPS Reflector, Ballast and Bulb $72.49 This system will cover a growing area of up to 2' x 2' 0/2' x 0/2' recommended. The most powerful compact systems on the market. With the ballast assembly built into the reflector, these horizontal units are completely self-contained, and ready to plug-in right out of the box. We've even screwed in the bulb for you! Comes with hooks for hanging. Ideal for small growing areas....

Sylvania 29587 14-Watt Compact Fluorescent Lamp with R20 reflector, Integral 120-Volt Ballast and Medium Screwbase, Warm White $7.95 14 watt 120 volt R20 Medium Screw (E26) Base Compact Fluorescent Sylvania Light Bulb...

Sylvania 29667 15W Compact Fluorescent Dimmable Reflector with Integral 120V Ballast Medium Screwbase, Warm White #CF15BR30DIMMABLE3000KBL $14.22 15 watt 120 volt BR30 Medium Screw (E26) Base 3,000K Dimmable Flood Compact Fluorescent Sylvania Light Bulb...

H44GS-100/MDSK SYLVANIA 100 Watt Mercury Vapor (MV) Blacklight PAR38 Medium Base H44 Ballast 5900K Reflector Lamp Mercury Vapor...

Black - Shroud with Reflector - Operates 50 Watt ED17 Metal Halide - Compatible with Halo Track - Built-In Electronic Ballast - Nora Lighting NTM-5617/50B $225.89 Brand: Nora Lighting - Part No.: NTM-5617/50B - UPC: 73218030298 - Additional Features: One or Two Circuit Track Capable - Ballast Type: Type-1 Electronic Ballast - Compatibility: H-Type - Diameter: 6 in. - Length: 10 in. - Finish: Black - Housing: Deep Drawn Steel - Input Voltage: 120 - Input Watts: 55 Watts - Max Extension: 11-1/2 in. - Socket Type: Medium (E26) - Case Quantity: 6 -...

SYLVANIA 16W Compact Fluorescent Flood lamp with BR30 covered reflector, integral 120V ballast, medium screw base, Warm White, 3 Pack # CF15EL/BR30/3PK $16.95 15W compact fluorescent lamp with R30 covered reflector, integral 120V ballast, medium screw base, 3000K Color temperature, 82CRI Diameter 3.75 in (95 mm) Maximum Overall Length - MOL: 5.6 in (142mm)...

Sunlight Supply SUN SYSTEM - HPS 600W COMMERCIAL BALLAST - ORDER REFLECTOR SEPERATELY [902622] Sun System Commercial Greenhouse High Pressure Sodium Fixtures The Commercial Greenhouse Fixture is designed to withstand damp, hostile conditions found in greenhouse environments providing years of reliable performance. Specifically engineered extruded aluminum ballast enclosures is designed to dissipate heat. The powder coated finish is attractive, durable and will never rust. We use only the fi...

Digital Greenhouse 1000w HPS Grow Light w/ Maxwing Reflector $323.95 This light is made for growing plants, quiet, safe, powerful, efficient and comes with 1 specialty high output HPS grow bulb. This system is complete and ready to grow! Plugs into a standard household outlet! Complete system includes: 1000 watt Digital Electronic High Output Remote Ballast MaxWing Reflector GrowBright 1000 watt HPS High Output Horticultural bulb 15' Socket / Cord Set Sunrise ...