Hydroponics is derived from the Greek word hydro, which means, “water” and ponos, which means “labour or water-working”. Hydroponics gardening involves growing plants without dirt and with their roots in nutrient solutions.

Hydroponics gardening is as simple as ordinary gardening. Both of them require enough light, water, heat, and humidity. But with hydroponics, no dirt is used. Instead a dirt substitute holds the roots while nutrients are carried by water. Indoor hydroponics gardening is not too difficult to do and plants react well to this method of growing.

Nutrients are one of the major considerations in hydroponics gardening since they sustain the plants. One has to make sure that the nutrient solution maintains a pH level of 5 to 6 after dilution. In hydroponics gardening, the plants should be watered more than three times a day. This is typically done using a timer and a pump.

If your hydroponics garden is indoors, the best temperature is 71-76 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, this temperature may change depending on the varying types of plant you are growing, e.g. tropical plants.

Your plants need to be somewhere they can receive plenty of light. Otherwise artificial light must be used. High pressure Sodium lights or bulbs are a good substitute for natural light.

Humidity is good. When the room’s temperature rises, the air will be able to hold moisture that your plants require.

A hydroponics system can be completely automated. As it is water-based, the gardener has no soil to dig or weeds to pull. The water can also be re-used to prevent wastage.

With hydroponics, an excellent crop of quality plants can be straightforwardly achieved. Home hydroponics systems and DIY hydroponics kits are commonly available in most hardware stores.

For more information on Hydroponic Gardening I highly recommend the ‘The Hydroponic Garden‘ by Paul Lavakis. It is a great Hydroponic Gardening resource which includes: Book, Audio, Video and Reference. For more information click here.