Hydroponics is basically a soil-free growing method. Plants need a source of nutrition to stay alive, and normally this is in the form of nutrients from the soil they are growing in. It is easy to grow plants without using soil, with the help of a nutrient solution. The plants still derive all their nutrition through their roots, but in much greater concentrations than would be drawn out of soil, therefore promoting growth.

There are two different types of hydroponics, both of which can be carried out using cheap hydroponic systems. They are solution and medium cultures. Solution culture uses pure nutrient solution for growing. Static solution growing is where the plants are kept in containers of solution that needs to be changed on a schedule to keep it fresh. Continuous flow solution is the method where plants are grown in containers with a constant flow of solution running over the roots, this solution is maintained via a central tank to make sure it is the correct strength and temperature. Depending on the size of the growing space, a system called Nutrient Film Technique may be used, this method is sometimes called NFT for short. It is called NFT as the level of water needed is so low it is just a film. but also allows them to get as much oxygen as they need through the exposed roots.

Medium culture uses some type of medium for the plants to bed their roots into such as rock wool or gravel. The solution runs through the chosen medium, allowing the plants to absorb as much nutrients as they need.  Gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest mediums to use in homemade hydroponic systems as it is very easy to sterilise and re-use. Gravel’s main letdown is it is heavy.

Lights are also used to promote growth using hydroponic growing systems. Depending on the location of the plants, there are many lights that can be used to help growth. There are varying spectrums of light available. You can buy lights that give the right spectrum to lengthen the day when sunlight hours are short. You can buy lights that also provide the right spectrum to encourage growth.

Hydroponic gardening is a sustainable method environmentally controlled agriculture for the future.

Hydroponic gardening eliminates soil borne pests and diseases and maximizes water and nutrient uptake by the plant. Out of this world biomass growth can be achieved when compared with soil growth and it can be done in small spaces while still producing heavy yields. Home and commercial users of hydroponics have at their disposal a selection of different variations on the basic method.

These systems include the Rockwool Based Systems, Aeroponic Systems, the Ebb and Flow System, the multi- flow system and Continuous Drip Systems. As a hydroponic guide; systems come in all shapes and sizes and can be adapted for nearly any budget. 

Another well liked system is the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). Almost continual feeding is possible within these systems while the plants sit within the water, with fertilised water constantly running over their roots.
The combination of a small storage reservoir and a submerged electric pump ensures a constant recirculation of nutrient delivery i to where it is needed.

Commercial scale methods used are exemplified by the nutrient film techniques and multi-flow, and this adoption can be seen in a number of countries including the UK and US. When choosing a Nutrient Film Technique system, care must be taken to choose the correct trough size.

Large commercial systems use wider troughs with greater flow capacity.

Aeroponics is a system in which the plant’s roots are suspended in air They are great for growing herbs and leafy vegetables. Support of the plants is provided for by canes etc, and string in the normal way, the pots have neoprene inserts.

Varying hole designs in the top cover provides the proper spacing. and looks good.

Aeroponic systems are also great propagators. Once the seeds germinate and the tiny plants grow large enough to prick out and pot-on they are removed from the rockwool germination medium.

Nasa scientific research has come up with the idea of aeroponics and it is becoming popular with visitors to their space and education centres.

The Europonic System is modeled after commercial systems that are used in Europe. The system starts with an entry level system offering three trays each holding eight plants. The system may also be expanded to five trays if desired.

A nutrient solution is pumped from a thirty-gallon reservoir to individual emitters at each plant. On a continuously flowing basis the nutrified flow recirculates over the roots and through the reservoir.

Rockwool, or mineral wool, is the most popular and highly used hydroponic container gardening medium. It is made from spun material fibers and has a high water and air holding capacity. It can also be cut and formed into many shapes and sizes that allow many diverse growing applications.

Under the Eurponic system there are 2 rockwool slabs fitted ito each of the trays. Rockwool provides good support to relatively extensive root systems, so the Europonic System is well suited to crops which grow like vines, such as tomatoes, cucumber, and peppers, and the large flowering blooms. 

In a continuous drip system, a single pot is used with a two-gallon reservoir underneath. However, it is impractical for most commercial applications.
Ebb and flow systems are also popular in hydroponics.

Ebb and flow is good for lettuce, pepper plants, mini tomatoes, and potted decorative plants. Ebb and flow systems can also be used as an herb garden to provide fresh basis, thyme, and oregano year round. Ebb and flow systems do have a few drawbacks, one including the possible buildup of fertilizer salts in the substrate.

As water loss occurs through evaporation salts are left as a residue and the concentration of these can add up over time and become toxic Regular flushing of the growing media with clean rainwater will also tend to avoid a repeat of this problem.