29Dec/110
Better Gardening With Aeroponics
There are many ways of cultivating vibrant, healthy plants indoors. One method that has gained attention of late is aeroponics. Surprisingly, this type of gardening requires neither a huge amount of space nor potting soil to yield impressive results. Aeroponic growing, however, does require specific supplies to create a suitable environment for seedlings and plants.
What is involved in aeroponics?
While everyone is familiar with cultivating plants in soil, this gardening approach exposes the plants' root system to heavily misted air. The mist is not plain tap water, mind you, but rather a nutrient-rich solution. The roots absorb the nutrients readily in an aeroponics system-based environment and conduct them upward throughout the plant structure.
Although the root system is not submerged in either water or a growing solution, this method of plant cultivation is actually considered a variation of hydroponics gardening.
As you may expect, specific equipment is required to simultaneously contain and circulate this mist in a controlled environment. For this reason, an aeroponic system is often fully or partially closed. Such a design, some feel, also provides a barrier against pest infestation or the introduction of disease.
The low down on aeroponics systems
Equipment and complete systems for aeroponics growing are usually available from most locations that sell hydroponics supplies. While there are some similarities between components used for hydroponics gardening and air-based cultivation, they are not exactly alike. For this reason hydroponics supplies cannot be interchanged with aeroponics equipment.
A typical system includes some basic components. First an aeroponics system will include some sort of growing chamber. As mentioned, this chamber can be partially or completely enclosed so that it can control environmental conditions.
A pump mechanism is often included as well. Like hydroponics systems, these gardening environments require a fresh supply of nutrients. The pumping mechanism maintains the correct level of humidity in the growing area and ensures the airflow is active enough to prevent stagnant conditions.
A timing mechanism is also common in aeroponics gardening systems. While hydroponics systems maintain constant fluid levels by default, air based growing requires continuous misting in order to provide a stable growing environment. The timer insures that misting occurs at regular intervals so that growing conditions remain consistent.
Overall benefits
In addition to the convenience of having readily available produce from your indoor gardening efforts, this method of cultivation can provide a healthier crop than possible otherwise. Some feel there is less chance of disease and pest infestation in these gardens. Consequently, the use of pesticides is not necessary. This is particularly good news for gardeners preferring an organic crop.
By: Susan Slobac
29Dec/110
Growing Plants Indoors Using Hydroponics
The gardening method of growing of plants without the use of soil is hydroponics. This process is commonly used to develop fertile, healthy indoor plants as well as good quality vegetables, fruits and herbs. The plants in hydroponics grow systems absorb the needed nutrients as ions in water or in the case of aeroponics through the air.
If a plant is getting the adequate amount of nutrients, then soil is no longer needed for it to thrive. This is the whole theory behind hydroponic kits.
A complete controlled agriculture system, much like hydroponic grow systems, should use controlled grow lights, the correct temperature, water, CO2, oxygen, pH and nutrients. Using the proper nutrients and the right artificial LED grow lights, any indoor gardener can achieve stunning plants and tasty vegetables.
If you are planning on setting up a hydroponics or aeroponics garden, consider a few simple guidelines on how to be successful. Here are a few tips:
No soil is used but fertilization is still required - Just because aeroponics and hydroponics kits don't require the use of soil, plants still need supplements. This is what they get from the water or their food. It is what sustains the plants. Make sure your nutrient solution maintains a pH level of 5 to 6 after dilution and that the plants are watered more than three times a day by using a pump and a timer.
Steady temperatures required - The majority of hydroponics gardens are grown indoors so try to keep the best suitable temperature between 71 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures change depending on the different types of plant you are working on and the type of grow lights you are using.
Let there be light - You want to keep your plants somewhere they can receive ample amount of light. LED grow lights work the best. If your hydroponics garden is located where there is not enough light, your plants won't grow. Invest in a good set of grow lights or LED grow lights. These grow lights emit artificial illumination which is perfect for the growing conditions of your plants.
Humidity is a must - In hydroponics gardening, all you need is a little bit of air. As the temperature rises, air holds the adequate amount of moisture plants need. Another benefit is that since hydroponics is water-based, you really don't need to attend to the plants all that often since the water is reused.
Starting a hydroponic garden doesn't require that much time and commitment. It needs a little bit of time, water and the right grow lights to make sure your plants are in condition.
By: Anne Harvester
28Dec/110
A Guide to The Secret World of Hydroponic Cultivation
So you're interested in hydroponics but aren't quite sure where to start? Here's a little guide to give you the basics, including the meaning of the word "hydroponics" so that you know what you're doing when you go online to order your first hydroponics kit. Essentially there are four main elements to hydroponics, which are water culture, aggregate culture, continuous flow systems and aeroponics. This article will give a quick overview of these elements and look at the main advantages to growing via a hydroponics system.
