25Dec/110
All About Aeroponics Gardening – Basics and Benefits
Man continues to discover new ways of growing their plant foods. One of the latest techniques is growing with aeroponic gardening machines, which is basically a hybrid of the hydroponics method of gardening in that the plants are suspended in air with the roots kept as moist as possible through a mist of nutrient solution.
Benefits of the Method
Aeroponics gardening has been used to grow fresh vegetables in space as well as in large-scale farms. However, many manufacturers now offer home aeroponics kits to gardeners, which make it easier to learn the basics of the method.
And then there is the fact that aeroponics gardening is more economical than hydroponics. This is because the former does not use as much water and nutrient solution than the latter since the plants are just misted with them instead of being submerged in them. For this reason, too, aeroponics gardening promotes better plant growth virtually free of diseases, thanks to more exposure to oxygen.
Since the aeroponics garden takes up very minimal space, even city dwellers living in cramped apartments can engage in it. The trick is in making sure that all the other growing factors are present in the area selected.
Basic Components
When you buy ready-made aeroponics kits, you will be getting basic components such as the growing bulbs, the basin/container for the nutrient solution and water, the growing platform, the stand with light hood, and plant pods. Of course, instructions are also provided for the installation and maintenance of the aeroponics set-up.
You have to read said instructions manual as your success depends on how well you understood the tips contained therein. You should only take about 30 minutes to set up the whole thing especially with the most basic models.
Basic Things to Remember
Before setting up your aeroponics kit, you must identify the best location for it inside the house. There are many ideal locations such as the shelf, the desk and any water-resistant surface. We do not recommend placing it on your hanging kitchen cabinets as these are too close to the counters.
Indeed, many aeroponics kits require a partially or totally closed environment for many reasons. First, the entry of pests and bad bacteria can be avoided. Second, curious household pets have lesser opportunities to make a mess of the system. Third, it is better to contain the nutrient-rich misting solution in the air if the environment is closed off from the outside.
If you intend to go into aeroponics cloning, you will need a chamber or reservoir.
This component will provide the proper environment in which cultivation can occur. You will also need a pump to evenly distribute the water and nutrient solution to the plants as well as a timer to ensure consistent application.
Aeroponics gardening is a possible thing to do in the comforts of your own home.
No knowledge in rocket science is necessary, no complicated equipment is required and no great deal of money is needed. You just have to exercise patience and perseverance with a dash of gardening passion to learn the basics of this new plant cultivation technology.
By: Whitney Segura