Hydroponics is the growing of plants without any soil. Plants require three things to survive – Light, Oxygen and Nutrients. Since soil is the normal source of nutrients for plants, when removed we need to replace it with something else. This is usually done by adding nutrients to the plants water source.
What do I need for hydroponics?
There are many different systems you can buy or build for hydroponics. Unfortunately, as with most things in the Philippines, your choices will be limited.. so be prepared to go the DIY route.
The systems generally all work along the same principles. You have your seed or plant which is held in place by an inert growth medium (e.g Rock Wool). The usual methods of supplying the plant with nutrients when growing hydroponically are:
1) Have the roots sitting in a mix of water/nutrients
2) Spray the roots with a water/nutrient mix
3) Drip feed a mix of water/nutrients
Some people take this a step further and use a cheap air pump and air stone to aerate the water which provides more oxygen to the roots and further helps the plants growth.
Some people take this a step further and use a cheap air pump and air stone to aerate the water which provides more oxygen to the roots and further helps the plants growth.
Here are some video from UP Los Banos
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