So what is hydroponics? Hydroponics is derived from the Latin words "hydro" and "geoponics" meaning water and study of agriculture respectively. Hydroponics as a method of cultivation follows a very radical approach in that it believes that soil is inessential for cultivation of crops, and all that is needed is water and a non-soil base for the plants to grow in, or in some cases just water in total. With this system plants can be grown by this method in arid areas and in large cities where there is very little land by using alternative mediums to provide the necessary nutrients and minerals to the plant.
The different types of hydroponics system of cultivation are as follows:
1. Water Culture or Aquaculture. In this system the roots of the plants are immersed in water, which has a mixture of various nutrients.
2. Aggregate Culture. In this system the plant is supported by some material like sand, marble or gravel and the required nutrients are supplied from time to time. It is important to remember here that unlike soil these materials do not absorb nutrients from the roots of the plants.
3. Continuous Flow Hydroponics System. This type of system is used in commercial cultivation. Here water and nutrients are continuously supplied to the plant with the help of a tray and also a timer that fixes the amount of time for which the required materials will be given to the plants.
4. Aeroponics. This is a very interesting method as here the roots of the plants are made to hang in the air and they are misted regularly with a solution that is composed of minerals and nutrients.
So what are the benefits of this method of cultivation? Many researches and studies have already established that the hydroponics system of cultivation is more effective and has many advantages. The first advantage is that plants grow much faster under this method as compared to the soil system. The yield of the plants from hydroponics is higher than other methods of cultivation. This method also uses much less water, and so in arid areas and wherever there is a shortage of water this method is a huge success. Further there are also fewer cases of insects and other pests damaging the crops in this method of cultivation. This is something covered in more detail at the website [http://www.gardenhydroponics.com].
But the greatest advantage of this system of cultivation, especially when done in greenhouses, is that there are no growing limitations caused by weather. Weather is the huge factor that determines the growth of a crop. But in the hydroponics system of cultivation weather has almost no role to play.
As you can see, the basics of hydroponics are not that complicated. With its ability to grow plants with little water supply and with practically no reliance on the weather, hydroponics is a great way to cultivate whatever crop you fancy. And the great thing is that a hydroponics kit is enough to get you started and these are readily available at many online retailers. As the process of hydroponics growing becomes more well-known, it seems certain that more people will turn to this radical method of cultivation.
By: Carl Formby
27Dec/110
Online Lean-To Greenhouse Plans
Internet-based DIY guides are becoming more and more popular, especially for small projects like greenhouses. Building your own greenhouse will save you hundreds of dollars, and will allow you to build any style you like. This article outlines your options, and helps you with choosing the right online lean-to greenhouse plans.
Wood Vs Metal Vs PVC
First of all, you need to choose what kind of material to build your greenhouse from. There are generally 3 options: wood, metal, and PVC. All have there advantages and disadvantages, but I highly recommend using wood. It's far sturdier than PVC, and it's a lot easier to build with compared to metal. The best species of wood are treated pine, and cedar, as both are water resistant and rot-proof.
Positioning Your Greenhouse
It's very important to position your greenhouse correctly. There is not point in attaching a lean-to greenhouse to the side of your house that never gets any sun! Try to find a spot that gets a decent amount of solar energy throughout the entire day. It's advisable to built on-site to determine the best spot.
Lean-To And Free Standing Greenhouses
Though you may already be adamant about building a lean-to greenhouse, there are other possible options if you change your mind. Other designs include:
- The modular hot bed greenhouse, which sits low to the ground, and can be moved around easily.
- The taller grow rack greenhouse, which is shaped much like a refrigerator with racks inside.
It's worth it to look at all your options before deciding on one plan. Lean-to greenhouse plans generally come in packages, so you'll be able to change you mind at the last minute if you want.
By: Keith Gillett
27Dec/110
Indoor Gardening
In these days, indoor garden is gaining increasing popularity. More and more people go for an indoor garden. Undoubtedly, indoor garden has many benefits.
Indoor garden can make your house look beautiful. Meanwhile, you feel good with the beautiful scenery to enjoy everyday. Indoor gardening could be good for you.
The plants you grow can remove carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, which is good for your health for the pollutants are removed from your environment.
The benefits of indoor gardening just keep growing. These are some of the plants known to contribute to healthy air quality in our homes, buildings, and offices. Some plants may be better than others are but all plants clean the air as they beautify our surroundings and add oxygen and humidity to the indoor environment.
Therefore, when you are choosing what you will plan, you should be considerable. There are a variety of plants you can choose from. But before you go, you should make clear which plants are fit to grow in house. Some plants will not grow indoors.
If you are not an outdoorsy type of person, indoor gardening is just for you. With indoor gardening, you are unlikely to encounter with the insect, which is common in outdoor gardening.
Indoor gardening may be helpful in relieving your stress and depression. When you are in bad mood, you might as well spend some time on your indoor garden. The fresh plants and the vitality they show may make you out of your bad mood. You may get encouragement from these living things.
By: Tina Cindy
27Dec/110
Winter Vegetable Gardening – Harvest Year Round
Let's say that winter is approaching and you're sad at the prospect of no fresh vegetables on the table. Don't be sad - be happy that you have an opportunity to be a vegetable gardener all year long.
With the simple addition of clear coverings, you can coax any number of vegetables into providing you with a nice harvest well into the winter. With a little planning, your season of vegetable gardening doesn't have to end with shorter and colder days of winter.
My experience in November in Wyoming, with temperatures in the teens and twenties, shows healthy and vigorous turnips, lettuce, bok choi and Swiss chard in a single layer greenhouse. The greenhouse isn't heated either.
How in the world can you do that without heat? It's easy, just select cold hardy plants that enjoy cool and cold weather. There are about 20 varieties that I can think of, including:
kale broccoli Brussels sprouts turnips cabbage snow peas lettuce Swiss chard collards carrots radishes
And, the list goes on and on. Some seed companies provide fall and winter seed catalogs, so you won't have to look far for advice.
The trick is to watch how you water, double cover the plants, and harvest when temperatures are well above freezing. That should be easy enough. Let's look at how these factors come into play with a winter vegetable garden.
Water - excess water gets into plant cells and then kills them when it freezes. Water lightly or not at all during the winter months. Evaporation will be low anyway, so going weeks or months without water won't hurt your crops.
Coverings - the trick with covers is to use them to retain natural heat from the soil and capture heat from the sun. Think of them as a greenhouse within a greenhouse. Whether you have a greenhouse or a high tunnel or a hoop house, using a row cover inside of that structure will make a big difference in changing what the plants "see" in terms of season.
Harvest during the day - to make certain that temperatures are up above freezing and the plants have a chance to recover from the cold night. If you don't, you'll have mush on your hands.
My early spring vegetable gardening experience shows that lettuce can go down to 9 degrees F with a simple covering within the greenhouse. If lettuce can do it, then there are so many other cold hardy crops that can easily do it. Kale is perhaps one of the most cold hardy crops, so it is on the top of my cold weather vegetable gardening list.
Be bold, be adventurous, and don't surrender at the first sign of fall. Get yourself a simple structure and row covers to extend your harvest well into the winter months. Fresh vegetables are meant to be enjoyed all year long - from your garden.
By: Clair Schwan
26Dec/110
The Most Common Greenhouse Mistake
If you have gardened for any amount of time you have either wanted a greenhouse or wondered if getting a greenhouse would be a good thing for you to do.?Most of us get on the internet and start doing research about all the things we need to consider; the climate we live in; ventilation; what we will grow and when; racks and shelves and so on and so forth.?
If we decide that we will indeed get a greenhouse and get everything we can dream of out of it!?We measure and check where the sun will be and then start looking for the best bang for our buck.?It is here that most of us make a mistake that will come back to haunt us in a very short time; we buy a green house that ends up being too small.
You might think it's the money that makes the difference but that's not it at all.?We underestimate what can be done in the grow house and end up with more plans and plants than room!?We are then forced to go back and purchase a second greenhouse to either supplement the first one or replace it.?The problem is that if you don't have experience to know what you really want to do so you go into the greenhouse experience a little bit blind.
With that said, there are a few things to consider about how you garden and what your intent is with your new greenhouse that can help you determine the best size.?If you are the experimenter type just save yourself the trouble and buy one to two sizes larger than you think you need because you will be using your greenhouse for a lot of things on a year round basis.
If you are the type that loves to be outside in the garden even if it's a bit chilly or windy and your spouse thinks you are crazy, buy one size larger than you think you need.?If you just garden to grow some vegetables and are hoping to do the same; just longer or year round, make sure you get a greenhouse with a high insulation ratio and you will need to determine what kinds of vegetables and herbs you plan to grow and make sure you have enough expansion room to grow everything you want to in the dead of winter.?Again, buy at least one size more than you think you need.
Unless you just want to putter around and play with growing in a greenhouse buy one size more than you think you need.?In other words, buy at least one size more than you think you need.?It will, in the long run, save you time, money and frustration.
By: Felix Riggins
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
24Dec/110
Gardening Indoors in Cold Climates
There is no need to stop gardening just because the weather doesn't cooperate with you. Many parts of the country get months where the temperatures are just too cold for planting outdoors in all seasons. Indoors gardening with small gardens in containers or aeroponic methods are ways to keep the joy of gardening alive.
Flowers, herbs and vegetables can be grown indoors. With the proper organic, soilless potting mix and a few small containers, you can have a thriving crop growing indoors. Pots placed in areas that receive sunlight or the use of artificial lighting can create the environment needed to grow the plants you enjoy the most.
Aeroponics in another method that is a great choice to garden indoors. There are systems on the market that don't take up much space and can even have the proper artificial lighting built right into them. Grow fresh flowers, herbs or vegetables right in your kitchen where they are readily available when they are needed the most. These systems are an ideal way for even someone with limited gardening experience to start enjoying the benefits that a garden can provide.
One great feature about either of these methods is that they can both be grown organically all year round. There is no better way to get through the long winter months than to have a thriving, fresh crop growing indoors for you to enjoy. These natural, healthy methods of gardening can even benefit the air quality in your home while producing a yielding crop.
By: John Yazo